Last updated 3/4/2010.
Amateur Radio Exams
The RARS W5YI VE Team will conduct License Exams. Walk-ins are welcome until 10:00.
The College of Veterinary Medicine is on William Moore Drive, 1 block east of the hamfest on north side of Hillsborough St.
(The fairgrounds is at the corner of Hillsborough St. and Blue Ridge Rd.)
Foyer - Meeting and Forum schedule
9:30 - The Why and How of APRS
Guest speaker Brian Short, KC0BS. Bring your laptop ready for the free software download and hands on demonstration.
Reported minimum system requirements are Windows-XP, 30 GB hard drive space, and a DVD drive.
11:00 - ARRL Open Forum
Meet ARRL Roanoke Division Director Dennis Bodson, W4PWF and Vice Director Jim Boehner, N2ZZ, and the NC Section Staff.
11:45 - D STAR Program
Presented by ARRL Contributing Editor, Gary Pearce, KN4AQ. The audience will split into 2 groups based on experince to cover introductory or advanced information about D-Star, the ICOM version of digital RF transmissions over Amateur Radio.
12:45 - Basic SKYWARN Spotter Training
Presented by Raleigh NWS General Forecaster Brandon Dunston, KI4ZCX. Attendees will obtain their Basic SKYWARN Spotter cerfificate.
2:00 - ARRL Section Forum
Presented by Newly elected NC Section Manager Bill Morine, N2COP, with NC Section Emergency Coordinator Bernie Nobels, WA4MOK, and NC Section Traffic Manager, David Roy, W4DNA. PIOs and OOs are requested to attend.
Stage Area - Contest Schedule
9:30 - Homebrew Contest
Entries for the Homebrew contest must be submitted by 9:30 for judging. Entry forms will be available
11:00 RARSfest QLF CW Contest
Can you send accurate Morse Code with your Left Foot? This fun contest has been a hit for years.
11:45 RARSfest QBH CW Contest
Can you send accurate Morse Code with Both Hips? You've gotta see this contest we think is unique to RARSfest. Participants stand in the middle of a very large set of paddles and send Morse Code by swinging your hips.
12:45 RARSfest Fox Hunt
The RARSfest Fox will be roaming inside the building and transmitting on a 2m frequency to be announced at the start of the contest. Please remember this is a crowded environment and use appropriate antennas.
THROUGHOUT THE DAY - IN THE BOOTHS
ARRL BOOTH
Visit the ARRL booth to meet your Roanoke Division Officers, NC State Officers and Appointees.
QSL Card Field Checking by Area QSL Manager Bill McDowell, K4CIA. Most QSL Cards for ARRL and CQ awards will be checked.
ARRL and RARS Memberships and renewals will be available.
QCWA Booth
The QCWA Piedmont Chapter 126 will have information here.
Learn about membership benefits and the national and local chapter activity.
National: www.qcwa.org" target="_blank" Local Chapter 126: www.qsl.net/qcwa126/
Youth Lounge
Meet our special guest Duncan MacLachian, KU0DM, ARRL Youth Editor.
""Kid's Have Fun in the Youth Lounge" - All ages welcome - projects and prizes.
For young hams and future hams. Talk to local young hams and learn about Amateur Radio at this friendly gathering spot. Hands-On activities including radio demonstration, games, contests, morse code and more.
RARS Staff: Steve Jenkins, KA8HXX and CJ Orr, KJ4OBQ.
N4C - Special Event Station
You can be a Guest Operator - control ops will be present.
Station managed by Bill McClymont, W1REP.
HANDS-ON "Build It"
You can build your own J-Pole or hand held satellite antenna. RARS will provide tools and materials and guide you through the construction of these simple projects.