Amateur Radio is the hobby of radio communications. It is an enjoyable and educational pastime enjoyed by people of all ages, from all walks of life. Some people are interested in the ability to talk to people all over the world by air, even by satellite. Some people are interested in the competitive aspects of Ham Radio contests, while still other participate in the electronics aspects of the hobby.

It is important to note that Ham Radio is a hobby and nothing more. No one is a professional; no one makes a living at it. In fact, communications laws prohibit licensed operators from accepting any money in return for any of their services associated with amateur radio.

Amateur radio operators enjoy the privilege of being able to make daily use of one of the most effective methods of communications we know. "Hams" have large portions of the radio spectrum open to their use, as opposed to CBers, who are limited to a few specified channels. Hams may use much more powerful transmitters, and they may use television signals.

One of the most important features of Amateur Radio, as far as the general public is concerned, it it's ability to handle emergency communications. In cases of fire, earthquakes, or other natural disasters, hams step right in with portable, powerful and versatile equipment. They can, on a moments notice, provide communications to a block, a city or even an entire region. Amateur emergency communications proved critical for relief efforts during the severe ice storms of January 1998, which left thousands in Central and Northern New York without electricity and telephone service for days. Hams set aside one day each year to practice emergency communications. On that day, known as "Field Day," each ham operates "portable," or without conventional power sources.

The Cornell Amateur Radio Club (CARC), W2CXM, is a group of undergraduates, graduates, and other members of the Cornell and Ithaca community whose common interest is the hobby of amateur radio. Amateur radio activity at Cornell University dates as far back as 1915, under the callsign "8XU." Formed in 1949, the CARC has been licensed under the callsign "W2CXM" since 1951. The CARC is affiliated with the American Radio Relay League and is funded annually by the Student Activities Finance Commission.

Cornell's radio club has a complete station available for use by its members 24 hours a day. Our capabilities include SSB (voice) and CW (Morse code) communication of HF (1.8 - 30 MHz) and FM, SSB, and CW on 2 meters (144 - 148 MHz) as well as equipment for short-wave listening. The club has a 2 meter repeater operating on 146.01/.61 MHz to aid in providing reliable local communications.

QSL card received from a recent club contact with Heard Island, a remote Australian island in the South Indian Ocean

W2CXM has had successful two-way communication with radio amateurs in well over 250 countries around the world including such places as Uganda, Mongolia, Antarctica, Qatar, Nepal, and Ghana. The club participates in amateur radio competitions for sport and emergency preparedness, both national and international, which test the operating skills of the competitors and the performance of equipment.

The CARC also uses its equipment to provide a number of public services. During natural disasters, members have aided in handling messages to and from afflicted areas. The club has also provided "phone patches" allowing national or international communications using only a local phone call for a student and his or her family. Locally, club members can assist in communications during emergencies, walkathons, races, etc., using our 2 meter repeater. All public services of the CARC are voluntary and free of charge.

The club holds meetings twice each month at the station in 401 Barton Hall. Meetings are used not only to plan activities for the club, but also to exchange technical information, participate in club projects and events, and bring hams together to share their experiences. The next meeting date and time may be found in the "Meetings" section of this page. Feel free to stop in on a meeting or e-mail one of our officers for more information.

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