Based in Houston, Texas, the Houston ECHO Society Inc. (W5ECO) has served the Greater Houston amateur radio community for more than half a century. The organization was founded in 1974, originally providing amateur radio autopatch services while also supporting emergency communications.
The name ECHO reflects that public-service heritage: Emergency Communications by Ham Operators.
Although mobile phones have largely replaced the autopatch systems that played an important role in the club's early years, emergency communications remain a central part of ECHO's identity. In a region regularly exposed to hurricanes, tropical storms and other severe weather, the club continues to maintain amateur radio repeaters and a community of operators with an interest in communications preparedness and public service.
ECHO became an ARRL Affiliated Club on August 24, 1985, and its latest ARRL annual report was updated in March 2026.
A General-Interest Amateur Radio Club
Houston ECHO Society is not limited to a single branch of amateur radio.
Its members explore a broad range of interests, including digital modes, VHF/UHF communication, repeaters, emergency and public-service communications, antennas, low-power operating and technical experimentation.
Club activities have included everything from FT8, WSPR and Raspberry Pi projects to contest operating and helping newcomers learn the hobby.
ARRL currently lists the club as offering:
- License examination sessions
- Mentoring for amateur radio operators
- Repeater services
According to its 2026 ARRL record, ECHO currently reports 40 members, all of whom are licensed amateur radio operators, with 25 also holding ARRL membership. The club's membership information also makes clear that an amateur radio license is not required to join, providing an entry point for people who are still learning about the hobby or preparing for their first license.
Monthly Meetings in Houston
Houston ECHO Society normally meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at:
American Red Cross
2700 Southwest Freeway
Houston, Texas
The December meeting is traditionally replaced by an end-of-year dinner at a separately announced location.
Meetings often combine club business with a technical or operating presentation, and recent programmes demonstrate the variety of subjects covered by the organization.
During 2026, presentations and discussions have included subjects such as the Bouvet DXpedition, QRP operating, scanner radios and P25 communications, GMRS and Jamboree on the Air (JOTA). The club's published schedule also lists the Texas QSO Party and radio direction finding, or “fox hunting,” among its upcoming presentation topics.
Some presentations are also made available through Zoom, making it possible for members to participate even when they cannot attend in person.
Keeping Houston Connected Through Repeaters
Repeaters remain one of ECHO's most important technical resources.
The club currently lists four repeaters:
- 147.08 MHz – 103.5 Hz tone
- 147.32 MHz – 100.0 Hz tone
- 224.26 MHz – no tone
- 444.40 MHz – 103.5 Hz tone
These systems provide local amateur radio operators with additional communications coverage and can also become valuable resources when conventional communication networks are disrupted.
ECHO also maintains organized two-meter net procedures. During a typical net, operators can check in, receive club and event information, exchange DX news, request technical assistance and list amateur radio equipment for sale or trade.
Field Day and Public-Service Activities
The society continues to participate in some of amateur radio's best-known operating and community events.
For ARRL Field Day 2026, Houston ECHO Society again joined forces with the Oak Forest Amateur Radio Club, operating from the American Red Cross facility under the callsign N5WAJ in the 3F South Texas category.
The operation included three radio positions and used N1MM+ for CW, phone and digital logging, giving participants opportunities to develop practical operating experience in a field-style communications environment.
The club also identifies a range of Houston-area events and organizations in which its members have participated, including the Houston Marathon, Bike Around the Bay, Tour DuRouge, Wings Over Houston, Harris County ARES and the Greater Houston Hamfest.
These activities reflect ECHO's long-standing connection between amateur radio, technical skills and community service.
Current Club Leadership
Houston ECHO Society's current officers are:
- President – Martin “Marty” Blaise (AG5T)
- Vice President – Mark Collins (KT1KKA)
- Treasurer – Mike Nault (W5OFT)
- Recording/Corresponding Secretary – Lee Gaspard (WA5QXE)
Marty Blaise has served as club president for many years and remains the principal contact listed in the club's current ARRL record.
For club enquiries, presentations or membership information, he can be contacted at:
Postal correspondence can be addressed to:
Houston ECHO Society
Attn: Mike Nault
2016 Peppermill Rd.
Houston, TX 77080-5541
More Than the “Echo” of an Earlier Era
Houston ECHO Society began at a time when amateur radio repeaters and autopatches offered communications capabilities that ordinary mobile technology could not easily provide.
More than 50 years later, the technology has changed, but the club continues to focus on many of the same principles: communication, technical knowledge, preparedness and service.
From maintaining repeaters and participating in Field Day to discussing emerging radio technologies and helping newcomers enter the hobby, W5ECO remains part of the wider amateur radio community serving Houston and Southeast Texas.
For the latest meeting notices, activities and club information, visit the Houston ECHO Society official website.
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