What Is Public Service All About?

Public service provides opportunities for amateur radio operators to practice their technique, contribute their skills and equipment in support of community service organizations across the RTP area, and to have fun. We do this as our way of saying "Thanks!" for use of the amateur radio spectrum provided by the FCC, and to the many organizations that serve the needs of our community.

Hams provide important communication services to nonprofit and charitable organizations during their fundraising events. Ham radios and repeaters are ideal for providing both logistical and safety communications. For example, the National MS Society sponsors several walks in the spring and a major bike tour in the fall. Most events are outdoors and spread over several miles (100 miles for the two-day MS:HistoricNew Bern bike event).

Volunteer hams may also assist event participants who need help with equipment or need transportation to a rest stop or start/finish area. Transportation of event participants usually occurs due to equipment failure (broken chain, flat tire, etc.), dangerous weather conditions, and non-life threatening medical issues (fatigue, cramping, etc.).

The RARS Public Service Director coordinates the event-based public service volunteers in the triangle area. While RARS supports these public service volunteering efforts, you do not have to belong to RARS, or to any club, to participate.

To participate in public service events, volunteers must have the following equipment:

• Dual band (144/440) 25 watt (min) mobile transceiver
• A 1/2-5/8 wave well-grounded dual band mobile antenna
• A working cell phone for calling 911 in case of emergencies.
• A reliable, long-lasting power source like a fully charged 12v battery with a capacity of at least 35 amp hours.
• If you are serving as a mobile ham support vehicle, a valid drivers’ license and a properly insured, reliable vehicle. If possible, the vehicle should be able to transport at least one person and one bicycle either with a bike rack or inside the vehicle.

Other helpful, but not required, equipment includes:

• A GPS/Mapping device (cell phone or other)
• Dual Band (144/440) hand held transceiver
• Extra set of charged batteries
• Ear phones & speaker mic or boom mic/headphone set
• Higher gain antenna than the supplied rubber duck. For example, the Comet BN-24 or SMA-24, the Diamond RHF40 or SRH77CA, or a similar high gain model.

It is recommended, but not required, that volunteers carry a basic first aid kit and extra bottled water.

EVENT ORGANIZERS

If you are an event organizer or sponsor interested in adding ham radio support to your event, please contact the RARS Public Service Director. At minimum, to be considered for event support, the event must be organized to benefit a community-based non-profit charity or group, and organizers or sponsors must provide to RARS proof of liability insurance for the event. Depending on the size of the event or number of volunteer participants, organizers may be asked to explicitly include RARS as a co-insured on the event liability insurance policy.