Northwest Indiana Amateur Radio Partnership

Empowering Communities, Inspiring Youth, Strengthening Resilience

Project Overview

The Northwest Indiana Amateur Radio Partnership unites the Ogden Dunes Amateur Radio Club (ODARC, K9ODF) and the Porter County Amateur Radio Club (PCARC, K9PC) to advance emergency communications, STEM education, and community outreach across Northwest Indiana. With a $11,693.60 grant submitted to Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) on October 1, 2023—and now fully funded—we’ve established two state-of-the-art club radio stations with HF, VHF, and UHF capabilities. Hosted at the Ogden Dunes Volunteer Fire Department and the Multi Agency Academic Cooperative (MAAC) Foundation in Valparaiso, Indiana, this initiative is amplifying amateur radio’s impact in our region, bordered by Chicago, Lake Michigan, and neighboring states.

Our Goals

  • Emergency Communications: Enhance critical support for public safety during disasters, serving agencies like Ogden Dunes Police & Fire, Porter County Emergency Management, and Indiana State Police Region 1.
  • STEM Education: Deliver live demos and hands-on learning to schools like Duneland, Portage Township, and Valparaiso Community, igniting scientific curiosity among youth.
  • Skill Development: Train new and experienced hams in digital modes, software-defined radio, and more, boosting operator proficiency.
  • Community Outreach: Grow club membership and awareness through public events like ARRL Field Day and MAAC First Responder Appreciation Day.
  • Youth Involvement: Provide free remote access to HF stations via the Remote Ham Radio Youth Network for operators 21 and under, inspiring the next generation.

The Radio Stations

With ARDC’s support, we’ve equipped two cutting-edge stations:

  • K9ODF (Ogden Dunes): Hosted at the Ogden Dunes Volunteer Fire Department.
  • K9PC (Valparaiso): Hosted at the MAAC Foundation.
  • Equipment (Each Station):
    • FLEX-6400 HF Transceiver ($2,299) with Extended Transmit ($399) and ATU Kit ($350).
    • ICOM ID-5100A VHF/UHF Digital Transceiver ($479.95).
    • DX Engineering 6BTV HF Vertical Antenna ($623.88) and Diamond X300A Dual-Band Antenna ($149.99).
    • LMR-400 Coax ($850), Samlex SEC-1235P Power Supply ($205.99), and a 19″ Equipment Rack ($389.99).
  • Total Cost: $11,693.60 ($5,846.80 per station).

Volunteers, including professional RF specialists, installed and maintain the gear, ensuring top-notch performance for emergencies and education.

Where We Are Now

Great news—the project is fully funded! ARDC approved our $11,693.60 grant, and as of December 2024, both stations are operational. The 2-3 month timeline from late 2023 saw equipment purchased, installed, and brought online by early 2024. Since then, we’ve:

  • Supported emergency drills with local agencies.
  • Hosted STEM events at schools and public venues, with kids making their first on-air contacts.
  • Welcomed new members, doubling PCARC’s roster to over 60 and growing ODARC’s ranks.
  • Connected young hams worldwide via the Remote Ham Radio Youth Network.

Funding Progress:

  • Goal: $11,693.60
  • Raised: $11,693.60 (100% funded by ARDC)
  • Status: Complete and thriving!

Impact in Action

  • Emergencies: K9ODF and K9PC have bolstered NIMS-compliant AuxComm support, aiding first responders during outages and drills.
  • Education: Live demos at Discovery Charter and Valparaiso Community Schools have sparked STEM interest, with youth logging contacts globally.
  • Outreach: Events like ARRL Field Day (50+ attendees) and MAAC First Responder Day (100+) showcase amateur radio’s magic—handing out “What is Amateur Radio?” leaflets and getting newcomers on the air.
  • Youth: Free HF access has young operators working the world, building skills and confidence.

How You Can Get Involved

  • Join Us: New to ham radio? Visit ODARC Thursdays at Ogden Dunes Fire Station or PCARC’s first-Friday meetings at MAAC. Contact us at chris.lattimer@gmail.com (ODARC) or pbraun42@gmail.com (PCARC).
  • Attend Events: Catch us at Ogden Dunes Memorial Day, Great Lakes Grand Prix, or Leon’s Heroes Race—bring a friend!
  • Support the Future: While funded, donations help sustain our efforts. [Insert donation link/button].

Looking Ahead

This partnership isn’t just about radios—it’s about building a resilient, curious, and connected Northwest Indiana. With K9ODF and K9PC online, we’re training first responders, inspiring kids, and keeping amateur radio alive. Stay tuned for updates as we expand our reach—your involvement keeps this legacy growing!