San Bruno Amateur Radio Club

First pardon our dust. After several years, we've decided to do a little remodeling on the website to bring it up to more modern standards. We've asked our new buddy Claude to help out and he's been very helpful. Right now not everything is working right but shortly we expect things to not only be working but working better than ever. So stay tuned as they say and again pardon our dust.

The SBARC is open to all licensed Amateur Radio Operators, and those with an interest in Amateur Radio. Part of our mission is to provide radio communications to the City of San Bruno in a time of need. We operate the radio room at City Hall, and other designated locations. We have monthly meetings, where we discuss Amateur Radio topics and other related items. We participate in training exercises and drills. Occasionally, we have social dinner meetings with other clubs.

Our Weekly Nets

Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Pacific (1930 HRS), the club conducts nets on:

1. K6PVJ 440.550 +5.0 MHz 114.8 Hz
2. 146.595 Simplex

Wednesdays* at 8:30 p.m. Pacific (2030 HRS), the club conducts an HF net on:

1. 40m net on 7.270 MHz lower sideband
2. 146.595 Simplex as a backup communications frequency

The purpose of these nets is to test equipment and locations around San Bruno, as well as to stay in touch with other club members. Visitors are always welcome to check in.

On March 6, 2025, the San Bruno Amateur Radio Club (SBARC) partnered with Scout Troops 72 and 4172 to help Scouts work toward earning their Radio Merit Badge. The session was held at the San Bruno City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and was designed to introduce Scouts to the fundamentals of radio communication while highlighting the real-world role of amateur radio in public service and emergency preparedness.

SBARC members Mandi Heathcote (KO6DRD), Jerry Heathcote (KO6DQR), and Dave Dornlas (KN6KOO) led the presentation and hands-on discussions, sharing both technical knowledge and practical experience with the Scouts.

The session began by answering a foundational question: What is radio? Scouts learned that radio is a form of wireless communication that uses electromagnetic waves to transmit information—such as voice, data, and signals—through the air without the need for physical connections like wires or cables. From there, the discussion expanded into how radio is used every day, from broadcast stations to two-way communications systems. A key topic was the difference between broadcast radio and hobby (amateur) radio, as well as the distinction between one-way broadcasting and two-way communications. Scouts learned how broadcast stations.... Read more

Amateur Radio is a very rewarding hobby, but it's also one of the few hobbies that require a license. Every Ham operating today has passed a license exam that allows them to be granted a license from the Federal Communications Commission (the FCC).

The good news is it's very doable and particularly since the requirement to learn Morse code was dropped in 2007. And it's a hobby for all ages. The youngest known Ham in the United States was a young lady of 5 1/2. That's amazing, but it should be reassuring that all the family can join in this hobby.

Today, there are three license classes: The Technician, General and the Amateur Extra Class. With each class the operator gains more privileges in using the available airwaves. Read more

We've put together a great library of resources to help you find just what you're looking for.