The Cabarrus Amateur Radio Society (CARS) is a long standing amateur radio club serving Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Affiliated with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) since September 17, 1977, the club carries the call sign K4WC, proudly representing the society on the airwaves.
For decades, CARS has embodied what makes local ham radio clubs essential: hands on learning, technical curiosity, community service, emergency readiness, and the kind of camaraderie that keeps the hobby thriving from one generation to the next.
Most of our members are also ARRL members—we are a strong and active group for a county level club. Outside of meetings, members stay connected through the club’s groups.io mailing list, where announcements, files, and discussions keep everyone in the loop.
What We Do: CARS is far more than a group of operators chatting about radios (though there’s always room for that). The club provides meaningful services that support both the hobby and the community.
License Education & Testing We assist with and provide:
Entry level license classes for new operators
Upgrade classes for General and Amateur Extra
Many of our members serve as certified Volunteer Examiners through the W4VEC VEC, one of the 14 recognized Volunteer Examiner Coordinators, for earning or upgrading your FCC license.
These programs help bring new hams into the hobby and support existing operators as they grow.
Repeaters CARS maintains two key repeaters that support local VHF/UHF activity:
K4CEB – 146.655 MHz (−0.6 MHz, no tone)
K4WC – 443.350 MHz (+5 MHz, 136.5 Hz tone)
These machines serve as vital communication resources for nets, public service, and emergency operations.
Operating Interests Members enjoy a wide range of activities, including:
Contesting
Digital modes
DXing
HF/VHF/UHF operation
Public service & emergency communications
Youth outreach
There’s room for every interest—from casual 2 meter ragchews to serious HF DX pursuits.
Public Service & Community Involvement CARS plays an active role in supporting local events and emergency preparedness. Past activities have included:
Special event stations at community gatherings (such as the Jiggy with the Piggy festival)
Support for emergency communications in cooperation with ARRL ARES
Participation in county level disaster readiness efforts
Amateur radio remains a resilient backup when traditional communication systems fail, and CARS helps ensure that capability exists locally. Club Culture & Community Spirit Beyond formal meetings, CARS maintains an active presence in the local ham community:
Social posts and photos from club activities
Informal gatherings and on air meetups
Mentoring for new operators
Swap and shop gear exchanges
Regular net check ins and repeater activity
It’s a friendly, grassroots environment where newcomers are welcomed and experienced operators share knowledge freely.
Tradition & Legacy With continuous ARRL affiliation since 1977, CARS stands firmly in the long tradition of amateur radio clubs that shaped the hobby from its earliest days. The society remains connected to the national amateur community and participates in the events and volunteer culture that define ham radio.
Why CARS Matters Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just radio curious, CARS offers:
A supportive community of local hams
Training and testing opportunities
Reliable repeater infrastructure
Public service and emergency communication capability
A gateway to Hamfests, Field Day, and the wider amateur radio world
Local clubs like CARS are the heart of amateur radio. They’re where people learn, operate, serve, and become part of a global community connected by curiosity, skill, and the magic of radio.
