Racine Megacycle Club
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The Racine Megacycle Club is an organization of amateur radio operators in Southeastern Wisconsin. The club operates the amateur radio station W9UDU. First organized in 1927, the Racine Megacycle Club is the second oldest amateur radio club in Wisconsin. The club was first affiliated with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) in 1948.
During the second World War when the United States Congress suspended all amateur radio operations, many members of the club were drafted into military service. Those members who were not serving would become active members in the War emergency radio service. After the war the government reactivated the Army Amateur Radio System which would later evolve into the Military Affiliate Radio System in which many club members also participate.
In 1976 the club was first associated with the American Red Cross. The close association with the Red Cross and also the Racine County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, the club is able to provide emergency communications during Disasters. During such activities the club is able to provide services such as health and welfare traffic; Tactical and logistical communications; and inter-agency communications.
Today the club is actively associated with other local, state and federal amateur radio organizations. In cooperation with these other organizations, the club's focus has grown to include the testing and implementation of advanced communications technologies including Amateur television, Packet radio, APRS the AMPRNet, High Speed Multimedia data networks.
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[edit] W9UDU Station
The W9UDU station operates up to five transceivers in the HF spectrum with international communications capability. In addition, 3 of those transceivers also have VHF and UHF capabilities for local and regional communications.
[edit] Purpose
The purposes of this club are:
- To promote knowledge of amateur radio
- To exchange information and cooperation among members
- To conduct club programs and activities which advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio in Racine and also Southeastern Wisconsin
- To provide public service to the people of Southeastern Wisconsin
[edit] Club organization and meetings
The club is organized as a 501c7 non-profit organization. Regular meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the American Red Cross Building, 4521 Taylor Avenue in Racine, Wisconsin. Most meetings on-site include an activity in addition to the regular business meeting.
[edit] Club activities
The Racine Megacycle Club supports many activities in the Racine and general Southeastern Wisconsin area. Such activities have included:
- Amateur radio license instruction classes
- Free communications services for local Festivals, Parades, Marathons, Triathlons and other events
- Amateur radio field day demonstrations
- School demonstrations of amateur radio
- Support for Boy Scouts Communications Merit Badges
- Amateur radio contesting
- Special event stations
- Hidden transmitter hunts
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- The Racine Megacycle Club Homepage
- FCC License Information for W9UDU
- Club Detail Record: Racine Megacycle Club at ARRL
- Field day helps connect radio enthusiasts
- Invisible airwaves to crackle with life during local hams' Field Day activities
- Mike Moore: Hamming it up in Racine
- Ham radio operators ready to sign on for 71st year of fun
[edit] In print only
- Megacycle Field Day Article Racine Journal Times 30-June-1969
