The Porter County Amateur Radio Club in Valparaiso, Indiana, received grant funding last year from Amateur Radio Digital Communications to build a coordinated communications system with its sister club, the neighboring Ogden Dunes Fire Department Amateur Radio Club. Part of that plan involved building a communications trailer. The project also involved connecting the HF radios to an Internet-based youth network as part of the outreach program.

Club president Mike Lambertino W9ML described the original concept for the project. He told Newsline: [quote] “The driving force behind the trailer is youth, STEM, and community outreach, getting the trailer out in the community and helping where we can. We do have interoperability and the alliance with the neighboring fire department to help expand our communications abilities to assist where needed.” [endquote]

Volunteers designed and built out the trailer using significant donations and discounts on equipment and supplies since the trailer's delivery last September.

Mike said that the trailer received between 250 and 400 visitors - among them were members of the ARDC committee. He said the trailer drew a lot of very positive comments, especially from members of the ARDC who said they were happy to see the results, calling it a model on which to base other trailer builds.

Learn more about the club at www.K9PC.club. For Amateur Radio Newsline.