Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS)
Who We Are
The Sci-Tech Amateur Radio Society (STARS) is made up of amateur radio operators from around greater Boston, the metro-west suburbs, and New England, including students, parents, teachers, and supportive individuals of all ages. There are Active Members who are FCC-licensed HAMs, Provisional Members who are working on their beginner licenses, and Supporting Members who lend help or expertise where needed. STARS is supported by New England Amateur Radio Inc (NEAR), a non-profit educational group based at New England Sci-Tech (NE SciTech) in Natick, MA.
Where We Meet
STARS is based along with NEAR at a high-tech STEM education center called New England Sci-Tech (NE SciTech), located at 16 Tech Circle, Natick, MA. The NEAR/STARS radio room is set up with HF, VHF, and UHF rigs as well as electronics test equipment such as oscilloscopes, antenna analyzer, and spectrum analyzer. NESciTech has a conference room with a kitchenette for meetings and classes, a space science lab for astronomy and CubeSat projects, a multi-purpose classroom, a wood/metal shop with machines for project fabrication, 3D printers, and LASER cutter. NESciTech also has a 5-meter dome inflatable planetarium for astronomy shows on-site or travel to off-site locations. NEAR owns a custom converted news van with 35-foot antenna mast, useful for Field Day and ham conventions. STARS hosts a Metrowest UHF repeater on 446.125 MHz (- offset) PL 146.2Hz with NETS on Tuesdays eat 6:30 pm.
How To Join (two ways)
1. Just join any New England Sci-Tech membership, then select Amateur Radio on the mail list signups and you become an active member, or
2. Sign up just for STARS on the NE SciTech Membership page.
Active Membership privileges include use of the amateur radio portion of NE SciTech, attendance at all STARS meetings on Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00 pm, e-mailed newsletters and invitations to club events and activities, and ability to vote and run for STARS offices act the annual meeting. Although there are no age restrictions, it is recommended that children be at least age 10 and that a parent enroll as a supporting member for youth under age 18.
ARRL Affiliated Club
STARS is an affiliated club of the national American Radio Relay League (ARRL). As such, we need at least 50% of STARS members to be ARRL members as well. Please read about all the benefits of an ARRL membership and join ARRL today!
