Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club (BARC)

Contact Information

Club Name: Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club
Call Sign: W4AMC
Contact: Beth Gonzalez
Daytime Phone: (570) 380-3356
Evening Phone: (570) 380-3356
Email: info@w4amc.com

Basic Information

Call Sign: W4AMC
Annual Report: February 26th, 2023
Meeting Time: Second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM
Meeting Place: Shepherd Memorial Library & Zoom
Section: North Carolina (NC)
Affiliation Date: December 31st, 1969

Specialties

Contest
Digital Modes
DX
General Interest
Public Service/Emergency Communications
Repeaters
School or Youth Group
VHF/UHF

Services Offered

Club Newsletter
Entry-Level License Classes
Mentorship

Description

The Brightleaf Amateur Radio Club (BARC) was founded in 1967, with key contributors such as Jack Kear, K4MI (SK), Bob Knapp, W4OMW (SK), and several others. The club's unique name, "Brightleaf", comes from the tobacco industry in Pitt County, which was once the leading producer of Brightleaf tobacco in the U.S. The tobacco companies even paid for the club’s QSL cards when the Brightleaf name was used.

The club's call sign, W4AMC, was originally held by Gilbert Smith (SK), a charter member who played a crucial role in organizing the club. Over the years, BARC has evolved into a highly active amateur radio group, focusing on both educational and service-oriented activities.

In addition to their meetings, BARC has been involved in various projects, including the renovation of VOA Station "C" for amateur radio use. They also manage a large Log Periodic Rotatable Antenna, making their equipment and resources quite impressive for radio enthusiasts.