100+ Years of W3BN

From spark-gap pioneers to modern digital ops — the legacy of the Reading Radio Club since 1921.

Club Timeline

March 10, 1921

Reading Radio Club founded by ~35 wireless experimenters at the Reading Company YMCA (8th & Green St).

February 17, 1922

Affiliated with the ARRL — re-affirmed in March 1941.

1949

FCC assigns club call W3PFT.

December 1956

Club incorporated in Pennsylvania. By-Laws adopted with 20 articles, defining officers and Board of Directors.

1964

Call sign changed to W3CCH in memory of Stanton L. Bast, W3CCH, longtime Secretary (d. 1957).

July 1965

Call sign changed to W3BN in memory of James Marx, W3BN, club president and benefactor (d. 1965).

1990s–Today

93 members strong. VE team has administered 85 test sessions and processed 763 candidates in 30+ years.

Our Legacy

For over 100 years, the Reading Radio Club has been at the forefront of radio experimentation, emergency communications, and technical education. Our members have contributed to the development of radio, television, and the electronics industry.

We are amateurs because we are unpaid — but our service is professional. From disaster response to public events, W3BN provides reliable, rapid-deploy communications using repeaters, mobile units, and field stations.

Original 1922 Charter for the Reading Radio Club

Our original ARRL charter from 1922. Click to enlarge.

Education & Community

Licensing

Our FCC-certified VE team has helped hams earn their licenses for over 30 years. Many went on to advanced classes and careers in electronics.

Outreach

We support science teachers with projects like high-altitude balloon tracking, DIY kits, and STEM demos.

Today & Tomorrow

The Silent Key Memorial

In amateur radio, a "Silent Key" (SK) is an operator who has passed away. We honor the members who have contributed to our club and community, and whose signals are now silent.

Stanton L. Bast, W3CCH
James Marx, W3BN