GARC Crest
K4JMC

Membership

Be part of a friendly, active ham community in Etowah County.

THE SIGNAL PATH

Membership Application + New HAM Roadmap

This page does two jobs: join K4JMC and follow a clear, proven route from zero → on-air → active member. Move down the path to get licensed, program the local repeater, check into nets, build your station, connect on Discord, get an Elmer, and integrate into the club.

ENTRY TRAINING ON-AIR FIRST CONTACT BUILD NETWORK MENTORSHIP INTEGRATION
ACCESS AUTHORIZATION

Membership — K4JMC

Annual dues: $20 Students (full time k12): $10 Addl family at same address: $10
  • Dues payable January 1 each year.
  • New members pay with application; regular dues start the following January.
  • Members 3+ months in arrears lose privileges until reinstatement.
  • Family at same address: first member $20; additional members $10 each.
ROADMAP — STEP 1

Get Licensed

Start here. Everything else gets easier once you have a callsign and you can get on the air.

ARRL: Getting Licensed • HamStudy
ROADMAP — STEP 3

Check Into a Net

Your first check-in is the fastest way to get comfortable on the mic and meet real operators.

Nightly Nets & Roundtables
ROADMAP — STEP 4

Set Up Your Station

Whether you’re running a handheld, HF base, or digital modes, this is where you build capability.

Digital Modes & Station Basics
ACTIVE RELAY — GARC DISCORD

📣 Announcement 📣

Status: ONLINE Channels: Public / Club

Hey y'all! I am so excited to announce that our Gadsden Amateur Radio Club is now on Discord!! 🙌🏻🎉

Our server is public and has many channels including help with ham radio questions, swap shop, antennas, DX and more! We want this to be fun and educational for everyone!!

You do need a Discord account to join. If you don't have one, it's easy to create using the link below:

If you have a callsign, please include it when you create your account — example: Beth - KS4SSY. Once you join, you'll be prompted to read and acknowledge our rules before proceeding.

GARC members also have access to a private club channel added by an admin after joining.

We're thrilled to launch this and help more people understand and get involved in Ham Radio!

73,
Beth Christopher, KS4SSY

Open Relay (Join Discord)
MENTORSHIP

Get an Elmer

New to the hobby or just upgrading gear? An Elmer is a mentor who can help you get on the air faster—and avoid the common pitfalls.

  • Choosing the right rig and programming it correctly
  • Making your first QSO (local repeater, HF, or digital)
  • Antennas: selection, setup, feedline, grounding, and SWR sanity checks
  • Troubleshooting: noise, RF in the shack, and "why isn't this working?"
Email for an Elmer Or ask on Discord
ROADMAP — FINAL

Attend a meeting & learn about GARC

This is where you go from “new ham” to “known voice.” Show up, get plugged in, and become part of the crew.

Meeting calendar • Learn about GARC