About the Jefferson County Amateur Radio Club

The Jefferson County Amateur Radio Club (JCARC) is a friendly, growing, and vibrant organization of more than fifty members dedicated to fellowship, technical advancement, and public service. We meet on the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM in the conference room of St. Clement Health Care Center, 300 Liguori Dr., Barnhart, Missouri (near Liguori). Anyone — member or not — is welcome to attend.

Our purpose is simple and enduring:

• Provide meaningful connections for fellow amateur radio operators

• Deliver vital communications services to Jefferson County and surrounding communities

• Partner with the Jefferson County EOC and ARES through an active Emergency Preparedness Plan

A Legacy Since 1936

The club was founded in 1936 by four Jefferson County radio enthusiasts: Charles Herbert (W9CJB), Emanuel Roth (W9VLP), Walter Hample (W9UYD), and Tyndle Polk. Early meetings were held in members’ homes and centered on fellowship, learning, and a shared passion for radio.

In 1938, the club expanded regionally and became the Ozark Amateur Radio Club, serving multiple counties until World War II, when amateur radio operations were suspended nationwide. Many members served in military, intelligence, and civilian defense roles.

The club reorganized in the 1970s under its current name, the Jefferson County Amateur Radio Club. In 1996, the club was issued its call sign KBØTLL, strengthening its identity and on-air presence.

Repeaters – Call Sign KBØTLL

JCARC proudly operates three repeaters serving Jefferson County and the surrounding region:

VHF – FM / EchoLink

147.075 MHz (+0.6 MHz offset, 141.3 Hz tone)
Located approximately 4 miles north of Hillsboro, Missouri.
Available on EchoLink — search KBØTLL.

VHF – C4FM Wires-X

147.105 MHz (+0.6 MHz offset, no tone)
Located at the 911 Tower in House Springs, Missouri.
Currently linked to the club’s Liguori Room (61689).
(C4FM-capable radios required.)

UHF – FM

442.425 MHz (+5 MHz offset, 141.3 Hz tone)
Operational since November 11, 2024.
Located approximately 4 miles north of Hillsboro.

Other Affiliated Repeaters

Buck Knob Repeater (Crystal City)

146.775 MHz (+600 kHz offset, 100.0 Hz tone)
Owned by club member Gary (KDØRIS).
Wires-X capable (local only; currently no connected node).

6 Meter Repeater (AMC Club)

52.950 MHz (-1.7 MHz offset, 192.8 Hz tone)
Transmit site in Arnold, receive site in Barnhart.
 

Weekly & Monthly Nets

JCARC offers a full schedule of active and engaging nets:

Sunday

• 7:30 PM – South Saint Louis ERC Net
  147.075 MHz (+0.6 MHz offset, 141.3 Hz tone)
  Hosted by Bob Wills (WBØREW)

Monday

• 8:00 PM – Monday Night Emergency Practice Net
  147.075 MHz (+0.6 MHz offset, 141.3 Hz tone)
  Welcoming regular, short-time, mobile/portable, and EchoLink check-ins.

• 1st Monday – Monthly Emergency Simplex Net
  146.550 MHz FM simplex (follows Emergency Practice Net)
  Alternate frequencies: 146.580, 146.520.

• Monday Night Swap Net
  147.075 MHz (+0.6 MHz offset, 141.3 Hz tone)
  Follows the Emergency Practice Net (except on 1st Monday).

Tuesday

• 10:00 AM – The Brunch Bunch
  146.775 MHz (+600 kHz offset, 100.0 Hz tone)
  Buck Knob Repeater – Casual roundtable (not an official club net).

• 10:05–11:00 PM – Old Geezer’s Net (Also Thursday & Saturday)
  147.075 MHz (+0.6 MHz offset, 141.3 Hz tone)
  Casual roundtable and hobby discussion.

First Tuesday of Each Month

• 6:30 PM – Jefferson County ARES Net
  147.075 MHz (+0.6 MHz offset, 141.3 Hz tone)

Wednesday

• 9:00 AM – The Come As You Are Net
  147.075 MHz (+0.6 MHz offset, 141.3 Hz tone)
  Hosted by Andy Patin (WD8DSF)

• 8:00 PM – Foodie Net
  442.425 MHz (+5 MHz offset, 141.3 Hz tone)
  Hosted by Aaron Tarlow (NØAPT)

Friday 

• 7:00 PM – TGIF (Fred) Net
  147.105 MHz (+0.6 MHz offset, no tone)
  Hosted by Fred (KDØDSA) on the Wires-X repeater
  (C4FM-capable radios required.)
  
  

  Club Station

  In 2022, the club began meeting at St. Clement Health Care Center, and in 2023 installed a complete amateur radio station available to members by appointment. The station includes:

  • Kenwood TS-520

  • Kenwood TS-570S

  • Yaesu FTM-100D

  • End-fed random wire antenna (80–6 meters)

  • Mosley triband beam (10, 15, 20 meters) on a 50-foot tower

  • Dual-band VHF/UHF vertical antenna

  This fully operational station allows members to enjoy HF, VHF, UHF, and digital modes in a well-equipped shared environment.

  A Tradition of Service

  From assisting during the 1937 flood and responding to devastating Missouri tornadoes, to supporting flood response in 1993 and partnering with county emergency management today, JCARC members have long been known for dependable emergency communications.

  Amateur radio operators are widely recognized for stepping up when other systems fail — and the Jefferson County Amateur Radio Club continues that proud tradition.

  Join Us

  Our website provides detailed information about meetings, events, repeaters, and club news. You’ll find a contact form and membership application available on every page.

  For nearly 90 years, the Jefferson County Amateur Radio Club has blended fellowship, technical skill, and public service. We invite you to join us and be part of the tradition.