Disaster Relief Ham Radio Net
Net Roster Net Script
Please note the new time and frequency for our weekly Disaster Relief Ham Radio Net. We are now operating on the KA4WJA repeater on 146.970 MHz at 9:00 p.m. every Tuesday. This will allow us to have greater coverage and to include more people in Marion and surrounding counties. This net is a vital resource for our community, focusing on preparedness, training, and equipment testing.
KA4WA Repeater Antenna at 1050 feet near Anthony, FL
Net Details:
The net meets every Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. You can find us on the KA4WJA repeater at 146.970 MHz.
Receive: 146.970 MHz
Offset: -600 kHz the (146.370)
Tone: NONE
Marion Baptist Association Base Station Now Operational!
In other exciting news, our base station at the Marion Baptist Association Missionary Resource Center is now operational! We're currently using a temporary vertical antenna, but we'll soon be installing a 30-foot collapsible mast. This mast will support two wire antennas for 40 and 80 meters, as well as our 2m/70cm vertical.
At the Marion Baptist Association Missionary Resource Center in Ocala, liiscensed Ham radio volunteers operate an Amateur Radio Base Station that plays a vital role in supporting the communication needs of local churches, emergency management personnel, and the communities we serve. Effective communication is essential during emergency situations, especially when traditional communication networks may be overwhelmed or fail entirely.
The human need to communicate is fundamental—sharing information brings reassurance, coordinates efforts, and strengthens community bonds, particularly in times of disaster. By providing reliable communication services during emergencies, the Marion Baptist Association helps meet this essential need and serves the community in its time of greatest need.
Our amateur radio operators provide multiple communication services including:
Voice (phone) communication: Real-time conversational communication using radio frequencies.
Digital communication (Winlink): A reliable method for sending email and other digital messages over radio frequencies, essential when internet and cell networks are down.
Message relay (radiograms): Formal message transmission that ensures important information is passed accurately and efficiently.
These services are delivered collaboratively in partnership with the Marion Emergency Radio Team, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), and the ARRL National Traffic System. Together, these groups support disaster response and recovery efforts by enhancing communication capabilities across Marion County and beyond.
Additionally, Marion Baptist Association is equipped to process and relay official FEMA Disaster Relief communications using ICS Form 213, an essential standard for resource requests and incident communications. This capability ensures that critical messages are delivered with accuracy and timeliness, helping coordinate effective disaster response.
Through this comprehensive communication network, Marion Baptist Association continues to uphold its commitment to supporting churches, serving communities, strengthening emergency preparedness, and facilitating vital connections when they are needed most.
