RARS masthead links to web site
39th Annual RARSFest
Saturday April 23, 2011
Due to the fantastic growth of RARSfest, for 2011 we are moving next
door to the Jim Graham Building (still at the NC State Fairgrounds)
The Jim Graham Building will provide a 100% increase in available space.

Here are some RARSfest pictures.
Some information below is from RARSFest 2010
Stay tuned for news of the 2011 RARSFest
You can Subscribe to RARSFest news updates via email.
(The link above sends a blank email from your email client with subject "Subscribe me to RARSFest News".   Any text is ignored.)
NCSF Expostion Center
NC State Fairgrounds Jim Graham Building
1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh NC 27607
FREE PARKING
Hands-On APRS Forum
Bring your laptop - Software and setup help will be provided.
Northern Piedmont's Largest Hamfest
ARRL North Carolina State Convention
50,000 sq. ft.   All Indoor
Climate Controlled Facility
D-Star
Forum		SKYWARN
Spotter
Training		CW and
Homebrew
Contests		License
Exams		Equipment
Test
Station		Special
Event
Station		Youth
Lounge		QSL
Card
Checking
Some of the major Amateur Radio exhibitors and dealers expected include:
ICOM America KJI Electronics dBj Radio & Electronics
ARRL / AMSAT The Sign Man The Wire Man
NWS-Skywarn Cedar City Sales QuickSilver Radio
Order Tables
and Tickets		 MEETINGS
AND FORUMS		 FAMILY
ACTIVITIES		 RARSFest
Contacts/Staff		 RARSFest Flyer (PDF) RARSFest
Vendor List
FLEA MARKET DEALER INFO EXAMS MAP RARSFest Album AREA LODGING

Admission $7 pre-registration   (Payment must be received by April 16)
$8 if purchased after April 16 or at the door.
A $100 prize will be drawn from pre-registrations.
Age 16 & under admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Cash
Prizes 		$100 pre-registration prize drawing at 10 AM
$100 prize drawings hourly from 11 AM through 2 PM
$400 main prize drawing at 3 PM
Youth
Lounge 		A gathering place for young hams and youths interested in getting their Amateur Radio license. Activities will include ham radio related games and activities. If you know a youngster in middle or high school who would benefit from meeting young hams and others interested in ham radio be sure to bring them along. Remember - RARSFest admission is free for age 16 and under.
Hands-On Activities N4C - 39th Annual RARSFest - Special Event Station
The station will operate from the hamfest site.
Time: 8am till 4pm on Saturday April 23, 2011.
Freq: 7.235 14.235 ( +/- QRM )
Certificates: Presented to guest operators. Stations worked send SASE to:
    Raleigh Amateur Radio Society
    N4C Special Event Certificate
    PO Box 17124
    Raleigh, NC 27619
YOU can be a guest operator of Special Event Station N4C at RARSfest.

Build a J-pole
Come to our test table and build your own 2 meter J-pole antenna.
We provide tools, materials, and guide you through this simple project.

Or build your own 70 cm hand held satellite antenna.
Forums &
Meetings		 The Why and How of APRS by Brian Short, KC0BS
ARRL Forums with Roanoke Division Director Dennis Bodson,W4PWF, Vice Director Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, New NC Section Manager Bill Morine, N2COP, and retiring NC Section Manager Tim Slay, N4IB, and ARRL Headquarters Staff, NTS/ARES
NWS/Skywarn - Basic SKYWARN Spotter Training
D-Star by ARRL Contributing Editor Gary Pearce, KN4AQ
Watch for updated forum and activities information here.   The complete schedule will be posted at RARSFest.
QSL card
Checking 		ARRL NC State Section appointed DXCC Card Checker Bill McDowell, K4CIA, will be Checking DXCC, WAS, WAC and VUCC QSL cards at the ARRL booth. Bill is also a Check Point for CQ awards.

NOTE from K4CIA:   Please come with all paperwork completed using the latest versions of the application and listing sheets available from the ARRL website at http://www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc.   Most questions one may have can be answered by the DXCC FAQ available on the website.

Field Checking rules do not include QSOs on 160 meters or Deleted Entities.

If you have questions for K4CIA prior to the hamFest Bill can be reached via email at k4cia@arrl.net or telephone 919-846-2317 in Raleigh.

Walk-in VE Testing RARS Volunteer Examiners conduct a W5YI VE Test Session at 9:00 AM.
Walk-ins are welcome until 10:00 AM. The current W5YI exam fee is $14.
NOTE: The VE exams will be conducted from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine across Blue Ridge Rd. from the hamfest.
CONTESTS Prizes will be awarded for:
Homebrew - There is always a nice selection of homebrew equipment entered.
QLF - "Now try sending with your Left Foot "
QBH - "Now try...well, you've just got to come see this to believe it.
Fox Hunt - "All indoor (no big yagis please)
RARSFest
Dinner		 A welcoming reception for vendors and dealers will be held Friday night April 22, 2011 from 7-8 PM in the Exposition Center. Enjoy fellowship, entertainment, and complimentary dinner.
      (RARS members please bring a dish to share with our guests.)
Talk-in 146.64 Mhz RARS repeater.     (Backup is 146.88 Mhz WB4TQD repeater.)
NOTE: The backup repeater will not be monitored unless needed.

 
 
RARSFest parking is FREE. Please note the special RARSFest parking area shown on the map and follow the traffic and parking instructions while on the grounds.
 
Full RV hookup for overnnight camper parking is available at the fairgrounds for a nominal fee. Complete information is available on the NC State Fairgrounds website.

In accordance with Fairgrounds regulations the RARSfest is a NON-SMOKING event. Fairgrounds regulations prohibit weapons, pornographic material, and pets in the Exposition Center. No food or drink may be sold or donated in the building by hamfest attendees.

RARSFest volunteer workers Sign up here
 
Return to RARS Home Page