The Mankato Area Radio Club (MARC) is an amateur radio club based in Mankato, Minnesota. Founded in 1954, the club has spent over six decades encouraging the growth of Amateur Radio in the Mankato area. MARC is an affiliated club of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and operates under the club call sign W0WCL.
Our Roots
MARC began early in 1954, when a group of local amateurs set out to start a radio club. Their first organizing meeting was held on March 4, 1954, and a Constitution and Bylaws were adopted on March 18, 1954, formally establishing the club. The call sign W0WCL was issued in October 1954.
The club received its ARRL affiliation in January 1955 and was accepted as an ARRL Special Service Club in July 1986. That same year, MARC formally incorporated. Over the decades the club has supported licensing classes, emergency communications, SKYWARN severe-weather spotting, contests, Field Day, and many community events. A fuller account is available on the History page.
What We Do
- Encourage Amateur Radio, supporting new and experienced operators alike.
- Emergency communications, including the MARC Emergency Services Net.
- Education and licensing — classes and Volunteer Examiner (VE) testing sessions.
- Public service — severe-weather spotting and community events.
- Fellowship — monthly meetings, Field Day, auctions, and an annual party.
Meetings
MARC meetings are held at 7:00 PM at Jake’s Stadium Pizza, 330 Stadium Road, Mankato, MN 56001. For on-air assistance, monitor the club repeater on 147.240+ (PL 136.5 Hz).
Sunday Night Net
The Mankato Area Radio Club Emergency Services Net meets Sunday nights at 9:30 PM on the 147.240 repeater.
Join Us
Membership is open to anyone with a genuine interest in Amateur Radio, a desire to cooperate with the club’s aims and purposes, and a willingness to work for the betterment of Amateur Radio. Current annual dues are $30.00. To join, come to a meeting or contact our Treasurer.