Discover Amateur Radio
We hope you have found the contents of this website interesting. Amateur Radio offers a wide variety of activities that connect many people with different hobbies and backgrounds. Whatever your particular interest, the Amateur Radio Service offers something that can enhance your pursuits. Please visit this site often and explore these links to discover how Amateur Radio can benefit you.
Getting Started
New to Amateur Radio? Start with these links to find out what it's all about.
Hello! - Start your journey here!
ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio.
QRZ - Look up Amateur call signs, take practice tests and much more.
Operating with your Amateur Radio License
There are countless pursuits within the Amateur Radio Service. Explore these links to find out what interests you.
APRS - Automatic Postion Reporting System. A system that utilizes radio, the Global Position Sytem and computers to broadcast information in real time and display that information on computers. See our APRS page.
AMSAT - Make contacts with other hams or astronauts using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, also known as Orbiting Satellites Carrying Amateur Radio (OSCARs).
ARES - The Amateur Radio Emergency Service provides communications before, during and after an emergency.
Contesting - Have a competitive edge? Try the sport of Amateur Radio.
County Hunting - County Hunters challenge themselves to make a contact with hams in every county in the United States.
Dxing - Dx means distant station. Hams "chase" contacts with stations in every part of the world.
Elecraft - Great kits for those who are interested in building their own equipment.
FISTS - The Morse code preservation society. These operators enjoy and promote the use of radio telegraphy.
HSMM - High-Speed Multimedia, also known as the "hinternet." New and cutting edge communications with streaming audio, video and data.
MARS - Military Affiliate Radio System. An adjunct program sponsored by the Department of Defense that includes licensed amateur radio operators who are interested in military communications.
QRP ARCI - An international organization that promotes the use of low power communications.
RACES - The Radio Amateur Communications Emergency Service is similar to ARES, however, RACES is only active during an emergency.
SKYWARN - Become a storm spotter and assist the National Weather Service and local emergency services keep an eye on severe weather.
TAPR - The Tuscon Amateur Packet Radio Organization promotes the use of packet and other digital radio communications.
Local Links and Friends
ARRL West Virginia Section - The ARRL West Virgina Section page. News and information from our representatives in the state.
DCARS - The Doddridge County Amateur Radio Society shares several members with the Ritchie Amateur Group.
HAMRADIOCLASS - John Martin, KF8KK and Mike Dell, N7LMJ conduct Amateur Radio "Podclasses".
IOOK - The International Order of Krazies is a loosely formed group of ham radio operators from around the USA and the world.
K8KHW - Our friend, Randy Thomas's website.
KC8KOH Website - Tyler, KD8AJH's, website for the Ritchie County Middle School Amateur Radio Club.
MS 150 - The MS bike tour is the largest organized cycling event in the United States. Its purpose is to raise funds and awareness about Multiple Sclerosis. Our group assisted with radio communications for the event in our state.
R.A.G. Yahoo Group - The R.A.G. Yahoo Group provides a forum to share information with the group. Post messages, receive alerts and view club files and photos.
Ritchie County Emergency Services - Ritchie County Emergency Services information and resources.
Ritchie County Ambulance Authority
WC8EC - The Wood County Emergency Communications website.
WVSARC - The West Virginia State Amateur Radio Council.
Amateur Radio Equipment Suppliers