✅ HSARC ARDC 2025 Project Documentation & Outreach

Hot Springs Amateur Radio Club (K0HS)
ARDC Grant: Support for Fall River County Amateur Radio

📘 Project Overview

In 2024–2025, the Hot Springs Amateur Radio Club (HSARC) received support from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) to expand emergency-communications infrastructure, strengthen youth licensing and training, and increase public outreach across Fall River County and surrounding rural areas.

This project focused on three core areas:

  1. Repeater Expansion & Infrastructure Upgrades

  2. Youth Licensing & Technical Education

  3. Community Outreach & Emergency-Preparedness Engagement

All materials on this page are open-access and available for any amateur radio club, educator, or emergency-services organization to reuse and adapt.

📡 1. Repeater Expansion & Technical Improvements

Through ARDC funding, HSARC procured and deployed new repeater hardware to improve analog and C4FM digital coverage across the region. Key improvements include:

  • Installation of upgraded Yaesu DR2X repeaters

  • Improved linking between Hot Springs, Edgemont, and surrounding sites

  • Enhanced coverage for daily nets, emergency volunteers, and rural operators

  • More reliable communications in areas with limited or no cell service

  • Configuration of Auto Mode Select (AMS) to support both analog FM and C4FM digital users

Technical Documentation:

  • Repeater Frequencies & PL/DCS Tones

  • Linked-System Configuration Notes

  • Antenna & Feedline Information

  • System Maintenance Notes

  • Tower Installation Photos (add your images here)

Download: Repeater Technical Packet (PDF)
(link coming soon)

📘 2. Youth Licensing, Education & Training

A central goal of the ARDC project was empowering young people with hands-on access to amateur radio. HSARC provided:

  • Study guides and exam-fee coverage

  • Handheld starter radios for new youth hams

  • Classroom presentations in Hot Springs and Edgemont

  • Mentorship and on-air training

  • Support for families and newcomers entering the hobby

Results:

  • Multiple new youth licensed during the grant period

  • Strong interest from schools in ongoing radio/STEM opportunities

  • A sustainable pipeline for future licensing classes

Resources (Open Access):

  • Youth Study Guide PDFs

  • Classroom Slides (STEM & Amateur Radio)

  • New Ham Quick-Start Radio Sheet

  • Licensing Steps & Exam Prep Checklist

Download: Youth Education Packet (ZIP)
(link coming soon)

📣 3. Community Outreach & Public Engagement

HSARC actively shared amateur radio with the public through:

  • ARRL Field Day demonstrations

  • The annual Hot Springs Ham Radio Tailgate event

  • School visits and technology presentations

  • Emergency communications demonstrations

  • Local newspaper and radio outreach

  • Public testing sessions and licensing support

Outreach Snapshots (Photos):

  • Field Day 2025 setup & contacts

  • Youth licensing day

  • School demonstrations

  • Tailgate Swap Meet

  • Repeater installation day

  • Emergency-communications display at community events

(Insert your images in a gallery here — ARDC loves photos.)

Outreach Materials (Downloads):

  • Field Day Flyer (PDF)

  • HSARC Tailgate Flyer (PDF)

  • SET / Emergency-Comms Flyer

  • “Become a Ham” one-sheet

  • Youth License Day Handout

🧭 Project Impact Summary

Thanks to ARDC’s support, HSARC achieved measurable improvements in Fall River County and the surrounding region:

  • 34+ people directly impacted (club members, new licensees, and program participants)

  • Significant reliability improvements in local and linked repeater coverage

  • Multiple new youth operators successfully licensed and mentored

  • Increased public participation in emergency-communications programs

  • Growth in community visibility and school partnerships

🔧 Lessons Learned & Advice for Other Clubs

  • Plan for longer supply-chain and tower-crew timelines in rural areas.

  • Youth respond best to hands-on demonstrations — let them key up a radio.

  • Document everything, even small steps — it makes reporting and future training easier.

  • Partner early with schools and emergency agencies to build momentum.

  • Keep