Viewshed graphics are essential for amateur radio operators, allowing for optimal repeater placement, predicting weak signal zones, and enhancing overall coverage. Leveraging these tools can lead to a more efficient communication setup.
The Blue Ridge Amateur Radio Club is excited to take part in both the North Carolina and South Carolina QSO Parties, giving club members and amateur radio enthusiasts the opportunity to experience contest-style operating in a relaxed and fun setting. For the North Carolina QSO Party, James (KK4JFO) and Danny (NA4X) will be operating from…
How to Participate in the Winlink Advanced Ops Net The Winlink Advanced Ops Net is a weekly exercise designed to enhance operator skills through structured tasks using Winlink Express. Participation is open to all operators looking to improve their digital messaging proficiency in real-world scenarios. Steps to Participate: Participation helps refine your skills and supports…
The North Carolina Division of Emergency Management invites communications personnel and teams to participate in a high-intensity, full-scale exercise designed to test and enhance operational readiness in austere environments. This immersive training will require self-sustainment and will incorporate a wide range of communications systems, including: LMR | Cellular | VoIP | Ham Radio | Low…
WCARS will be hosting an online Zoom Technician class beginning Thursday, February 17. The class will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM for approximately seven weeks. • Cost: The class is free. Participants will need to purchase or borrow the current ARRL Technician Class book ($35). The exam fee at the…
In times of emergency, access to reliable information can mean the difference between safety and chaos. When internet connectivity is unavailable due to natural disasters, power outages, or remote locations, having a source of offline knowledge becomes invaluable. This is where Kiwix, a free and open-source software, proves to be an essential tool for preparedness…
The EMCOMM Tools project, developed by The Tech Prepper, is an open-source web app designed to simplify and streamline digital communications in the field. It provides an easy-to-use, one-click interface that integrates key ham radio tools like Pat Winlink, YAAC, and hamlib, making it an ideal solution for off-grid, emergency, and field deployments. Enhancing EMCOMM…
Helping New Ham & GMRS Operators Get On the Air Getting started in amateur (Ham) or GMRS radio can feel overwhelming—there’s a lot to learn, from frequencies and repeaters to signal propagation and on-air etiquette. That’s why the Amateur Radio Collective of Western Carolina (ARCWC) is committed to providing hands-on training sessions tailored specifically for…
Deploying, Training, and Supporting VARA FM & Winlink Operators The Amateur Radio Collective of Western Carolina (ARCWC) plays a role in deploying, assisting, and training operators in the use of VARA FM and Winlink for emergency communications and off-grid messaging. Given ARCWC’s focus on community service, emergency preparedness, and collective radio operations, incorporating VARA FM…
