CVARC, or the Central Vermont Amateur Radio Club, is open to all
those interested in radio. Whether you’re a shortwave listener, a
licensed operator, have a general interest in radio waves and related
topics and technology, we welcome you to join in on the fun, and foster
activity and growth in the art of radio communications. The club is
comprised of a variety of members, with interests ranging from antenna
building and contesting, to VHF/UHF satellite work and moonbounce – and
everything in between.
Although the official founding date is not exactly known, CVARC first
appears in amateur radio callbooks in 1963 as K1YMZ. The club call
W1BD, which it still holds today, was chosen to honor Roy L. Gale, who
was a well-respected member in the central VT ham community. Roy passed
away in 1966, holding the callsign 1BD as early as June of 1924, and
eventually W1BD after 1927 when the Federal Radio Commission was
founded, superseding the Department of Commerce as the radio licensing
authority for the US. The FRC became the FCC as we know it today in
1934.
Locals Bob DeForge (K1HKI/SK) and Gerry Benedict (W1NDL/SK) were
among the charter members of the club, putting the first repeater
station on the air and obtaining the club callsign.
Public Service The club continually strives to be active in the Central Vermont community, with hams and non-hams alike. CVARC commonly provides communications support for the Corporate Cup Challenge, held every May in Montpelier. https://www.vcccsar.org/ If you have more info on the history of CVARC, please contact one of the club officers. We’d love to hear from you!