Local radio community for the Black Patch region.

What we do

BPRA promotes responsible, effective radio use across services and bands. Whether you're brand new or have years on the air, our goal is to help you learn, share, and communicate.

• Encourage safe, courteous operating practices
• Share knowledge about equipment, antennas, and programming
• Support local communications readiness and community events
• Build a friendly network of operators in the region

What we cover

We're inclusive of GMRS, MURS, CB, Ham, and other radio communications. If it transmits and helps connect people, you'll fit right in.

Repeater parameters

BPRA hosts a community GMRS repeater in town. Use the following settings:

Operating tips

Keep transmissions concise, leave breaks for others, and use plain language when possible. If you're new to programming radios, we can help at a meeting.

• Identify per FCC rules (GMRS license required)
• Pause between transmissions to allow emergency traffic
• Use the correct PL/CTCSS to access the repeater
• Be respectful and keep it family-friendly

Linked Systems & Networks

• Mid South Link AllStar Node 623122 — midsouthlink.org
• YSF Reflector #42450
• FreeDMR Talkgroup 31210
• HOIP Extension 15176
• EchoLink N1YKT-R

145.280 / 144.680

• CTCSS 82.5 (NARROW BAND REQUIRED)
• AllStar Node 623121
• Linked via Mid South Link
• Priority: Christian County Weather Spotters during severe weather nets

442.450 / 447.450

• MMDVM — DMR, YSF, P25 enabled
• DMR: CC1
• TS1 (Static only): 3121 KY Wide, 314133 N1YKT — please avoid dynamic TG programming on TS1
• TS2: Open use (voice, APRS data, messaging)
• YSF: US N1YKT Hub #42450 (static link) — midsouthlink.org
• P25: NAC 293

442.650 / 447.650

• CTCSS 192.8
• AllStar Node 623120
• Linked full-time to the W4MSI repeater system — W4MSI.com

443.650 / 448.650

• Yaesu DR-1X dual mode
• FM CTCSS 100.0
• WIRES-X Node ID 73134 — Room ID 83134
• Full-time link to Kansas City Wide (can be changed, defaults back)
• Status: RF/PA section under repair (standalone PL 100 analog)

444.750 / 449.750

• CTCSS 88.5
• AllStar Node 61635
• EchoLink N1YKT-R (disabled for now)
• HOIP Extension 15126 — linked full-time to East Coast Reflector

444.850 / 449.850

• CTCSS 103.5
• MMDVM — coming soon

APRS

• Digipeater: N1YKT-10

Additional Info

• All repeaters are coordinated by SERA
• WSAI691 repeater
• Backup: repeaters have battery and/or generator backup
• Priority: 145.280 and 462.650 Weather Spotters have priority when severe weather net is active
• Black Patch Radio Association Net: Every Sunday @ 1700 (5 PM)

Location

BPRA meets at the Christian County Weather Spotters building at 100 Margaret Pl, Hopkinsville, KY 42240 on the first Saturday of every month. Visit our Facebook group for the latest updates and meeting times.

• Hands-on help with radios, antennas, and programming
• Net info, local coordination, and community updates
• Newcomers welcome bring questions!

Schedule

• Saturday, February 7, 2026 — 11:00 AM
• Saturday, March 7, 2026 — 11:00 AM
• Saturday, April 4, 2026 — 11:00 AM
• Saturday, May 2, 2026 — 11:00 AM
• Saturday, June 6, 2026 — 11:00 AM
• Saturday, July 4, 2026 — 11:00 AM

How to join

Come to a meeting, check in on the repeater, and introduce yourself. We welcome all experience levels and radio interests.

• Introduce yourself on the repeater and ask about BPRA
• Attend a meeting at Christian County Weather Spotters
• Share what you're working on—mobile installs, base stations, antennas, etc.

Contact

Find us on Facebook or email info@bpra.net.