Repeaters, Nets and More
W6PIY Repeater Network
WVARA operates five repeaters under the call sign W6PIY from atop Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, near the Hwy 17/85 interchange. Our repeaters support auto-patch, have AllStarLink (ASL) capability, and are open to all licensed amateur radio operators. All five repeaters are cross‑linked for the WVARA Net, Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m., so you can join from us any band.
W6PIY Repeaters
| Band | TX Freq | RX Freq | CTCSS | Status | Link Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6m | 52.580 | 52.080 | 151.4 Hz | Operating | ASL #45305, 2m, 1.25m |
| 2m | 147.390 | 147.990 | 151.4 Hz | Operating | ASL #45305, 6m, 1.25m |
| 1.25m | 223.960 | 222.360 | 156.7 Hz | Operating | ASL #45305, 6m, 2m |
| 70cm | 441.350 | 446.350 | 88.5 Hz | Operating | Local use only. |
| 23cm | 1286.200 | 1274.200 | 100 Hz | Operating | ASL #68611 linked with WR6Z |
AllStarLink Availability
WVARA operates two Allstar nodes: 45305 and 68611.
Node 45305 connects the 6, 2 and 1.25 m repeaters. These repeaters are frequently bridged with 529 Net to bring local operators a variety of informative and entertaining nets.
Node 68611 is connected to the 1.2 GHz repeater and remains linked with the WR6Z 900 MHz repeater on Loma Prieta at all times (except during the WVARA net on Tuesday). With this link, we participate in a wide-area network of 23cm and 33cm repeaters from across the Western and Southwestern United States and beyond.
Access to both Allstar nodes is available to all licensed hams via personal hotspot devices and software apps such as the Transceive application on macOS and the RepeaterPhone app on iOS and Android.
Nets
WVARA is adding new and interesting interactive content to our 6m, 2m, and 1.25m repeaters through a partnership with the WA7ABU 529 Net team in Salem, Oregon. At scheduled times, our repeaters will be connected via AllStar, allowing WVARA members operating over RF to participate directly in a variety of 529 nets covering technical topics, license advancement, space and related interests, and amateur radio equipment.
These are fully interactive nets, and WVARA members are encouraged to check in, ask questions, contribute to the discussion, and get to know other amateurs participating through the network. No special procedures are required beyond normal net etiquette and the usual standards of amateur radio courtesy: Listen before transmitting, allow the net control station to manage the flow of traffic, identify after each transmission, and be considerate of other participants.
| Net Name | Day/Time | Repeater(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WVARA General Net | Tuesday, 8:30 PM | 6m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, 23cm | All repeaters cross‑linked |
| Tech Net for New Hams | Monday, 10-11 AM | 6m, 2m, 1.25m | A friendly place for new hams to ask questions and find answers. |
| Deep Dive Tech Net | Wednesday, 10-11 AM | 6m, 2m, 1.25m | This net goes down the rabbit hole in search of enlightenment. |
| Tech Net for General and Extra Upgraders | Thursday, 10-11 AM | 6m, 2m, 1.25m | This is the place for upgraders looking for understanding. |
| Space & Above Ground | Friday, 7-8 PM | 6m, 2m, 1.25m | If it flies or orbits, this is the net for you. |
To join the WVARA Net, tune your radio to any W6PIY repeater a few minutes before 8:30 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday. Listen for net control’s instructions, then check in with your call sign, name and location when they request check‑ins. New operators are especially welcome—just mention that you’re a new ham when you check in. To join the WVARA Net from Allstar, connect to node 45305 prior to the start of the net.
WVARA MeshCore Channel - For Hams and Aspiring Hams alike
WVARA hosts a MeshCore channel that’s open to hams and aspiring hams. It’s a friendly place to meet WVARA members, ask ham radio questions, and get help on your path to earning a license.
To join the WVARA private MeshCore channel in any MeshCore app:
- Open the app and go to Channels → Add Channel → Join Private Channel.
- Enter Channel Name:
WVARA - Enter Secret Key:
a9e971c2b7323ee5b461a0819b70a7db - Click Join Channel.