Get on the Air
With the Sunshine Net
Join us every morning at 8:30 am for the Sunshine Net. This very popular net receives check-ins from across southwest and west-central Florida and is one of the oldest nets still operating in Florida.
You can find us on the WX4E repeater system, which is located in Punta Gorda, Florida, and is hosted by the Charlotte Amateur Radio Society. This linked pair of repeaters operate on 146.745 (-) and 444.975 (+), both with a PL tone of 136.50.
With the CARS 6-Meter Net
The Charlotte Amateur Radio Society’s 6-meter net meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm on 50.200 USB. Often, we will operate alternate modes as training after the net. We work with digital modes like JS8Call, FLDigi, or Winlink.
Get Together
Come to Club Meetings
Please visit us at one of our monthly club meetings held at the First United Methodist Church, Lenox Hall Meeting Room, 507 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM.
Currently, we also simulcasting our meetings on ZOOM. Please see our groups.io page for the invitation to join our monthly club meetings.
Join CARS-FL@groups.io
You can also join us on our groups.io page by visiting CARS-FL@groups.io. This is a great resource and a place to ask questions and exchange ideas.
Get Active
The Charlotte Amateur Radio Society always has an activity to help you get involved in amateur radio.
Saturday, October 2nd
What’s on Your Handheld Radio?
Ever wonder how well your rubber duck antenna works? Are there better options? Join the Charlotte Amateur Radio Society for an exercise that tests YOUR handheld radio antenna. Bring your HT to the event. We will analyze your antenna, place the antenna on a fixed transmitter and measure the transmitting results. We encourage everyone to bring both their stock antennas and their aftermarket antennas so we can experiment with different setups.
When: Saturday, October 2nd from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: Look for the sign. There are two entrances to Hathaway Park. We will be located at the Pavillion.
Hathaway Park, 35301 Washington Loop Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33982
We invite you to come out and help us with the test.
Learn More About Amateur Radio
Are you interested in learning more about amateur radio and its technology? The Charlotte Amateur Radio Society (CARS) host club projects to help you get hands-on experience. CARS holds operating events to help you get on the air and experience the different operating modes and procedures. Maybe you are interested in getting your FCC operating license? We can help with this too! There are hams in our area that host training classes and they also hold exams on a monthly basis.
Membership dues are only $ 20.00 per year for an individual and $ 25.00 for a family.
Next Steps…
If you would like to join the Charlotte Amateur Radio Society, simply complete the membership form by clicking the button to the right.