Alexandria ARES operates through close partnerships with local amateur radio clubs and the national ARRL ARES Program. These affiliations provide essential infrastructure, training resources, and mutual aid networks that enable effective emergency communications support.
Alexandria Radio Club (W4HFH)
The Alexandria Radio Club (ARC) forms the operational backbone of Alexandria ARES. Core ARES membership consists primarily of ARC members who bring extensive infrastructure and technical capabilities to emergency communications operations.
Communications Infrastructure
ARC provides critical infrastructure that enables ARES operations:
- Communications Trailer: Fully equipped mobile communications platform for emergency deployment and public outreach events
- Repeater Network: Extensive system providing regional coverage across multiple bands and modes
- VoIP Integration: Connected to All-StarLink, Brandmeister, D-STAR Reflectors, HamsOverIP, and AREDN mesh networking
- Digital Modes: D-STAR and DMR repeaters for digital voice and data communications
W4HFH Repeater Coverage:
- D-STAR digital voice/data
- DMR (Digital Mobile Radio)
- FM repeaters: 6m, 2m, 70cm, 33cm, 23cm
- Regional coverage across Alexandria and surrounding areas
Training & Development
ARC provides training opportunities through:
- Weekly Thursday evening net on 147.315 MHz (PL 107.2) at 8:00 PM
- Wednesday evening D-STAR net on 145.380 DV at 8:00 PM
- FCC licensing classes (Technician, General, Extra)
- Field Day and Winter Field Day exercises
- Technical workshops and presentations
Community Outreach
ARC supports community service and public education on amateur radio and emergency communications through demonstrations, licensing assistance, and equipment guidance for prospective operators.
Membership: While ARC membership is not required to participate in Alexandria ARES, many members find value in joining the club to access additional resources, training, and fellowship with other operators. Visit w4hfh.org for membership information.
Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club (MVARC)
Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club serves as the sponsor for Alexandria ARES’ primary emergency communications repeater through a partnership agreement with Alexandria City.
Primary ARES Repeater Partnership
MVARC sponsors and maintains the 146.055 MHz repeater that serves as the primary emergency communications channel for Alexandria ARES operations:
Repeater Specifications:
- Frequency: 146.055 MHz
- Offset: +0.6 MHz
- CTCSS Tone: 141.3 Hz
- Status: 24/7 Active
This repeater provides reliable VHF coverage across Alexandria City and surrounding areas, ensuring communications capability for emergency operations and training activities.
The partnership with Alexandria City enables this critical infrastructure to remain operational and maintained to support public safety communications needs.
Regional Coordination
MVARC participates in regional amateur radio coordination, ensuring frequency coordination and interference-free operation of repeater systems throughout the area.
ARRL ARES Program
Alexandria ARES operates as an ARRL-affiliated ARES team, connecting us to the national emergency communications network and providing access to standardized training, certifications, and mutual aid resources.
National Network
As part of the ARRL ARES Program, Alexandria ARES benefits from:
- Standardized Training: Access to nationally recognized ARES certification courses and materials
- Mutual Aid Network: Coordination with other ARES teams across Virginia and nationwide for extended operations support
- Best Practices: Guidance on emergency communications procedures, equipment, and organization
- Resource Library: Technical documentation, training materials, and operational templates
ARES Certifications
ARRL provides structured training and certification programs:
- ARES Certified: Foundation level covering emergency communications basics, procedures, and integration with served agencies
- Advanced ARES: Leadership and coordination skills for team leaders and managers
- Specialized Training: Resources for developing specific skills (digital modes, message handling, incident command integration)
Integration with Served Agencies
ARRL ARES provides guidance on working with emergency management agencies, establishing memorandums of understanding, participating in emergency planning, and integrating amateur radio communications into formal incident management structures.
ARRL Membership: While ARRL membership is not required for Alexandria ARES participation, it provides access to additional benefits including QST magazine, technical resources, equipment insurance, and support for amateur radio advocacy. Many ARES volunteers find value in supporting the organization that provides the framework for our emergency communications mission.
Learn More: Visit arrl.org/ares for more information about the ARRL ARES Program.
Partner Organizations
Alexandria ARES works closely with several regional emergency response organizations to provide coordinated communications support across the Northern Virginia area.
Fairfax County ARES
Fairfax County ARES serves Fairfax County and coordinates with Alexandria ARES for mutual aid and regional emergency response operations. Our teams train together and can provide backup communications support across jurisdictional boundaries when needed.
Fairfax County CERT
Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills. Alexandria ARES provides communications support for CERT training exercises and can integrate with CERT teams during actual emergencies to coordinate volunteer response efforts.
Alexandria CERT
Alexandria CERT is Alexandria City’s Community Emergency Response Team program. We work directly with Alexandria CERT to provide radio communications for their operations, training, and community preparedness activities. Many of our members are also CERT-trained, creating strong operational integration between our teams.
American Red Cross - National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region
American Red Cross National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region provides disaster relief services throughout our region. Alexandria ARES supports Red Cross shelter operations, logistics coordination, and disaster assessment activities by providing backup communications when commercial systems are unavailable or overwhelmed. We maintain regular contact with Red Cross leadership and participate in their training exercises.
Served Agency Coordination:
These partnerships enable Alexandria ARES to integrate seamlessly into regional emergency response operations, provide mutual aid support to neighboring jurisdictions, and maintain consistent communications capability across organizational boundaries during large-scale incidents.