Welcome to the Carrickfergus Amateur Radio Group (ARG) website. The site offers real-time feeds to VHF/HF solar data and the DX cluster for station operation. CARG and RSGB Twitter feeds provide up-to-date streaming tweets at the footer of all web pages, as well as the latest posts on the CARG Facebook page.

CONTACT THE CLUB (BY EMAIL): carg@hotmail.co.uk

Live-feed Solar Data (hamqsl.com) with SFI & Kp-Index:

• Access to real-time HF/VHF live-feed solar, MUF and EME data on the News page.
• Solar flux SFI progression (Cycle #25) and SSN (NOAA prediction) available here.
• Real-time DX spot access on the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) here.
• A popular web-based DX Cluster link (DX Summit) is available here.
• Weekly RSGB news (GB2RS, updated Fridays) is available here.
  • An RSGB Live News feed is available here. 
• Weekly IRTS news bulletin (updated Sundays) is available here.

Recent Club Night (CW) Activity (RBN Spotter):

Carrickfergus ARG

This website includes the access to technical data for station operating and the latest amateur radio news and developments.

The Carrickfergus ARG call-sign is GIØLIX, with special event station call-sign GNØLIX

Latest News:

• OFCOM has released a new YouTube video (New Amateur Radio Licence Updates) describing how to manage call signs, including special event (NoV) and reissue of old call signs.
• Ham Radio Ireland has released the October 2025 edition of their free and independent radio magazine, edited by Steve, EI5DD. The magazine includes up to date news and details for all local and national clubs including Carrickfergus ARG Club, as well as feature articles and information.
• Carrickfergus ARG continue to meet for Club nights on Tuesday evenings from 7pm in Elim Church, North Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 8ND. All visitors are welcome.
• OFCOM recently re-released (as an update) a web-page (‘Amending your radio licence’, OFCOM page is here.) with a useful YouTube video (link here) with helpful instructions and advice on re-validating amateur radio licences. Amateur radio licencees are obliged to re-validate licences at least every 5 years – see RSGB link here also.
• RSGB members are able to browse digital copies of past editions of RadCom (back to January 2000) using the link here.
• RSGB Band Plans for 2025 are available to view and download here. Further information can be accessed on the RSGB page.
• Contact the Club: carg@hotmail.co.uk
• Regular updates are broadcast on the Facebook feed
• Keep up to date with national and international developments in amateur radio on the RSGB GB2RS News page.
• Further details of Club activities (and for information on Amateur Radio licence courses offered at the Club venue: Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced and CW tutoring) can be obtained by emailing the Club: carg@hotmail.co.uk

Club Information:

The Club meets every Tuesday evening during normal school term time from 7pm (until 9pm) in Elim Pentecostal Church, North Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 8ND. All visitors are welcome.

The Club callsign is GIØLIX and QSL information is available on the tab above and on QRZ.com. When operating remotely or as a portable station, the Club will often use the GNØLIX callsign.

CARG was formed in 1980 and since that time Club members have been actively involved in many radio related events throughout Northern Ireland and beyond. CARG is an active and vibrant club with a healthy and diverse range of members and associates – all with a keen interest in amateur radio. 

The Club hosts an RSGB registered teaching and examination centre for all classes of amateur radio licence examinations. Morse (CW – continuous wave) tutoring is also available (on request) for proficiency testing. Contact the Club using the tab above if you are interested in enrolling on an amateur radio licence course. The Club offers weekly tutoring and examination hosting for the Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced levels. Course participants are encouraged to progress to Intermediate and Advanced levels once a Foundation certificate is attained.

Photographs of previous events are normally available on the Gallery page. Upcoming events and activities are listed in the Events page.

Every day sees humanity more victorious in the struggle with space and time — Guglielmo Marconi

Carrickfergus ARG website designed & maintained by: MIØTBL

E&OE