Category Archives: General

Emergency Communications Driving Increase in Amateur Radio Operators

Hams standing by and ready to help during disasters or other events.

BY JAMES CARELESS / APRIL 11, 2017

More Americans than ever have been licensed by the Federal Communications Commission as amateur radio operators, and those in the know say that emergency communications is driving their passion to be “hams.”

“There has been a tremendous amount of interest in emergency preparedness since 9/11 and Katrina, and this is true for the amateur radio community as well,” said Mike Corey, the emergency preparedness manager for the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). “Emergency communications is a gateway into amateur radio, and many join our ranks through an interest in being better prepared themselves and as a way to serve their community.”

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New ARRL Repeater Directory is Biggest Ever!

With a whopping 31,000+ listings, the new ARRL Repeater Directory® is the most complete printed directory of on-the-air repeaters ever! The 2017-2018 edition (46th edition) has 10,000 more listings than the previous edition, covering repeater systems throughout the US and Canada. Repeater systems are listed by state/province, city, and operating mode. Analog and digital repeater systems are included: FM, FUSION, D-STAR, DMR, NXDN, and P25 systems. Continue reading →

Amateur Radio Emergency Service Posts its 2016 Annual Report

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) has posted its 2016 annual report. The 2016 ARES Annual Report focuses on documenting the value that ARES provides to the nation, states, and localities in collaboration with partners at all levels. The report features basic data drawn from Section Emergency Coordinators’ reports, a breakdown of ARES figures by state and FEMA region, and a challenge for 2017. According to the report, ARES membership in 2016 was 27,754 — up from 17,756 in 2015 — and the Service was active in 42 states and US territories. ARES volunteers responded to 33,136 events last year.

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2016 Member Appreciation Dinner

Printares-cl.jpgGood Morning,

It is that time of year — the 2016 Member Appreciation Dinner will be held on December 6th at 7pm at Journey Church located at 6225 Lake Gray Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32244 (Click the address for a map).  We have an exciting event planned for this year as we review the events of 2016, find out the results of this years voting for Board member, find out who the “Ham of the Year” will be, and have some great food.  You will not want to miss it!  The cost s $10.00 per person and you can pay by check, cash or Credit Card at the door! Continue reading →