W1FCA · Franklin County, Maine

Amateur radio volunteers serving Franklin County in an emergency.

When all else fails, amateur radio works.

Nightly net

7:30 PM on 147.180 MHz+0.6 MHz · PL 123.0 Hz · ARES net Wednesdays

Monthly meeting

1st Saturday, 9:00 AMFranklin County EOC, Farmington

Served agency

Franklin County EMAEmergency management partner

Who we are

Franklin County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (W1FCA) is a group of FCC-licensed amateur radio operators who volunteer to provide backup emergency communications when normal systems are overloaded or fail. We are the local unit of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®), a program of the ARRL, and we support the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency.

Emergency communications

When phones, internet, or power go down, amateur radio keeps emergency managers connected. We train and stand ready to support the county EMA.

Weekly on the air

We meet on the air every night at 7:30 PM on the 147.180 MHz repeater. Our directed ARES net is Wednesdays. New and visiting hams are always welcome.

Open to licensed hams

Any licensed amateur in or near Franklin County can join. ARRL membership is not required, and there are no dues. Here's how.

New to amateur radio or emergency communications?

Start by listening to our nightly net, then come to a monthly meeting at the Franklin County EOC. Visit the Join and Training pages to learn what's involved.