Welcome to Amateur Radio in Lake County!
In 1952 a small group of amateur radio (aka ham radio) enthusiasts met in Leesburg, Florida and founded the Lake Amateur Radio Association (LARA). LARA later merged with the Lake Repeater Association and nearly 75 years later this fellowship has grown into a unique, member based organization of over 150 amateur radio operators.
As a Florida and nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are an ARRL affiliated club, ARRL special service club, sponsor an Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) team, and have an affiliated Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) chapter that has been chartered since 1990.
Get Involved-
- General Membership Meetings: Held on the third Saturday of each month at 10AM at the clubhouse. (Except December when the meeting is held on the second Saturday.)
- Volunteer Examiner Test Sessions: Conducted at 8AM prior to general membership meetings—for those interested in obtaining their amateur radio license, or upgrading license class.
“Tech Saturday’s” held the first Saturday of each month at the clubhouse at 10AM! Come learn, explore and train on many topics of interest. (Location and times occasionally vary based on the topic)
LARA’s top scoring field day team continually ranks in the top 10 stations nationally, and activates a POTA station numerous times annually.
Our Facility & Capabilities-
LARA is unique in that LARA built and maintains a clubhouse, operating location, and an extensive antenna farm near Leesburg, Florida; the home of amateur radio station K4FC. Our club capabilities and highlights include:
160 foot tower and extensive antenna farm
Four (4) fully equipped operating positions (HF, VHF, and UHF) with emergency power generator plant
Multiple operating modes (WINLINK, FT-8, Echolink, P25, DMR, DSTAR, and more)
Emergency Communications-
LARA has long prided itself on community service and emergency communications. We operate a fully outfitted Emergency Communications Trailer, available for public service and emergencies that has deployed in support of hurricane and community events. LCARES is the home of amateur radio station N4FLA, and rosters both ARES and AUXCOMM trained vetted volunteers ready to provide assistance to our served agencies.
Advanced Repeater Network-
2m VHF and 70cm UHF repeaters (including links to the popular East Coast Reflector)
Three 70cm DMR repeaters connected to DMR-SE, excellent county-wide coverage in sponsorship with our served agencies.
Monthly Luncheon–
Connect with fellow radio enthusiasts at our monthly luncheons, held on the second Wednesday of each month at 11:00 AM a
President’s Message-
The board, club officers and membership warmly welcome guests, those interested in the hobby, seasonal residents and visiting hams to attend any of our monthly events! I look forward to introducing you to THE amateur radio fellowship in Lake County. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
‘73
Jason Matthews – K4AUS
President & Life Member
Email: president@k4fc.org