Ham Radio Resources
1. Getting Started in Ham Radio
📘 Ham Radio Prep — FCC Exam Training
Highly-rated courses and study tools for Technician, General, and Extra exams.
📝 Find a License Test — ARRL
Search for upcoming exam sessions near you.
https://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
🎁 QRZ Jumpstart Program
New hams can receive a FREE radio from QRZ (limited availability).
https://www.gigaparts.com/qrzjumpstart
🛒 Ham Radio Stores
2. Ham Radio Research Tools
🔎 QRZ.com — Callsign Lookup
Worldwide callsign database, logbook, and contact lookup.
🛒 QTH Classifieds
The most trusted buy/sell site for amateur radio gear.
https://www.qth.com/classifieds
🌍 FCC ULS — License & FRN Lookups
Official FCC database for callsigns, address updates, and FRN lookup.
💬 Ham Radio Forums
📡 Propagation & Solar Weather
🌀 Balun & Unun Construction Guide
3. Digital Radio Guides
4. Ohio Area Repeater Council (OARC)
🌐 Official Site
📡 Coordination & PL Tone Guidance
The OARC provides repeater coordination across Ohio, including recommended PL tones by region and coordination procedures for new repeater systems.
- North West: 67.0, 85.4, 107.2, 156.7, 186.2, 218.1
- North East: 69.3, 88.5, 110.9, 131.8, 162.2, 192.8, 225.7
- South East: 74.4, 91.5, 114.8, 167.9, 203.5, 229.1
- South West: 77.0, 94.8, 118.8, 123.0, 173.8, 206.5, 233.6
- Central OH: 71.9, 82.5, 97.4, 151.4, 179.9, 210.7, 241.8
👥 Key Contacts
-
Chairman: Kevin Walsh, W8KHW
📧 w8khw@arrl.net -
Area Coordinator: Roland "Buzz" Ude, W8BUZ
📧 buzz@baylorhill.com
📄 Coordination Process
Applications are submitted to OARC and reviewed by the coordination committee. Frequency pairs are assigned based on spacing, interference avoidance, and regional planning. Systems must complete an on-air test period before final coordination is granted.