We are a friendly group of radio enthusiasts serving Philipsburg PA and surrounding communities.
Are you interested in radios, scanners, antennas, emergency communications, or emergency power? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Our members love to discuss these topics and offer helpful advice. Whether you’re an experienced radio amateur or just getting started, we’d love for you to join our activities and discussions.
Mission
PARA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes learning, experimentation, and the sharing of knowledge related to amateur radio with an emphasis on community service and emergency preparedness.
Quick Links
Regular Meetings
| Activity | Date | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| EmComm Forum | First Tuesday of every month | 8:00 pm | Virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams to discuss Emergency Communications in Centre County, Clearfield County, and surrounding regions. To receive a meeting link by email each month, please send a request to info@w3phb.org. Be sure to include your name, location, and the agency or facility that you represent (if applicable). |
| Monthly Meeting | Third Tuesday of every month | 7:00 pm | Second Floor Banquet Room American Legion Post #437 315 E. Presqueisle St. Philipsburg, PA 16866 |
VHF Nets
| Activity | Date | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly VHF Net | Every Saturday | 9:00 pm | Rattlesnake 146.43 repeater (+1.000 offset, PL 173.8 Hz) Backup repeater 146.76 (-0.600 offset, PL 146.2 Hz) |
GMRS Nets
| Activity | Date | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rattlesnake GMRS Net | 1st Wednesday | 8:00 pm | Rattlesnake 550 GMRS repeater – 462.550 MHz (PL 218.1 Hz) |
| West Decatur GMRS Net | 2nd Wednesday | 8:00 pm | West Decatur 575 GMRS repeater – 462.575 MHz (PL 192.8 Hz) |
| Sandy Ridge GMRS Net | 3rd Wednesday | 8:00 pm | Sandy Ridge 600 GMRS repeater – 462.600 MHz (PL 229.1 Hz) |
Social Events
| Activity | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Picnic | August | Cold Stream Dam, Philipsburg |
| Annual Holiday Banquet | December | Philipsburg Elks Country Club |
Community Service Events
| Activity | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| YMCA 5K/10K Walk/Run | May | Provide radio coverage for the Centre County YMCA’s annual fundraiser at Black Moshannon State Park. |
| PECPA Public Lands Ride | September | Provide radio coverage for the PA Environmental Council’s Public Lands Ride at Black Moshannon State Park. |
EmComm Activities
| Activity | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly VHF Nets | Saturdays at 9:00 pm | Amateur license required. See VHF Nets (above) |
| Weekly GMRS Nets | Wednesdays at 8:00 pm | GMRS license required. See GMRS Nets (above) |
| Monthly EmComm Forum | First Tuesday at 7:00 pm | See Regular Meetings (above) |
| Spring SET | April | Simulated Emergency Test – Pennsylvania |
| Fall SET | October | Simulated Emergency Test – Nationwide |
EmComm activities are designed to strengthen connections between the amateur radio community and the local volunteers and agency personnel who may need to rely upon radio communications during an emergency. EMA directors, municipal emergency coordinators, fire chiefs, Red Cross leaders and shelter managers are encouraged to participate. These activities provide opportunities to meet, build trust, and practice working together as a team. Participants can hear news and announcements and ask questions related to emergency communications. The goal is to ensure everyone is prepared to communicate effectively if normal phone and internet systems are unavailable during a disaster.
Membership
In order to participate in future PARA activities, just complete and submit a membership form. Your contact info and email address will be listed on our Members Page, which is only accessible to other members. You will occasionally receive email messages from other members announcing upcoming events or providing links to online meetings. PARA will not share your contact info with other organizations.
Do I need an amateur radio license to join PARA?
No. Anyone can join PARA as an Associate member. Licensed amateurs are eligible for Full membership which affords the right to vote and to hold office. If you wish to become licensed, we can offer advice and assistance in preparing for the license exam, and we can administer the test at our location.
Contact Info
Philipsburg Amateur Radio Association
P.O. Box 411
Philipsburg PA 16866
info@w3phb.org