YOUR RADIO COMMUNITY

Brand-new or experienced, you’ll find a place here to learn, share, and get involved.
Learn more about joining Central Virginia's Premier Radio Club today!

WHICH BEST DESCRIBES YOU?

WHY AMATEUR RADIO?

Amateur radio is so much more than old-school walkie talkies. It's an awesome mix of technology, community, and real-world usefulness. With just a small radio and your amateur radio license, you can talk across town, across the country, and even across the planet - without relying on cell service, the internet, or monthly fees.

STAY CONNECTED

During storms, power outages, or major events, normal communications can get overloaded and fail. Ham radio can still work, and trained operators help relay information when it matters most

EXPLORE THE WORLD

Talk to someone across town on a portable radio, or work a station on the other side of the world from a park in Hanover. It's a great mix of local community & global reach.

LEARN BY DOING

Radios, antennas, digital modes, satellites, repeaters, emergency communications - ham radio is a hands-on hobby. You don't have to be an engineer, you'll learn as you go!

SERVE THE COMMUNITY

Many hams support public service events, emergency management, and community organizations - using their radios and skills to provide extra communications when needed.

MEET SIMILAR PEOPLE

Hams come from all backgrounds - students, retirees, firefighters, techs, nurses, truck drivers, and more. The common thread is curiosity and a willingness to help each other.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

If you're curious and willing to learn, you're the kind of person that amateur radio was made for.

WHY JOIN HVARC?

A WELCOMING, DRAMA FREE ATMOSPHERE

We take radio seriously, not ourselves. At HVARC, you'll find friendly, down-to-earth people, not politics and gatekeeping.

PROVEN MEMBER SATISFACTION.

In our Q4 2025 member survey...

94% of HVARC members told us they’re happy with the club
92% said our programs and presentations are worth their time
88% feel our outreach matters
80% say they're actively involved in meetings and activities

WHEN ASKED WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT HVARC, OUR MEMBERS SAID:

"The members are friendly and they are honest down‑to-earth people who welcome you with open arms."

“Informative presentations at the gatherings. Absence of politics. Forthright communication and engagement.”

“Presentations, learning new things, meeting people face to face, making connections.”

“The opportunity to meet and develop friendships with other HAMs.”

“I am a new member. I've attended only one meeting so far. From that, I can see all the experienced guys that I could talk to for help with any problem.”

MEMBERSHIP TYPES

Regular Member

Licensed Amateur Operators
Approved by a simple majority vote of members at a regular meeting
May vote in elections & run for office

Cost: $0.00 - FREE!

Associate Member

Non-licensed persons who are interested in radio
Approved by a simple majority vote of members at a regular meeting
May not vote in elections, cannot run for office.

Cost: $0.00 - FREE!

HOW TO APPLY:

1 FILL OUT AN APPLICATION

Fill out our online application, or if you prefer, fill one out in person at a club meeting.

2 SUBMIT THE APPLICATION

Once submitted, the application is sent to the Board of Directors

3 ATTEND THE NEXT MEETING

Membership applications are voted on at every regular meeting.

READY TO JOIN HVARC?

APPLY NOW

QUICK FAQ

Do I have to be licensed to join?

Nope. Many of our Associate Members are studying for their first license or just checking out our awesome hobby!

How often does HVARC meet?

We have monthly meetings, plus various nets and special events throughout the year. Our events page and Facebook page always have the latest info.

Is there a membership fee?

HVARC membership is 110% FREE! No dues required to participate, because we believe fun shouldn't cost a fee.

Where are most members from?

67% of our members reside in Hanover County. 24% are from localities that border Hanover, and 12% are from other regional localities. Regardless, anyone is welcome to join us - near or far.

What if I don't know anything about radios?

That's actually perfect. We love helping beginners. You'll learn as you go - nobody expects you to know all the jargon.

Where does HVARC primarily meet?

Regular meetings are typically held in person only at the Atlee Branch Library in Hanover County. It's conveiniently located on Route 301 near I-295 exit 41A.