DA-RC welcomes members from all walks of hobby life. While most DA-RC members are 11m or CB radio operators, many are also hams, SWL or radio engineers!
Membership is possible through a personal invitation from DA-RC Headquarters. Expressions of Interest (EOI) in the form of an email or message via the Contact HQ form from suitably qualified persons are also acceptable points of contact regarding a possible invitation to join.
Potential members who share our core values which include Determination, Accomplishment, Resourcefulness and Collaboration, may qualify for an invitation to join DA-RC through achievement in one or more of the following 5 ‘Entry Classifications’ on any band:
1. DX Chaser
- A minimum of 50 DXCC worked and confirmed; or
- A minimum of 50 IOTA worked and confirmed
2. DX Leadership
- Demonstrated high-level performance in leadership/management roles (DX Group, DX organisation, QSL Manager and other) within the 11m, Citizens Band, Ham or SWL community.
3. DXpeditioner
- Demonstrated high level performance and experience in a DXpedition team or as an individual DXpedition station
4. Honorary
- Non-fee paying membership as a supporter of the club, its members and/or its various projects. Honorary members are typically sponsors of the Dx Adventure Radio Club and include retail outlet owners, graphic design and web company managers, DX organisation principals etc. Honorary membership grants and four letter callsigns for use on the citizens band are provided as a mark of respect and gratitude to the supporter/s identified who may use the Delta-Alfa callsign on-air at their own discretion.
5. Short Wave Listener (SWL)
- Non-fee paying membership as a SWL enthusiast but with access to DA-RC’s extensive range of resources which include SWL QSL cards and more.
An EOI regarding membership with DA-RC should indicate the desired Entry Classification, the reasons why membership with the club is desired, as well as the necessary qualifications and/or experience in that particular class. DA-RC Headquarters will then be in contact, usually within 2-5 days, to extend a membership invitation.
Cost of Membership
- On application
11m/CB Membership Package includes:
- 50 x DA-RC DXCC QSL cards (conditions apply), OR, 1 x ham radio log book
- 1 x colour shack certificate
- 1 x wallet membership card
- QSL samples
Ham Membership Package includes:
- 50 x DA-RC Universal QSL cards suitable for all/any band, OR, 1 x ham radio log book
- 1 x colour shack certificate
- 1 x wallet membership card
SWL Membership Package includes:
- 50 x DA-RC SWL QSL cards, OR, 1 x ham radio log book
- 1 x colour shack certificate
- 1 x wallet membership card
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is DA-RC Headquarters?
Answer: DA-RC Headquarters is a collaborative decision making team comprising of 4 members (Darren, Eric, Roger, Muriel) which administers the ‘Dx Adventure Radio Club’.
2. Does DA-RC permit dual CB memberships?
Answer: In some circumstances, yes. Showing membership support for other CB radio groups (ie. groups with different aims and objectives) is encouraged although it is expected that the Delta-Alfa callsign be predominantly used when DXing on CB or 11m and/or using related web forums. Naturally, this requirement excludes membership with other 11m groups such as Alfa Tango, Sugar Delta and/or Delta Xray respectively who normally oppose dual memberships.
3. Does DA-RC support the World Wide Radio Organisation (WWRO) on 11m?
Answer: No. While DA-RC endeavours to cooperate with other like minded groups in order to achieve shared goals, our club does not support this old organisation or its various projects. Instead, DA-RC is an affiliated club of EMU (Eleven Meters United) and DA-RC members are expected to support this organisation and its various projects. See www.emudx.com.
4. Does DA-RC operate for profit?
Answer: No. DA-RC Headquarters is strictly a not-for-profit administration run by volunteer hobbyists. The expense of running a worldwide radio club is profound, however DA-RC functions by passing on ‘cost limits’ only to members and subsidising any shortfalls with internal sponsorship or donations.
5. Does DA-RC support Special Event and/or Commemorative Stations?
Answer: Yes. DA-RC supports Special Event Stations (SES) which celebrate momentous cultural experiences, as well as Commemorative Stations which mark a unique moment in history or acknowledge the outstanding efforts of one or more individuals. Contribution + SAE towards an exchange of QSL card for SES or Commemorative activity is always voluntary, though appreciated.
6. Does DA-RC approve e-QSL?
Answer: Yes. The exchange of e-QSL is often necessary to confirm contacts made during contest events. DA-RC Headquarters can provide members with a small range of high quality e-QSL designs free of charge or members are free to design their own.
7. Why are operators who transmit from ‘rare’ or ‘most wanted’ DX locations on the citizens band sponsored by DA-RC Headquarters by way of free membership and QSL cards?
Answer: DA-RC plays a leadership role in encouraging DX from such locations for the benefit of the radio community in general. We feel that our support systems and resources are the most appropriate for rare stations and are happy to fund these services on behalf of our members.
8. Can a member of DA-RC participate as a team member in another group’s DXpedition team?
Answer: Yes. DA-RC Headquarters acknowledges the right of members to support friends and participate in a DXpedition team lead by another group.
9. Can a non-DA-RC member participate as a team member in a DA-RC DXpedition?
Answer: Yes. In keeping with our Core Values, it is permissible for a non-member to support friends during a DA-RC DXpedition and use the special Delta-Alfa callsign. This may also count towards DA-RC membership for that team member in the future under the ‘DXpedition’ classification.
10. What is DA-RC’s policy regarding issuing ‘0′ unit numbers for callsigns on CB/11m?
Answer: DA-RC recognises the admirable contributions and achievements of members in their respective community (Ham, Citizens Band or SWL). It is DA-RC policy, therefore, to issue a ‘0′ unit number if one has been achieved in one’s previous group, as a mark of respect for the member in question.
11. Does DA-RC allow members to use individual QSL cards?
Answer: Yes. Provided they meet DA-RC standards and contain the correct DA-RC logo, members may print and design their own QSL confirmation cards. DXCC QSL cards designed by our official QSL Design Company ‘ON5UR’ are available through DA-RC Headquarters. DA-RC also recommends this company for individual QSL cards as owner/designer 16DA101 Max not only possesses the correct logos in high resolution but is also aware of the ‘look’ and ‘feel’ our QSL cards require.
12. Can non-members apply for DA-RC Achievement Awards or purchase merchandise from the DA-RC online-shop?
Answer: No. Awards and merchandise are reserved for DA-RC members only.
13. Does DA-RC have any connection with the Dallas Amateur Radio Club (DARC)?
Answer: No. The hyphenated DA-RC acronym represents the Dx Adventure Radio Club and has no affiliation with the abovementioned ham organisation.
14. What was the inspiration for the DA-RC logo and who designed it?
Answer: Strong and corporate looking, the DA-RC logo was designed by an Australian based company named eMedia Worx and represents the Dx Adventure aspect of our worldwide radio club. Predominantly dark blue (sea, sky), the logo also incorporates yellow text (sun, new life) and a light green image (coconut palm, island).
According to the principles of Feng Shui, blue has Yin energy and is calm and soothing. Since it is the colour of the sea and sky, Feng Shui associates it with adventure and exploration which, of course, are relevent themes for the Club. Yellow, on the other hand, has Yang energy and Feng Shui deems this colour as providing the enthusiasm or positive energy required to do something out of the ordinary.
15. How can I make a donation to DA-RC and for what purpose will the monies be used?
Answer: All monetary donations go towards funding various elements of DXpedition work conducted by DA-RC members (QSL cards, accommodation, travel, emissions offset, etc.). A breakdown of costs in spreadsheet form, as well as receipts, is available when requested. Donations can be made via Pay pal.
16. Does DA-RC offer membership fee discounts for couples (eg. husband and wife)?
Answer: Yes. A 25% reduction in the joining fee of the second partner is offered to lessen the burden of membership fees to couples. A 50% discount applies for the partner’s membership fee if the 2 members join at the same time.
