PARC Goes Digital! Great Tech Night at the Playground Amateur Radio Club Technical Night! Mark NC4MR took the reins and taught us a thing or two about digital modes in ham radio. Starting with a great presentation followed up with some time at Station 2 to demonstrate using WSJT-X and GridTracker on FT8.
Thanks, Mark for the great presentation and the work you have put into making PARC a digital powerhouse.
Thanks to everyone who showed up
73, KQ4ATC
Amateur radio isn’t just a hobby—it’s a passport to connecting with fellow enthusiasts from every corner of the planet, all without needing the internet! Whether you’re chatting with someone across town or bouncing signals off the atmosphere to reach another continent, every conversation is an adventure.
What makes ham radio so incredible? You’re part of a community that values skill-building, emergency preparedness, and the pure joy of making contact. From learning Morse code to experimenting with digital modes, there’s always something new to explore. Plus, when disasters strike and modern communication fails, amateur radio operators become lifelines for their communities.
Getting started is easier than you think! Study for your license, grab a starter radio, and suddenly you’re part of a global network of operators who share your passion. The thrill of making your first contact, hearing that voice crackle through the static, and exchanging call signs—it never gets old.
Whether you’re interested in contesting, satellite communication, or just making new friends worldwide, amateur radio offers endless possibilities. It’s technology, community, and adventure all rolled into one. 
Ready to get on the air? The frequencies are waiting!
#AmateurRadio #HamRadio #RadioHobby
Foosball & Ham Radio?!
Absolutely! Look here, the PARC Team is proud to offer yet another astounding event! The best part, it combines the world of Amateur Radio with the Super Bowl! This year, PARC opens it’s doors at 3 PM Central for it’s regularly scheduled Pile-Up and remains open for the Super Bowl! The Seahawks VS. the Patriots in Super Bowl 60! There is going to be food, there is going to be games, there is going to be contests, and, there is going to be Ham Radio! Come down and get on the air, talk across town or even the world (propagation pending). take in the game, enjoy the camaraderie, and just have a great evening with the Team at PARC! You know you want to so just come on down to the Playground!
17 First St SE, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
Sunday, February 8, 2026 Pile-Up at 3:00 pm / Super Bowl Pre-Show 5:00 pm
The Playground Amateur Radio Club had a great time with many visitors and operators! Be sure to catch us at the Pile-Up next Sunday!
What a great day at the Playground Amateur Radio Club! We had a lot of activities going on at once and we even had multiple guests!
We are in the middle of getting ready for our Business Meeting on Thursday and the Playground Yard Sale on Saturday! Be sure to read up on the news posts for it and plan on attending Saturday Jan 17 from Noon to Five! Get that ham radio piece, component, radio, or gadget that you have been looking for!
Would you looky here! Zach, KR4FWK set up his Tube Lamp and displays it proudly! Zach is the 2025 PARC Ham of the Year! He and many, many other PARC Team members continuously strive to dedicate their passion for Ham Radio and show off what they have earned while asking for no credit! Want to see it in action? Check out the PARC Club Calendar and see when you can join us!
While installing some coax, PARC members found a blast from the past under some spray insulation! This is not the first time cool things have been found up there and wow what an awesome pull! This sign will be restored! Look for it at the March Hamfest! For details about it, click the Hamfest Tab!
Paul, KC5RFU got a surprise score in the ARRL 10 Meter Contest! His entry category was Single Operator, Low Power Phone only. He operated roughly 28 of the 48 hours of the contest. He was ranked #9 for the US Call Area 4, #5 for the Southeastern Division, and #2 for NFL Northern Florida Section. Instead of utilizing his crank-up tower and yagi antenna, Paul opted for the limited antennas overlay, meaning he used a homebrew Ladder Line J Pole antenna for 10 Meters mounted on a fiberglass mast in his front yard for the duration of the contest! The antenna is based on a design by N1LO. Radio used was a Yaesu FT-710 Field.
Great job Paul!
The Playground Amateur Radio Club cordially invites YOU and all your friends to the Clubhouse on Saturday January the 17th 2025 starting at Noon and going until Five for the Playground Amateur Radio Club Garage Sale! If you’re looking to get, find a gem, item, needed component, or product to enhance your shack, this is your chance to get in and get it early before the next major event!
Information: Saturday 17 Jan 2026, Noon to Five at 17 First ST SE Fort Walton Beach Florida!
Admission: FREE!
So do not hesitate, STOP what YOU are doing right now, pencil it in on your Calendar and plan on making the trip to see the Team! We are willing to bet that even if you just show up, they may be able to teach you something or learn from you! Idea exchange is the staple of Amateur Radio and the Team at PARC is more than happy to be the student, just as much as they are to be the teacher!
Thank you to all who attended the Holiday Party!
We sure had a wonderful time and hope to see all of you again soon! There will be more pictures after gathering them form other members and sharing them!
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