Calling all ham radio enthusiasts in Southern Illinois! The Mount Ava Repeater Association (MARA) – K9GOX – offers a welcoming environment for hams of all experience levels. Founded in 2001, MARA is dedicated to fostering a strong ham radio community, supporting public service efforts, and providing reliable repeater access for its members.
A Club Built on Connectivity and Support
The Mount Ava Repeater Association (K9GOX) caters to a range of ham radio interests:
- General Interest: Whether you're new to the hobby or a seasoned operator, MARA provides a space to connect with fellow hams, share knowledge, and explore the vast potential of amateur radio.
- Public Service and Safety: Committed to supporting the community, MARA is dedicated to providing vital communication during emergencies.
- Repeaters: Gain access to MARA's network of open repeaters, expanding your communication capabilities and staying connected with other hams in Southern Illinois. Their repeaters cover VHF and UHF frequencies, offering options for both analog and digital communication. (Details: VHF - K9GOX Repeater 146.850 -0.600 mhz offset, ctcss 88.5 - Analog; VHF - K9GOX Repeater 145.310 -0.600 mhz offset, ctcss 88.5 - Digital; UHF - K9GOX Repeater 443.425 +5.000 mhz offset, ctcss 88.5 - Analog).
- Digital Modes: Delve into the exciting world of digital modes and explore its potential for communication and experimentation (availability for exploring digital modes might depend on the specific repeater you use).
- VHF/UHF Communication: Utilize your VHF/UHF expertise or learn more about this essential aspect of ham radio communication.
Supporting Your Ham Radio Journey
The Mount Ava Repeater Association (K9GOX) offers resources to help you grow as a ham radio operator:
- License Test Sessions: The club might hold license test sessions, potentially saving you travel time (confirm details by contacting them directly).
- Mentor: Connect with experienced members who can answer your questions and guide you on your ham radio journey (reach out to club members for more information).
- Club Newsletter: Stay informed about club activities, news, and upcoming events through their club newsletter.
- On-The-Air Bulletins: Receive vital information and updates directly through the club's on-the-air bulletins broadcasted on their repeaters.
Building a Strong Ham Radio Community
The Mount Ava Repeater Association (K9GOX) fosters a strong sense of community:
- Monthly Meetings: They hold meetings on the 3rd Friday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Masonic Lodge in Murphysboro, IL. These meetings offer a fantastic opportunity to learn from presentations, share your experiences, and connect with fellow hams.
- Website: While they currently don't have a website listed, contacting them through email (Jegiffin@aol.com) is a great way to get the latest information on meetings, events, and repeater usage.
Join the Mount Ava Repeater Association (K9GOX)!
If you're passionate about ham radio, seeking a supportive community, or interested in contributing to public service efforts, the Mount Ava Repeater Association (K9GOX) welcomes you! Reach out to Jerry R. Giffin K9LRE at Jegiffin@aol.com for more information.
Additional Notes:
- While the club doesn't currently have a website, contacting them via email is the best way to get the latest information.
- Meeting details or events might change, so reaching out to the club directly is the best way to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.