The Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association, a non-profit organization and one of the oldest ARRL-affiliated amateur radio clubs in the midwest. The DMRAA was established to conduct its programs and activities to advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio in the community. The club regularly hosts programs, activities and exercises and maintains radio communication systems to benefit the community.

General meetings are typically held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Waveland Room of the Plymouth Congregational Church (map) in Des Moines. All are welcome — experienced hams, new hams, and the general public.

Just what is the DMRAA and what do we do?

An interesting question that may be best answered by saying we do a lot and yet we could do much more!

The DMRAA is only as good and as strong as its members. That said, the goals and vision of the DMRAA are subject to interpretation and implementation.

This great organization has a rich tradition and many accomplishments since it was formed. It presently maintains the 146.940 repeater, provides the Static Sheet, DMRAA Hamfest, Chili Feed and Auction, monthly meetings and encourages active participation and growth of the amateur radio service.

The advantage of having a strong organization supporting hams in central Iowa is not always seen at the regular meetings. The DMRAA has been able to financially support the introduction of D-STAR radio locally. We were also able to support Amateur Radio Emergency Service by helping with the signage and equipping of the new ARES trailer. The club is able to do this by using the resources of the DMRAA and the leadership of the officers and board of directors.

It is vitally important that the club balances its goals and vision while maintaining a strong membership and treasury.

What can you do? Be involved! Encourage new hams to become members, pay your dues, come to meetings, help with Field Day, the Hamfest, the auction and other activities.

The DMRAA maintains a repeater with the W0AK callsign. The frequency is 146.940 with a negative shift and a PL tone of 114.8. The repeater is located on the south side of Des Moines. Click here for a comprehensive list of central Iowa VHF/UHF repeaters.