Porter County Amateur Radio Club (PCARC)

Founded on November 3, 1976, in Valparaiso, Indiana, the Porter County Amateur Radio Club (PCARC), operating under the callsign K9PC, is a cornerstone of amateur radio in Northwest Indiana. For nearly five decades, PCARC has cultivated a vibrant community of radio enthusiasts, welcoming individuals of all experience levels to explore the art and science of radio communication, public service, and community engagement.

ARDC Grant Award Spotlight

In 2025, PCARC was awarded a $27,462 grant from the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) foundation to fund the Northwest Indiana Radio Outreach and Revitalization Project. This transformative initiative equips PCARC with a state-of-the-art 7x14 enclosed trailer, serving as a mobile radio hub to advance STEM education, emergency communications (EmComm), and community outreach. Outfitted with a FLEX HF/VHF transceiver, a 30 ft. pneumatic mast, solar-powered systems, and a historical display celebrating Valparaiso’s communications legacy, the hub will engage over 300 students, scouts, and community members annually across 6-8 school visits, 2-4 scouting events like Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), and 4-6 high-visibility county events, such as the Porter County Fair and MAAC Foundation’s First Responder Appreciation Day. The trailer enhances EmComm capabilities in Indiana District 1, supporting rapid deployments for disasters like flooding or tornadoes in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). By inspiring 20+ new youth hams annually and aiming for a 27-33% membership increase, this ARDC-funded project positions PCARC as a regional leader in fostering technical proficiency, community resilience, and the enduring legacy of amateur radio.

Our Mission

PCARC is dedicated to promoting radio knowledge, fraternalism, and individual operating efficiency while advancing the general interest and welfare of amateur radio. Through partnerships with the Multi Agency Academic Cooperative (MAAC) Foundation, educational programs, public service initiatives, and engaging activities, we strengthen Northwest Indiana’s technical and community fabric.

Join Us

Membership is open to all persons interested in amateur radio, regardless of residency in Porter County. We meet on the second Friday of every month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the MAAC Foundation Emergency Services Training Campus, located at

Meetings feature guest speakers, technical presentations, and networking opportunities, often followed by informal gatherings at a local eatery.

Connect Online

Explore more about PCARC on our website at www.pc-arc.net or join our discussion group at Groups.io. Follow us on social media for updates and event highlights:

• Porter County Amateur Radio Club Page
• PCARC Facebook Group

Our Repeaters

PCARC maintains two repeaters under the callsign K9PC, ensuring reliable communication across Northwest Indiana:

• VHF: 146.775 MHz (negative offset, 131.8 Hz CTCSS tone)
• UHF: 442.250 MHz (positive offset, 131.8 Hz CTCSS tone)

Get Involved

Whether you’re passionate about radio technology, emergency communications, or connecting with like-minded enthusiasts, PCARC offers a welcoming platform to develop your skills and make a difference. Join us at our next meeting or event, such as the MAAC Foundation’s First Responder Appreciation & Demonstration Day, to experience the excitement of amateur radio and contribute to our mission of education, outreach, and resilience in Northwest Indiana.