Preserving the spirit of amateur radio across southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia.
Founded in 1980 by Gary Holt (WV8B) and Dale Warrick (N8FRV)(SK), the Appalachian Repeater Association initially served the region as a single club. As the network expanded, the association split into northern and southern divisions in 1986, each with its own officers; later collaboration and technology brought the organization back together as one unified association.
The ARA serves amateur radio operators across southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia. The association maintains a linked network of VHF and UHF repeaters across mountains and valleys, fostering communication, education, fellowship, and public service.
ARA is chartered with the West Virginia Secretary of State as a non-stock, non-profit, perpetual, educational and charitable organization and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity.
Our origins
The Appalachian Repeater Association traces its roots to Gary Holt (WV8B) and Dale Warrick (N8FRV, SK), who formed the club in 1980. To manage a growing footprint across West Virginia and Virginia, the ARA split into Northern and Southern divisions, each with its own slate of officers. This two-division structure allowed volunteers to coordinate operations over a wide geographical area.
As communications technology improved and collaboration became easier, the divisions eventually reunited and the ARA once again became a single organization.
Mission & purpose
Chartered with the West Virginia Secretary of State as a non-stock, non-profit, perpetual, educational and charitable organization, the ARA promotes continuing education in amateur radio for both its members and the public.
We are a community of amateur radio operators dedicated to the enjoyment and enhancement of the hobby. Part of our mission is to provide local hams with reliable repeater coverage — supporting and maintaining numerous amateur radio repeaters throughout West Virginia and Virginia. By fostering communication and fellowship, the ARA helps ensure that the spirit of amateur radio remains vibrant for generations to come.
Community & meetings
In its early years the association sponsored monthly meetings for each division. The Northern division met on the second Tuesday of the month at the Raleigh County 911 Communications Center; the Southern division gathered on the second Monday at the Burger Boy’s Restaurant in Princeton, West Virginia. Although we now operate as a unified organization, meetings, nets and special events remain central to our club culture.
Members and visitors are welcome to check the events calendar for upcoming activities and to join us on the air or in person.
Historical highlight
Pocahontas Exhibition Mines · August 1990
Our early special-event station at the Pocahontas Exhibition Mines — a QSL card from ARA's long tradition of community outreach and on-air activity.
ARA special-event station QSL card, WB4BBF, Pocahontas Exhibition Mines, August 4, 1990.
Featured in print
SERA Repeater Journal · November 1987
The Appalachian Repeater Association and its WZ8E (formerly KD8MZ) 146.955 MHz repeater were featured in a two-page cover story in the November 1987 issue of the SERA Repeater Journal. The magazine cover, article pages and coverage map are preserved below.
Cover — November 1987 issue of the SERA Repeater Journal.Page 1 — the formation of the ARA and its linked repeater network.Page 2 — technical detail on the WZ8E 146.955 MHz repeater.Coverage map — the Piedmont Coastal Repeater Network and ARA reach across WV, VA, and NC.
Get involved
ARA welcomes licensed operators and newcomers alike.
