Rio ARC Christmas Get Together
Our annual Rio ARC Christmas Get Together is approaching. Plans have been written in concrete and we have a date, time, and location. Here you go, December 16 at 5:30 pm (17:30). We will meet at the Longhorn Cattle Company in San Benito this year.
Greetings from the heart of deep south Texas! Rio ARC proudly calls Harlingen, known as "The Tropical Playground of Texas," its home. Situated at the crossroads of I-2 and I-69E in Cameron County, we extend our warm welcome to the entire Rio Grande Valley, including McAllen, Brownsville, South Padre Island, Port Isabel, San Benito, Raymondville, and, of course, Harlingen.
At Rio ARC, we embrace individuals with a passion for Ham radio communications, electronics, and computer theory, recognizing the pivotal role they play in the world of Amateur Radio. Yet, we understand that it's not solely about technology; it's also about the extraordinary sense of camaraderie and community that amateur radio enthusiasts experience. We offer you the chance to establish enduring friendships with fellow Hams who share your enthusiasm. We orchestrate captivating club events and social gatherings, creating opportunities for connections, idea sharing, and the formation of cherished memories.
Join us for our informal breakfast meetups, held twice a week, where we unite over good food, outstanding company, and vibrant conversations spanning amateur radio and many other topics.
If you would like one of our stylish T-Shirts they are only $20 plus shipping or you can buy one or even more at one of our get togethers.
POTA event for Nov. 25th, 2023. All are welcome to come, From around 10 am to 3 pm or whenever people are done. The event is scheduled for Resaca De La Palma State Park,
Join us for breakfast at Rositas in West Harlingen every Saturday Morning at 8:00 am.
Our club meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each calendar month at 5:30 pm. We meet in the Harlingen Irrigation District building.
Join us for breakfast at Los Leones in La Feria every Wednesday Morning at 8:00 am.
The NWS now has online SkyWarn training.
COMET - MetEd Education and Training
The online course only takes two hours to complete and it is well worth your time. Amateur Radio has a long history of providing weather reports to the National Weather Service in Brownsville via the SkyWarn program.
Get trained and support the NWS! Please share this E-Mail with your friends. I don't have everyone's E-Mail address.
SkyWarn Recognition Day will be held in early December. More details will follow. This year, the HF bands are more active and should make operations more active than in the past. RGV hams have been active participants for many years and have always made a significant contribution.
A call for volunteers to operate on HF will be made soon.
David, K5RAV
ARES District 15
December 2, 2023, from 0000z to 2400z
The time translates to CST Friday, December 1st, 6:00 PM to Saturday, December 2nd, 6:00 PM.
SKYWARN™ Recognition Day was developed in 1999 by the National Weather Service and the American Radio Relay League. It celebrates the contributions that volunteer SKYWARN™ radio operators make to the National Weather Service. During the day SKYWARN™ operators visit NWS offices and contact other radio operators across the world.
SkyWarn Recognition Day is held annually and is designed to activate NWS Amateur Radio Stations. WX5BRO, NWS Brownsville, has been a participant for over 20 years. In the past, volunteers traveled to NWS BRO and operated the NWS Amateur Radio station. Because the COVID-19 epidemic prevented public gatherings, a new way of operation was created. Individual stations volunteer for two-hour segments during the event and operate from their own stations using the call sign, WX5BRO.
Details of operation, logs, and reporting information will be provided to those who volunteer. The segments start at 6:00 PM on Friday, December 1st, and continue through Saturday, December 2nd at 6:00 PM.
If you are unable to volunteer to operate as WX5BRO, you can still participate by contacting NWS stations on the HF bands. There are usually over 20 NWS stations active during the event.
Barry's Corner
Barry A. Boothe, W9UCW
"Over the coming months on this venue, I plan to present a variety of technical pieces and stories from nearly 70 years as an active ham."
Local Ham Radio Links
W5RGV.org The Official website for the South Texas Amateur Repeater Society
W5RGV.net The Official Website for the South Texas Amateur Repeater Society
South Texas Amateur Radio Club The South Texas Amateur Radio Club is a Texas Incorporated non-profit organization created to render public service during impending storms or severe weather
Rio Grande Valley Amateur Radio Club Facebook Facebook Page
DMR Net The [authoritative] home for all things DMR in the State of Texas
Ham Radio Examination Links
There are many websites that assist you in passing the Amateur Radio Examination. We have selected a few links, which are currently free to use, for your search and assist you in becoming a licensed amateur.
Hollandarc.org This link explains ways to study for each test so you can obtain your license as quickly and easily as possible.
Hamexam.org This is a free website that assists you in the testing for all three license levels or classes including study materials, flashcards, practice exams, and the entire FCC question pools from each test.
Hollandarc.org This is a free website link that took each of the three license levels or classes and removed the distractors from the question pools so that you can go through each question and only be presented with the correct answer.
eHam.net Practice exams are derived from the test pools for each level or class.
HAMSTUDY This website has a section about the Ham Radio Hobby. How to get licensed and even study tips. It also has study exams for Technician Class, General, and Amateur Extra.
Practice Test Geeks This website contains study guides and practice tests.
Ham Radio Interest Links
What is "Ham Radio"
The National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL) ARRL is the national association for Amateur Radio in the US. Founded in 1914 by Hiram Percy Maxim
ARRL South Texas Section This website is an extension of the ARRL website to better serve the ARRL South Texas Section
QRZ Ham Operator information
eHam Ham Radio on the Net
RadioQTH Callsign Information
AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) For those interested in satellite communications, AMSAT provides information on satellite tracking and operating guidelines.
RadioReference A comprehensive database of scanner frequencies and radio communications information, including amateur radio frequencies.
Emergency Use Links
Cameron County Emergency Management
Hidalgo County Emergency Management
Willacy County Emergency Management Coordinator
Starr County Emergency Management Coordinator
Kenedy County Sheriff
Texas Division of Emergency Management
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley
Hurricane Preparedness, Rio Grande Valley
SKYWARN