Welcome to the 3900 Club About Page
The 3900 Club began in the 1960's as a Sunday morning net of a dozen ham radio operators in, and around, the Sioux City, Iowa, area.
The club was formally organized in September, 1969. Much growth in membership followed -- and some growing pains. FCC frequency changes,
license restrictions, interference with other nets, and outside QRM all contributed to the net's inability to settle on the desired 3900
frequency permanently. For many years now, 3.8975 has been a stable spot for the Sunday morning gatherings, which began at 8:00 Central time.
Our co-founder, leader, and net control for many years was Dick Pitner, W0FZO. His ability to take charge of any situation was enviable, and his leadership has been missed since his key was silenced in 1996. The net still uses his call as its own.
The 2022-2023 Board of directors | |
|---|---|
 | President: Randy Milliken, Otho, Iowa - WY0E Extra - Member #878 - 11th year of service, Also serves as Net Control Operator |
 | Vice-President: Bill Elsbury, Mason City, IA - K0ARN Extra - Member #1514 - 2nd year of service, |
 | Secretary / Treasurer: Tom Huber, Bellevue, Nebraska - WD0BFO Extra - Member #906 - 12th year of service, NCS/Co-NCS for Trader Net 15 years, Webmaster & VE. |
 | Director: Clay Conard, Stratford, Iowa - W0FS Extra - Member #1170 - 20th year of service, Coordinator for Club CW Net, VE. |
 | Director: Doug Eubanks, Bellevue, Nebraska - KA0O Extra - Member #1451 - 12th year of service, Net Control for Trader Net (Early Edition of 3900 Club), VE. |
Following an extremely successful ARRL convention at the South Sioux City, Nebraska, Marina Inn, in 1974,
the 3900 Club, along with two other local amateur organizations, decided to try a similar event.
the 3900 Club, along with two other local amateur organizations, decided to try a similar event.
The following year it was first publicized as an annual convention. Beginning as a one-day gathering, It grew to two full days of activities. A large swap meet/flea market featured several full-line exhibitors, who brought a good stock of both new & used equipment. Seminars on varied topics of interest, license exams, ladies'
programs, QCWA luncheon meeting, and Friday & Saturday night dinners, all combined to provide something for everyone, from novice to extra-class. Often, the ARRL Midwest & Dakota Division Conventions have been part of the Hamboree activities. Since 2012, Hamboree activities have been scaled back to a one-day, more casual event, due to prevailing interest levels and economic conditions.
The second is in the fall at a time and location determined by the board members, with
a general membership meeting and luncheon following.
Anyone desiring to have a copy of the minutes of those meetings can down load them
from the web site or contact the current Secretary/Treasurer at wd0bfo@gmail.com
A typical Sunday morning schedule is as follows:
(all frequencies are +/- QRM and times are CST)
7:30 to 7:50 at 3.598 - Early CW Slow Speed Net, for those hams who want to achieve or maintain their CW proficiency
-- come meet these net control stations:
2nd & 5th Sundays - Clay, W0FS
3rd Sunday - Bill, K0ARN
1st & 4th Sundays - OPEN
(if you want to help and be a CW NCS let Clay W0FS know)
7:30 to 8:30 On 3.8975 Mhz - The Trader Net with NCS Doug, KA0O or Tom, WD0BFO
Please note if you can't wait until 07:30 to check in you can always drop an email to tradernet@3900club.com
using tradernet email insures both Doug and Tom get note so whoever is calling net will know to mark you down.
8:30 - Activation of club call W0FZO, early roll call & comments - NCS Randy, WY0E
8:45 - The Bulletin, presented by Randy, WY0E
9:00 - Regular business meeting & announcements, presided over by President or Vice-President - followed by regular roll call & comments.
(The Bulletin and Meeting may be reversed depending on church schedules)
Retirement of club call & adjournment of meeting.
Informal round table, dependent upon band conditions & participation may follow the closing of the meeting.
The 4th Sunday of each month is "Vintage Radio Day", when the tubes glow the brightest.
The 5th Sunday, if there is one, is "AM Net Day", and a short section of the net is run on AM to exercise this old-time mode.
All of the above is loosely structured; no need to worry about formality. Everyone is welcome to join us, and though membership in the 3900 Club is not required, but is encouraged.
Thank you for being a part of our Sunday mornings!
NEW CHECK-INS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
- CONSIDERATE ..... never knowingly operating in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
- LOYAL ..... offering loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs and the American Radio Relay League, through which Amateur Radio in the United States is represented nationally and internationally.
- PROGRESSIVE ..... with knowledge abreast of science, a well built and efficient station, and operation beyond reproach.
- FRIENDLY ..... with slow and patient operation when requested, friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance, co-operation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.
- BALANCED ..... Radio is an avocation, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.
- PATRIOTIC ..... with station and skill always ready for service to country and community.