Area Clubs
The Rhinelander Repeater Association (RRA) is a amateur radio club based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The RRA operates a network of VHF/UHF repeaters supporting reliable communication across the Northwoods, including Oneida and Vilas counties. The club is active in emergency services through the Northwoods ARES Net and holds monthly meetings on the first Thursday at 6:30 PM at the Newbold Fire Department. Visitors and new members are welcome. Learn more at northwoodsares94.com.
Vilas County Amateur Radio Club
The Vilas County Amateur Radio Club (VCARC), based in Eagle River, Wisconsin, supports amateur radio and community service throughout the region. Operating under the call sign W9VRC, the club maintains repeaters on 145.150 MHz and 145.390 MHz to ensure reliable local communication. VCARC offers license classes, testing, and a club newsletter. Visitors and new members are welcome. Learn more at vcarc.net.
Rib Mountian Repeater Association
The Rib Mountain Repeater Association (RMRA), based in Wausau, Wisconsin, operates a wide network of analog and digital repeaters across central Wisconsin. Their main 146.820 MHz repeater on Rib Mountain offers excellent coverage and links to other regional systems. RMRA supports technologies like System Fusion, D-STAR, and DMR, and is active in emergency communications. Learn more at rmra.club.
The Wisconsin Valley Radio Association (WVRA), based in Wausau, Wisconsin, supports amateur radio and community service throughout central Wisconsin. Operating under the call sign W9SM, the club maintains repeaters like the 147.135 MHz system and offers licensing classes, mentorship, and a newsletter. Learn more at wvraclub.org.
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MARG is proud to be connected to the FM38 network via our 444.575 repeater.​​
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What is FM38?
The FM38 system is a privately owned UHF amateur radio repeater network available for use by licensed amateur radio operators. The network currently includes 20 repeaters, providing wide-area coverage across Wisconsin and northern Illinois, from the Chicago area north to Sturgeon Bay and west toward La Crosse, Chippewa Falls, and beyond.
For someone new to amateur radio, FM38 is a good example of how repeaters make regional communication possible. Instead of needing a large antenna or high-power station, an operator can often use a handheld, mobile, or home radio to reach a nearby repeater and connect with others throughout the system.
FM38 also provides information about repeater locations, frequencies, system updates, maintenance, and operating guidance. Whether you are newly licensed, studying for your license, or simply curious about how amateur radio works, FM38 offers a useful starting point for learning about UHF repeater communication and the local ham radio community.
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