Northwest Indiana Radio Outreach and Revitalization Project

Revitalizing Amateur Radio, Inspiring the Next Generation

Project Overview

The Porter County Amateur Radio Club (PCARC), K9PC, is launching an ambitious initiative to bring amateur radio to life across Northwest Indiana. With a $27,462 grant proposal submitted to Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) on March 24, 2025, we’re building a state-of-the-art mobile radio hub—a 7×14 enclosed trailer—to serve as a dynamic platform for STEM education, emergency communications (EmComm), and community engagement. Stationed at the MAAC Foundation in Valparaiso, Indiana, this project will connect youth, families, and first responders to the power of radio while honoring our region’s rich communications heritage.

Our Goals

  • STEM Education: Visit 6-8 schools annually, engaging 300+ students with hands-on radio demos, sparking interest in science and technology, and inspiring 20+ new youth hams each year.
  • Scouting Support: Partner with local scouts for 4-6 events like Jamboree on the Air (JOTA), helping them earn badges and log 20+ contacts per event.
  • Community Engagement: Showcase amateur radio at 4-6 high-visibility events (e.g., Porter County Fair, Popcorn Festival), aiming for 50+ visitors per event and a 27-33% club membership boost (10-15 new hams).
  • EmComm Readiness: Deploy the trailer as a rapid-response asset for disasters in Indiana District 1 (Porter, Lake, La Porte, Jasper, and Newton counties), partnering with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS).

The Mobile Hub

Our fully equipped trailer will feature:

  • Trailer & Gear: A 7×14 blacked-out enclosed trailer ($8,500), 30 ft pneumatic mast ($5,000), custom desks ($500), and storage cabinets ($600).
  • Power: A 5000W inverter generator ($1,200) or an optional EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 hybrid power kit ($7,498) with solar panels for sustainable energy.
  • Radios & Tech: FLEX-8400 HF/VHF transceiver ($3,000), Diamond X510HD antenna ($225), and UniFi network equipment ($1,030) for seamless connectivity.
  • Outreach Tools: A 10×20 EZ-Up tent with K9PC branding ($2,300) and a historical display ($200) celebrating Northwest Indiana’s telegraphy and radio legacy.

Total cost: $27,462 (or $33,760 with the EcoFlow upgrade). Community donations—like Motorola radios, power supplies, and a 65″ Smart Board—already enhance our capabilities.

Where We Are Now

As of March 25, 2025, our grant proposal has been submitted to the ARDC. We’re rallying community support to bring this vision to life! Once funded, our six-month timeline kicks off: ordering equipment in Months 1-2, assembling the hub in Months 3-5, and launching at Portage High School’s STEM Day in Month 6.

Funding Progress:

  • Goal: $36,760
  • Raised: $30,462 worth of donations
  • Percentage: 82%

 

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How You Can Help

  • Donate: Support our mission to inspire youth and strengthen EmComm. Every dollar gets us closer to our goal!.
  • Join Us: Become a PCARC member or volunteer—your skills can power this project. Contact us at BOD@K9PC.CLUB.
  • Spread the Word: Share our story on social media and help us reach 600+ impressions per event.

Looking Ahead

This mobile hub isn’t just a trailer—it’s a bridge to the future of amateur radio. With your support, we’ll ignite STEM curiosity, build resilient communities, and keep Northwest Indiana’s radio legacy alive for generations. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this project to life!