Hilltop Connections: The Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club

The Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club (MRARC), proudly operating under the callsign VK3RA, has been a thriving part of the local amateur radio scene since its inception in March 2010. Starting with a core group, the club has grown to encompass around 45 amateur radio enthusiasts.

Following its initial formation, an elected committee took the helm in December 2010, and the club officially became an incorporated body in February 2011. The first official AGM of MRARC Inc. was held in Woodend on December 17th, 2011.

MRARC boasts an enthusiastic membership that benefits from the dedication of its past and present committees. Members enjoy regular gatherings at Saturday Morning meetings, which typically attract over 20 attendees. Additionally, a popular Wednesday morning Coffee Session at the Gisborne CFA station provides a more informal mid-week connection point for regulars.

The club meetings feature a diverse range of guest speakers covering various topics relevant to amateur radio and related fields. Examples include mobile radio installation, Amateur satellites, Over the Horizon Radar, PSK operation, Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) in vehicles, a WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) demonstration, amateur microwave operating, and an explanation of the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) awards program, among others. The club looks forward to another year of fostering friendship and growth within its membership.

MRARC holds its Saturday Meetings at 10 am on the THIRD Saturday of each month at the Woodend RSL, located on Anslow Street in Woodend.

Weekday meetings, a more casual affair, take place on the FIRST Wednesday of the month, between 10 am and 12 pm at the Gisborne CFA meeting room.

The club currently runs two regular on-air nets. Due to the challenging terrain that often hinders simplex communication across the region, the primary net is held on the VHF repeater VK3RMM, operating on an output frequency of 147.250 MHz. This net commences at 2000 hours every Wednesday, with one of the club members acting as net controller under the callsign VK3RA.

Following the 2-meter net, there is a net on 3.685 MHz for anyone interested in joining in on the 80-meter band. This net typically starts around 2030 hours, subject to any QRM (interference).

Information regarding Training Courses and Assessment is currently listed as "TBA" (To Be Advised), and the contact details for the Club Training Course Coordinator are also "TBA." Interested individuals should likely contact the club directly for updates on training opportunities.

The Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club can be reached at:

• Postal Address: PO Box 10, GISBORNE Victoria 3437
• Website: http://www.mrarc.org.au
• Phone: +61 418 838 300
• Email: (Not provided in the information)

The dedicated committee members leading MRARC include:

• President: Joe Balassa VK3MAB (contactable via email)
• Secretary: Graeme McDiarmid VK3NE (0418 838 300)
• Treasurer: Barry Theodore VK3BRT (contactable via email)

Serving the scenic Macedon Ranges region, the Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club provides a welcoming and active community for amateur radio enthusiasts, offering regular meetings, informative presentations, and on-air activities tailored to the local landscape.