Appalachian Repeater Association
Serving amateur radio operators across West Virginia and southwestern Virginia since 1980
Serving amateur radio operators across West Virginia and southwestern Virginia since 1980
Founded in 1980 by Gary Holt (WV8B) and Dale Warrick (N8FRV)(SK), the Appalachian Repeater Association initially served our region as a single club. As the network expanded, the association split into northern and southern divisions in 1986, each with its own officers; thanks to technological advances and a renewed spirit of collaboration we now operate as one unified organization.
Our members hail from across southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia and share a passion for amateur radio. We maintain a linked network of VHF and UHF repeaters, providing reliable coverage across the mountains and valleys. By fostering communication, education and fellowship we help local hams explore, experiment and serve their communities.
Chartered with the West Virginia Secretary of State as a non‑stock, non‑profit, perpetual, educational and charitable organization, the ARA is recognised as a 501(c)(3) charity. Our mission includes promoting continuing education and public service for both members and the public. We rely on volunteers, memberships and donations to keep our systems on the air. Whether you’re an experienced operator or brand new to the hobby, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to help you get on the air.
Want to get involved? You can join or support the Appalachian Repeater Association with just a few clicks. We rely on memberships and donations to maintain our repeaters and expand coverage across the region.
To become a member or make a contribution, visit our membership page for detailed instructions on signing up via HamClubOnline and donating via PayPal. Whether you contribute financially or simply check in to our nets, your participation helps keep the ARA thriving.
Our repeaters can be linked together to form a wide‑area network. When one repeater is keyed up, all others in the link retransmit the same signal. Links are made via reliable RF connections and may be toggled on or off via DTMF tones.
The network covers much of West Virginia and Virginia; see the Repeaters page for frequencies and locations.
Since 1980 the ARA has grown from two founders to one integrated organisation covering a vast geographic area. We are chartered with the West Virginia Secretary of State as a non‑stock, non‑profit, educational and charitable corporation. Our mission includes promoting education for members and the public about amateur radio.
Learn more about our history and how the club evolved from Northern and Southern divisions into a single organisation on the History page.
If you have questions or would like to become involved with the ARA, we’d love to hear from you. Use our contact form or write to us at:
Appalachian Repeater Association
697 Country Club Drive
Beaver, WV 25813