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Official Public Safety Partner for Emergency Management

Dedicated to Community Service & Youth STEM Learning

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Welcome to SCARA

The Schoolcraft County Amateur Radio Association is a 100% dues-free organization. We are dedicated to advancing the radio arts, fostering community, and providing reliable emergency communications support throughout our region.

❄️ Winter Weather Is Coming — Are You Ready for It?

District 8 is launching monthly training for UP amateur radio operators — and the first session could make all the difference when the next storm hits. Join Greg Sova of the National Weather Service — Marquette for Winter Weather Training, Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 7:30–8:30 p.m. ET on Zoom.

Click Here — See the Full Training Announcement →

Why We Need Ham Radio by Ted Cruz

❄️ Winter Field Day Is Coming — Come Play Radio With Us!

Saturday, January 23, 2027 — SCARA’s Winter Field Day operating day
(Winter Field Day itself runs January 23–24, 2027; the club has chosen to participate on the 23rd.)
Community Center, Maple Street, Manistique, MI 49854
Just north of Little Bear Arena on Maple Street

Ever wondered how ham radio really works — especially when the weather turns and regular communications go down? Come see it for yourself! Watch licensed operators make contacts, learn how emergency communications work, and try this interesting, fun hobby up close.

Open to everyone: all licensed amateur radio operators, and anyone of any age who is interested in ham radio. No license? No problem — you can operate our equipment under the supervision of a licensed amateur radio operator, and actually talk on the radio to someone, maybe on the other side of the world.

For information and to reserve a spot, call Tony Haas at 906-450-5539.

Local SCARA Net

Discuss SCARA activities, practice radio operation, and build community friendships.

Frequency: 146.700 MHz

Tone: 110.9 Hz

Time: Tuesdays @ 7:00 PM ET

Net Control: Tony Haas, KE8VSG

Tuesday HF Net (1930 HRS EST):

Join us on 3.900 MHz and 3.910 MHz LSB to keep our HF stations actively running, as well as to discuss ARES and event topics pertaining to District 8. All General Class or above are encouraged to check in.

Net Control: Fred Schram, N9KTU

CUPAN Net

Regional discussion for the Central Upper Peninsula and emergency preparedness.

Frequency: 146.700 MHz

Tone: 110.9 Hz

Time: Thursdays @ 7:00 PM ET

Net Control: Grant Harris, AA8GH

SCARA Digital Gateways: Grid-Down Data & Email

24/7 Active Infrastructure

What is a Digital Gateway? While voice nets connect operators in real time, Digital Gateways are automated 24/7 stations that bridge radio signals with the internet. If severe weather or a regional outage knocks out local cell towers and internet service, these gateways allow operators in the field to send emails, GPS positions, weather telemetry, and text messages entirely over the air.

Manistique Two-Way APRS I-Gate (AA8GH)

Frequency: 144.390 MHz VHF • Operator: Grant Harris, AA8GH

Supports the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS). This two-way Internet Gateway receives VHF GPS position beacons, weather packets, and text messages from mobile or handheld radios and routes them to the global APRS network—while also transmitting replies and bulletins back out over the air to local operators.

📡 View Live Manistique APRS Map (aprs.fi) →

Multi-Band HF Winlink Gateway (KE8VSG)

Bands: 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 12m • Operator: Tony Haas, KE8VSG

A dedicated Radio Mail Server (RMS) providing full email capability—including attachments and emergency ICS forms—completely over HF radio. Equipped with an Alpha Delta NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) antenna, it provides reliable regional coverage across the Upper Peninsula on 80m, 40m, and 30m. Simply select KE8VSG in your Winlink channel directory to connect.

🌐 View Live Winlink RMS Channels & Map →
On-Air Testing Welcome: Both stations run dedicated hardware 24/7 for member and regional operator use. Configure your gear, beacon your position, and send an APRS or Winlink test message to Tony Haas (KE8VSG) anytime for a prompt reply and signal confirmation!

Our Mission

The Schoolcraft County Amateur Radio Association is dedicated to advancing the art and science of amateur radio, promoting youth STEM education, and serving as a vital public safety partner. We are committed to providing resilient, volunteer-driven emergency communications support and maintaining critical radio infrastructure for Schoolcraft County and the surrounding communities.