Blog

  • 🎄 You’re Invited! Joplin Amateur Radio Club Annual Christmas Party – December 9th

    🎄 You’re Invited! Joplin Amateur Radio Club Annual Christmas Party – December 9th

    The Joplin Amateur Radio Club (W0IN) warmly invites members, families, friends, and all area hams—including non-club members—to join us for our Annual Christmas Party on December 9, 2025!

    📍 Location: Golden Corral, 2415 S Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64804
    🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
    📌 Seating: We will be gathering in the back, most western section of the restaurant.

    Come enjoy an evening of fellowship, good food, and holiday cheer as we celebrate another great year of amateur radio in the Four States area. This is a wonderful opportunity to relax, meet fellow operators, and share stories from the bands.

    Whether you’re a long-time club member or simply curious about amateur radio, we’d love to have you join us!

    We hope to see you there! 🎅🎄
    — Joplin Amateur Radio Club (W0IN)

  • Kansas City Regional Hambash – April 25th, 2026, from 8AM to 2PM.  

    Announcing the Kansas City Regional Hambash, the region’s largest and most premier Hamfest!
    For 33 years the Kansas City Hambash has been the largest and most well attended Hamfest in the region, continuing that tradition – the Raytown Amateur Radio Club is hosting the Kansas City Regional Hambash on April 25th, 2026 at the Raytown High School (same as last year).
    This years Hambash will be held on
    April 25th, 2026, from 8AM to 2PM.  
    The event will be held at:
    Raytown High School
    6019 Blue Ridge Blvd
    Raytown, MO 64133
    We will have 100+ vendor tables, seminars all day long, VE Testing offered by W5YI, prize raffles and a 50/50 Raffle during the event… we will even have a Food Truck on site to offer food, drinks and dessert!
    Last year we had 500+ attendees and 100+ vendors, and clubs from all over the region. This year we expect even more!
    Vendor/Table Registration is now open, register and reserve your table now at  https://forms.gle/Y4byXHFYG8RzUjzz5
    Anyone can sign up for a table, have some extra gear laying around you want to put up for sale – this is for you!
    Raffle Tickets are available on the Hambash website: 
     
    As always, we greatly appreciate your continued support of Amateur Radio in the Kansas City Region!
    If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to me directly. We are happy to help in anyway that we can!
    The Hambash Flyer is attached here for your perusing!
    Thanks,
    Jeremiah Griffith, KC4CAD

    President
    Raytown Amateur Radio Club, K0GQ
  • 🎄 Christmas Donations Needed 🎄

    🎄 Christmas Donations Needed 🎄

    🎄 Christmas Donations Needed 🎄

    Beginning next Tuesday, Steve Kreeger, KE0AKN, will be at the Salvation Army EDS Garage, located at 724 Kentucky Ave., Joplin, MO 64801
    👉 Salvation Army Location – Map

    He will be receiving donations for the Salvation Army Corps.

    Please consider blessing families in need this Christmas season by donating the items listed below.

    Donation Drop-Off Times:             Tuesday–Thursday            5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

    Requested Donations:

    • New toys

    • Canned goods

    Your generosity will help brighten the holidays for local families. Thank you! 🎁

  • Joplin Amateur Radio Club Elects New Board of Directors for 2026

    Joplin Amateur Radio Club Elects New Board of Directors for 2026

    The Joplin Amateur Radio Club (JARC), W0IN, held its annual election of officers during the regularly scheduled club meeting on November 11, 2025. Members gathered at the First Presbyterian Church, 509 S Pearl Ave, Joplin, MO, to cast their votes and support the continued growth and leadership of the club.

    We are pleased to announce the newly elected 2026 Board of Directors.
    In the photo accompanying this announcement, from left to right, are:

    • Chris Hunt, N0YH — Treasurer (re-elected)

    • John Horan, AE0ZY — Secretary (re-elected)

    • Jim Scott, WB0IYC — President (newly elected; returning as a former club president)

    • Ian Derrickson, KE0QWP — Vice President (newly elected)

    This year’s election reflects both continuity and fresh momentum. Treasurer Chris Hunt and Secretary John Horan continue their dedicated service, bringing stability and experience to the Board. Meanwhile, the club is excited to welcome Jim Scott, WB0IYC, back into leadership—no stranger to the role, Jim previously served as president and brings a wealth of historical knowledge and passion for the club. Ian Derrickson, KE0QWP, steps into the role of Vice President, representing the next generation of leaders within the amateur radio community.

    The club extends its appreciation to all members who participated in the election, as well as to those who have served in leadership roles over the past year. Strong, engaged leadership helps ensure the Joplin Amateur Radio Club continues its mission of promoting amateur radio, supporting emergency communications, and fostering fellowship among area operators.

    Please join us in congratulating the 2025 JARC Board of Directors. We look forward to another productive and exciting year of activities, events, training, and service to the Joplin area.

  • Progress Made at the 147.210 Repeater Tower Site

    Progress Made at the 147.210 Repeater Tower Site

    This past Saturday, November 1st, eleven club members turned out for a very productive workday at the 147.210 Repeater tower site. The large group made quick work of the cleanup and maintenance tasks, and the teamwork and camaraderie were just as strong as the efforts — there was as much laughter as there was grunting and groaning!

    Cleanup and Repairs

    • Vines and brush around the perimeter fencing were nearly all removed. Every vine was cut at the base, though some stalks remain embedded in the chain link.

    • The chain link fence has been repaired.

    • The guy wire bases—both near and far on each of the three tower legs—were clear-cut and cleaned of overgrowth.

    • The tower base area was mowed and cleared, and trash removed from the site.

    Camera Installation Progress

    Half of the cable entry holes for the new security cameras were drilled into the repeater room. The next step will be to mount the cameras and complete the wiring.  Once security is installed the tower climber can begin working for the owner and for the club.  Any fence mending or repair can be done at our leisure while the repeater gets repaired.  We should take advantage of this good weather while we can.

    Next Workday – Saturday, November 8th at 10:00 AM

    We’re nearly there! With another good turnout, we hope to be 100% finished after next Saturday’s work session. We still need volunteers to help wrap up the remaining cleanup and camera installation tasks.

    If you can lend a hand, join us at the 147.210 tower site at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 8th. Bring gloves, tools, and your sense of humor — the teamwork and good company make it all worthwhile.

  • 🚨 URGENT: W0IN Repeater Site Needs ALL-HANDS Club Help – Starting This Saturday! 🚨

    🚨 URGENT: W0IN Repeater Site Needs ALL-HANDS Club Help – Starting This Saturday! 🚨

    The Joplin Amateur Radio Club (W0IN) has a serious issue that affects every one of us. Our 147.210 repeater has been down since early 2025 due to an electrical storm. The site has also fallen into neglect—overgrown grass, vines on the guy wires, and a damaged security fence we’re responsible for maintaining under our agreement with the tower owner.

    Let’s be honest: we haven’t upheld our end of that agreement.

    But thanks to Rex, WA0UPB, we now have a rare opportunity to fix this without costing the club thousands of dollars—IF we step up fast.

    ✅ The Tower Owner’s Offer (This is HUGE!)

    If we clean up the site and repair the fence, the owner has agreed to:

    • Provide a professional climber

    • Supply brand-new hardline

    • Cover ALL costs ($3,000 in savings to the club)

    • Purchase security cameras and lighting (he pays; club members install)

    All he asks? That we restore the fence and clean up the grounds like we originally agreed.

    📍 When & Where

    📅 Saturday, October 25 and Saturday, November 1 (and continuing weekly as needed, weather permitting)
    10:00 AM
    📍 Repeater tower site  (147.210 Tower Location)

    Note: Security equipment is expected to arrive in 3–4 days. We’ll install it as soon as it’s on site.

    🔨 Work Needed

    • Mowing & trimming

    • Removing vines from the chain-link fence, guy wires, and guy anchors

    • Repairing the fence (a ladder may be needed)

    • Installing cameras and lighting when they arrive

    🧰 Bring if you can

    Mower • Weed trimmer • Chainsaw • Ladder • Gloves & eye protection • BUG SPRAY (apply before arrival)
    The club will bring a limb saw.

    ⏳ Why Your Help Matters

    If we show up strong, this goes fast. If just a few show up, it drags on—and it could jeopardize our relationship with the owner and our access to 147.210. This is our repeater, our responsibility, and our chance to fix what we’ve let slip.

    🙏 We Need YOU — Even for a Few Hours

    Not everyone can stay all day, but everyone can do something. More people = less work and less time.


    Huge thanks to Rex, WA0UPB, for securing this plan.
    Questions or to RSVP: Contact Rex, WA0UPB at [email protected].

    Let’s show up, fix this, honor our agreement, and get W0IN 147.210 back on the air. We’re counting on you.

  • Joplin Amateur Radio Club Accepting Nominations for Officer Positions

    Joplin Amateur Radio Club Accepting Nominations for Officer Positions

    The Joplin Amateur Radio Club (JARC) is now accepting nominations for the positions of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary for the upcoming year. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the club.

    Ian Derrickson, KE0QWP, has been appointed as the Election Chairman and will be handling all nominations. You can submit your nominations to Ian either in person or by email. ([email protected]) Please note that all nominations must either come directly from the individual volunteering or be verbally accepted by the nominee if they are being nominated by someone else.

    The election will take place during the club’s next meeting on November 11th at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held at 511 Pearl Ave, Joplin, and you must be present to vote.

    Don’t miss this chance to make a difference in your club by running for office or nominating someone you believe would be a great fit!

    First Presbyterian Church

  • 🚨 Jasper County ARES Needs You! Upcoming Events

    🚨 Jasper County ARES Needs You! Upcoming Events

    📅 September 20 – Hit the Road Jack Run
    Join us as we provide critical communications support for the Joplin Roadrunners event along the Ruby Jack Trail. With race distances of 5K, 10K, 15K, and 30K, this event draws a big crowd—and our presence helps keep everyone safe and connected.

    • Start Time: 8:00 AM
      ➡️ Volunteers needed to assist with coverage along the course.

    📅 October 11 – Maple Leaf Bike Ride
    This is one of the largest cycling events in the area, hosted by the Joplin Trails Coalition! Riders will take on routes of 15, 25, 33, 66, and 100 miles, starting and finishing at Kellogg Lake in Carthage. Jasper County ARES will once again provide the communications backbone for safety and logistics.

    • Start Time: 8:00 AM
      ➡️ Your help is vital in ensuring smooth communications across Jasper County.

    📅 Third Thursday – Downtown Joplin
    Help us wrap up the 2025 Third Thursday season with two remaining events: September 18 and October 16. ARES will assist with traffic control at intersections during closing.

    • Meet Time/Location: 7:30 PM at 4th & Main
      ➡️ A great opportunity to serve the community and get on-the-air!


    👋 Whether you’re new to ARES or a seasoned volunteer, these events are a great way to sharpen your skills, support your community, and showcase the value of amateur radio in public service.

    📡 Interested in helping?
    Contact Thomas, KB0ORZ to volunteer and get involved!

  • 🚗 2025 Route 66 On The Air – JARC Needs Your Help!

    🚗 2025 Route 66 On The Air – JARC Needs Your Help!

    Mark your calendars!
    📅 September 6–14, 2025

    The Joplin Amateur Radio Club will once again be participating in the annual Route 66 On The Air (OTA) special event, operating under the callsign W6N for Joplin, Missouri. This event commemorates the historic U.S. Route 66 and is one of the most popular on-air activities of the year.

    We’re calling on all JARC operators to help us put W6N on the air! Whether you can commit to an hour or several days, your participation is needed and appreciated.

    Expect lots of fun and fantastic pileups as we work stations across the country and around the world. All bands and modes are welcome!

    🔗 Learn more about the event at the official Route 66 OTA website:
    https://w6jbt.org/?cat=11
    (Note: The site may not be updated yet for 2025.)

    📞 Questions? Contact our local event coordinator:
    Jim Johannes, N0ZSQ – 417-437-9547  or  [email protected]

    📤 After the event, please send your ADIF logs to Jim at:
    [email protected]

    Let’s make this another outstanding year for W6N on the airwaves. Join in and be part of the fun!

    73,
    Joplin Amateur Radio Club