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).

 

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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.


Sponsor Our Ongoing Mission and Growth
While initial funding has allowed us to successfully build our state-of-the-art 8×16 mobile radio hub, we are now seeking sponsors for our ongoing operational costs and future expansions. These funds are critical to ensure the trailer can fulfill its mission, covering essential annual expenses like insurance, routine maintenance, equipment upgrades, and the travel costs (fuel and materials) required to reach schools, scout events, and emergency deployment sites across Northwest Indiana. Moreover, your support will directly fund crucial planned enhancements, such as the integration of advanced satellite communications equipment and the installation of a permanent solar power system, making our hub an even more powerful and resilient asset for STEM education, community engagement, and disaster preparedness. Your sponsorship is an investment in the sustained success and future growth of this vital community resource. 
Interested in partnering with us? Please email bod@k9pc.club today.

The Mobile Hub

Our fully equipped trailer will feature:

  • Trailer & Gear: A 8×16 blacked-out enclosed trailer ($9,000), 8 meter pneumatic mast ($3,000), and custom desks ($500).
  • Power: A 5000W inverter generator ($1,200)
  • Radios & Tech: Flex Aurora 510 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: $30,812. Community donations—like Motorola radios, power supplies, and a 65″ Smart Board—already enhance our capabilities.

Where We Are Now

As of October 13, 2025 we’re now in phase 2 of the trailer build! The trailer walls have been insulated, wall panels have been installed, monitors have been hung, and the ceiling has been started. We’re currently awaiting the delivery of our Flex Aurora. We’ve been able to raise over $10,000 worth of donations, outside of the money received from the ARDC!

Funding Progress:

  • Goal: $36,760
  • Raised: $41165 worth of donations
  • Percentage: 112%

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!