Welcome to the official web site of the Oklahoma City Autopatch Association (OCAPA).
Who we are:
OCAPA is an Amateur Radio Organization devoted to service utilizing our
talents and equipment. We are one of the largest and oldest "HAM" radio
clubs in Central Oklahoma.
Our Purpose:
Our purpose is to provide fellowship, improve our knowledge of amateur radio,
and provide public service/emergency disaster response communications. We like
to have fun too! We hope you like what you see here and encourage you to jump
in and take part in what we do.
Our proof/Our history:
Throughout the last few years our operations have insured continuity,
fostered teamwork and enhanced effectiveness between several organizations
including the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and the many Central
Oklahoma civil authorities.
Our teamwork with other amateur and civil organizations have brought a
new awareness to what it means here in OKC to be "ready" in time of need.
Experiencing first hand the necessity of this during the April 19, 1995
bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building, we provided around the
clock ops with over 300 operators to at least 14 different sites, including
five major hospitals, for 13 days. All this was executed within a
phenomenal 15 minute response time!
During the F5 tornado on May 3, 1998, we aided immeasurably in the location
and safe reporting of an untold number of people and property. Out three
local repeater systems have served us well routinely with the formation of
between ten and fifteen severe weather nets each year. Thus we inform the
general public as well as civil authorities first hand of immediate pending
severe storm danger.
Our annual "Field Day" exercises have consistently placed us in the upper
third nationally of contestants submitting for recognition, demonstrating
our ability to provide a valuable and visible service whenever and wherever
needed. None of this would be possible without the dedication and devotion
of our OCAPA members and sponsors.
Meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM.
(late call-ins on 146.520 simplex) at the Salvation Army building at
Southeast 44th & Bryant.
For more information, please see our events calendar. To confirming our
meeting time, make a suggestion, or just about anything else, please feel
free to e-mail me or any of our board members at any time.
Many thanks,
Mark Hamblin, President
WL7FT/5