BARA

BARA is an organization dedicated to all aspects of amateur radio, including communications technology, emergency communication, electronics (hobby,   experimentation, robotics, etc.) and community service. BARA dates to at least 1915, by which
time its predecessor the Binghamton Progressive Radio Association had
formed.

BARA meetings are held at Kopernik Observatory and Science Center on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7 PM. Everyone is welcome!

Membership is open to anyone interested in radio and electronics technology.

The Binghamton Amateur Radio Association, Inc. is an ARRL-affiliated club.

Helpful Information: https://qsl.net/n/ne2w//info/

Upcoming Events

June 27, 2026

  • ARRL Field Day - Volunteer Exam (VE) Test Session

    June 27, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
    Kopernik Observatory Science, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY

    This Volunteer Exam (VE) Test Session is an opportunity for amateur radio enthusiasts to take their licensing exams. To participate, individuals must bring their Federal Registration Number (FRN) or a photocopy of their current license, along with a government-issued photo ID. If you don't already have an FRN number, you can create one through the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) website. Walk-ins are accepted.

    If you’re planning to get your Amateur Radio Technician license, keep in mind that the entire question pool changes on July 1. The current pool, which all the existing study guides and practice tests are based on, expires on June 30. After that date, every exam session will use the brand‑new 2026–2030 pool, which includes updated wording, new material, and revised diagrams. If you’ve already been studying or want the most predictable path, it’s much easier to take your exam in June while the current pool is still in use. If you wait until July or later, you’ll need to study the new pool instead, since the old materials will no longer match the test. Either way, it’s a great time to get your license, but the timing affects which set of questions you should prepare for.

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  • ARRL Field Day

    June 27, 2026  2:00 pm - June 28, 2026  2:00 pm
    Kopernik Observatory Science, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal_NY

    Click here for the ARRL Field Day Guide - Field Day is always the fourth full weekend of June, beginning at 1800 UTC Saturday and running through 2059 UTC Sunday.  arrl.org/field-day#rules

    K1PY presents What is Field Day How RDXA Makes it Happen

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June 28, 2026
July 5, 2026

  • Murgas ARC Hamfest near Wilkes-Barre, PA

    July 5, 2026  8:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Polish American Veterans, 2 South Oak Street, Plains, PA

    The annual Murgas ARC Hamfest and Compuerfest is hosted by the Murgas Amateur Radio Club (K3YTL). Admission is $9.00 per person, with children under 16 and XYLs admitted free. Each paid admission includes one free tailgate space per vehicle, with additional tailgate spaces available for $5.00 each. Tailgate setup begins at 6:00 AM, and gates open to the public at 8:00 AM. Talk-In available on the K3YTL repeater at 146.610 MHz (-600), with a PL tone of 82.5 Hz. For more information, please visit: murgasarc.org/hamfest.htm

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July 15, 2026

  • Volunteer Exam (VE) Test Session

    July 15, 2026  6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
    Kopernik Observatory Science, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY

    This Volunteer Exam (VE) Test Session is an opportunity for amateur radio enthusiasts to take their licensing exams. To participate, individuals must bring their Federal Registration Number (FRN) or a photocopy of their current license, along with a government-issued photo ID. If you don't already have an FRN number, you can create one through the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) website. Walk-ins are accepted.

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  • BARA Monthly Club Meeting

    July 15, 2026  7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
    Kopernik Observatory Science, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY

    Everyone is welcome to attend as BARA meetings are open to all. The only prerequisite for attending is an interest in Amateur Radio. In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet other ham radio operators in your area and learn from their experiences as well. Can’t attend in person? Join us virtually via Zoom! Click here to Join the Zoom Meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge, make new friends, and celebrate the world of Ham Radio. We can’t wait to see you there!

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July 18, 2026

  • Breakfast Get Together

    July 18, 2026  9:00 am - 10:30 am
    Blue Dolphin, 7670 NY-434, Apalachin, NY

    Join us on the third Saturday of each month for good food and great company! Whether you're a longtime ham or just curious, it's a relaxed way to connect, swap stories, and enjoy a hearty meal. No agenda—just  coffee, camaraderie. and great conversation.

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