W3ACH
Cumberland Valley Amateur Radio Club
Since 1977, W3ACH has been at the heart of amateur radio in the Cumberland Valley, connecting people through curiosity, communication, and a shared love for exploring the airwaves. Our club is a place where innovation meets tradition, welcoming everyone!
Whether you're chasing distant contacts, experimenting with antennas, learning the latest digital modes, or simply enjoying a friendly chat on a local net, W3ACH is your home for discovery, camaraderie, and connection.
Let's get on the air together.
Amateur Radio - Hobby | Art | Community | Service
W3ACH, a community club where amateur radio goes beyond the dial to bring people together through curiosity, connection, and hands-on discovery. For some, radio has been a lifelong companion, a passion sparked in childhood by the hum of ham bands or the fun of making that first contact.
For others, it's a new adventure, a way to explore communication, technology, and innovation in a dynamic, ever-evolving hobby. Whatever your background, if you're here, you already share the spirit of exploration that makes amateur radio so special.
Our members include operators with decades of experience, enthusiastic newcomers just earning their licenses, and everyone in between.
Together, we share knowledge, ideas, and a common goal: to inspire and support one another while keeping amateur radio thriving for future generations.
Amateur radio continues to evolve, but its heart remains the same: a fascinating and reliable way to connect with the world. It's more than just a means of communication, it's a blend of exploration, creativity, and problem-solving that appeals to anyone curious about technology or eager to try something new.
Through amateur radio, you can reach people across the globe, experiment with cutting-edge digital modes, or even communicate via satellites. It's a unique intersection of tradition and innovation, offering endless opportunities to learn and grow, no matter your level of experience.
At W3ACH, we provide more than just technical support—we offer a welcoming community of people who share your interests and want to see you succeed. Whether you're chasing your first contact or fine-tuning your skills, you'll find camaraderie, encouragement, and plenty of inspiration to keep discovering.
Club Meetings
Our monthly gatherings take place on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings are a place to connect in person, discuss club updates, share ideas, and plan for future activities. Whether you're bringing a new project or just joining to listen, there's always something on the agenda.
Weekly Net Operations
Every Sunday evening at 7:30 PM, we come together on 147.120 MHz + PL 100 Hz to share updates, practice net control skills, and enjoy each other's company. Whether it's your first time checking in or your hundredth, we value every person that joins the net!
Special Events
From Field Day to Parks on the Air activations, our special events offer hands-on experiences and plenty of fun. We also participate in local community activities and emergency communication exercises, showcasing the vital role amateur radio plays when its needed most.
Development
Our club is dedicated to helping members grow their skills. We offer guidance for setting up equipment, troubleshooting, and experimenting with new modes. We also coordinate licensing sessions to help newcomers get on the air and start their amateur radio journey.
2025 Club Leadership
The current active club leadership
KC7MRY - John
Club President
(Open Position)
Vice President
K3AMI - Ami
Secretary
KC3WHF - Matt
Treasure
KC3FUN - Dave
Public Relations / Public Information Officer
N3LTQ - Milt
Trustee/Technical
K3WVU - Dwight
Net Control Administrator
Get Licensed and Upgrade with LARC VEC
Becoming a licensed amateur radio operator has never been easier! W3ACH proudly partners with the Laurel Amateur Radio Club Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (LARC VEC) to provide free FCC-accredited testing sessions for new and upgrading hams.
We don't just use one meters, We use all meters.
-Jim KB3ICU