There's a moment every ham radio operator remembers: the first time you key up and someone, somewhere, comes back to you. It doesn't matter if it's five miles away or five hundred. Something in you sits up a little straighter. That feeling, that connection made out of thin air, is why CQ Pride Augusta exists.
We are an LGBTQIA+ friendly Amateur Radio club serving Augusta, Georgia and the greater Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). We're for licensed operators, for allies, and for people who have never touched a radio in their life but are curious what all the fuss is about. Wherever you're starting from, there's a place for you here.
Why We Started
Amateur radio has always been a hobby built on welcome. Strangers helping strangers get on the air, mentors giving up an evening to walk a newcomer through their first contact, whole communities leaning on ham operators when the power goes out and the cell towers go quiet. CQ Pride Augusta was built to make sure that welcome is extended fully and visibly to LGBTQIA+ operators and allies in our area, alongside everyone else who wants to learn.
Our mission is simple: grow an active, inclusive Amateur Radio community where LGBTQIA+ operators and allies can connect, learn, and serve, while helping newcomers take their first steps into the hobby.
What We Believe Makes a Good Club
Welcoming by Design. A respectful tone on the air and in person, with room for people at every experience level.
Practical Learning. Real help with radios, antennas, repeaters, operating basics, and getting on the air with confidence, not just theory.
On-Air Activity. Nets, events, and shared operating opportunities that make participation simple and worthwhile.
Community-Minded. Encouraging preparedness, public service, and solid Amateur Radio practices that benefit the wider community, not just our members.
Getting on the Air in the CSRA
We currently maintain relationships with two active local repeaters:
- W4DV (North Augusta) — 145.490 MHz, -0.600 offset, CTCSS 71.9, 2m FM
- K4NAB (Aiken County) — 146.730 MHz, -0.600 offset, 2m FM
Both cover roughly a 25-mile range, which puts most of the CSRA within reach. A full, filterable repeater directory with maps is available at cqprideaugusta.us/repeaters.
If You're Already Licensed
- Check into club nets
- Join portable outings and Field Day-style operating
- Explore voice, digital, HF, VHF, and UHF activity
- Help mentor new operators
If You're Brand New
- Learn what ham radio actually is, without the jargon
- Get guidance on licensing, starting with your Technician class
- Understand repeaters, callsigns, and basic operating etiquette
- Get realistic, no-pressure advice on starter gear
Where We're Headed
Our first and clearest goal is growth: more licensed operators in the CSRA, and more of them finding a genuinely welcoming club home when they get there. Every new callsign we help put on the air is the whole point. If you've been thinking about getting licensed, or you're licensed and looking for a club that feels like yours, this is your sign to reach out.
How to Get Involved
- Send a quick hello to president@cqprideaugusta.us.
- Tell us your status: licensed (and your callsign), studying, or just curious.
- We'll point you to the next best step, whether that's net info, study resources, or a local meetup.
Tip: If you're new to the hobby, put NEW HAM in the subject line so we can get you the right starter information quickly.
You can also reach club president Greer, K5CVD, directly at the address above.
Come as you are. Learn at your pace. Get on the air.
73 de CQ Pride Augusta. Celebrating Amateur Radio & Pride.
Visit us at cqprideaugusta.us to explore the repeater directory, upcoming events, and membership information.