High Country Connections: The Armidale & District Amateur Radio Club Embraces the Digital Age from Mt Duval

Nestled in the picturesque Armidale district, the Armidale & District Amateur Radio Club (ADARC), operating its club station VK2IY and repeaters VK2RAD (also accessible via EchoLink as VK2RAD-R, Node 872907), stands as an active hub for keen amateur radio enthusiasts. Welcoming newcomers with an interest in the hobby, ADARC continues to evolve with the latest advancements in radio communication.

While the club's physical premises are no longer open, ADARC maintains a strong presence on the airwaves and encourages contact via their club email. Their commitment to fostering amateur radio in the region remains unwavering.

ADARC holds a regular net on the 80-meter band every Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm local time on 3.633 MHz LSB. This provides a valuable opportunity for members to connect and share their passion. Following the net, Ken Michell VK2UQ conducts Morse code sessions, catering to those interested in this timeless mode of communication.

The club boasts a modern repeater network, significantly upgraded in recent years. A 2-meter repeater operating on 146.725 MHz with a -600 kHz offset was commissioned on August 3rd, 2013, enhancing VHF coverage in the area. Complementing this, a 70cm repeater on 438.650 MHz with a -7 MHz offset was brought online in April 2014 and now features EchoLink functionality (VK2RAD-R or Node 872907), further expanding its reach.

In a significant technological leap, both the 2-meter and 70cm repeaters have been replaced with new Yaesu Fusion C4FM units. Notably, Wires-X is now enabled via an RF Gateway on their 70cm repeater, embracing the digital voice capabilities of modern amateur radio.

December 2023 marked a pivotal moment for ADARC's repeater infrastructure. Both the 2-meter and 70cm repeaters, along with EchoLink, were relocated to the strategic site of Mt Duval, situated at an impressive 1450 meters elevation above sea level. This move has integrated their repeaters into the North Link Repeater Network, significantly enhancing coverage and connectivity across a broader region.

Regarding licensing, ADARC acknowledges the phasing out of the WIA exam network. While they currently do not have any in-house AMC Assessors, the club actively supports aspiring amateurs by offering mentorship and facilitating the learning process to enable online assessments.

For those seeking to connect with the Armidale & District Amateur Radio Club, they can be reached via their postal address: PO BOX 1493, ARMIDALE NSW 2350, or through their website: https://adarc.au. Phone enquiries can be directed to M 0400 715 020.

The dedicated committee members leading ADARC include President Paul Keefe VK2ZLX (0499 230 200), Secretary Iain Taylor VK2ZTX (M 0400 715 020), and Treasurer Dean Davidson VK2DJD (2-030, M 0407 456 382).

Despite the shift in their physical presence, the Armidale & District Amateur Radio Club remains a vital and forward-thinking group, connecting amateur radio enthusiasts across the high country through their active nets, modern repeater network on Mt Duval, and commitment to supporting the next generation of "hams."