Connecting Radio Operators for a Stronger Community
The Amateur Radio Collective of Western Carolina (ARCWC) is a regional network of amateur radio operators from multiple clubs and backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to service, action, and preparedness.
ARCWC Mission
ARCWC strengthens the regional effectiveness of amateur radio by fostering collaboration, hands-on training, and real-world application of radio technology. We prioritize action, teaming up with operators who are ready to assist, educate, and contribute to the advancement of amateur radio while supporting communities and clubs when needed.
Current and Ongoing ARCWC Projects
If you’re interested in leading a project, contact info@arcwc.net and let us know—we might have operators ready to support!
Using Kiwix for Emergency Scenarios: Offline Knowledge When It Matters Most
In times of emergency, access to reliable information can mean the difference between safety…
Hands-On Radio Training
Helping New Ham & GMRS Operators Get On the Air Getting started in amateur…
Get to Know Winlink and VARA FM
Deploying, Training, and Supporting VARA FM & Winlink Operators The Amateur Radio Collective of…
EMCOMM Tools: Simplifying Field Communications
The EMCOMM Tools project, developed by The Tech Prepper, is an open-source web app…
Participate in Local Net and Regional Radio Events
Want to submit your net, event, or activity? Please fill out this form to have it published on ARCWC’s calendar.
Times shown in America/North Carolina/WNC.
All events are subject to change. Have an update, change, or recommendation? If you’re an NCS, organization, or club and prefer not to have your activity published on ARCWC, contact us at info@arcwc.net and let us know. 73s.
News and Information
BRARC Youth on the Air and Open House
WHO: Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Club (BRARC)DATE: Saturday, October 18, 2025TIME: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMLOCATION: Jackson Park – BRARC Ham ShackADMISSION: Free & Family-Friendly Event Overview Join us for a hands-on day of RADIO, LEARNING, and FUN as the Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Club (BRARC) hosts a special Youth on the Air / Scouting…
Connect with ARCWC on Meshtastic!
ARCWC is excited to share a QR code that lets you instantly add our shared Meshtastic channel. This is an open channel with basic encryption enabled, making it a great way to connect with other ARCWC Meshtastic users in the area. Whether you’re in close proximity to other operators or want to stay linked through…
The Shutdown of Hamshack Hotline – and a New Option Forward
For years, Hamshack Hotline (HH) provided licensed amateur radio operators with a free Voice-over-IP (VoIP) telephone network. It offered a creative way to link hams across the country and around the world using standard SIP phones, softphones, and even PBX integrations. Many clubs and emergency groups took advantage of the service to provide an extra…
Packet Radio and Meshtastic Demos at Shelby Hamfest
The Shelby Hamfest is quickly approaching, and this year marks its 69th anniversary. Once one of the largest gatherings of amateur radio operators in the Southeast, attendance has dipped in recent years. But with a renewed interest in radio and a rise in new licenses being issued, the airwaves are buzzing again. We’re hopeful Shelby…
Ham Operators Needed for Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge
Hike Up and Help Out! The Road Show Amateur Radio Club is proud to support the Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge, providing essential safety communications for this important event. They need your help to make it happen! Event Overview Event Date: Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 Location: Foothills Trail – starting near Whitewater Falls (Cashiers, NC) and ending…
Announcing a VarAC Wednesday Net
If you’re into digital comms and haven’t tried VarAC yet, now’s the perfect time to explore another powerful mode. This month marked the launch of the VarAC Wednesday Net—a weekly gathering of VarAC operators from around the world using the VARA software modem many of us know and enjoy. Like the Winlink Wednesday Net, it’s…
ARCWC at the WCARS Hamfest
We’re excited to share that the Amateur Radio Collective of Western Carolina (ARCWC) will have a table at this year’s WCARS Hamfest! Whether you’re a seasoned operator, new to the hobby, or just ham-curious, we’d love for you to swing by the table and connect with the growing ARCWC community. 📍 Location: WCARS Hamfest –…
Field Day 2025
The Bands Will Be Alive: ARRL Field Day 2025 Is Here! Good afternoon, friends! It’s that time of year again—Field Day is almost here. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or someone who’s just been curious about ham radio, ARRL Field Day is the perfect time to jump in, learn something new, and see what all…
6-Meter VARA FM in WNC!!
ARCWC is privileged to announce the deployment of a 6M VARA FM station on Bearwallow! This is the only publicly listed 6M VARA station in the United States—and one of only six worldwide! Why 6M? The band offers some unique capabilities and opportunities that local well known ham and repeater owner Jeff (NC4J) was eager…
APRS in Western North Carolina
APRS in Western North Carolina: Tracking, Messaging & More in the Mountains Recent APRS Training and Info Amateur radio operators across Western North Carolina are rediscovering the power and flexibility of APRS—the Automatic Packet Reporting System. While often misunderstood as just a GPS tracking tool, APRS is actually a real-time, tactical digital communications network that…
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Enhancing Skills Through Collective Efforts
If you are an amateur radio operator in the Western Carolinas who values action, mutual aid, and community service, ARCWC welcomes you!
Whether you’re part of an established club or an independent operator looking to explore new opportunities within the amateur radio hobby, we invite you to work alongside us to strengthen regional amateur radio capabilities and serve the Western Carolina community.