Discover the Best of Prairie Dog Amateur Radio Club.
Serving Southeastern South Dakota, Northeast Nebraska, and Northwest Iowa.
About Prairie Dog Amateur Radio Club
Our Mission
The Prairie Dog Amateur Radio Club (PDARC) is dedicated to furthering the success of amateur radio in Southeast South Dakota, Northeast Nebraska, and Northwest Iowa. Our primary purpose is to support amateur radio in the area through club programs, education, and camaraderie. Whether you are new to amateur radio or an experienced operator, you will enjoy the broad depth of knowledge found among our members. PDARC operates four networked analog repeaters and a Yaesu System Fusion digital repeater. The club is an active participant in the annual ARRL Field Day and generally scores quite high on a national basis. PDARC is the sponsoring club of the South Dakota QSO Party. We also take time to celebrate with events like the annual summer picnic and an awesome family oriented Christmas party. Our club was established in 1949 and was registered as a non-profit South Dakota corporation in February of 1956. Our history of amateur radio service goes way back!
Is Amateur Radio For You?
What is amateur radio and would I enjoy it? What can I do in the hobby? We are here to help you decide if amateur radio is right for you!
How do I get my license?
Don't let the licensing process scare you. It is not that hard! No morse code is required and the test questions are not that big of a deal. And we are here to help. Check out our licensing page for study resources. When you're ready to take a test PDARC will schedule a test session that works for your schedule!
Monthly Programs With Social Time
PDARC is lucky to have numerous members who are very proficient in a wide range of radio operations. From DIY electronic projects to operating in the various amateur radio bands in different modes of operation - they love to share their knowledge with others!
PDARC meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 pm and all are welcome.
The location of the club meeting is Christ the King Lutheran Church, located at 305 West 25th Street (behind the Econo Lodge) in Yankton, South Dakota. The meetings start with a 30 minute business meeting followed by snacks and fellowship. At 8 p.m. we finish the evening with an educational program. Please come join us!
Friday Morning Breakfast
Club members gather for breakfast and fellowship at 9 AM on Friday mornings at the Fryn’ Pan located at the corner of 21st and Broadway (502 West 21st Street) in Yankton, South Dakota. All are welcome to join!
ARRL Field Day - June 28 & 29, 2025
Field Day is ham radio’s open house. Want to give it a try and get on the air? No license is required to operate as part of our club at this event! Every June, more than 40,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in ham radio. We will be at the Tyndall City Park in Tyndall, South Dakota operating from 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 through 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Visitors are welcome! Please join us and get on the air!
Contesting Station
If you are interested in contesting - have we got a deal for you! A number of club members are experienced contesters and enjoy multi-operator events at the contesting station of W0SD near Salem, South Dakota. The Prairie Dog Club offers members a chance to grow their skills while experiencing contest operations at a world-class station.
South Dakota QSO Party
PDARC is the proud sponsor of the South Dakota QSO Party. This once a year event offers a chance for working big pile-ups calling CQ from South Dakota while offering those outside the state a chance to log highly valued contacts with South Dakota stations.
Special Events
We strive to build a strong sense of community by providing opportunities for social connection and personal growth.
Area VHF/UHF Repeater Systems
Four repeaters linked together to form the Prairie Dog Link System, two local Fusion digital repeaters, and access to SD Link. Regional communications at your fingertips! (Photo: Springfield, South Dakota / Norwegian Hill repeater site.)
PDARC is proud to be an ARRL Affiliated Club
ARRL is the national association for Amateur Radio in the US. ARRL numbers within its ranks the vast majority of active radio amateurs in the nation and has a proud history of achievement as the standard-bearer in amateur affairs.