Oconee County Amateur Radio Society: A Unique Focus on Repeater Expertise

The ARRL website search results have led you to the Oconee County Amateur Radio Society (OCARS), a club with a specialized focus.

Nurturing Repeater Knowledge and Skills

Unlike many traditional ham radio clubs, OCARS (established in 1999) has shifted its primary focus towards education and hands-on experience for repeater operations. They offer a valuable service by:

• Training Operators: Equipping members with the knowledge and skills to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot repeater equipment. This includes back-haul setup, maintenance, and safety aspects of tower climbing.
• Maintaining Repeaters: They operate multiple repeaters, supporting various analog and digital modes, that any licensed operator can utilize for communication.

Exploring Membership and Club Activities

If you're interested in repeater technology and its practical applications, OCARS could be a great fit. While their website (https://w4eee.com/index.php/about/) offers some details, there's limited information about:

• Meeting Schedule: The listing mentions "TBA" (to be announced), so you might need to contact them directly for the latest information.
• Meeting Location: Meetings are held at various locations in Watkinsville, Georgia.

Connecting with OCARS

Here's how to get in touch:

• Email: Reach out to Robert Usher Thomason NN4EE, the club secretary, at [email protected]

Given their unique focus, it's recommended to contact OCARS directly to confirm meeting details and discuss if their specific area of expertise aligns with your ham radio interests.