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 6, 2026

  • Antenna Activity Day

    June 6, 2026  10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    Kopernik Observatory Science, 698 Underwood Rd, Vestal, NY

    Plans are in the works for a “Hands on Antenna Day” where all members are encouraged to stop by, lend a hand, or simply enjoy the chance to learn something new. Whether you’re looking to build your first antenna, tune up an existing design, or compare notes with others, this will be a relaxed, collaborative day focused on practical skills and shared experimentation. More details to follow as we get closer, but for now, mark your calendar and plan to join us for a fun and productive club gathering.

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June 13, 2026

  • Cortland Hamfest & Technology Fair

    June 13, 2026  7:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Cortland County Fairgrounds, 4301 Fairgrounds Dr, Cortland, NY

    Hosted by the Skyline Amateur Radio Club. Admission is $6.00 per person, with children under 12 admitted free. The outdoor flea market is free with admission and offers a wide range of equipment, components, and electronics for sale and trade. For those seeking indoor space, there are 25 indoor flea market spaces available for $10.00 per 10-foot length, offered on a first-come, first-served basis; participants should bring their own tables, and electricity is available. Amateur Radio Licensing exams will be available beginning at 9:00 AM, administered by the Liverpool Amateur Repeater Club. Pre-registration is encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome. Talk-in available on the K2IWR repeater at 147.180 MHz (+600) with a PL tone 71.9 Hz. For more information or to register for VE testing, visit skylinehamradioclub.org

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June 17, 2026

  • Volunteer Exam (VE) Test Session

    June 17, 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.

    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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  • BARA Monthly Club Meeting

    June 17, 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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June 18, 2026

  • Doug's Fish Fry Fundraiser

    June 18, 2026  11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Tractor Supply Co., 154 Vestal Pkwy W, Vestal, NY

    Benefit for the Vestal Fire Department Company #2
    https://qsl.net/bara/dougs/
    Call ahead orders before 4:00 pm
    607-753-9184 extension 2

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June 20, 2026

  • Alan Jones Vestal XX

    June 20, 2026  7:30 am - 11:00 am
    Vestal Senior Center, 201 Main St., Vestal, NY

    Ford AB2HS is looking for help with radio communications. You will need to arrive on-site between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM as the run starts promptly at 8:00 AM. If you are interested, please contact Ford AB2HS on the 146.865 repeater.

    The Vestal XX Run, a 20-kilometer road race over the hills in Vestal, NY, was renamed to honor Alan Jones, the former president of the Triple Cities Runners Club and a former race director. This event, now called the Alan Jones Vestal XX, celebrates his contributions to the running community and marks the 54th edition of the race in 2026. It's recognized as the oldest road race in the Southern Tier, with roots back to the 1930s. 

    PLEASE NOTE: Our monthly breakfast at the Blue Dolphin has been cancelled due to the Alan Jones Vestal XX Road Race, which occurs at the same time and involves many of our members supporting communications during the event, making the usual gathering impractical. 

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