The Radio Association of Erie (RAE) is an amateur (ham) radio club in northwestern Pennsylvania.

The Radio Association of Erie, a non-profit organization incorporated in 1945, has over 100 members throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and beyond.


Brief History:

The Radio Association of Erie (RAE) was formed about 50 years ago by a radio enthusiast called Frank Dawson Bliley. It was his intent to form a group of individuals interested in the development and advancement of two-way communications. He devoted his entire life to his work and hobby. After his death, his family at his request donated a large sum of money to the RAE. The Federal Communications Commission call sign of W3GV was also reissued to the club in remembrance of the founder.

Over the years the club has become affiliated with a few amateur radio organizations and programs. The American Radio Radio Relay League (ARRL) is a governing non-profit organization that supports the efforts of amateur radio operators. The club has been recognized as a special service club by the ARRL, for providing training sessions, testing sessions, public service event support, etc. Two programs that the club supports are ARES-RACES and SKYWARN. The ARES-RACES program is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide emergency communication in times of need. The SKYWARN program is sponsored by the National Weather Service to assist in the collection and reporting of weather conditions, both during and after severe weather.

Our Goals:

1. Furthering the interests of amateur radio both within the hobby and the community.
2. Providing emergency communications to local non-profit organizations for various local events.
3. Providing the National Weather Service with trained and qualified spotters for Erie County ARES-SKYWARN.
4. Continuing and extending the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the enhancement of the radio art.
5. Enhance international goodwill through better communications between various societies and cultures.
6. Expand the resources of trained amateur radio operators, technicians, and electronic experts.
7. Cooperate with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Local EMA & Public Safety Officials, and the American Red Cross to provide fixed and mobile emergency communications in times of need and disaster.
8. Have fun!