Amateur Radio Bands
US residents who have passed an exam and received an amateur radio license can communicate on up to 18 separate amateur radio bands. In rural, mountainous areas such as the Moshannon Valley, the 2-meter band (144 MHz) has proven to be very effective for regional communications. The 70-cm band (440 MHz) is especially good for short-range communications using handheld radios where a smaller antenna is desired.
No license is required to listen to amateur frequencies, and they can be a valuable source of information about local conditions.
IMPORTANT : In order to transmit on amateur frequencies, an amateur radio license is required. A GMRS license does NOT allow you to transmit on amateur frequencies, and an FCC-certified GMRS radio will not permit you to do so.
If you wish to become a licensed radio amateur, consider joining PARA or one of the other amateur radio clubs in our region. We can help you to understand radio concepts, and we can administer the test needed to get your Technician Class License.
Please note that an amateur license does not permit you to transmit on GMRS frequencies. You would need a GMRS license (no test required) to transmit on GMRS frequencies and an amateur license to transmit on amateur frequencies. Many PARA members hold both types of license.
Amateur Simplex Channels
During an emergency or at other times, amateur radio operators within a specific neighborhood or town may contact one another using one of the national calling frequencies. After a contact is established, they may continue their conversation on an adjacent talk channel in order to keep the calling frequency open.
Simplex communications do not involve a repeater, so their range is limited. They are generally used when people are close enough to one another that a repeater is not needed.
| MVRN Channel Number | MVRN Channel Name | Band | Frequency (MHz) | Tone (Hz) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | VHF520 | 2-meters | 146.520 | – | National 2-meter simplex calling frequency |
| 47 | VHF550 | 2-meters | 146.550 | – | 2-meter simplex talk frequency |
| 48 | VHF580 | 2-meters | 146.580 | – | 2-meter simplex talk frequency |
| 49 | UHF000 | 70-cm | 446.000 | – | National 70-cm simplex calling frequency |
Amateur Repeater Channels
Listed below are amateur 2-meter and 70-cm repeater channels that can be received in and around the Moshannon Valley.
| MVRN Channel Number | MVRN Channel Name | Band | Frequency (MHz) | Tone (Hz) | Description | Sponsoring Club or Individual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | ALT610 | 2-meters | 146.610 | 123.0 | Altoona 610 repeater | HARC |
| 51 | ALT820 | 2-meters | 146.820 | 123.0 | Altoona 820 repeater | HARC |
| 52 | BOA850 | 2-meters | 146.850 | 146.2 | Boalsburg 850 repeater | NARC |
| 53 | HUN700 | 2-meters | 146.700 | 123.0 | Huntingdon 700 repeater | HCARC |
| 54 | PHB640 | 2-meters | 146.640 | 173.8 | Philipsburg 640 repeater | PARA |
| 55 | RAT425 | 70-cm | 443.425 | – | Rattlesnake 425 repeater | K3HOT |
| 56 | RAT430 | 2-meters | 146.430 | 173.8 | Rattlesnake 430 repeater | PARA |
| 57 | RAT760 | 2-meters | 146.760 | 146.2 | Rattlesnake 760 repeater | NARC |
| 58 | ROC255 | 2-meters | 147.255 | 173.8 | Rockton 255 repeater | CCARC |
Weather Information
The Rattlesnake 425 (RAT425) repeater is linked to the W3ND SKYWARN repeater located at Ellendale Forge in Dauphin County, PA. Anything received by one repeater is instantly retransmitted by both repeaters. This linkage is intended to facilitate the exchange of information among weather spotters and National Weather Service personnel located at the State College and Harrisburg NWS offices.
Tip: During a severe weather event, this may be a good source of additional weather-related information. If you have two radios, you could use one to monitor an NOAA weather channel while using the other to monitor the Rattlesnake 425 repeater.
Amateur Radio Nets
A radio net is a group of three or more radio users communicating with each other on a common channel or frequency.
Radio nets provide a way for licensed radio operators to continually test their equipment and practice their skills in order to be better prepared for an emergency. Some nets also have a round of comments where each participant can share a few thoughts. Over time, this allows the participants to become better acquainted with one another.
In a free net, any participant may speak at any time. Most nets are directed nets in which a net control station (NCS) starts the net and calls on each participant when it is their turn to speak.
Listed below are some regularly-scheduled radio nets that you may be able to pick up from locations in and around the Moshannon Valley.
| Day | Time | Name | Band | Club | Repeater(s) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat | 9:00 pm | PARA Weekly Net | Amateur 2m | PARA | Rattlesnake 430 | 56 |
| Sun | 8:00 pm | Blair County Weekly Net | Amateur 2m | HARC | Altoona 820 | 51 |
| Sun | 8:30 pm | Huntingdon County Weekly Net | Amateur 2m | HCARC | Huntingdon 700 | 53 |
| Sun | 8:30 pm | Quarter Century Wireless Assn Weekly Net | Amateur 2m | NARC | Boalsburg 850 | 52 |
| Sun | 9:00 pm | Central Counties ARES/RACES/ACS Weekly Net | Amateur 2m | NARC | Boalsburg 850 | 52 |
| Mon | 8:00 am | Altoona Over-The-Hill Net | Amateur 2m | HARC | Altoona 820 | 51 |
| Mon | 8:00 pm | Treasure Lake Sportsmen’s Club Weekly Net | Amateur 2m | TLSC | Rockton 255 | 58 |
| Tue | 8:00 am | Altoona Over-The-Hill Net | Amateur 2m | HARC | Altoona 820 | 51 |
| Tue | 7:30 pm | Clearfield County ARES/RACES/ACS Weekly Net | Amateur 2m | CCARC | Rockton 255 | 58 |
| Wed | 8:00 am | Altoona Over-The-Hill Net | Amateur 2m | HARC | Altoona 820 | 51 |
| Wed | 8:00 pm | NARC Friendship Roundtable | Amateur 2m | NARC | Boalsburg 850 | 52 |
| Wed | 9:00 pm | Central PA SKYWARN Weather Net | Amateur 70 cm | HRAC | Rattlesnake 425 | 55 |
| Thu | 8:00 am | Altoona Over-The-Hill Net | Amateur 2m | HARC | Altoona 820 | 51 |
| Fri | 8:00 am | Altoona Over-The-Hill Net | Amateur 2m | HARC | Altoona 820 | 51 |
Amateur Radio Clubs
Listed below are radio clubs whose repeaters can be received in and around the Moshannon Valley.
| Club Abbreviation | Club Name | County |
|---|---|---|
| CCARC | Clearfield County Amateur Radio Club | Clearfield |
| HARC | Horseshoe Amateur Radio Club | Blair |
| HCARC | Huntingdon County Amateur Radio Club | Huntingdon |
| NARC | Nittany Amateur Radio Club | Centre |
| PARA | Philipsburg Amateur Radio Association | Centre & Clearfield |
Amateur Radio Terminology
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| 73 | Amateur slang for “Best regards”. The term originated in the days of Morse code, and it is represented by this symmetrical pattern of dots and dashes: _ _ . . . . . . _ _ |
| base station | A radio transceiver installed at a fixed location, typically at the operator’s home. A base station typically has an external antenna mounted at or above the roof line. Base stations typically have greater range than HT’s or mobile rigs. |
| can | Slang term for a cavity filter, most of which are cylindrical in shape. |
| cavity filter | A type of RF filter that operates on the principle of resonance. |
| doubling | Doubling occurs when two radio operators transmit on the same frequency at the same time. Other people listening to the same frequency will typically hear an unpleasant growling sound and will be unable to hear what either person is saying. |
| duplexer | A type of RF filter that permits a transmitter and a receiver to simultaneously use a single antenna. |
| full quieting | Describes a signal that is clear, free of static, and easily readable. |
| hi hi | Amateur slang for laughter. Similar in meaning to LOL. |
| HT | A handheld transceiver. |
| feed line | A cable that connects an antenna to a radio device. |
| mag-mount | An antenna with a magnetic base that is designed to be used on the roof of a vehicle. |
| mobile rig | A radio transceiver designed to be installed in a vehicle. A mobile rig typically has greater power and greater range than an HT. |
| NCS | Net control station. |
| net control operator | Person who starts and runs a radio net. |
| offset | Describes the difference between a repeater’s input and output frequencies. |
| omni | An omnidirectional antenna. |
| permission to secure | Requested by someone who wishes to leave a radio net early and “secure” his station. |
| picket fencing | A clicking noise that is sometimes heard when one or more people are communicating from mobile radios in moving vehicles. |
| QRM | Manmade noise caused by things like fluorescent lamps, LED lamps, LED billboards, computers, and AC power adapters. |
| QRN | Naturally-occurring noise caused by lightning and other atmospheric conditions. |
| QSY | Move to a different frequency. |
| QTH | Refers to a radio operator’s location. |
| RF | Radio frequency. |
| steam | A hissing sound (white noise) heard when a weak signal is received. |
| Yagi | A type of directional antenna. |