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
Subscribe to the Calendar.
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
Tactical APRS at the Tour de Apple
For the third time at a regional race event, a tactical APRS deployment was used to support communications operations, this time during the Tour de Apple. The deployment demonstrated how digital information can complement traditional amateur radio voice communications and improve situational awareness during a large community event. The deployment centered around a temporary APRS…
Cedar Mountain Amateur Radio Club Training
Join the Cedar Mountain Amateur Radio Club for the second training meeting focused on setting up a local radio network in the area. During this hands-on session, Greg (KR4EEE) will walk participants through the process of getting a GMRS radio license and help set up new radios. We’ll unwrap the radios, get them configured, and…
Exploring APRS Services and Capabilities (Video)
Interested in learning more about what APRS can do beyond basic position reporting? This video provides a quick overview of many of the services and capabilities currently available through APRS. It moves through the features pretty quickly, but it’s a good introduction to what’s out there and what you can do with the APRS network.…
ARCWC Launches Regional APRS Bulletin Service
The Amateur Radio Collective of Western Carolina (ARCWC) has launched a regional APRS bulletin service to provide weather notifications, system information, event notices, and other useful announcements to APRS operators across western North Carolina. The project expands on one of APRS’s core capabilities: distributing timely information directly to amateur radio operators. While APRS is often…
Amateur Radio Volunteers Needed for the 2026 Tour d’Apple
It’s time once again support the annual Tour d’Apple bicycle ride in Hendersonville, North Carolina, on Monday, September 7, 2026, as part of the North Carolina Apple Festival. Amateur radio operators are needed to assist with event communications throughout the day. Volunteer assignments include riding in SAG vehicles and staffing rest areas to help stranded…
Simplex Radio Operations in Western North Carolina
If Hurricane Helene taught operators in Western North Carolina anything, it was that repeaters can be both a critical asset and a point of failure during emergencies. In the days following the storm, access to key systems such as the N2GE and W4NYK repeaters enabled the coordination of resources and supplies for many in our…
HamAlert on the Go!
HamAlert is a tool that lets amateur radio operators receive real-time notifications when specific callsigns, modes, bands, or activity appear on major spotting networks such as the Reverse Beacon Network, PSK Reporter, SOTAwatch, and POTA. Instead of constantly watching the cluster, you set filters for what you care about—like a callsign, DXCC, SOTA/POTA reference, or…
Unlocking Off‑Grid Messaging: Sending SMS via Winlink Express
In today’s communications landscape, being prepared for disruptions to standard networks is more important than ever. Whether you’re coordinating a field exercise, supporting emergency comms, or simply exploring resilient messaging workflows, knowing how to send short‑messages outside normal cellular networks is a powerful skill. That’s where the new ARCWC mini-course “Sending SMS via Winlink Express”…
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…
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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.