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.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
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
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…
VARA-AC Wednesday Net – Try it out!
If you’re looking to get more familiar with VarAC, there’s a weekly opportunity that might be just what you need: VARA-AC Wednesday, organized by Mark, KB0US. This informal exercise gives amateur radio operators a chance to practice sending digital messages using VarAC and the Email Gateway feature — similar in spirit to Winlink Wednesday but…
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…
GMRS Radio Communication Workshops
What if you were the one who kept your community connected when everything else failed? Could you? That’s exactly what GMRS Radio Communication Workshops are here to prepare you for—giving everyday people the power to communicate during a crisis. These hands-on, beginner-friendly workshops are open to all ages and, best of all, totally free. You’ll…
The Road Show Radio Club Swapfest & Demo Day – Coming May 10th!
Mark your calendar and get ready for a fun-filled morning of amateur radio, gear trading, and hands-on demos! The Road Show Radio Club invites hams and radio enthusiasts from across the region to join us for our upcoming Swapfest & Fox Hunt, happening on Saturday, May 10th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Hendersonville,…
VARA FM P2P Exercise – April 1st, 2025
Are you ready to level up your Winlink communication skills? This week, George (KZ4BN) has volunteered to host another Winlink Peer-to-Peer (P2P) messaging session for our local area using the VARA FM P2P protocol. George is an active participant in the local Winlink Wednesday Advanced Operators Net as well as the Winlink Wednesday National Net. He’s is also…
amateur radio antenna performance antenna placement aprs ARCWC D-Star Demo elevation data emergency communication event Fresnel zone gmrs microwave links P2P radio communication radio coverage repeater placement RF coverage RF path studies signal coverage signal interference signal propagation swapfest terrain analysis training VARA FM viewshed analysis Winlink Winlink Wednesday workshops
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.