ARRL East Bay Section

Ham Radio Licensing
Education and classes
Ham Radio clubs
...and much more!

It comprises of California’s Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, and Solano Counties

ARRL EB Newsletter - Download Here

Why Ham Radio?

Some of these reasons may be to find a new hobby to operate a radio transmitter, to be experimenting with radio waves, find good friends, to volunteer for emergency services, public service events, etc. You may find some answers in this inspiring article here

Get on the air

To get on the air with a ham radio may be easier than you think. No knowledge of morse code necessary. There are three Ham License categories: Technician, General and Extra. Ham clubs teach courses on this subject. Click here for more info

Local Clubs

There are many local clubs in and around San Francisco East Bay. There is a good chance there is one just near you. For the lists of ham radio clubs and their points of contact click on the Club Corner page here

Important News:

Pacificon 2025

Ham Radio Convention

The annual ARRL Pacific Division Conference is presented by the Organizing Committee & Mount Diablo Amateur Radio Club for the 31st time. This year is our 16th time at the San Ramon Marriott and it is held on Fri, Oct 10th - Sun, Oct 12th, 2025 at San Ramon Marriott, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, CA 94583.

More on Pacificon's web page.

Public Service Events

Many of the local clubs are involved in doing communications support for various public events. They may include long distance bike rides, bike races, running races, walkathons, a half marathon and local city parades in many beatiful scenic areas such as regional and wilderness parks. Click here for more info

License Testing

Most of the local clubs offer license testing. Exam sessions are conducted by volunteers working under the direction of the FCC and a Volunteer Exam Coordinator (VEC). There will likely be a charge for taking the exam. The exam fee is set by the VEC and is usually $15 or less. Click here for more info

Emergency Preparedness

Amateur Radio may be a hobby, but it can also play a crucial role in providing communications during a disaster when other means may not be available. The critical link in any major disaster is the flow of information. Click here for more info