Objectives for the event:

Activate US-0912 for the benefit of Parks on the Air hunters
Get club members, new hams, and visitors on the air.
Introduce visitors to the amateur radio and to SAARS
Promote St Augustine and the area to hams across the country and around the world

The plan is to operate on HF (likely 10 meters, 15 meters, and/or 20 meters) using a club rig and a Buddipole antenna. We will have one tent and one table for the operating position, a couple of chairs, as well as club pamphlets and a sign-in sheet for visitors. We suggest that you bring a chair if you plan to stay for a while.

Since this is a historic monument we need to be very careful not to disturb the structure or grounds in any way, nor can we attach anything to the structure itself.

Schedule

Load-in: approximately 7:30 am to 8 am
Setup: 8 am to 9 am
Operations: 9 am to 12 noon. We will rotate operators, with priority given to new hams and non-hams who wish to give it a try.
Load-out: 12 noon to 1 pm

Wear your club t-shirt or show your club badge to enter the fort at no charge.

Parking: Since we will be in downtown St Augustine you need to have a parking plan. Information on discounted parking for St Johns County residents is available at: https://www.citystaug.com/Faq.aspx?TID=47. General information on parking in St Augustine is available at: https://www.citystaug.com/498/Parking

We hope to see you this coming Saturday!

The St Augustine Amateur Radio Society will meet Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 6:30 pm. The meeting local will be at the Fraternal Order of Police, St. Johns County Lodge #113
5050 Inman Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084. (MAP).

The gate will be opened at approximately 6 pm.

Meeting Program: Low power communications and DXCC, also, an update of WSPR radio progress

Presenter: John Smith, K3GO

In addition to our in-person meeting at the FOP Lodge, we will be simulcasting the meeting via a Google Meet web meeting to accommodate those unable to travel to the meeting site. Please see Bob’s email.

Please join us for our upcoming Elmer Night, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 7 pm to 8 pm (or so).

No specific theme general session.

Please see Bob’s email.

The St Augustine Amateur Radio Society will meet Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026, 6:30 pm. The meeting local will be at the Fraternal Order of Police, St. Johns County Lodge #113
5050 Inman Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084. (MAP).

The gate will be opened at approximately 6 pm.

Meeting Program:St Johns County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)

Speakers:
Andrew Reed, KM4BKB, Emergency Coordinator, ARES, St Johns County, FL
Gavin Butler, FPEM, Coordinator, St. Johns County Emergency Management

n addition to our in-person meeting at the FOP Lodge, we will be simulcasting the meeting via a Google Meet web meeting to accommodate those unable to travel to the meeting site. Please see Bob’s email.

Please join us for our upcoming Elmer Night.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – 7 pm to 8 pm (or so)

Theme: An overview and demo of logging programs, including preparation for Winter Field Day logging.

See Bob’s email for login instructions.

The St Augustine Amateur Radio Society is planning its first operating event of 2026, Winter Field Day, at  Armstrong Park (map), 4950 Harvey Ave, Elkton, FL 32033

Saturday, January 24, 2026 – main operating day for SAARS. Set up starting at about 9 am. Formal Winter Field Day operations commence at 11 am. Tear down will be late afternoon.

Sunday, January 25, 2026 – informal operating day for those who wish to return to the park (or elsewhere) and set up a station. The formal event ends at 4:59 pm on Sunday. Since Sunday is an informal day for the club, the schedule will be determined by those who chose to attend that day.

Note: unless otherwise noted, all times shown are EST.

This park has a pavilion, restrooms, trees, and a field where we should be able to set up antennas. Also, the park is at a trailhead for the Palatka-St Augustine State Trail, so we may even be able to do a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation for US-3644.

Mostly it will be the HF bands so bring your own rigs,
antennas to share. We will operate the club radios and antennas so there will
be variety of equipment. Maybe someone can bring Satellite setup?

Food and Drink: There are no concession stands at the park, and not much else in the general vicinity. We recommend that you bring food and drinks for the day.

The St Augustine Amateur Radio Society will meet Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 6:30 pm. The meeting local will be at the Fraternal Order of Police, St. Johns County Lodge #113
5050 Inman Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084. (MAP).

The gate will be opened at approximately 6 pm.

Program: The VP2MMA DXpedition by Juan Lopez, AC6ZM

In addition to our in-person meeting at the FOP Lodge, we will be simulcasting the meeting via a Google Meet web meeting to accommodate those unable to travel to the meeting site. Please see Bob’s email.

The Elmer Night session originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, 2025 is postponed until the third Tuesday night of next month, which is January 20, 2026.

Stay tuned to your email, the website, and the Wednesday night phone net for meeting details.

Christmas Party Time

It’s been another GREAT Year for SAARS. Let’s finish it off with a bang! Come join us one and all for our annual Christmas Party

Tuesday – December 2nd – Brisky’s BBQ Resturant
State Road 16 @ Hwy. US-1
3009 North Ponce de Leon Blvd.
St Augustine, FL 32084 (map)

Menu: Buffet style — Beef brisket, pulled pork and turkey along with sides, tea, and a dessert. Alcoholic beverages are available separately at your own expense.
Cost: $20 per person (member or guest)

Note that parking at Brisky’s is limited, so it’s best to arrive early or carpool.

We request that you RSVP by November 30, 2025) with a reply to Bob’s email so that we can give the restaurant a close estimate of attendance. Please include the name of your guest (if any) with your reply.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in December!