W1CMS — The Claremont MakerSpace Amateur Radio Club
The Claremont MakerSpace has an Amateur Radio club! Before makers, hackers, and DIY, there was Amateur Radio.
Join us for our monthly meetings (usually every third Sunday) at 1 p.m. at the Claremont MakerSpace. You do not have to be a licensed ham to participate, just bring your curiosity and energy! Everyone is welcome!
Stay in touch with W1CMS
What is Amateur Radio?
Amateur Radio (often called ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics, and communication together. People use Amateur Radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It’s fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need.
How is Amateur Radio used?
Amateur Radio is used for a variety of recreational and service-related activities. Amateur Radio operators, also called “hams,” use Amateur Radio equipment to engage in two-way personal communications with other hams, as well as:
- Aid communication during public events, such as parades and road races
- Act as a vital communications link during emergencies and disasters
- Advance their technical skills and build their own radio components (ever wanted to talk to an astronaut in orbit?)
- Participate in competitive events and earn awards in contests
Who can become a ham?
Anyone of any age who is not a representative of a foreign government can be an Amateur Radio operator in the US. Before you can get on the air, you’ll need to be licensed and know the rules to operate legally. In the US there are three license classes — Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. The Claremont MakerSpace has resources and support available to help you learn and prepare to take your exam.
You can learn more about amateur radio here: arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio
Check out these other nearby Ham Radio Clubs
- Connecticut Valley FM Association (CVFMA): https://cvfma.org/
- Twin State Radio Club (TSRC): https://w1fn.org
- Contoocook Valley Radio Club (CVRC): https://k1bke.wordpress.com
Upcoming Ham Radio Events in the Area
- February 15, 2025 – License Examination Session – W1CMS is proud to sponsor TSRC’s testing session. This is an opportunity to get your Technician license or upgrade from Technician to General or from General to Extra. The doors open at 9:30 a.m. for registration, and testing begins at 10:00. In preparation, be sure to read and follow the instructions from ARRL, https://www.arrl.org/what-to-bring-to-an-exam-session. Drop-ins are OK, but it would be helpful to know who is planning to attend. If you or someone you know is interested, contact [email protected].
- CVFMA’s Amateur Radio Swap Fest – Free Admission for all attendees. Charlestown NH Senior Center, 233 Old Springfield Road, Charlestown NH 03603. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. and wrap up by noon.
- March 15, 2025 – License Examination Session – CVFMA offers a testing session at the Charlestown NH Senior Center, 233 Old Springfield Road, Charlestown NH 03603. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. (walk-ins allowed), and testing begins at 9:00 a.m. Contact Bruce Beford at [email protected] or (603) 863-1698 with questions or to register.
- April 19, 2025 – CVFMA Spring Pot Luck & Meeting
- May 2 & 3, 2025 – NEAR-Fest: https://near-fest.com/. Gates open at 8 a.m. on Friday (7 a.m. for advance ticket holders) and 7 a.m. on Saturday. Closing ceremonies at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
- June 14, 2025 – License Examination Session – CVFMA offers a testing session at the Charlestown NH Senior Center, 233 Old Springfield Road, Charlestown NH 03603. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. (walk-ins allowed), and testing begins at 9:00 a.m. Contact Bruce Beford at [email protected] or (603) 863-1698 with questions or to register.
- September 13, 2025 – License Examination Session – CVFMA offers a testing session at the Charlestown NH Senior Center, 233 Old Springfield Road, Charlestown NH 03603. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. (walk-ins allowed), and testing begins at 9:00 a.m. Contact Bruce Beford at [email protected] or (603) 863-1698 with questions or to register.
- December 13, 2025 – License Examination Session – CVFMA offers a testing session at the Charlestown NH Senior Center, 233 Old Springfield Road, Charlestown NH 03603. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. (walk-ins allowed), and testing begins at 9:00 a.m. Contact Bruce Beford at [email protected] or (603) 863-1698 with questions or to register.