Founded 1966
Public service through GMRS two-way radio — serving Northern Illinois and the greater metro Chicago area for nearly 60 years.
All licensed GMRS operators are welcome to check in. Net details and how to participate »
NSEA founding member and “father of GMRS” Randy Knowles passed away on August 21st, 2026. Read his full tribute »
NSEA operates a network of GMRS repeaters covering the North Shore and greater Chicago metro area. Licensed GMRS operators may request permission to use the NSEA and cooperating repeaters. All systems use the standard GMRS +5 MHz repeater offset.
Home of the weekly net — serving the North Shore and surrounding communities.
Serving the North Shore and surrounding communities.
Special-event repeater supporting the Evanston Fourth of July Parade and similar local operations.
Cooperating Evanston system, operated in coordination with NSEA.
Solid dot = approximate repeater site · dashed ring = approximate coverage area · square = meeting location. Click any marker for details.
Repeater positions shown are approximate service areas — exact site locations are not published. Contact membership@nsea.com for access and coverage details.
NSEA welcomes licensed GMRS operators on our repeater network. Tone (PL) and access details are not published — send the request below and an NSEA representative will follow up with the information you need.
Access to the cooperating Evanston .725 system is managed by its system owner and is not covered by this form.
NSEA has conducted weekly radio check-ins since the late 1960s — first on CB, now on GMRS. The net keeps your equipment proven, your radio procedure sharp, and makes you known as a communications resource in time of emergency or disaster. All licensed GMRS operators are welcome and encouraged to check in.
An immediate threat to life or property. Supersedes all other traffic — all other units immediately stand by. “Five Two Six, EMERGENCY.”
An urgent matter needing prompt attention, but not an emergency. “Five Seven Zero, PRIORITY.”
All other traffic; yields to Emergency and Priority. No priority is stated for routine traffic.
Since 1966, NSEA members have provided public service communications for Northern Illinois — supporting emergency preparedness, severe weather response, and disciplined radio operation on GMRS.
NSEA is an IRS-recognized, tax-exempt not-for-profit public charity.
GMRS licensees: apply for NSEA membership using the form below. To request repeater access, use the access request form.
General questions, feedback, or anything not repeater-specific — use the form below and we’ll get back to you.