Amateur Radio Events
Kirk K9MSG offers several kinds of events in Northern IL, Northwest IN, and Southern WI: Hamfests, Public Service Events, Fox Hunting, Ham License Test Preparation and Testing, \ and a real LinkFest of other items of interest. He frequently updates the site, so check in often.
http://AmateurRadioEvents.com

Radio Reference

Radio Reference
Look up Ham callsigns by callsign, last name, zipcode,
Browse by State,
Browse Illinois
Lots of other features, poke around.
Premium subscription service offers additional features.
https://RadioReference.com

Digital Networks

ChicagoLand DMR
VARA UHF DMR 444.975 MHz is part of this extensive network.
https://chicagoland-cc.net/

Wisconsin P25
Wisconsin P25 WEB site that the VARA UHF APCO P-25 444.950 MHz repeater is tied to.
https://mmdvm-p25.v24bridge.net/

Software

CHIRP
CHIRP is a free, open-source tool for programming your radio. It supports a large number of manufacturers and models, as well as provides a way to interface with multiple data sources and formats.
https://chirpmyradio.com

Coordinators

Illinois Repeater Association
The Recognized Amateur Radio Frequency Coordination Organization In The State of Illinois
https://ilra.net

Organizations

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio
https://www.arrl.org

Clubs

VARA Valley Amateur Repeater Association
https://qsl.net/vara

Manufacturers

Anytone
https://www.anytone.net/

Baofeng
https://www.baofengradio.com/

Icom Icom America
https://www.icomamerica.com

Kenwood Kenwood America
https://www.kenwood.com/usa/

TIDRADIO
https://tidradio.com/

Yaesu
https://www.yaesu.com/

Vendors

HRO Ham Radio Outlet
https://www.hamradio.com/

© 2025 Valley Amateur Repeater Association, Inc. Last updated 2025-04-09