Uncategorised

Across Iowa, amateur radio operators gather on local nets each week to share information, practice good operating habits, and strengthen our statewide community. These nets provide opportunities to test equipment, stay familiar with emergency procedures, and connect with fellow operators.

If you would like your net added to this list, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

VHF/UHF Nets

Central Iowa – Sunday Nets

• 3:00 p.m. – 145.190- – 114.8 PL – Blind Ham’s Net (AllStar 47282, EchoLink 710459)
• 6:00 p.m. – 145.310- – 114.8 PL – WIRES-X Net
• 7:00 p.m. – 146.610- – 114.8 PL – Polk County SkyWarn Weekly Net
• 7:00 p.m. – 147.240+ – 114.8 PL – Story County ARC (Ames)
• 8:00 p.m. – 146.610- – 114.8 PL – Central Iowa ARES
• 8:00 p.m. – 146.850- – — – Boone County ARC (Boone)
• Following ARES – 146.940- – 114.8 PL – Central Iowa Technical Net

Central Iowa – Monday Nets

• 7:00 p.m. – 146.940+ – 114.8 PL – DMRAA Info Net
• 8:00 p.m. – 145.190- – 114.8 PL – Dallas County ARES

Central Iowa – Tuesday Nets

• 8:00 p.m. – 147.030+ – 114.8 PL – Newton Amateur Radio Club 2m Net (W0WML)

Central Iowa – Wednesday Nets

No regular listings yet.

Central Iowa – Thursday Nets

• 7:00 p.m. – 146.940+ – 114.8 PL – Polk County ARES Thursday Night Net

Eastern Iowa – Sunday Nets

• 5:30 p.m. – 146.450 simplex – WNØBSA Mount Vernon Boy Scout Net
• 6:00 p.m. – 146.745- – 192.8 PL – New Ham Net
• 7:00 p.m. – 146.745- (alt. 145.150-) – 192.8 PL – Linn County ARES Net
• 7:30 p.m. – 146.850- – 192.8 PL – Johnson County Sunday Net
• 8:00 p.m. – 145.390- – 77.0 PL – Jones County ARES Net
• 7:30 p.m. – 146.745- – 192.8 PL – Linn County Sunday ARES Net
• 8:00 p.m. – 146.880 – 77.0 PL – Davenport Radio Amateur Club Net
• 8:30 p.m. – 146.910- – 192.8 PL – Muscatine Amateur Radio Service Net
• 8:45 p.m. – 146.985- – 192.8 PL – Louisa County Service Net
• 9:00 p.m. – 146.910- – 192.8 PL – Muscatine, Louisa, and Cedar County ARES Net

Eastern Iowa – Monday Nets

• 7:00 p.m. – 147.045+ – 146.2 PL – Washington Area Amateur Radio Club Net
• 7:30 p.m. – 147.045+ – 146.2 PL – Washington County ARES Net
• 8:00 p.m. – 145.190- – 114.8 PL – Hiawatha Amateur Radio Club

Eastern Iowa – Wednesday Nets

• 5:30 p.m. – 146.450 simplex – WNØBSA Mount Vernon Boy Scout Net
• 6:00 p.m. – 444.150+ – 151.4 PL – Smoking Hot Amateur Radio Club Wednesday Net

Southwest Iowa – Sunday Nets

• 7:30 p.m. – 146.835- – 146.2 PL – Chariton Sunday Night Net
• 7:30 p.m. – 443.400 – 151.4 PL – Lamoni Net
• 8:30 p.m. – 443.400+ – 151.4 PL – SW Iowa Amateur Radio Assn. Net (Creston)

HF Nets (Statewide)

• 8:45 a.m. – 3.896 – 3900 Club Net
• 7:30 p.m. – 29.670- – 103.5 PL – Iowa Ten Meter Net
• 9:30 p.m. – 1974.5 kHz – Iowa 160M ARES Net

GMRS Nets (Statewide)

• 7:30 p.m. – 462.700+ – 141.3 PL – Iowa GMRS 700 Net

Digital Nets (Statewide)

• 7:30 p.m. – IA 3119 – Iowa DMR Sunday Night Users Net

K0IRO currently operates two repeaters at our primary site in Mingo, IA.

VHF

Frequency: 146.670 / 146.070 PL: 114.8 DL / 114.8 UL AllStar Node: 656830 Hams Over IP Trunk: 15098

RepeaterBook listing: https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/details.php?state_id=19&ID=39

UHF

Frequency: 442.425 / 447.425 PL: 151.4 DL / 151.4 UL DMR: Color Code 2

For best performance, program the PL tone on both transmit and receive; otherwise you may hear DMR bursts when DMR is active.

RepeaterBook listing: https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/details.php?state_id=19&ID=24023

Amateur radio opens the door to a worldwide community of people who enjoy communication, public service, experimentation, and hands‑on technology. Getting licensed is easier than most people expect, and thousands of Iowans have already taken the first step. If you’re curious, interested, or just looking for a new challenge, here’s how you can join them.

1. Understand the Licensing Path

To transmit on amateur radio frequencies, you’ll need to pass an FCC‑administered exam. There are three license levels, each building on the last:

• Technician License — Your starting point. This license gives you access to local repeaters, statewide communication, and some international contacts using VHF/UHF and digital modes.

• General License — Unlocks HF privileges, allowing you to talk across the country and around the world.

• Amateur Extra License — Full access to all amateur bands and modes.

All exams are multiple‑choice, and there are no age restrictions. Most new operators begin with the Technician exam, which covers basic electronics, radio theory, operating practices, and FCC rules.

2. Learn & Prepare with Trusted Resources

You don’t need a technical background to get licensed — just curiosity and a willingness to learn. These resources make preparation straightforward:

• ARRL — Study guides, online courses, and exam information

• HamStudy.org — Free practice tests, flashcards, and progress tracking

• QRZ.com — Community discussions, study materials, and operator insights

• Local Clubs & Organizations — Mentoring, study nights, and hands‑on demonstrations

Iowa Radio Operators, Inc. also works with clubs and organizations statewide to support education, training, and newcomer outreach.

3. Take the Exam

Exams are offered both in‑person and online by Volunteer Examiners (VEs). Sessions are friendly, low‑pressure, and designed to help you succeed. A small fee covers administrative costs.

4. Get Your First Radio

Once you’re licensed, you can get on the air immediately. Many new operators start with a handheld transceiver (“HT”), which is affordable and easy to use. Popular beginner‑friendly brands include Baofeng, Yaesu, and Icom.

IRO and local clubs often host equipment demos, beginner workshops, and programming sessions to help you get started.

5. Explore, Learn, and Connect

With your call sign in hand, the real fun begins. You can:

• Join local and statewide nets

• Talk with operators across the country and around the world

• Experiment with antennas, digital modes, and new technologies

• Participate in emergency communications and public‑service events

• Collaborate with clubs, organizations, and special‑interest groups across Iowa

Amateur radio isn’t just a hobby — it’s a community, a skillset, and a way to connect with people across Iowa and beyond.

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) is another popular way Iowans get involved in radio — and it’s even easier to start.

How GMRS Licensing Works

• No exam required

• Apply directly through the FCC

• One license covers your entire household

• License is valid for 10 years

GMRS is a great option for families, outdoor groups, emergency preparedness, and newcomers who want to learn radio basics before exploring amateur radio.

Choosing Your First GMRS Radio

GMRS radios are simple to use and widely available. Options include:

• Handheld radios

• Mobile radios for vehicles

• Home base stations

Many GMRS repeaters operate across Iowa, and statewide GMRS nets provide a friendly place to learn, practice, and connect.

Iowa Radio Operators maintains the club call sign K0IRO as a shared operating identity for members, partner organizations, and operators across the state. The call sign exists to support collaborative operating activities, encourage participation, and provide a unified presence during events where teamwork matters.

A Shared Identity for Iowa Operators

Not every operator has access to a local club, and not every group has the resources to maintain a dedicated call sign. K0IRO fills that gap by offering a statewide call sign that anyone involved with Iowa Radio Operators can use during approved activities. It represents cooperation, education, and the spirit of amateur radio across Iowa.

Where You Can Use K0IRO

The K0IRO call sign is available for a wide range of operating events, including:

• Parks on the Air (POTA) Use K0IRO for group activations, educational outings, or collaborative deployments.

• Field Day Operate under a single statewide identity, whether you’re participating with a local group or joining an IRO‑organized site.

• Contests Compete together under one call sign, strengthen Iowa’s presence on the bands, and make operating more accessible for newcomers.

• Community Events & Demonstrations Perfect for public outreach, STEM education, and emergency‑communications demonstrations.

• Operators Without a Club If you don’t have a local club or call sign to operate under during group events, K0IRO gives you a home.

Why We Offer a Club Call Sign

The purpose of K0IRO is simple:

• Encourage collaboration between operators, clubs, and organizations

• Provide a welcoming option for those without a local club

• Support education and hands‑on learning

• Strengthen Iowa’s presence in national and international events

• Make it easier for new operators to participate without barriers

K0IRO reflects the mission of Iowa Radio Operators: connecting people, supporting learning, and building a stronger statewide amateur radio community.

How to Request Use of K0IRO

Operators or groups wishing to use the call sign for an event can contact Iowa Radio Operators to coordinate scheduling and ensure proper logging. This helps maintain accurate records and ensures the call sign is used responsibly and in accordance with FCC rules.