Warren County Amateur Radio Association (WCARA), Lebanon, Ohio
WC8EMA - Our Amateur Radio Callsign and Providing Community Service Since 1985
Who we are:
Warren County Amateur Radio Association (WCARA) is a leading amateur radio (ham radio) association in Warren County, Ohio. The organization is located just north of Cincinnati near Lebanon, Ohio. WCARA has been serving our community with non-commercial communications during emergency conditions since the formation of our association in 1985. Members operate with a license granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and operate primarily under regulations contained in U.S. CFR Title 47, Part 97, "Amateur Radio Service." WCARA specializes in Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio technologies and participates in amateur radio activities using VHF and UHF equipment. High Frequency (HF) radio operation also complements VHF/UHF capability for extended range communications. Some members operate microwave amateur stations as well.
What we do:
Emergency communications support to local officials during emergencies when community communication systems become damaged or insufficient.
Provide county-wide weather spotting for the amateur radio community.
Meet to enjoy each others company and stories - Every first Tuesday at the Monthly Main Meeting and at the "after" meeting at BW3.
Homebrew Equipment - Kit building, repeaters.
Equipment Upgrades planned - 2 Semi-portable operating boxes, generator, operating accessories.
Participate in weekly net on Monday at 8:30 PM -- Frequency: 146.865MHz Offset: -0.060MHz Tone(PL): 118.8Hz.
Participate in a few exercises and drills supporting emergency preparedness throughout the year.
Contesting Lite - Ohio State Parks On the Air, Ohio QSO Contest, Field Day, other contests that members request.
Training - Weather Spotting, Emergency Support, Radio Equipment Operation.
Digital Communication - VHF/UHF Packet, HF Digital Modes, D-Star, Echolink.
Amateur radio computer applications - Raspberry Pi, Arduino, TI, other.
Amateur Radio Software - N3FPJ Emergency Manager, WinLink2000, HF-ALE, FLDigi, G8BPQ, Ham Radio Deluxe, Linux, Google Apps
Amateur radio licensing - Assist non-hams acquire FCC amateur radio license.
New Licensee Mentoring - Help new ham radio licensees get started operating radios.
Seek new members for WCARA - We are always looking for good hams to become members of WCARA.
When we do it:
Main Meeting: First Tuesday of each month starting at 7:00 P.M. Provide emergency backup communications on request.
Where we do it:
WCARA holds meetings in the conference room at Turtlecreek Township Building, 670 N State Route 123, Lebanon, Ohio, 45036 (Note: This is the meeting location, not the address for WCARA). Meeting location may be changes to an alternate location.
Why we do it:
"Because We Can" Radio Amateurs enjoy communicating with other amateurs both locally and all over the world; promoting international good will. Many have made friends for life through ham radio contacts. Radio amateurs enjoy constructing their radio station from store bought equipment and/or homebrew equipment sometimes advancing the "state of the radio art."
How we do it:
WCARA amateur radio operators are licensed by the FCC. Each license upgrade allows the use of expanded radio frequencies. Potential ham operators must pass an exam showing they understand basic radio communication concepts and regulations before obtaining their license. Each operator can have a home "base" station as well as mobile and handheld radio stations. According to regulations, amateur radio operators can support community officials after a declared emergency when community owned communication systems become damaged or insufficient.
Please Join The WCARA Organization And Enjoy Amateur Radio With Us !!
For information about joining please email: information@wc8ema.org