Amateur radio is alive and well inside Alaska. Ham Radio operators
have supported public events and emergency response operations
in Alaska for over 70 years. With three ARRL 50+ year affiliated
radio clubs and more than 3400 amateur radio operators throughout
the state, ham radio has the ability to provide communication coverage
all over the entire state. As you can see from the size comparison
map, that is a lot of coverage. Alaska is twice the size of Texas,
413 times the size of Rhode Island and yet has only one section for
the entire state to support activities and emergency communications.
Each operator has a radio, their own power supply and a general knowledge of emergency communications
needed to provide emergency or priority communications traffic compliant with the Federal Response Plan
National Traffic System. Amateur Radio is a key component in the State of Alaska Emergency Plan. The
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) of Alaska www.aresalaska.org provides auxiliary communications
support for local governments, disaster relief, and search and rescue groups during emergencies, as
well as support for various public service community events. ARES operates throughout Alaska via several
"regions". In Anchorage, ARES meets on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 AM in the Carr-Gottstein
building, Alaska Pacific University campus.
The Anchorage Amateur Radio Club serves Anchorage, Eagle River, Chugiak, Girdwood and Indian. The
club call is KL7AA. Meetings: 7:00 PM, 1st Friday, every month, in the Carr-Gottstein building, Alaska Pacific
University campus. Check out www.kl7aa.net for more information, map of meeting locations and a listing
for local repeaters serving South Central Alaska.
The Elmendorf Amateur Radio Society (EARS) serves primarily military personnel on Elmendorf and Fort
Richardson. It is open to local civilian members as well. Club call sign is KL7AIR. EARS is also an active
MARS participant with the call sign, ALM7BAA. Meetings: 3:00 PM on the second Saturday, every month
(except during the Summer), at the EARS club house, (R-1 North, CAP Wing Headquarters) on Elmendorf
AFB. www.kl7air.us
The South Central Radio Club (SCRC) is also based in Anchorage, but serves the entire state via its associate
membership program. Club call is KL7G. www.kl7g.org
The Matanuska Amateur Radio Association (MARA) KL7JFU serves the Greater Matanuska Susitna Valley,
Palmer-Wasilla-BigLake-Sutton-Willow and Talkeetna area. Meetings: 7:00 PM, on the last Friday of
each month, at the Fire Station 61, in Wasilla. MARA sponsors a Hamfest and flea market every year, usually
in the spring. www.kl7jfu.com
The Arctic Amateur Radio Club Inc. (AARC) KL7KC, is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. KL7KC was the first
Amateur radio club formed in ALASKA in 1939 and incorporated in 1966. Today there are over 250 members.
They meet at 7:30 pm on the first Friday of the month at the International Arctic Research Center,
Room 401, which is located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. www.kl7kc.com Check out the KL7KC
website for a good map of repeater coverages in the interior and when driving to ALASKA.
The Alaska QRP Club – No dues, no rules, everyone welcome. Low power radio is fun! Enjoy “do it yourself” radio and visit with other hams. Meetings at 7:00 PM, (6PM to eat) third Friday each month, at the
Denny’s restaurant, near the corner of DeBarr and Bragaw streets in Anchorage, Alaska.
The Moosehorn ARC serves the Kenai-Soldotna-Sterling area. Club call is AL7LE. Meetings: 7:00 PM, first
Thursday of the month, at the Kenai Peninsula Borough building. Moosehorn sponsors a Hamfest every
year, usually in July.
In Kodiak, the primary mission of KARES is to support the community through the augmentation of communications
for local, regional and governmental entities and community groups during times of emergency and
non-emergency events when normal communications fail. Meetings are Monday nights held at 7:00 PM in
the Bayside Fire Hall, 4606 Rezanof Drive E in Kodiak.
The Juneau ARC (JARC) serves the Juneau - Douglas - Auke Bay areas. Meetings are 7:30 PM, Wednesday's
(except during Summer months), at the offices of KTOO, 360 Egan Drive.
Nenana ARC serves central Alaska in the Nenana area.
The Petersburg ARC serves portions of Southeastern Alaska, along the "inside passage". Petersburg is
located on Mitkof Island.
The Seward Peninsula ARC (SPARC) serves Nome and surrounding communities in Western Alaska. Meetings: 7:00 PM, last Monday of each month, at the Nome Fire Hall. www.sparcalaska.com
Then our newest radio club in Alaska is BARK, AL7YK, the Bethel Amateur Radio Klub. From the hard work
of a few mentors to the good outreach of ham radio, the Bethel hams have been very active in promoting
amateur radio in Western Alaska. For a better understanding of the
unique operating conditions rural communities encounter check out
the Bethel radio clubs website at: www.al7yk.org
