About GEARS

Golden Empire Amateur Radio Society, Serving the North State Since 1939

The Golden Empire Amateur Radio Society (GEARS) is the home base for amateur radio in Chico and Butte County, California. Our members come from every walk of life, brought together by a shared interest in radio technology, communication, and community service.

Who We Are

GEARS is an active, welcoming club that covers the full range of ham radio, from the HF bands up through VHF, UHF, and beyond. Our operators run everything from CW (Morse code) to voice on SSB and FM to modern digital and satellite modes.

There is room here for every interest. Whatever gets you on the air, whether it is a casual ragchew, chasing distant stations, emergency communications, or building your first antenna, you will find people happy to share it with you.

Our Mission

As a nonprofit organization, GEARS exists to:

  • Promote radio knowledge, education, and skill-building
  • Encourage cooperation and friendship among operators
  • Support public service communications when they are needed most
  • Advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio

We care about the technical and recreational side of the hobby, and just as much about the public service that has always come with it.

Community Commitment

GEARS provides communications support for community events all year long, including:

  • Bike races and endurance events
  • Charity walks and fundraisers
  • Local and regional public events

Our members are trained, dependable, and ready to help whenever reliable communication matters. When the community needs coverage, GEARS is on the air and in the field.

Education & Excellence

Education has always been at the center of what we do. GEARS runs license testing, provides study resources, and pairs new hams with experienced mentors (we call them Elmers). The goal is simple: help the next operator learn the gear, get on the air, and operate with skill and good etiquette.

Our History

GEARS was founded in August 1939 by eleven amateur radio operators from across the northern Sacramento Valley. From the very beginning, the club focused on communication, technical experimentation, and emergency readiness.

More than eight decades later, that focus has not changed. We keep pace with new technology while holding onto the traditions that make amateur radio worth doing.

“Connecting people, sharing knowledge, and serving our community since 1939.”

Join Us

New to radio or a lifelong operator, there is a place for you here. Come to a meeting, check into one of our nets, or lend a hand at our next event, and help keep the Golden Empire on the air.

Contact Us

Have a question about amateur radio, our meetings and events, or how to get licensed and involved with GEARS?

We’d Love to Hear From You!

We are always glad to talk with fellow operators, brand new licensees, and anyone curious about the hobby.

Email Us

For general information, membership details, or license testing questions, email us at gearsw6rhc@gmail.com.

We do our best to answer quickly, and no question is too basic. If you are just getting started, you are exactly the person we want to hear from.

Mailing Address

Golden Empire Amateur Radio Society (GEARS)
P.O. Box 202
Chico, CA 95927

You can send correspondence, membership forms, or donations to the address above.

Our Organization

GEARS is a 501(c)(7) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Our purpose is to:

  • Share information and encourage cooperation among members
  • Promote amateur radio knowledge and education
  • Advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio

Serving Chico and the greater Butte County area since 1939.

Cool Links

A few tools and shops we reach for often.

Photos To Share

GEARS Mt. St. John Repeater
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