Our Mission           Providing Emergency Communication Support via Amateur Radio            

Delaware County ARES-RACES is an organized unit of volunteer Amateur Radio operators in Delaware County, Pennsylvania dedicated to providing emergency communication support to local, county, state and federal agencies during disasters and other emergencies. The unit also provides communication support for public service events such as parades and charity walks, like the MS Walk and March for Babies held each year at Ridley Creek State Park.

About Delaware County ARES-RACES      When All Else Fails... Amateur Radio Works

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) personnel are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and are trained in emergency communications procedures. They drill frequently to maintain readiness. Members are also certified in emergency management protocols, such as the National Incident Management System and receive training through FEMA courses. In addition to providing reliable voice communication for local, county and state governments, ARES-RACES is capable of transmitting email for served agencies using Amateur Radio digital links such as the WinLink 2000 system and D-Star repeaters. The unit also maintains portable HF radio capability for communicating with the state capital in Harrisburg and the federal government in any national office. The ability to communicate from the field in remote locations with no outside power requirement is one of the unique features of ARES-RACES. It was this valuable capability during Hurricane Katrina that demonstrated the importance of Amateur Radio in emergency management. The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is activated for national service when requested by the federal government.

Delaware County ARES-RACES is an affiliate of the American Radio Relay League and comes under the jurisdiction of District 1 of the Eastern Pennsylvania Section. The unit maintains a close working relationship with the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services and has an office and communications station at the 911 Center in Middletown Township, Pennsylvania. The Delaware County unit also works closely with sister units in Bucks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties and provides mutual aid when requested.

Weekly ARES-RACES Net     KA3TWG Repeater  446.925, pl 173.8,  Wednesday, 1930 Hours

All Amateur Radio operators are encouraged to participate in the weekly Delaware County ARES-RACES Net held each Wednesday evening at 1930 hours local time on the KA3TWG 446.925 repeater in Bethel Township in the southwestern part of Delaware County. The pl tone for the repeater is 173.8 Hz. The directed net is used a drill and emergency communications protocols are followed. Important announcements concerning operating activities and upcoming events are made during the net. ARES team members are encouraged to operate via emergency power during the weekly nets to test batteries and equipment.

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