All posts by Smitty (WB1G)

Click here to listen live to the W6EK repeater. — 145.430 MHz

145.430 MHz -0.6 / CTCSS 162.2
AllStarLink: 51018 / Echolink: 4128
Weekly Club Net Thursday @ 1930 PT

223.860 MHz -1.6 / CTCSS 110.9

440.575 MHz +5.0 / CTCSS 162.2
AMS Fusion/C4FM / Wires-X: NorCal Repeater GRP (#43847) / YSF06040 US-NorCalRptGrp

ARRL Year of the Club Contest

August 14, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

The ARRL Year of the Club Website Contest winners have been announced. With over 80 entries from ARRL-affiliated amateur radio clubs all over the country, W6EK.org has been recognized by the ARRL as one of the best club websites in the nation! We are thrilled to have received second place!

While I’ve heard praise from many, it TRULY starts with the club. SFARC is incredibly dynamic; the webmaster is just the facilitator. The board has also given me free rein to be as creative as I want. It’s truly been a rewarding position.

Contest winners will be recognized at the 2026 ARRL National Convention in Huntsville, Alabama, on August 22 and 23. Winners will also be announced in QST.

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Interact With Us

August 14, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

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Help SFARC

August 14, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

Our repeaters are ALWAYS free to use but not free to maintain. It takes a village, time, and money to keep the W6EK repeaters on the air. Think about helping SFARC by donating; every little bit helps, and it’s tax-deductible.

DONATIONS ARE MADE IN $10 INCREMENTS

Example:
QTY 1 = $10

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HAMS AND HOPS IS BACK: September 30th. 6-8 PM at Knee Deep Brewing Company

August 11, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

HAMS AND HOPS IS BACK: September 30th. 6-8 PM at Knee Deep Brewing Company

NEW FOR THE SUMMER OF 2026!

Dust off your favorite QSL stories and join your fellow operators for an evening of cold brews and good company at:

KNEE DEEP BREWING COMPANY
13395 NEW AIRPORT ROAD,
SUITE H IN AUBURN (NEXT TO WINGS)
SEPTEMBER 30TH FROM 6–8 PM

Banzito’s Tacos will have their food truck onsite for the perfect pairing!!!

Whether you’re a seasoned Elmer or a fresh Technician still grinning over your first contact, this is your chance to ragchew in person, no antenna required! Great beer, great people, and zero band conditions to worry about. Come for the hops, stay for the hams—we’ll be listening for your call! 73 and see you there!

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Amateur Radio Exams / VE Testing: September 14, 2026

August 4, 2026 Smitty (WB1G)

Amateur Radio Exams / VE Testing: September 14, 2026

Looking for a local, comfortable, friendly, and inviting atmosphere to help you successfully pass your ham radio exam? Sierra Foothills Volunteer Examiner Team provides monthly in-person exam sessions with mentors on hand to answer your questions about equipment, local resources, clubs, and events. You’ve successfully passed your ham radio exam, now what?

SFARC Elmers are here to help and guide you!

The Sierra Foothills VE team offers many scholarships. Free exams and Free FCC licenses for all students, youth, and young adults ages 25 and under! Military and First Responders receive a 50% discount on exams!