The Playground Amateur Radio Club maintains 3 open repeaters in the Ft. Walton Beach area and all amateurs are encouraged to use them.
The 146.790 MHz repeater is the club's main machine. It is located on the Eglin FCU on Eglin Blvd in Ft Walton Beach. It covers Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. It is the primary ARES repeater for the south county and works under emergency power. This machine hosts the Sunday night net.
The 147.000 MHz repeater is the club's autopatch machine. It is located on the Destin water Co. water tower in Destin with coverage to southern Okaloosa, Walton, and south-eastern Santa Rosa counties. It has available speed dial to all club members. 100Hz tone required.
Emergency speed dial numbers:
91...911
92...Okaloosa Co. Sheriff NON-emergency
93...Ft Walton Bch Police NON-emergency
94...Ft Walton Bch Fire
The 147.225 MHz repeater is the alternate ARES machine for the county to back up the 146.790 and the Crestview 147.360 repeaters. It is located on Duke Field on the base communications tower and has coverage to Okaloosa, western Walton, and eastern Santa Rosa counties.
While these repeaters are open and available for use by all amateurs, please keep in mind that there are costs associated with their operation. These costs are covered, in large part, by the annual membership dues, $20 per year, which entitles the member to take advantage of all membership benefits such as use of the club's station and the ability to sign out club equipment.
So, if you are a permanent resident of our area or visit on a regular basis, we would like to invite you to become a member of the Playground Amateur Radio Club, share with us your ideas/insights, and help chart the future direction of amateur radio in the Fort Walton Beach area.