Field Day

Every year on the last weekend in June, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) provides an opportunity for each ham to test his/her readiness to handle emergency situations. The object is to see how many contacts can be made using our radio equipment under emergency conditions.. Anyone with a license can contribute using their equipment at their home station but additional points are given for moving the equipment to a place where there is no commercial power and the antennas and radios must be brought in and set up to use. Many HAMS use generators or batteries. There are even some enterprising HAMS who use more exotic types of power generation like wind, water and solar. Every MODE of communications can be used from CW (Morse Code) to SSTV (Slow Scan TV). Some MODES are worth more points than others.

SET(s) Simulated Emergency Tests

As members the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), we do our best to be ready for any emergency that might arise. To help us prepare for emergencies, we simulate scenarios that will test our readiness to handle communications in the county under many different situations.. Since Ashe County is rather sparsely populated, we are working on devising a plan to provide communications when there are medical and life threatening situations coupled with power outages and interruption of phone service. The county has experienced these types of situations a number of times in the past due to hurricanes, flash floods and other natural disasters. We are a member of the Ashe County Emergency team.

ACARC as member of ARES also contributes and supports to the statewide SETs that occur during the year. Through the use of personal radio equipment and power systems, we can provide communications for the county and it's residents to the rest of the state when communications are disrupted.

The Brutal 100 Bicycle Event

Each year , the Mountain Century Flyers in conjunction with the Ashe County Civic Center sponsors a 100 mile biking event called the Brutal 100. The event has grown in popularity since its inception in 19XX. ACARC works hand in hand with the Brutal 100 personnel to help coordinate the event by providing communications links at the refreshment stops, SAG wagons and net control.

Potluck Picnic

W4UU, Jay Reid and his YF Joanne graciously invited the members of ACARC to join them at their lovely camp on the New River. The camp is called River Camp and is located in Piney Creek, NC. Our first Potluck Picnic was held in October and Everything was just super, the weather was good, the temperature was right and the food was great.. How can you go wrong when everyone brought their best culinary creation?? HAMs are notorious for their ability to talk (and eat!). It's always great to get together for an eyeball especially when we can be with our families. We look forward to making the picnic a yearly event. It's gives us an opportunity to watch our families grow and enjoy the fellowship.

Christmas Party

In 1997, ACARC celebrated it's second annual Christmas party. For the second year in a row, The Seventh Day Adventist (SDS) Church opened their educational facility to us for our covered dish Christmas party. The Christmas party provide another opportunity for fellowship and a lot of fun. The high point of the party (after supper!) is the exchange of the Gag Gifts.