Activities & Events
Stay Active. Stay Connected. Stay On the Air.
There’s always something happening with GEARS! Whether you’re a lifelong operator or brand new to ham radio, our meetings, nets, and events are open to everyone. Join us for learning, fellowship, and fun — both on and off the air.
Monthly Club Meeting
When: 3rd Monday of each month, 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM) Where: Chico Public Library — 1108 Sherman Ave, Chico
Join us for updates, presentations, project sharing, and good conversation. Meetings are casual and open to all — visitors and newcomers are always welcome!
Come early, grab a seat, and meet fellow hams from around Butte County.
Monthly Breakfast
When: 2nd Saturday of each month at 8:30 AM Where: Farmer’s Skillet — 690 Rio Lindo Ave, Chico An informal get-together for local operators to chat, share stories, and enjoy a hearty breakfast. No agenda — just good food and good company!
Weekly Nets
GEARS hosts regular nets to keep our members connected on the air. Everyone is encouraged to check in — whether you’re mobile, base, or handheld.
Tuesday Evening VHF/UHF Net
Time: 7:30 PM Frequency: 146.850 MHz (+ offset, PL 110.9)
A great way to stay in touch with the GEARS community, test your equipment, and share updates.
CW Slow Speed Net
Time: Thursdays, 7:00 PM Frequency: 7.052 MHz
Perfect for anyone learning Morse code or brushing up their CW skills. Slow, friendly, and open to all speeds.
CW Practice Nights
When: Wednesdays, 6:00–7:00 PM Where: Golden Beaver Distillery — Park Ave Still House, 2420 Park Ave, Chico
A relaxed in-person learning and practice sessions to learn or improve your Morse code proficiency. Bring your key or borrow one of ours along with your curiosity, and enjoy an hour of dits, dahs, and camaraderie.
Monthly POTA / SOTA Activations
When: Last Saturday of the month Where: See our calendar for location and time
Want to experience why Parks on the Air and Summits on the Air are two of amateur radio's fastest growing acitivies? Then join us at a regional designated park or summit to have an afternoon of HF fun - SSB/CW/Digital. Bring your equipment or use ours.
Field Day
When: 2026 Field Day will be held June 27 - 28, 2026 Where: See our calendar for location and time
"Field Day is ham radio's open house. Every June, more than 31,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in ham radio." - ARRL
Builder Activities
When: See our calendar for location and time Where: See our calendar for location and time
Want to take your amateur radio activities beyond being an appliance operator and learn to build your next antenna, piece of test equipment or your next QRP antenna with us. Don't know how to solder? We will help you learn. (Add Form Link)
Get On The Air Elmer Requests
Don't know how you to setup your radio, power supply, or antenna? Suffer from mic fright? We're here to help. Send us an Elmer Request and we will gett you on the air. (Add Form)
Join the Fun
Get involved, make contacts, and become part of a tradition that connects Chico and beyond. Check the Events Calendar for upcoming meetings and activities, or email us anytime to learn more. (Add Email Form Link)