Our Purpose
The Charlotte Amateur Radio Society, located in Charlotte County, Florida, is an ARRL-affiliated amateur radio organization supporting ARES emergency auxiliary communications, radio and electronics experimentation, education and science.
Our Story
The Charlotte Amateur Radio Society (CARS) was organized in 1974 making CARS the oldest operating amateur radio club in Charlotte County. We are the southernmost county in the 10-county West Central Florida Section of the Florida ARRL.
Club membership is open to all ham radio operators and to those who want to become ham radio operators. Please visit us at one of our monthly club meetings held at the First United Methodist Church, Lenox Hall, 507 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you there and to meeting you on the air!
Meet the Leaders
These are the amateur radio operators who spend endless hours guiding the club and planning all of the wonderful activities for our members.
Douglas
Young,
KM4LKC
President
Doug has been licensed since 2015 when he received his extra class. Doug enjoys building radio projects, portable field operations, and phone contests.
Marty
Purselley,
AA5UN
Vice-President
Marty was first licensed in 1974 as WN5YUN and picked up his current call back in 1990 when he upgraded to Extra. Marty enjoys HF, chasing DX, contesting, Parks on the air (POTA), and working on his CW skills. For more details, check out his profile on QRZ.
Rick
Kilmer,
KQ4JXF
Treasurer
Rick is a retired structural engineer who received his General License in 2023. He and his wife, Pam, moved to Punta Gorda in 2004. He now enjoys antenna modeling and construction, as well as DXing and exploring digital modes. Rick also enjoys boating, big ship cruising, and travel.
Greg
Dyer,
K4PGD
Secretary
Greg received his General license in 2006 and brings his skills in Infomation Technolgy to our ham radio community. Greg is a private pilot and enjoys golf and kayak fishing when he can find the time.
Next Steps…
If you would like to join the Charlotte Amateur Radio Society, simply click on the button to the right. This will allow you to complete an application and make payment online or mail a check to us.