Activities & Events
Stay Active. Stay Connected. Stay On the Air.
There’s always something happening at GEARS.
No matter your experience level, from brand new to lifelong operator, our meetings, nets, and events are open to everyone. Come for the learning, the friendships, and the fun, both on and off the air.
In-Person
Monthly Club Meeting
When: 3rd Monday of each month, 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)
Where: Chico Public Library, 1108 Sherman Ave, Chico
Join us for club updates, presentations, project sharing, and good conversation. Meetings are casual and open to all, and visitors and newcomers are always welcome.
Come early, grab a seat, and meet fellow hams from around Butte County.
Monthly Breakfast
When: 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:30 AM
Where: Farmer’s Skillet, 690 Rio Lindo Ave, Chico
An informal get-together for local operators to chat, swap stories, and enjoy a hearty breakfast.
No agenda, just good food and good company.
CW Practice Nights
When: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: Golden Beaver Distillery, Park Ave Still House, 2420 Park Ave, Chico
Relaxed, in-person sessions to learn or sharpen your Morse code. Bring your key or borrow one of ours, add a little curiosity, and enjoy an hour of dits, dahs, and good company.
Monthly POTA / SOTA Activations
When: Last Saturday of the month
Where: See our calendar for location and time
Curious why Parks on the Air and Summits on the Air are two of the fastest growing activities in amateur radio? Join us at a nearby park or summit for an afternoon of HF operating on SSB, CW, and digital. Bring your gear or use ours.
Field Day
When: 2026 Field Day will be held June 27 - 28, 2026
Where: See our calendar for location and time
"Field Day is ham radio's open house. Every June, more than 31,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in ham radio." - ARRL
Builder Activities
When: See our calendar for location and time
Where: See our calendar for location and time
Ready to move beyond being an appliance operator? Come build your next antenna, a piece of test equipment, or a QRP rig alongside us. Don’t know how to solder yet? We will teach you.
On-The-Air
Weekly Nets
GEARS hosts regular nets to keep our members connected on the air.
Everyone is encouraged to check in, whether you’re running mobile, base, or handheld.
Tuesday Evening VHF/UHF Net
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Frequency: 147.945 MHz (+ offset, PL 123.0)
A great way to stay in touch with the GEARS community, test your equipment, and share updates.
CW Slow Speed Net
Time: Thursdays, 3:30 PM
Frequency: 7.052 MHz (40 Meters)
Perfect for anyone learning Morse code or brushing up their CW skills. Slow, friendly, and open to all speeds.
On-The-Web
Follow our Facebook group for club and community updates.
Need Help?
Get On The Air Elmer Requests!
New to your radio, power supply, or antenna and not sure where to start? Suffer from mic fright? We’re here to help. Send us an Elmer Request and we’ll get you on the air.
How to Get Started in Amateur Radio
Your First Step Into a World of Communication, Technology, and Community
Ever wondered what it’s like to talk across the world without the internet, or to keep your community connected when the phones go down? You’re in the right place. Amateur radio (or “ham radio”) is a hobby, a service, and a gateway to lifelong learning, and getting started is easier than you think.
Step 1: Learn the Basics
You don’t need to be an engineer to get licensed, just curious. The best way to begin is by learning a bit about radio theory, FCC regulations, and good operating practices.
Start with HamStudy.org
HamStudy.org is a great free resource for studying for your first license, the Technician class. You’ll find:
- Flashcards and practice exams
- Study guides tailored to each license level
- Helpful tools for tracking your progress
Take your time, practice a little each day, and when you’re ready, it’s time to take your test.
Step 2: Take Your License Exam
GEARS offers Amateur Radio License Testing for Technician, General and Extra right here in Chico, six times a year.
Testing Schedule:
First Sunday of every even-numbered month at 2:00 PM
(February, April, June, August, October, December)
Location:
Testing sessions are held in Chico, with details provided when you register.
To sign up:
Please email us at gearsw6rhc@gmail.com to be added to the schedule for the next testing session.
We’ll confirm your spot, send you preparation tips, and make sure you’re ready for success.
Step 3: Join the GEARS Community
Once you’ve earned your license, your next step is to get on the air, and we’ll help you the whole way.
Join GEARS to:
- Get help setting up your first radio and antenna
- Learn how to check into local nets
- Take part in club activities and community events
- Make friends who share your enthusiasm for radio
Joining GEARS connects you to a network of friendly, experienced operators who love helping new hams find their way.
Ready to Begin?
Study. Test. Connect.
That’s all it takes to start your amateur radio adventure.
Start studying today at HamStudy.org, and when you’re ready, email us at gearsw6rhc@gmail.com to join the next GEARS testing session.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the airwaves.
Member Equipment Check Out Program
At GEARS we keep a library of field and test equipment that we lend out to members in good standing.
GEARS: Member Equipment Check Out Program Form