Welcome to the OVARC Website!

The Ojai Valley Amateur Radio Club (OVARC) is a community of amateur radio enthusiasts in the Ojai Valley. We manage local ham repeaters on Black Mountain and volunteer for local events across Ojai.

Check Out Some of our Recent Stories

  • My Ham Setup – WA6CQE –            A Timeline with Radios

    My Ham Setup – WA6CQE – A Timeline with Radios

    This is a photo of a 10MHz helix taken on the caprock east of Roswell New Mexico in 1968. The center pole is 80 ft high and the helix is 30 feet in diameter. The two supports on the back of the antenna ride on railroad tracks and the antenna rotates around the center pole….

  • My Ham Setup – KM6SQN – A mobile “Go-Box System”

    My Ham Setup – KM6SQN – A mobile “Go-Box System”

    While many amateur radio operators set up their stations in their house, I decided to take a more portable approach. My mobile “GoBox” system is built to be compact, rugged, and efficient, allowing me to operate from anywhere—whether it’s for emergency communications, field days, or casual outdoor ops. However, my current setup is too bulky…

  • OVARC Share Your Ham Shack!

    OVARC Share Your Ham Shack!

    Calling all OVARC members! We want to see your ham radio setup! Whether you have a fully equipped home shack or a mobile GoBox, we encourage you to write a blog post on the OVARC page sharing your unique setup. 📝 How to Participate: These posts help inspire prospective members by showcasing the many ways…

  • OVARC Check-in

    Keep in mind that we have our weekly check-in in today on our local repeater, N6FL. see you on the airwaves!

  • OVARC Meeting Feb 15th

    Join us at the Arc of Ventura on February 15th at 8:00 AM for a morning of great conversation, fresh doughnuts, hot coffee, and all things ham radio! Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just curious about the hobby, everyone is welcome to stop by, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy some good company. We…

  • Ventura Marathon Feb 23, 2025

    Support the Ventura Marathon! A Boston Qualifier, runners start early in Ojai and head along a gentle downhill to Ventura. Hams provide crucial support in providing SAG wagon support, keeping Aid Stations supplied, and responding to any incidents. In addition to the start, there are several Aid Stations in/around Ojai that could use your help!…

  • OVARC Meeting Jan 18th – GMRS and Our Digital Footprint

    OVARC Meeting Jan 18th – GMRS and Our Digital Footprint

    In this month’s meeting of the Ojai Valley Amateur Radio Club (OVARC), we explored the potential for GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) capabilities in our valley. This included a detailed discussion about the ongoing installation of our GMRS repeater and the advantages it will bring to local communication efforts. We also provided guidance on selecting…

  • OVARC Check In & Meeting This Saturday

    Hello Ham Radio Enthusiasts! Keep in mind that we have our weekly check-in in about 1 hour from now on our local repeater, N6FL. Also, we have our meeting this Saturday, 18th of January the the Arc of Ventura. See you on the air!

  • Tuesday Check in

    Hey everyone, just a quick reminder to check in to the ACS/ARES at 7:00 PM tonight! Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, it’s always great to have more voices on the air. The net will take place on the Area 5 repeater. See you on the Airwaves!

  • OVARC LinkedIn Page

    OVARC LinkedIn Page

    I’m excited to launch the Ojai Valley Amateur Radio Club LinkedIn page! This is designed to encourage discussions, and showcase both individual and club-related projects—all online. I encourage you to join the page, participate in discussions, and share updates about your personal projects, experiences, and contributions to the club. Whether it’s an exciting new build,…