Our club exists for two important reasons:

1. to encourage education, skill development, and engagement in one of one of the world's oldest and furthest-reaching technology hobbies. Amateur Radio is about learning and applying technology theory and skills; building and testing equipment; communications and community support; and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in electronics and physics.

2. to provide a positive environment which encourages social interaction, development of friendships and collegiate activities.

There are so many aspects to the hobby of Amateur Radio, and the Darling Downs Radio Club offers you the opportunity to operate at whatever level suits your temperament, time, and availability.

We encourage experimentation, construction, modern computer influences and software developement, vintage radio restoration, antennas, VHF and UHF operation, construction, crystal sets, valve operation and much, much more. If you can identify an interest area in some form of technology, you will find a kindred spirit in our Club.

You will also find interesting lectures by club members and non club members from time to time, as well as occasional outings to places of interest.

Meetings

Typically our Club meets on the second Monday of each month (except for January). Check the website www.ddrci.org.au for the calendar of events, and listen for on-air (and text) updates via QNews.

Meetings start at 1900 local time (UTC+10). Typcially we will have a club update, a natter and coffee/tea, and a Social or Technical talk

Also look for our bi-monthly informal lunch on second Saturday of even months (Feb/Apr/Jun/Aug/Oct/Dec). No formality, and all welcome. Again, details of timing and location are on the website home page.

Keep your diary open for our Annual General Meeting on the 4th Monday in July.

And look for our occasional contest and outdoor activities including field days, WICEN support, and radio fox-hunts.

Everyone, including visitors, is welcome at any of our meetings or gatherings.

Club Activities & Events

The Darling Downs Radio Club has 2 regular Nets:

Each Sunday morning at 10:00am there is a 2m net using the Club's call sign, VK4WID, held on the Club's repeater, VK4RDD, on a frequency of 146.750Mhz [-600kHz offset, no tone].

Each Saturday evening at 7:30pm there is an 80m net on 3.650MHz [+ or - QRM] under the Club call sign, VK4WID, and is mostly hosted by Theo, VK4ESK. All are welcome to join in, especially new licensees. We have involvement on a regular basis from amateurs who live as far apart as Ingham in the North to Evans Head in the South.