How to Join the San Angelo Amateur Radio Club (W5QX)

Updated

The San Angelo Amateur Radio Club (W5QX) welcomes new members, and the simplest path to joining is to start at the "Become a Member" link on w5qx.org, then follow up by emailing [email protected] with any questions. The club has been active since 1922 and serves the Concho Valley area around San Angelo, Texas. Before committing, you can attend a monthly meeting free of charge—meetings are open to the public—to see whether the club fits your interests.

What the Club Offers Members

W5QX is more than a social group. Based on the club's website, members take part in:

  • Hands-on technical work — club photos show members performing tower work, installing equipment at the Clubhouse tower, and raising a UHF antenna for mounting in Runnels County.
  • Public outreach — members have presented and demonstrated amateur radio to the Society of Physics Students at Angelo State University (ASU).
  • Licensing support — the site includes a "Get Licensed!" page and announcements about license testing sessions and ARRL Volunteer Examiner opportunities.
  • Regular nets and repeaters — the site maintains a "Repeaters & Nets" page for on-air activity.
  • A license-free mesh network — recent announcements mention a Meshcore mesh network update.

Step-by-Step: How to Join

  1. Visit w5qx.org and use the "Become a Member" link in the Page Links section.
  2. Attend a meeting first (optional but recommended). Regular meetings are held at 7 PM Central on the second Thursday of each month (except December) at the SAARC Clubhouse, 5513 Stewart Ln, San Angelo, TX 76904, near Mathis Field/San Angelo Regional Airport. Meetings last about an hour: brief club business followed by a program or hands-on activity.
  3. Email [email protected] with questions about membership or to express interest. The club states it will be happy to assist.
  4. Check the Club Activities Calendar on the site to see upcoming events and find a good time to get involved.

What to Expect at a Meeting

Meetings follow a predictable format: essential club business is covered briefly, then a program or hands-on activity fills the rest of the hour. Because meetings are always open to the public, you can attend as a guest before deciding to join. This is a low-pressure way to meet members and learn what the club actually does week to week.

Practical Notes

  • Location: SAARC Clubhouse, 5513 Stewart Ln, San Angelo, TX 76904.
  • Schedule: 7 PM Central, second Thursday monthly, except December.
  • Contact: [email protected].
  • Related resources on the site: Get Licensed!, Club News, Meeting Information, Club Activities Calendar, Repeaters & Nets, Email Reflector, Club History, Clubhouse, and Constitution and Bylaws.

The website does not publish membership dues or a formal application process, so emailing the club is the reliable way to confirm current requirements. If you are also interested in getting licensed, the club's "Get Licensed!" page and its announced test sessions are the natural next step after you make contact.