Do I have to be licensed to be a part of GSARA?

No.  All you need is to be interested in amateur radio and you will be invited and encouraged to take part in all club activities.  Of course, to operate in the shack, you will need a license if you are operating without a properly-licensed amateur in the shack with you.

What are the advantages of joining GSARA?

You will be a part of a very active club that is friendly and welcoming.  We have many events throughout the year including HamFests, Ham of the Year celebrations, an open shack for you to operate from, stimulating general meetings which always have an interesting program, professional business meetings, testing sessions for hams wanting to upgrade or get a new license, Field Day, equipment loaning program, Elmering program, and much more.

I am not too technical – will I understand what’s going on?

Yes!  The members of the club have a wide variety of ham radio and technical expertise.  Everyone is most enthusiastic to help you with your next project or explain something to you.  We have many technical experts, to be sure.  But we also have people who operate in the full spectrum on ham radio: digital modes, radio astronomy, Morse Code, single sideband phone, AM, amateur television, public service events, contesting, building their own equipment and using ham radio with computers.  If you have an interest in something, the chances are pretty good someone can help you get started or be a sounding board for your own ideas.

How much is membership?

Membership is $20 ($25/family membership) a year.  If there is financial hardship, the club will help out any way it can.  The money is used to support the many programs at the club including costs associated for Field Day, equipment acquisition, food, Ham of the Year expenses, website maintenance, etc.