Newcommers

Once you have passed your Technician Amateur Radio License (we offer Volunteer Examiner Testing through the year), now what?

Get On Air

Radios: If you’re looking to purchase a radio, QRZ.com and GigaParts.com offer an Explorer QRZ-1 VHF/UHF handheld transceiver (with accessories) for $17.99 (plus tax and shipping) to amateur radio operators who obtained their first license from the FCC within the last 6 months.
Finding “Good” Radio Frequencies: See our Repeaters page for great resources.
Check in to our Radio Nets: On Sunday mornings (10-11 am) we have a radio net for club members to check in, but all operators are welcome to also participate. On Tuesday, feel free to check in to one of the Marin County RACES/ACS Nets (5p, 7p, 7:15p, and 7:30p)

2m Critical Mass: Both our club (MARS) and the SF Radio Club have monthly gatherings that are welcoming to everyone. The MARS North Bay 2m Critical Mass generally meets on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the Marin Civic Center (San Rafael) from 10a-Noon. The SF Radio Club’s Critical Mass generally meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month at Spreckles Lake (San Francisco) also from 10a-Noon (great for message passing practice)
Volunteer for Public Service Events: Throughout the year , we volunteer to provide communications for special events like marathons, bike races, parades and other public service events.
Attend a meeting: We have monthly club meetings generally on the first Friday of each month at our clubhouse (27 Shell Road, Mill Valley) 7p-9p. You can also attend meetings by Zoom, but if you want to meet people, we recommend going to the clubhouse.