Officers of the Cleveland Amateur Radio Club are shown in front of their clubhouse / communications center on Johnson Boulevard. From left are President Jim Blackburn, Vice President Derek Wooley, Secretary Chris Hunter, Treasurer John Miller and Corresponding Secretary Bob Gault.
Jim Blackburn hopes 2015 will be the year the Cleveland Amateur Radio Club moves forward with an addition to their clubhouse / communications center on Johnson Boulevard.
Blackburn is serving as president of one of Tennessee’s most active amateur radio clubs. He was elected to a second term in office at the club’s November election.
His message for 2015 is two-fold. The CARC is more than a hobby radio club but is an organization that is active in providing community services throughout the year. Secondly, the clubhouse/communications center is a busy place that needs expansion.
“For several years plans have been ‘on the drawing board’ for a much needed addition to our building for current needs. Our membership has started several new educational and informative programs that have shown the need to expand our existing space,” Blackburn explained.
The club in 2014 took a more active position seeking funding sources with resources that could help fulfill the club’s needs both large and small.
Blackburn said discussion about the proposed expansion started several years ago while Glen Clayton served the organization’s president. “We would like to move toward construction in 2015.”
Blackburn explained with new activities there is a need for more space in a building that has served since 1982 as the center for amateur radio functions.
After going through a slump the Federal Communications Commission recently reported the number of new amateur radio licenses being processed has risen over the last year.
“One of the things we do for the community is provide tutoring for anyone interested in getting an amateur radio license or working to upgrade once they have their Technician license,” Blackburn said.
People lacking knowledge of electronics and communications are assisted by volunteer club members in understanding material that appears on the examination. Federal laws governing the amateur radio service do not allow anyone to charge for services.
Blackburn said tutoring sessions are held on Saturday mornings led by club members Dr. Ron Akers and Larry Bond.
The Technician license is the entry level point for amateur radio. It consists of a written examination of 35 multiple choice questions. Successful completion of the Technician license opens up the door to upgrade to the General Class license and finally the Amateur Extra license with each adding new operating privileges. The Amateur Extra has full operating privileges on all amateur radio frequency bands. The tests are progressively more difficult with each step.
Study guides are available through the CARC or can be purchased on the Internet from several sources such as the American Radio Relay League.
He said the club also has a team that administers examinations for the three classes of licenses on the second Saturday of January through November.
The increase in new licenses that is being reported by the government has been noted in local examinations. One factor in the trend has been the introduction of digital communication modes by several radio equipment manufacturers.
Blackburn points out through the tutoring and testing programs they have been able to grow the club’s membership base.
Some of the club’s many activities include:
- Presentation of informative programs on an aspect of amateur radio or communications during one of the clubs two monthly meetings.
- A basic electronics class was held on Saturday mornings in 2014.
- A Morse code class organized in 2014 to retain interest in one of the oldest forms of communication. They now meet on Monday nights at the CARC clubhouse.
- Members can participate in emergency communications. The clubhouse has emergency power to facilitate communications when commercially produced electricity is disrupted by weather conditions. Blackburn said participation in annual drills for TVA’s nuclear power facilities is encouraged with the clubhouse / communications center acting as a hub for amateur radio communications. Drills are conducted in conjunction with the Cleveland – Bradley County Emergency Management Agency.
During threatening weather conditions most participate in the National Weather Service’s SkyWarn program for weather spotters. Their observations are relayed via amateur radio to the Morristown forecast office of the N-W-S.
- Each June the club participates in the national Field Day communications exercise which is designed to simulate conditions radio operators would encounter in the aftermath of a major disaster. Club members also participate throughout the year in several radio contests that helps improve skills for operating in an emergency.
- The club provides communications for walk-a-thons, bike-a-thons and other fundraising activities of non-profit organizations to ensure participants experience no medical conditions during the event where they would require emergency medical service.
Blackburn said the proposed expansion would give the organization sufficient space to continue these and other programs and the ability to expand some in the future.
“Our space needs led the Morse code class to move their practice sessions to another night of the week because we had too many activities happening simultaneously on Saturday mornings,” he said.
“It is my hope, and our membership, to acquire funding for our construction program and hopefully have the project well under way or completed by years end.”
In 2014 the club’s roster consisted of over 80 local and regional amateurs that have evolved into one of the most active clubs in the state. Blackburn said “We are fortunate to have such a dedicated membership willing to give of their time to assist with community endeavors.”
The club recently completed the installation of a 100-foot tower to help improve communications on several frequency bands.
Other officers of the CARC are Vice President Derek Wooley, Treasurer Johnny Miller, Recording Secretary Chris Hunter, and Corresponding Secretary Bob Gault.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the club’s building fund, seeking more information about amateur radio, needing help getting an amateur radio license, or more information about the Cleveland Amateur Radio Club, can visit their website at www.carc.cc, emailing to info@carc.cc, or leaving a message on the clubhouse phone by calling 479-4660.
The CARC is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) under IRS guidelines. Donations are tax deductible.
