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| The MARC
Organization |
"Giving Something Back"
The Motorcycling Amateur Radio Club -- or more
commonly referred to simply as "MARC" -- combines the
love of motorcycle riding with the powerful capability and
convenience of two-way amateur radio. Members donate their
time and effort to provide communications at selected charity
events in their chapter regions.
"Motorcycle Mobile" - The Beginning
The roots of our organization go back to the year 1992, when
several motorcycle owners in southern California began wondering
if it wasn't possible to combine their love of riding with their
interest in amateur radio communications. While Citizen's
Band (CB) radio was already being used, it was limited both in
reliability and distance and always subject to interruptions.
They realized that amateur radio, because of it's licensing
requirements, increased bandwidth and equipment options, might
increase their overall capability.
Much to their surprise, their idea appeared to be a novel one,
as there was little or no literature or information available on
the topic.
Undaunted, the desire to find a solution and become
"motorcycle mobile" caused them to begin experimenting
with different combinations and variations of radio equipment to
find the "optimum" solution. Some ideas, by
today's standards, would seem almost silly. But, these
pioneers steadfastly refused to give in to failure, and they
kept on.
"School of Hard Knocks"
True, there were failures. They spent countless dollars
and hundreds of hours searching for the best solutions in
antenna selection and performance, radio installation and still
maintaining a steady focus of safe operations. One might
just say they informally created the "MARC University"
focusing on the "school of hard knocks" as their
primary course offering!!
It takes failure to appreciate success. And when success
came, there was no one happier -- or prouder -- in the whole
wide world than this band of amateur riders who simply wanted to
talk while they rode. Simply put, they wanted to
"ride their radios" around and enjoy the great
outdoors.
"Motorcycle Mobile" - Today
Of course, innovations in radio technology and antenna design
have had a dramatic impact on the design, installation and
operations of motorcycle mobile configurations. Headsets
have replaced hand microphones, radar detectors and cellular
telephones are now common additions, and there is a much larger
selection of antennas and two-way radio equipment.
Smaller, less expensive and more reliable, today's amateur radio
equipment not only provides an enjoyable ride for MARC members
but allows them to communicate reliably over great distances.
Amateur privileges means access to repeater capability, which
extends the communications range of simplex or
"bike-to-bike" transmissions.
The MARC Family
Thanks to those hard-headed pioneers of 1992, MARC membership
now sports chapters outside California as well as several
members outside United States. The international scope of
MARC membership hasn't changed the orientation of its members.
Of course, just like society at large, MARC members come in all
shapes and sizes, from all walks of life. Meetings feature
some adults masquerading as "big kids" and some
"not so big kids" as well as some genuine "young
people" who also enjoy the MARC family.
Want to witness the friendship and caring of MARC? Come to
any monthly meeting and
simply introduce yourself. Just have a motorcycle and no
amateur license? It's ok. Got an amateur license but
no motorcycle? Same answer!!
MARC meetings are always friendly, normally held where really
great-tasting food is available, with lots of really
interesting, down-to-earth people who just want to "give
something back" to those looking for a solution.
Thanks for visiting.
P.S. Those original pioneers? They are still active
and contributing members. They are also on the Board
of Directors and provide staff services to our organization.
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