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. The WX4E is a linked pair of repeaters operating on 146.745 MHz (-) and 444.975 MHz (+), both with a PL tone of 136.5.
With the CARS 6-Meter and 2-Meter Nets
The Charlotte Amateur Radio Society’s 6-meter net meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm on 50.200 MHz (USB). Our 2-meter net is held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm on 146.500 MHz (FM) simplex. Often, we will operate alternate modes as training after the net.
Get Together
Come to Club Meetings
Please visit us at one of our monthly club meetings held at the New Life 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 are 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
Mark your Calendars now!
Winter Field Day – January 23rd & 24th 2027
Winter Field Day is an exciting annual event for amateur radio enthusiasts, taking place on the last full weekend of January. It offers a unique opportunity for radio operators to set up field operations in remote locations, enabling them to connect with other participants worldwide. You may choose to participate solo or get your friends, family, or whole club involved. Winter Field Day is organized by the Winter Field Day Association. The association strongly believes that ham radio operators should practice portable emergency communications in winter environments. This is because freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and other hazards pose unique operational concerns.
We welcome the public to come learn more about ham radio!
Location and map: 29075 Riverview Ln, Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Stay Tuned to Groups.io for details!
Learn More About Amateur Radio
New to ham radio, or ready to upgrade your license? Getting licensed is easier than most people expect — there’s no Morse code requirement anymore, and the entry-level Technician license only takes passing a single multiple-choice exam on basic radio rules, safety, and operating practices.
Here’s how to get started:
- Study for free. Visit HAMSTUDY.ORG to work through the current question pool and take practice exams until you’re consistently passing.
- Take your exam online. Most license exams today are offered remotely — HamStudy.org’s exam session finder lets you find and register for an online testing session that fits your schedule, often from home.
- Ask us for help. Come to a meeting or email info@carsfl.org — our members are happy to mentor you through the process, from picking study materials to talking through what to expect on exam day.
Once you’re licensed, CARS is here to get you on the air — whether that’s your first check-in on the Sunshine Net or your first Field Day.
Next Steps…
If you would like to join the Charlotte Amateur Radio Society, simply click on the button to the right. This will allow you to complete an application and make payment online or mail a check to us.
Membership dues are only $ 20.00 per year for an individual and $ 25.00 for a family.