Market-to-Market Relay 2018

This year the Market-To-Market Relay will be held on Saturday October 6th.   The organizers know what a great job we do of looking after the runners and are looking forward to working with the area hams again.    The M2M Relay Starts in Omaha at Blue Cross Blue Shield in AkSarBen and finishes in Lincoln at the Haymarket District 78 miles later.   Teams of 7 members run 3 stages per person. Each stage is 3 to 5 miles long. The course follows trails, paved streets and gravel back roads of Nebraska.

Our job is to keep track of when the runners arrive at each stage and when the last runner has departed and relay that information to Net Control.   If minor medical assistance is needed we can summon the medical personnel who be available at every other exchange point. Omaha area hams cover the first half and the Lincoln area hams pick up when the race crosses the river at exchange point 9.   Both Net Controls will be in contact with the event organizers to relay how well the race is going and of any issues that have been relayed via the hams.     Mobiles and handhelds are usuable, depending on your location.

The exchange points get a bit busy with waves of runners coming and going, so it is best if there are at least two hams at each exchange point especially the later exchanges when the runners have spread out. WE also need to arrive before the runners and all the vans and usually we are there before the site setup crew and the exchange volunteers.   Also, two hams allow for a backup if there is equipment failure or if a last minute personal issue means you can't attend.   That means  18 (or more) volunteers. So we need you.

Below is the schedule of the times that hams will be needed. There is no need to arrive before your schedule arrival time.  This time is actually about 15 minutes prior to the arrival of the exchange setup crew and volunteers.  There is no need to be 15 minutes early, as your arrival time is 15 minutes early.  The setup crew and exchange volunteers are scheduled to be there about 15 minutes prior to the runners arriving.   Your departure time is also about 15 to 30 minutes after the last runner should depart your area.   This will let you “beat the traffic” of the tem vans, and be on site if the runners are running a bit ahead of schedule.  Exact times are subject to change.

Please complete the following form if you would like to volunteer! 

Market to Market Relay 2018

If you have questions email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Licensing Class Starts August 16

Have you been thinking about getting your ham radio license?   Do you know someone who has thought about it?   Well wait no longer.  
There will be an entry level (Technician Class)  amateur radio class starting on August 16thThe classes will be held at the  Salvation Army EDS building at 10629 Burt Circle, Omaha, NE.

The classes will be held on six conscecutive Thursdays with August16th being the first class.  The start time for the class will be 6:30 pm and run until 9:00 pm.  There is no cost for the class but you can purchase a copy of the The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual 4th Edition for $25. (this is a $5 discount from the regular price.) The manual is recommended but is not required.  If you purchase a copy on your own please make sure it is the 4th Edition. 

The next license testing session will be held on Tuesday September 25th    More details about the test will be available at the class.

Equipment Library

As a Service to its members, the AARC has available some items that members might need occasionaly.   

Members of the Ak-Sar-Ben Amateur Radio Club, who are in good standing (that means current on your dues!) and possesses an active FCC issued US Amateur Radio License may borrow one of two Icom HTs.  The radios are a basic 2 meter radio which is great for the new user.  It has a NiMH battery and a drop in charger and an alkaline pack making it the perfect if you need to borrow a rig to help with that community service event, or if you are just itching to get on the air as you shop for your new radio.   Completely programmable from the keyboard there is no need for the complication of computer based programming.    

The radios are available for checkout at any club meeting and you can use it to your hearts content for then next  month. Just bring it back to the next month's club meeting.   If you can't make a meeting for either check out or return, you can contact the equipment committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make arrangement for its return.  Someone else might be waiting! 

We also have an MFJ-259B Antenna Analyzer and an MFJ-949C Versa Tuner as well...  Both are available for pick up at a club meeting with advanced notice you want to borrow them.  

At this time there is no other equipment on the loan list.    

Please review the Loan Agreement at the link below.

To review the Equipment Loan Agreement click this link.

Welcome to the World of Amateur Radio

The Ak-Sar-Ben Amateur Radio Club welcomes newly licensed amateur radio operators to the great hobby amateur radio.

We know it can be a bit intimidating figuring out what to do now that you have that new call sign. Joining a club and being active in events is a great way to find those people who are willing and able to help.  

To make is easy for a newly licensed ham, the Ak-Sar-Ben Amateur Radio Club offers:

• A free year's membership in the club so you can put your dues money towards your radio purchases.
• Loaner radios  - we have two Icom 144MHz handitalkies - so you can get on the air while you decide which new radio to buy. Any member may borrow one of these radios for a month at a time

The Ak-Sar-Ben Amateur Radio Club has an active group who like to take ham radio out of the "shack" and into the field. They have plans to operate from:

• Homestead National Monument of America in Beatrice,NE for the 2017 Total Eclipse in August.  
• USS Hazard National Historic Landmark at Freedom Park in Omaha for ham radio event called Museum Ships Weekend in June
• There are tenative plans for operating from other locations so watch the website and Facebook for details

The club also is active in community service, providing communication support to numerous events such as

• Nebraska State High School Track Meet
• Market-to-Market Relay
• The Corporate Cup
• Crop Walk

You can find an application form at this link.  Fill it out and bring it with you to a club meeting!  We meet the 2nd Friday of the Month at the Red Cross near 84th and Spring.   We are looking forward to meeting you!