All posts by Smitty (WB1G)

SFARC Event Calendar (Page)

August 30, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

SFARC EVENT CALENDAR

Looking for the SFARC Contest Calendar? CLICK HERE

Loading events…

EVENT CALENDAR ;
CONTEST CALENDAR ;
SUBMIT EVENT TO THE CALENDAR ;

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Activities (Page)

August 30, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE FUN WE HAVE AT SFARC

SFARC MONTHLY BREAKFAST

Join us for our monthly breakfast on the last Saturday of each month at 8:00 AM. We usually meet at Awful Annie’s, 13460 Lincoln Way in Auburn. Our location changes in the summer months, so please check the club calendar before you head out.

Would you like more information about our monthly breakfast? CLICK HERE.

** Please see the club calendar for the current location

RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING aka. “FOX HUNTING”

Every month, after the club breakfast, we go on the hunt to find “the fox”.

Don’t have a ham license? NO PROBLEM, no license is needed to participate.

Don’t have any fox hunting gear? NO PROBLEM. We have units you can borrow or team up with an experienced Elmer to find the hidden “fox” transmitter.

Want more information about our Fox Hunts, CLICK HERE.

ANNUAL LOOMIS HAMFEST

The SFARC Loomis Hamfest is like no other! It’s the first opportunity of the year to sell your old ham radio gear or to find the best-used gear from motivated sellers. Sellers can purchase spaces on a first-come-first-served basis. Spaces range in size from a standard parking stall to 8′ x 8′. Want more information about our Hamfest, CLICK HERE.

SUMMER FIELD DAY

Field Day has been an annual event since 1933 and remains the most popular event in ham radio. SFARC bands together each year on the last full weekend in June to practice the deployment and operation of radio communications equipment and earn points. It’s a weekend of communicating, cooking outdoors, camping, and collaborating together. Check out the SFARC Field Day Resource Center for the latest, CLICK HERE.

SFARC FALL CAMPOUT

Every fall, SFARC heads into the Sierras for our annual campout. Usually mid-September, more information about this year’s campout can be found HERE. You can expect a fox hunt, movie night, some amazing meals, stories around the campfire, many laughs and maybe “play some radio”. We hope you’ll join us.

VOLUNTEER EVENTS

SFARC supports various non-profit organizations and events with radio support. If your organization has a need for radio support for the safety and convenience of staff and participants. If you have an event that needs radio support, CLICK HERE.

JAMBOREE ON THE AIR (JOTA)

Jamboree-on-the-Air, or JOTA, is the largest Scouting event in the world. JOTA uses amateur radio to link Scouts and hams around the world, around the nation, and in your own community.

GETTING LICENSED / UPGRADING

There’s nothing like making your first contact or getting on HF for the first time. Now is the time! SFARC has classes at all levels. Our classes are NOT a ham-cram! We focus on passing the test, but also teach the principles so you will understand the answers. Courses include six (6) 2-hour online Zoom sessions plus 2 in-person labs. All our welcome and you don’t have to be local to participate. But don’t delay, they fill up fast — ACTIVITIES > CLASSES/TRAINING. Ready to get your Technician license OR upgrade, visit our VE Exams page ACTIVITIES > VE EXAMS to get more information.

CLUB MEETINGS

A club meeting is a great place to interact with us, meet friends or make new ones, learn about other activities, and ask questions 1-on-1.

Please join us at a club meeting or on one of the radio nets to learn more about an exciting new world in amateur radio. Learn why we are known as the “friendly club” in the foothills. All are welcome and you don’t need to be a member to attend. Bring food for the greater Auburn area food pantry, get an extra prize ticket, and win some cool stuff!

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Volunteer (Page)

August 30, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

VOLUNTEER WITH US

SFARC supports various non-profit organizations and events with radio support. If your organization needs radio support, or you’d like to volunteer to help with radio support at one of the events listed below, click the CONTACT US button and get in touch with us.

	NAME	DATES
	Western States 100 Training Runs	May 2026 (TBD)
	Western States 100	June 27-28, 2026
	Western States Tevis Cup 100 70th Anniversary Tevis Cup Ride	August 1, 2026

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Scholarships (Page)

August 30, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

Thank you for your interest in the Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club (SFARC) Scholarship Program.

Our scholarships offer financial assistance to high school seniors to support their pursuit of higher education.

The selection process consists of the following:

1. First consideration of scholarship awards will be given to relatives of SFARC members (i.e., children, grandchildren, etc).

2. Scholarships will be for high school seniors continuing their education.

3. Preference for those enrolled in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program.

4. Scholarship applications shall be submitted to the Scholarship Committee only on a form provided by SFARC. The written application must be submitted by the date and time specified. No late applications will be accepted. The application received must be signed by the student writing to be considered for the scholarship.

5. All applications will be considered by the SFARC Scholarship Committee for completeness, consistency with SFARC policy, and fund availability, and evaluated for further consideration.

6. Those applications approved by the SFARC Scholarship Committee for further consideration will be invited for an in-person or online oral interview by the committee members. Successful candidates will be notified by email of the date, time, and place for the interview.

7. At the conclusion of the interviews, the SFARC Scholarship Committee will evaluate the candidates. Those applications recommended for funding shall be forwarded to the SFARC Board of Directors for action.

8. The SFARC Board of Directors shall receive the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee and take action to award as recommended, award with modifications, or deny the award. The SFARC Secretary shall notify the applicant of the action and process to receive the funds at the appropriate time.

9. The award recipient will give a brief presentation to the Club on their education experience and goals.

10. Payment made on receipt of enrollment.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED AT THIS TIME

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Reimbursement (Page)

August 30, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

SUBMIT A REIMBURSEMENT

Main SFARC Logo Before filling out this form, make sure you have clear photos of the receipts, as you’ll need to attach them to the form. When complete, click the “SUBMIT” button below. Once approved by the SFARC president, you’ll receive an email from the treasurer to confirm.

Full Name *

Phone Number

Email Address *

Confirm email address *

Call Sign *

If no call sign, enter UNLICENSED

Mailing Address *

Reimbursement Method? *

Zelle

Check By Mail

Additional Detail (Optional)

Expenses

Date * Amount ($) * Description * Receipt Attach a photo or PDF of your receipt.

Total amount being submitted $0.00

By checking this box, I agree and understand that by signing the Electronic Signature Acknowledgment and Consent Form, that all electronic signatures are the legal equivalent of my manual/handwritten signature and I consent to be legally bound to this agreement. *

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Links (Page)

August 30, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

Quick and helpful links to various SFARC resources and pages

classroom.w6ek.org	Direct Access to the SFARC Classroom
campout.w6ek.org	Direct Access to the Fall Campout Resource Center
communicationsplan.w6ek.org OR complan.w6ek.org	Direct Access to the SFARC Communications Plan
enroll.w6ek.org	Enroll in the "Friends of SFARC" Email List
facebook.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Facebook Group
fieldday.w6ek.org	Direct Access to the Field Day Resource Center
files.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's File Library
findmyfrn.w6ek.org	Direct Link to the FCC ULS FRN Search
foxhunt.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Fox Hunt RDF Page
groupsio.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Groups.io instance
hamclubonline.w6ek.org	Direct Access to the HamClubOnline Login
hamfest.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Hamfest Page
hcol.w6ek.org	Direct Access to the HamClubOnline Login Screen
help.w6ek.org	SFARC Membership Help Page & Videos
instagram.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Instagram
jointhemeeting.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Zoom Launchpad
linkedin.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's LinkedIn Group
links.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Links Page
meeting.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Zoom Launchpad
membership.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Membership Page
mentoring.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Mentoring/Elmer Page
rdf.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Fox Hunt RDF Page
shop.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Storefront Page
testing.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's VE/Testing Page
twitter.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Twitter Feed
upload.w6ek.org	Direct Link to Upload Files to w6ek.org
ve.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's VE/Testing Page
vetesting.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's VE/Testing Page
volunteer.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's Volunteer Page
webhelp.w6ek.org	SFARC Web Help Videos
webmail.w6ek.org	Direct Access to SFARC Webmail
youtube.w6ek.org	Direct Link to SFARC's YouTube Channel
zoom.w6ek.org	Direct Access Into the SFARC Main Zoom Room

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Leadership (Page)

August 30, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

ELECTED OFFICERS

	Mark Koehler (W2MWK) President
	Jim Jupin (WA8MPA) Gregory Dolkas (KO6TH) Vice Presidents
	Ron Holland (KA6UAI) Laurie Holland Treasurer (Year 2)
	Bob Patton (N6EMS) Secretary
	Greydon Hicks (KC6SLE) Director (Year 2 of 2)
	Steven Foley (KO6EBQ) Director (Year 1 of 2)
	Frank Calvillo (KG9M) Director

CONTACT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Please tell us the reason you're reaching out. *In most cases, the value below will already be populated. Please select all that apply.

You’ve taken the first step in joining one of the most active ham clubs in Northern California. Please take a moment to fill out the form below. Once complete, hit the SUBMIT/SEND at the bottom.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR GROUPS.IO ACCOUNT?

Apply

Thank you for your interest in the Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club (SFARC) Scholarship Program. Our scholarships offer financial assistance to high school seniors to support their pursuit of higher education. Please take a moment to fill out the application below. Once complete, hit the SUBMIT/SEND at the bottom of the application.

Club Reimbursement

Before filling out this form, make sure you have clear photos of the receipts, as you’ll need to attach them to the form. When complete, click the “SUBMIT/SEND” button below. Once approved by the SFARC president, you’ll receive an email from the treasurer to confirm.

We’re sorry to see you go.

Please provide us with your name and email address and we’ll confirm your removal by email.

CONTACT THE CLUB

We'd love to connect with you. Fill out the form below and we'll back in touch ASAP.

HAVE A QUESTION OR NEED TO REPORT A REPEATER ISSUE?

CONTACT THE ADVANCEMENT TEAM

If you’d like more information about our upcoming class or would like to be added to our interest list, please let us know by using the form below.

CHECK OUT SFARC ON THE FIVE MAJORS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Do you have something you’d like to promote on the SFARC website, social media, or the club’s Monthly Newsletter? Send us the information below about your event, and we’ll be in touch.

** Submissions are for sponsored club events and to help neighboring clubs promote their events. **

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ADD THE SFARC CLUB CALENDAR

CONTACT THE VE TEAM

If you have any questions, need to reschedule or request an accommodation, please contact the SFARC VE Team Coordinator using the form below.

WE NEED YOUR HELP AT HAMFEST 2026!

Send us your information and area of interest, and we’ll be in touch.

GOT QUESTIONS AND NEED AN ELMER?

WANT TO BECOME AN ELMER?

Have a question about a Fox Hunt or are you Ready to sign up to be a “fox tender”, send us a message below.

Got a question about SFARC’s Field Day?

Volunteer Support

CONTACT OUR VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Name *

Phone Number *

Are You Currently Licensed? *YESNO

Email Address *An email confirmation will be sent.

Confirm Email Address *Please confirm that your email is correct.

Do You Have A HamClubOnline (HCOL) Account?YESNO

What Class Are You Inquiring About?EXTRA License Class (Winter)TECHNICIAN License Class (Spring)GENERAL License Class (Fall)TECHNICIAN License Class (Fall)

Elmer / Mentor (Please Select)I Need An ElmerI'd Like To Become An Elmer

VE / Ham Exam (Please Select)Take A TestBecome A VE

Fox Hunt (Please Select)Question About An Upcoming Fox HuntBecoming A Fox Tender

Web Follow-UpI Have A QuestionPhoto Gallery FeedbackWebsite Access = Members Only File LibraryWebsite Access = Weekly Net Control Access

Event NameIf you are just submitting an article for the newsletter, SKIP.

All Day?YESNO

Start Date

Start Time

Hours

Minutes

AM/PM

End Date

End Time

Hours

Minutes

AM/PM

Question / Message / Comment / Event Description (Optional)

Are you a past or present SFARC member? (Current SFARC members do NOT need to enroll in this list)PAST MEMBERPRESENT MEMBERJUST A FRIEND

The Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club takes CCPA and your security seriously and does not sell or share your personal information (ie: name, call sign, or email) with anyone. Your information is used for the sole purpose of communicating club activities and events.

Street Address

City

State/Province

ZIP / Postal Code

What college, trade school, or other institution have you been accepted to:

Additional schools you've applied to:

Your intended major, career, and/or profession:

Do you have a family member who is a member of SFARC?YESNO

List any family members by name and/or call sign:

List any significant high school activities you took part in while in High School:Examples: Projects, Activities, Club Organizations, Leadership Roles, Awards, Honors, etc...

List any significant community activities (or internships) you've participated in while in High School:

What person(s) influenced you the most during High School?

Explain how/why you've selected your chosen vocation:

Provide any additional information about yourself to assist the Scholarship Committee with its decision:

Your Message:

Attachment (Optional)

No file chosen

Reimbursement MethodPlease select the method in which you'd like SFARC to provide your reimbursement.Paper check sent by mailDirectly using Zelle

Make check payable to the name entered on this form?If you'd like to enter a different name, click NO.YESNO

Make Reimbursement Payable To

Zelle IDThis is usually your email address or phone number. Please check with your financial institution to confirm.

You can enter up to (10) expenses with each submission.

DateExpense #1

$ AmountExpense #1

DescriptionExpense #1

DateExpense #2

$ AmountExpense #2

DescriptionExpense #2

DateExpense #3

$ AmountExpense #3

DescriptionExpense #3

DateExpense #4

$ AmountExpense #4

DescriptionExpense #4

DateExpense #5

$ AmountExpense #5

DescriptionExpense #5

DateExpense #6

$ AmountExpense #6

DescriptionExpense #6

DateExpense #7

$ AmountExpense #7

DescriptionExpense #7

DateExpense #8

$ AmountExpense #8

DescriptionExpense #8

DateExpense #9

$ AmountExpense #9

DescriptionExpense #9

DateExpense #10

$ AmountExpense #10

DescriptionExpense #10

Total

Your total reimbursement expenses are listed here: ${calculation-1}

Please attach your receipt photo(s) below. Please note that you will not be able to submit this form until your receipt(s) are fully uploaded.

Upload ReceiptsPDF's and Photos Accepted

Notes / Comments / Special Instructions (Optional)

Digital SignatureBy checking this box, I agree and understand that by signing the Electronic Signature Acknowledgment and Consent Form, that all electronic signatures are the legal equivalent of my manual/handwritten signature and I consent to be legally bound to this agreement.I ACCEPT

To submit this request, press the SUBMIT/SEND button below. You will receive a confirmation window and an email if your reimbursement has been sent.

AI Based Design?YESNO

Upload Your Design(s)

Notes About Your Design:

I attended as a...Please make a selectionSellerBuyerVolunteer

What Worked Well?

What Didn't Work Well?

If you were the event chair for next year, what would you do differently?

Any Other Feedback OR Comments You Have About The Event:

APPOINTED POSITIONS

Advancement/Training (Chair) Advancement/Training (Instructor) Advancement/Training (Instructor)	Orion Endres (AI6JB) Anders Rehnvall (NR6H) James Goldtene (AE6JG)
Bylaws Committee Chair	Gerry Brentnall (WA6E)
*Christmas Party Chairs*	*RECRUITING FOR 2026*
Contest Chair	Orion Endres (AI6JB)
Fall Campout Chair	Smitty (WB1G)
Fall Picnic Chair	Mark Koehler (W2MWK)
Field Day Chair Field Day Co-Chair	Mark Koehler (W2MWK) Smitty (WB1G)
Greeter/Sunshine	Pam Bautista (KN6GTK)
Groups.io Moderators	Dennis Gregory (WU6X) Aaron Bond (W1ATB)
Hamfest (Hamswap) Chair	Frank Calvillo (KG9M)
Membership Chair	Dudley McFadden (KO6DRM)
Nomination Committee Chair	Brian Gohl (AI6US)
Newsletter Editor	Jim Zheng (W6JCZ)
Placer County ARES EC / SFARC Liasion	Scott Read (KM6RFB)
Public Relations & Social Media	Smitty (WB1G)
Refreshment Chairs	Bob Shuman (WB6MUZ) Kerry Shuman (KI6PAL)
Repeater Committee Chair	Brian Gohl (AI6US)
Scholarship Chair	Earl Wilson (K6GPB)
Station Trustee	Clyde Campbell (AB4CC)
VE Coordinator VE Coordinator (Assistant)	Brian Gohl (AI6US) Anders Rehnvall (NR6H)
Volunteer Event Chair	Chip Bautista (KM6MDF)
Webmaster Dropbox Administrator Calendar Administrator	Smitty (WB1G)
YouTube Content Creator	Greg Dolkas (KO6TH)

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Elmer’s Corner (Page)

August 30, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

WHAT IS AN “ELMER”?

Image of Greg helping out at the Technician Class Lab.

Posted by OnAllBands on May 1, 2019, at 8:33 pm @ Read More

Say the word “Elmer” to a non-Ham and two thoughts spring to mind: glue for elementary craft projects and a bald-headed rabbit hunter who has trouble pronouncing his Rs (see Barber of Seville). In the Amateur Radio realm, Elmers hold a high place of esteem. The word means an experienced operator who takes a novice under his or her wing, providing personal guidance and answers to the thousands of questions that confront the newbie. It can also be used as a verb, as in, “Elmering an aspiring operator is a cherished tradition that goes back to the early days of the hobby.”

The word has relatively recent origins. It first appeared in a 1971 QST article by Rod Newkirk, W9BRD, in which he bemoans the all-too-familiar story of an eager student who falls off the Amateur Radio wagon once his mentor moves away. He wrote, “Too frequently one hears a sad story in this little nutshell: ‘Oh, I almost got a ticket, too, but Elmer, W9XYZ, moved away and I kind of lost interest.’”

ASK AN ELMER!

If you are a new ham and looking for an Elmer, fill out the form below. Once we get your info, we’ll match you with an Elmer from our club. Want to be an Elmer to an upcoming ham? Send us your information.

MEET THE SFARC ELMERS

Search: Rows per page:

Name	Preferred Name	Callsign	License Class
Thomas S Bautista	Chip	KM6MDF	EXTRA
Theta Y Brentnall		WA6EWF	GENERAL
Gerald J Brentnall Jr	Gerry	WA6E	EXTRA
Frank Calvillo		KG9M	EXTRA
Clyde D Campbell		AB4CC	EXTRA
Douglas S Chandler	Doug	W2VX	EXTRA
Gary L Cunningham		KQ6RT	EXTRA
Gregory D Dolkas	Greg	KO6TH	EXTRA
Steven M Foley		KO6EBQ	EXTRA
Brian R Gohl		AI6US	EXTRA
Dennis H Gregory		WU6X	EXTRA
Donald L Hay	Don	WB6LPJ	EXTRA
Greydon H Hicks		KC6SLE	EXTRA
James R Jupin	Jim	WA8MPA	EXTRA
Jonathan Kim	Jon	KI6RT	EXTRA
Mark W Koehler		W2MWK	EXTRA
James A Leighton		KK6USM	EXTRA
Jeffrey A Morgan	Jeff	KW6U	EXTRA
Thomas J Newman	Tom	NN6H	EXTRA
Evan M Phillips		AJ6OR	EXTRA
Anders H Rehnvall		NR6H	EXTRA
Mike Smith	Smitty	WB1G	EXTRA
Jim Zheng		W6JCZ	EXTRA

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Contact Us (Page)

August 30, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

Need to get ahold of the Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club?

OR
If you’re old school, you can mail a check to our PO Box.
Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club
P.O. Box 6421, Auburn, CA 95604

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Communications Plan (Page)

August 30, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

SFARC Communications Plan

The following is the current published communications plan for the Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club (SFARC). If you’re volunteering to help at an event, make sure you have these programmed on your radio.

*Before an event, an officer from SFARC (W6EK) will notify the repeater owner of its use.

CH	DESIGNATION	Frequency (Offset) CTCSS
1	W6EK (Repeater) Auburn and Surrounding Communities	145.430 (-0.6) CTCSS 162.2
2*	W6SAR (Repeater) Western Placer County Low-level repeater with excellent HT Coverage in Rocklin, Roseville, and Loomis up to Auburn.	146.640 (-0.6) CTCSS 156.7
3*	K6IOK (Repeater) Greater Sacramento Valley	145.130 (-0.6) CTCSS 114.8
4	TAC 01 (Simplex)	146.430
5	TAC 02 (Simplex)	146.490
6	TAC 03 (Simplex)	146.535
7	TAC 04 (Simplex)	146.550
8	TAC 05 (Simplex)	146.565
9	TAC 06 (Simplex)	441.000
10	TAC 07 (Simplex)	446.500
11	SPECIAL EVENT (Simplex) Example: Campout / Meal Announcements, Local Simplex, High-Power ASL connected to W6EK 2M-Repeater	147.555 CTCSS 100

SFARC EVENT CALENDAR

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE FUN WE HAVE AT SFARC

SFARC MONTHLY BREAKFAST

RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING aka. “FOX HUNTING”

ANNUAL LOOMIS HAMFEST

SUMMER FIELD DAY

SFARC FALL CAMPOUT

VOLUNTEER EVENTS

JAMBOREE ON THE AIR (JOTA)

GETTING LICENSED / UPGRADING

CLUB MEETINGS

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Thank you for your interest in the Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club (SFARC) Scholarship Program.

The selection process consists of the following:

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED AT THIS TIME

SUBMIT A REIMBURSEMENT

Expenses

Quick and helpful links to various SFARC resources and pages

ELECTED OFFICERS

CONTACT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NEED HELP WITH YOUR GROUPS.IO ACCOUNT?

Apply

Club Reimbursement

We’re sorry to see you go.

CONTACT THE CLUB

HAVE A QUESTION OR NEED TO REPORT A REPEATER ISSUE?

CONTACT THE ADVANCEMENT TEAM

CHECK OUT SFARC ON THE FIVE MAJORS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ADD THE SFARC CLUB CALENDAR

CONTACT THE VE TEAM

WE NEED YOUR HELP AT HAMFEST 2026!

GOT QUESTIONS AND NEED AN ELMER?

WANT TO BECOME AN ELMER?

Have a question about a Fox Hunt or are you Ready to sign up to be a “fox tender”, send us a message below.

Got a question about SFARC’s Field Day?

Volunteer Support

CONTACT OUR VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

APPOINTED POSITIONS

WHAT IS AN “ELMER”?

ASK AN ELMER!

MEET THE SFARC ELMERS

Need to get ahold of the Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club?

SFARC Communications Plan

*Before an event, an officer from SFARC (W6EK) will notify the repeater owner of its use.