Welcome!

The volunteer members of the Schoharie County Amateur Radio Association (SCARA) would like to welcome you to our website. You too can be a part of this association of licensed amateur radio operators in and around Schoharie County in upstate New York. We also welcome members who are not licensed but have a general interest in “ham” radio. Our goal is to enjoy all aspects of the amateur radio and to assist others to enhance their knowledge, skills and enjoyment related to the hobby.

As a licensed amateur radio operator, you can be actively participating in a variety of events throughout the year. SCARA participates in public service, emergency communications exercises (including ARRL Field Day), and more. Our members are an integral part of our association by participating actively in our monthly meetings. Some members are also involved with the Northern New York Section of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Parks on the Air (POTA) as well as other radio associations and clubs. Our members are always willing to assist other (members and non-members alike) to improve their knowledge and skills.

SCARA also maintains two repeaters (one VHF and one UHF), co-located on Petersburg Mountain, off of West Fulton Road near the Warnerville/Cobleskill town line. During testing, interference, or special circumstances, the simulcast between our VHF and UHF repeaters may be disabled. The repeater controller (when equipped) also supports additional functions accessible to club members, including an "echo" or "parrot" function to return a few seconds of received audio to ensure your station is operating properly.

Interested in Emergency Communications?

Amateur radio often fills the gaps when more traditional means of communications fail, or to otherwise ensure lines of communications remain open. Large, public events often have an amateur radio component, which can become valuable training for when disaster strikes. For those interested in weather spotting and meteorology, the club also interfaces with the local National Weather Service in Albany through its SKYWARN program. The association maintains a working relationship with the Schoharie County Office of Emergency Services and the Albany office of the National Weather Service.

How about Morse Code?

We have a group dedicated to CW communications, the foundation of all radio. This group conducts practice sessions on a near-daily basis with the goal of improving one’s skill and speed. The net begins on HF (normally on or around 3542KHz), followed by a roundtable discussion and continuation of the "topic of the day" on the club's repeater system. The group will adjust their speed to the slowest operator on the net and will help anyone interested in learning Morse Code.

Interested in Getting Licensed (or Upgrading)?

SCARA provides opportunities throughout the year to take the FCC licensing exams. Many club members are volunteer examiners who have been accredited by the ARRL and FCC to proctor such exams. Information about upcoming exam dates as well as licensing courses (preparation for the Technician license) will be posted on our Exams page. Currently-accredited Volunteer Examiners will also assist you in becoming a VE should you wish to contribute to future amateur radio operators.