WHO ARE THE HAMsters:

We’re not just another group of Amateur Radio operators—we’re a high-energy community of radio enthusiasts who live for the thrill of the signal, the chase of the contact, and the excitement of pushing the limits of what’s possible. Whether you’re brand new to the hobby or a seasoned operator, our mission is simple: help you experience the same excitement, curiosity, and pure fun that keeps us coming back to the radio every single day. Back in 2006, N5XO, KB2WDM, KE5MHJ, and WX5W set out to build something different. They were tired of the politics, the red tape, and the endless rules that seemed to drain the life out of Amateur Radio. So they did something bold—they walked away from all of it and created something entirely new… The ORIGINAL UNCLUB. From day one, the philosophy was clear and unapologetic: No officers. No dues. No politics. No rules. Just a growing group of operators who share a passion for radio, a hunger to learn, and a drive to push both personal skill and station performance—especially across the exciting world of VHF and UHF weak signal operating. What started as a simple idea has grown into something special. Along the way, we’ve earned a reputation we’re proud of—time and time again being called: “The friendliest group of hams in the nation.” And once you join in, you’ll understand exactly why.

Building excitement and friends one contact at a time.

WHAT WE DO:

Since our founding in 2006, the HAMsters have never stood still. What began as an energetic group active on HF and 2-meter simplex quickly grew into one of Central Texas’ most active FM simplex communities—bringing operators together, building skills, and proving just how much can be done with a radio and a passion to get on the air. But we didn’t stop there. By 2009, our curiosity and drive led us into an entirely new frontier: VHF/UHF Weak Signal operating. This isn’t about low power—it’s about precision, skill, and technical excellence. We’re talking SSB, CW, digital modes, meteor scatter, and even Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication—where signals travel hundreds, thousands, even hundreds of thousands of miles. By 2011, weak signal operation had become the heartbeat of the HAMsters. Today, we are deeply committed not just to operating—but to growing the knowledge and capability of the entire amateur radio community. Over the past several years, we’ve focused heavily on: Teaching the fundamentals and advanced techniques of weak signal operation Helping operators design and build high-performance stations Exploring antenna theory, propagation, and system optimization Sharing real-world operating strategies that deliver results We actively engage with the broader ham community by speaking at local and regional clubs, and by hosting our popular Annual Lunch & Learn, where operators can see, hear, and experience weak signal radio in action. If you’re looking to go beyond repeaters… If you want to stretch your station—and your skills—to their limits… You’re in the right place.

WHY WE DO IT:

At the core of it all, we simply love this hobby—and we believe once you experience it the right way, you will too. Amateur Radio isn’t just about making contacts—it’s about discovery, challenge, and the kind of excitement that keeps you coming back to the shack night after night. And along the way, something even better happens… you build real friendships with people who share that same passion. But where things truly come alive is in VHF/UHF Weak Signal operating. This is where the hobby transforms. We take frequencies that many operators think are limited to line-of-sight or repeater use—and turn them into pathways for hundreds, even thousands of miles of communication. Through skill, station design, and understanding propagation, we push signals far beyond what most believe is possible. This is technical radio at its best: Precision operating Advanced station building Antenna performance optimization Real-world propagation mastery And when it all comes together… there is nothing quite like it. But here’s the reality—for this part of the hobby to thrive, it has to grow. That’s where we come in. The HAMsters are dedicated to driving that growth, pushing the limits of what can be done on VHF and UHF, and—most importantly—bringing others along for the ride. We actively promote weak signal operating, share knowledge, spark curiosity, and help operators unlock capabilities they didn’t even know they had. If you’ve ever wanted more out of your station… If you’re curious what your signal is truly capable of… If you want to be part of something that’s both technically exciting and genuinely welcoming… Join us. Let’s see just how far your signal can go.