Congratulations!
You got your ticket! As with all new hams, you will have many questions while learning to be a proficient station operator. The Richmond Amateur Telecommunications Society (“RATS”) is here to help. Our website is a great source for information about everything ham radio related. You will find that hams are a great group of people, helpful, willing to share tips, information, sources, tricks of the hobby, and a great support system.
RATS is one of several active ham radio clubs in the Richmond area. Established in 1972, our monthly membership meetings feature presentations on a number of radio-related topics. Our members enjoy several activities throughout the year, such as Winter and Summer Field Day, the Virginia QSO Party, and Parks on the Air. We also provide communications services for the community. SKYWARN, ARES, Special Olympics, marathons, and bike rides to name a few. Our club operates three repeaters which are available for use by any properly licensed amateur.
Feel free to join us on the repeaters in a QSO. We have a net every Wednesday at 7:00 PM on our 442.55 repeater, which is a great opportunity to introduce yourself, ask questions, and learn more about the goings-on in the local ham radio community. To learn more about how nets work, visit rats.net/net-tips. For a list of other nets in our area, see this list.
Our club meets on the third Friday of each month at 7:30 PM via Zoom. You do not need to be a member to attend. Here are links to join our meeting. If you find our meetings, repeaters, or activities to be enjoyable, we hope you will consider joining our club.
Here are a few sources to help get you started:
There are inexpensive ways to get on the air. Contact one of our Elmer Program team members by using the email below and someone will be happy to guide you to the right type of radio at the right price for your budget.
As a newly-licensed ham, RATS offers you complimentary basic technical assistance from our team of well-qualified “Elmers.” More detailed 1:1 mentoring may also be available. For help from one of our Elmers, send an email to helpdesk@rats.net.
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Talk to you soon!