News & Blog

The annual Sussex Hamfest is a longstanding New Jersey amateur radio tradition. Hosted by the Sussex County Amateur Radio Club at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, it brings together radio amateurs from across the region for a day of equipment sales, club activity and conversation. For WEARC members and friends, the hamfest is also a chance to spend time together away from regular meetings and on-air activity. Some attend to look for radios, antennas, parts or test equipment.…

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The West Essex Amateur Radio Club gathered at the Fairfield NJ American Red Cross site for Field Day 2026. We operated SSB (phone) and FT8 (digital mode) on 20M and 40M throughout the weekend.  Antennas were raised and feedline was run a few days prior to the start of Field Day. The HF rigs used were IC 7300’s. Power was commercial, operating in an EOC as 2F.  We had some scouts visit us as well, and we hope we…

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Preparation for ARRL Field Day 2026 have commenced! Antennas are being raised, feedlines routed, and other preparations for this year’s summer field day. Join WEARC and ARC² at the American Red Cross grounds at 209 Fairfield Rd, Fairfield NJ, Saturday June 27th – Sunday June 28th.

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West Essex Amateur Radio Club & ARC² American Red Cross 209 Fairfield RdFairfield, NJ 07004 Join WEARC and ARC² as we showcase our abilities to establish communications for emergencyoperations while making contacts all over the world. Open to the public and all amateur radiooperators. There will be a GOTA Station allowing visitors who do not have a license to “Get on the Air”. For Licenesed Hams: Talk-in 146.595 PL 100.0 +1.000 Questions: E-Mail

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Join Mark Steele, W2MWS, for an introduction to the world of 3D printing and its many applications in amateur radio. Learn about common printing materials, printer types, design and slicing software, and how hams are using 3D printing to create everything from replacement knobs and radio accessories to antenna components and portable operating equipment. Whether you are curious about getting started or looking for new ideas for your shack, this presentation will provide a practical overview of the technology…

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ARC Squared (ARC2) and WEARC radio clubs held a Fox Hunt today, June 14th at the Fairfield Red Cross facility. Jerry WB2GZL gave a short tutorial on how to use your HT in a Fox Hunt. He explained that finding the fox is better with a weaker signal by setting your radio off the frequency (about + or – 5 kHz). Also, if we take the antenna off the radio will help you to get a weaker signal. Once…

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On Saturday, June 6, 2026, amateur radio operators across the region participated in an ARES rapid deployment exercise that included both repeater-based and simplex net operations. The Essex County portion of the activation was centered at Eagle Rock Reservation, providing an excellent elevated operating location for portable and mobile radio testing. Representing the Essex County effort at Eagle Rock were Stan, K2EXX; Maurice, KB2SUL; Mike, KC2NJ; and Rich, KD2WJR. Many additional operators participated from Essex County and beyond, including…

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On Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9 AM to 1 PM ET, members of WEARC, Roseland ARC, NPARC, and other local amateur radio operators returned to Bramhall Terrace in South Mountain Reservation, Maplewood, New Jersey, for another morning of portable operating, technical experimentation, and fellowship. Following the success of the April meetup, many of the same operators gathered again, joined by several new participants. The objective remained straightforward: get outside, get on the air, test portable station setups, and…

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South Mountain Reservation: Activation & Meet Up On Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 AM to 1 PM ET, members of WEARC, Roseland ARC, NPARC, and other local operators gathered at Bramhall Terrace in South Mountain Reservation, Maplewood, New Jersey, for a morning of radio, friendship, and portable HF operating. The goal of the meetup was simple: enjoy time together outdoors while practicing portable field HF operations. Two separate operating positions were set up, each with its own table,…

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