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The Tompkins County Amateur Radio Club AF2AA is the present-day incarnation of the original Ithaca Mike and Key Club, started in the 1950's. The name was changed around 1972-73. Monthly meetings happen in the Ithaca, New York in the gorgeous Fingerlakes Region of Central New York State. We enthusiastically invite anyone interested in ham radio to come to a meeting or join in the chatter on our repeaters. Residence in Tompkins County is NOT a requirement for membership, neither is having an amateur license or callsign. If you want to get one we're sure we have a member who can help!
TCARC is an ARRL Special Services club, offering many services to the local community and the worldwide ham radio community as well. Our active and enthusiastic hams run the local VE group, a popular hamfest, volunteer for community service and run regular youth education events. Come have fun with us!
The club sponsors the 146.970- repeater, which hosts several open nets every week including the very well attended Sunday Night Swap Net at 8:00PM local time. This is a public net, all hams are encouraged to check in or at least listen. The Swap Net is the place to list any items you may have for sale (radio or not), request help with a project (can't put up that 250 foot tower by yourself? :) ), or if you have moved into the area and want some help finding your way around. Do check in and introduce yourself, we're happy to have you aboard. A 440 repeater permitting local communications as well as access worldwide through an Internet connection is being constructed.
TCARC provides support for several local events each year such as the Walk-a-Thon, Bike-a-Thon, Red Cross SET (Simulated Emergency Test). Member hams participate and in some cases run communications for some major events in and around the county including the Empire State Games. The club is also very active in the SKYWARN program, ARES, and other emergency services. We organize a really fun Field Day operation each year, and enjoy an annual club picnic. All of our events are open to non-ham family members and other friends, and most events are open to non-member hams and the public. If possible let us know you're coming and join us for some fun.
Again, all are welcome to come and visit with us, no license required. If you're in the area, do stop by and say hello. If you're already a ham, give us a shout on the 146.97(-) repeater and say hi. But, be forewarned, we ARE a friendly bunch.
73! AF2AA