The ARROW Communication Association is the oldest amateur radio ("ham") club in Washtenaw and is dedicated to the promotion of amateur radio activities. As such, we:
- work with the Red Cross and community groups to provide emergency and public service communications,
- hold classes to help others get their amateur radio licenses,
- hold meetings and sponsor activities that help members improve their technical and operating skills, and
- sponsor social activities to promote fellowship in the amateur radio community.
ARROW is a Michigan non-profit membership-based corporation tax exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Federal Tax Code, managed by an elected Board of Directors under its corporate bylaws. ARROW is an affiliate of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), and has been designated a Special Service Club.
Repeaters
The ARROW operates 3 FM voice repeaters on 146.96(- / PL100) Mhz, 224.38(-) Mhz, and 443.50(+ / PL 100)Mhz. Until recently, these repeaters were located in downtown Ann Arbor on top of the Tower Plaza building. At the present time, we are looking for a new home for our repeater stations.
Monthly meetings
Meetings are held each month at Washtenaw Red Cross, 4624 Packard Road, Ann Arbor, MI. There is usually a short business meeting followed by a program on topics of interest to radio amateurs. Meetings are open to the public. Talk-in assistance for meetings is on the ARROW 2-meter repeater (146.96-) MHz.
Club Stations
We currently operate two club stations:
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (220 E. Ann St., downtown Ann Arbor). In 2008, the IEEE Foundation awarded us a $10,000 grant, and the ARRL Foundation awarded us a $3,000 grant to set up an amateur radio station at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Musuem. Currently the station can operate CW, SSB, and digital modes on 40m and 20m and FM on 2m. We operate from there every Saturday from at least 10 am until 2 pm. In addition to operating, we plan to sponsor other activities, such as fox hunting and kit building. Dan KB6NU, is the station manager and is always looking for volunteers and ideas on how to make the station better.
- Washtenaw Red Cross (4624 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor). This club station is designed to support the emergency communications needs of the Red Cross. It has both HF and VHF capabilities, including a packet radio station. It is also available for use by all club members. Contact Jay, WB8TKL, for more information.
Get Your License!
We regularly hold One-Day Tech Classes. These classes start at 9 am and run until 3 pm, at which time, we give students the exam. Can you really get your license in one day? Well, we've been doing this for a year now, and we have a pass rate of greater than 90%. To preregister or for more information, call 734-930-6564 or e-mail Dan KB6NU.
The next General license class will start on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 and run for the next six to eight Thursday evenings. For more information, see the class page.
License Testing
ARROW has a cadre of ARRL-approved Volunteer Examiners, who administer amateur radio exams on the second Saturday of the month at 9 am at the Washtenaw County Red Cross, 4624 Packard Road, Ann Arbor, MI. We do ask that you contact Roger F. Place, W8ZRF (734-663-4625) or Clay Mitchell, W8JNZ (734-662-6663) a week prior to the test session. The fee for the test is $15, and preregistration is required.
Monday Night Net
The Monday Night Net is held on Monday evenings on 146.96(-) at 8:00 pm. While a net control station is almost always there, there may be some nights when he or she is absent. If you don't hear any activity, give a call anyway to see if there are others awaiting the net. If so, take the bull by the horns and run the net yourself!
Mentoring, or "Elmering"
One of the great traditions of ham radio has been the willingness of experienced hams to help new hams get started. These mentors are sometimes called "Elmers," a name whose origin is as obscure as the origin of "ham radio."
With that in mind, we've started an informal Elmering program, and several members have already signed up to be Elmers. Now, all we need are guys who need help. If you need help choosing a radio, setting up an antenna, or troubleshooting a piece of gear, go here for more info.
Field Day
We also participate in an annual amateur radio event known as Field Day, held on the last weekend in June. The purpose of Field Day is to practice operating in the field, using power sources not attached to the power grid. These conditions simulate conditions that might occur in the case of a national emergency. For the past three years, we have placed in the top 100 in the country. We're already making plans for next year. Get in touch with Tim KT8K if you want to be part of the planning process.
Board of Directors
