About Kingsport Amateur Radio Club
The Kingsport Amateur Radio Club was affiliated with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) on October 2, 1947 from a desire from veteran amateur radio operators to establish a club where all were welcome to come and advance the art of radio.
Over the years radio operators built a relationship with Eastman Corportation and KARC members working at Eastman helped establish a sister organization in 1953 that allowed the Kingsport Amateur Radio Club (KARC) exposure to Eastman. The Bays Mountain Radio Club BMRC was established and later in the 70s merged with KARC becoming KARC/BMRC.
KARC to this day continues moving forward with the art of radio and has monthly meetings and activities geared towards reaching and teaching others who desire to learn and grow.
Club Officers
Coordinators
- VE Coordinator: Ron Burns (NR3E)
- Net Coordinator: David Herron (K4UVU)
- Fox Hunt Coordinator: Joshua Carmack (N4JHC)
- Parks on the Air (POTA) Coordinator: Rick Curtis (W4BXL)
History
The Kingsport Amateur Radio Club (KARC) was founded in 1948 and has been an active part of the Kingsport community ever since, supporting amateur radio operators and promoting radio communications, education, and public service. From its earliest years, the club fostered experimentation and on-the-air activity as local hams explored VHF and HF operation using the equipment of the day. As amateur radio technology evolved, KARC played a leading role in advancing communications in the region, most notably by establishing and maintaining repeaters under the call sign W4TRC beginning in the early 1970s. Through multiple relocations, equipment upgrades, and the adoption of modern digital modes, the club has continually adapted to better serve its members and the surrounding area. Today, KARC remains committed to its founding principles of learning, fellowship, and service, carrying forward a proud legacy of amateur radio in Northeast Tennessee that spans more than seven decades.
Get Involved
How to join, renew membership, volunteer, or learn more. Add links to the Join / Renew and Get Licensed pages.