Welcome!

See below for the latest blog posts and news about our activites and events. You can also follow the links above for more information about specific aspects of the club. If you’re brand-new at all this, here’s an introduction to what the Hampden County Radio Association is all about.

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Latest Blog Posts


  • Ham Radio Classes For Tech General and Extra

    Are you or do you know someone that wants to get into Amateur Radio? Do you currently hold a Technician or General license and want to upgrade? This is the perfect chance to get your license or upgrade your current license. No reservations are required. Details are below, but if you have questions, please fill out…


  • T minus 22.5 hours and counting…

    Until what you say? Why this weekend’s 10 meter contest – that’s what! Will you represent HCRA in this contest, score 100K points and win a $10 DD gift card for your efforts? Or will you do something boring like go shopping? The choice is in your hands but only YOU can make the choice.…


  • From the Shack – December 2012

    Holiday Party – December 10th If you’re planning on going – and you haven’t bought your ticket yet – you’re almost out of time. Don’t miss out on a chance to spend a fun evening with your ham friends from both MTARA and HCRA this holiday season. It isn’t possible for us to sell tickets…


  • DX Bulletin 48

    From ARRL Headquarters Newington CT  November 21, 2012 To all radio amateurs SB DX ARL ARLD048 ARLD048 DX news This week’s bulletin was made possible with information provided by CX3AL, N4QX, NC1L, VU2DSI, The Weekly DX, QRZ DX, the OPDX Bulletin, 425 DX News, The Daily DX, DXNL, Contest Corral from QST and the ARRL…


  • HCRA 10M Contest Challenge!

    Yep, it’s back again this year – the HCRA Challenge. Last year we offered a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card to any member scoring over 77,000 points. Many members blew past the 77K goal and scored well over 100K! So, what’s the goal for 2012 you ask? Using the same formula as last year (total club…


  • ARRL 10 Meter Contest Tutorial

    Adapted from Jim – KK1W’s tutorial from the original HCRA website The ARRL Ten Meter Contest starts the Friday of the second full weekend of December at 0000 UTC (7:00PM local time) and runs through 2359 UTC (6:59PM) Sunday. If you have a chance to get on I hope you make a few contacts. The…


  • November Member Profile: Nick – K1MAZ

    Name: Nick Maslon Town: Three Rivers Callsign: K1MAZ Previous Callsigns: KB1VYZ (never used on the air) License Class: Extra Main station equipment: Kenwood TS-450 (borrowed from NE1C) with a G5RV and 160m inverted L Favorite Band(s): 17m, 15m Favorite Mode(s): SSB Year you were first licensed and license class: 2011 General How did you become…


  • Fred Hopengarten, K1VR to speak on antenna zoning at FCARC meeting Monday night

    Posted on November 18, 2012 by N1FJ   Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur Is there a tower and antenna in your future? Applying for a Permit? On November 19 the Franklin County Amateur Radio Club (FCARC) speaker will be Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, telecommunications lawyer. Fred is author of the definitive book,Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur. Fred has represented…


  • Holiday Party December 10, 2012

    There will be no HCRA meeting Friday, December 7, 2012. Our annual Holiday Party will be at the Steaming Tender in Palmer on Monday, December 10, 2012. See below:


  • More links from the November 2nd meeting

    Here are the sources for antenna supports I use for portable operation. Usable height is usually less than claimed height. We have found that anything over 20 feet or so works well on a summit activation. 28′ carbon fiber pole, about $100 including shipping, strong and light and compact:  http://www.allfishingbuy.com/Fishing-Pole/Pole-A1-65-2-8615.htm 31′ Jackite fiberglass pole, $68.95…