Club Overview
The Hill Country Amateur Radio Club, based in Kerrville, Texas, is an AARL Special Service Club. Our members live across the Texas Hill Country in communities such as Fredericksburg, Boerne, Bandera, Lake Hills and surrounding communities. The club is over 50 years old and has over 100 members, many of whom are active in the community and on-the-air.
Club meetings occur on the First Thursday of each month at the historic Union Church, 101 Travis St. Kerrville, Texas 78028. The doors open at 6:00 pm and the meeting begins at 7:00 pm. Visit the Club Calendar for date specific information. Guests are always welcome!
Social meetings occur on the second Saturday of each month at the W3XO Club Shack, inside the Riverstar Arts & Events Park at 4000 Riverside Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028. Meetings begins at 9:00 am (CT) and training often follows at 10:00 am (CT). Visit the Club Calendar for date specific information. Guests are always welcome!
The "Cloud Warmers Net" convenes on the second Saturday of each month on 7.280 MHz at 9:00 am. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. This relaxed net provides an opportunity to test your radios and antennas, share announcements, and connect with other operators on the air. Visit "The Breakfast Club" for more information. Guests are always welcome!
The Club also convenes a two-meter net every Monday at 7:00 pm (CT) on 146.790 MHz. All amateur radio operators are invited to check in. This is also our Skywarn frequency.
Our Repeater
The Hill Country Amateur Radio Club operates the W3XO repeater, a wide-coverage two-meter system serving Kerrville and the surrounding Hill Country. The repeater transmits on 146.790 MHz with a standard -0.600 MHz offset. The club hosts a weekly net every Monday at 7:00 PM Central Time. All licensed operators are welcome to check in and share news and events. Here is a list of other Hill Country repeaters.
Emergency Coordination Activities
Like any other county, Kerr County is susceptible to the effects of both natural and man-made disasters. At times, local government and non-government resources are inadequate to effectively respond to such incidents. HCARC’s members assist with county emergency preparedness activities and stand ready to assist when the time comes.
In the event of a wide-spread telecommunications outage, where internet and cellular networks have failed, members are encouraged to monitor 7.280 MHz and participate daily in a 9:00 am information sharing net.
Hill Country Chapter of the American Red Cross
- HCARC has a long history of providing emergency communications
when called upon, including support to the Hill Country Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Kerr County Emergency Management
- HCARC is tasked by the County Emergency Management Coordinator to provide alternative communications to all ten Kerr Area Rural Fire Association (KARFA) Volunteer Fire Departments during emergencies.
The National Weather Service
- HCARC also supports the National Weather Service (NWS) when severe weather threatens the Hill Country. Our Skywarn net is activated during inclement weather conditions.
