The Brisbane Amateur Radio Club was formed to promote the hobby of Amateur Radio and Electronics. Our members come from all walks of life but share a common interest.
The Club's official Amateur Station callsign is VK4BA
A proud member of the Wireless Institute of Australia, BARC was formed in August 1977 and has a rich history of achievment, including the very successful BARCfest which is held in May each year. With displays of vintage, QRP, military and other transmitting equipment, BARCfest is the place to buy and sell radio and electronics equipment, and what better place to meet old friends than the famous Cafe de BARC.
Currently BARC is enjoying a strong and growing membership, including Amateurs, Short Wave Listeners and CBers alike. Subscriptions for membership fall due on the last day of August. Current standard membership fee is $20.00. Our application form is available here.
Where do we meet?
The club meets twice per month, on the 2nd Friday of the month and the 4th Friday of the month at the Queensland Maritime museum, located at the southern end of the Goodwill Bridge at Southbank.
The entrance is via Service Gate 2, just off Lower River Terrace. We meet in the Queensland Maritime Museum lunchroom, under the Goodwill Bridge.
When Entering you will notice a small pillar-mounted intercom near the entrance. Press the button, and it will ring a mobile phone. Announce yourself to the person who answers, and they will open the gate for you.
The first meeting for the month is a social meeting starting around 7.30pm. The second meeting is the business meeting startting at 7.30pm, the business usually takes no more than 30 minutes. At either meeting we try to have a talk by a club member or invited guest.
See the meeting dates page for all upcoming meeting dates.
What do we offer?
The club has a technical library and also subscribes to several radio magazines which are available on loan to members. We also have test equipment which is able to be borrowed by members for a short period.
The club also owns its own radio tranceiver etc.
We do not run classes for ham radio due to the limited access we have to the museum The club has an assessor who is able to arrange exams for those wishing to obtain their licence.
Objectives.
The objects for which BARC has been established are generally to promote interest and fraternal goodwill among those interested in the science of electronics and amateur radio, but more particularly: -
- To foster good relations with the general public and bring the hobby of amateur radio to the fore;
- To encourage people to pursue the hobby of electronics;
- To assist interested parties in gaining a certificate of proficiency of their choice by way of theory, regulatory and morse code classes;
- To help and advise members in the correct operation of amateur stations;
- To hold regular club activities, for example, project nights to help get the novice on air, with the emphasis being on items that enhance the operation of a station such as antenna tuners, antennas, filters, amplifiers etc.;
- To conduct experiments in Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony for the advancement of amateur radio;
- To operate the club stations during times of natural disturbance or community need such as the Brisbane Sun Run etc...
- To subscribe to and/or purchase publications to improve the technical and operational standards of members;
- To hold meetings and lectures to pursue the above mentioned objects.
- To produce a newsletter issued to all members so that they can be kept up-to-date with club activities and interesting technical aspects of our hobby;
- But most importantly to have fun.
Nets
There are two nets each week. See Our Nets. You may also want to check out our repeater.
Fees
Current fees are $20.00 per year due by business meeting in August. Membership renewals after this date incurs a $5.00 charge making fee $25.00
How to contact us
See Contacting Us.
We may also be contacted via our mailing list which all are welcome to join.