Orange Amateur Radio Club Inc (OARC): Connecting Operators in Southeast Texas

The Orange Amateur Radio Club Inc (OARC), located in Orange, Texas, has been a cornerstone of the local amateur radio community since its founding in 1948. With a focus on contesting, emergency communications, and education, the club remains an essential resource for amateur radio operators in the Southeast Texas area.

Club Overview

• Call Sign: W5ND
• Affiliation Date: January 27th, 1948
• Meeting Time:
  • 1st Friday of each month at 7:00 PM
• Meeting Place:
  • American Red Cross, 3901 IH 10 East, Orange, TX 77630
• Section: STX (South Texas)

Club Specialties & Focus Areas

The Orange Amateur Radio Club is known for its active engagement in various aspects of amateur radio:

• Contest: The club participates in and organizes contests, offering members opportunities to sharpen their operating skills.
• Digital Modes: The club explores digital modes, making it a great environment for those interested in FT8, PSK31, and other digital communication methods.
• Public Service & Emergency Communications: A strong emphasis is placed on public service, especially in times of disaster or emergency. The club supports public service events and emergency communication efforts.
• VHF/UHF: The club is actively involved in VHF/UHF communications, offering members access to local repeaters for improved communication.
• Repeaters: The club operates and maintains repeaters, enabling broader coverage for members.

Services Offered

• Hamfest: The Orange Amateur Radio Club hosts a Hamfest, providing opportunities for buying, selling, and trading radio equipment.
• License Test Sessions: Newcomers and aspiring operators can take license test sessions, helping them get licensed and join the amateur radio community.
• Mentorship: The club offers mentorship, supporting both beginners and those seeking to upgrade their licenses or learn new skills.
• On-The-Air Bulletins: The club regularly broadcasts on-the-air bulletins to keep members informed about upcoming events, changes in procedures, or other important club news.
• Packet Radio BBS: The club maintains a Packet Radio Bulletin Board System (BBS), providing an additional mode of communication for members.
• TVI/RFI Committee: The club has a TVI/RFI committee to address any issues related to television interference (TVI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), ensuring smooth operation for all members.

Contact Information

• President: Rocky G. Wilson (N5MTX)
  • Phone: (409) 988-8906
  • Email: rockygwilson@hotmail.com
• Website: www.qsl.net/w5nd/

Club Officers

• President: Rocky G. Wilson (N5MTX)
• Treasurer: Andrew T. Hopkins (WB5DW)
• Secretary: Dennis Wayne Sonnier (KF5SRG)
• Vice President: Phillip Harvey Pollock (AF5DT)

With a rich history, a dedicated membership base, and a variety of services, the Orange Amateur Radio Club Inc continues to be an invaluable resource for amateur radio operators in Southeast Texas. Whether you're looking to get licensed, improve your skills, or get involved in local emergency communications, OARC provides the platform to make it happen.