Beginners Corner January 2015
The Dog Show: A chance for Beginning Hams to Shine
GARS and Gwinnett ARES helps do parking for the dog show twice a year. In return, the dog show hosts make a generous contribution to both organizations. We set up positions at several strategic points around the building and coordinate parking. The work is easy, and at most places you can sit down.
What is in it for new hams? The first thing is an opportunity to serve. Amateur radio is a service. Other radio users pay big bucks to buy a license. Ours are free, with the provision that we do public service. Second is an opportunity to get on the air for a real-world activity. I have been working the dog show for several years, and have enjoyed being part of the net. They require about fourteen people at a time to effectively police the parking lots, so there is always someone to talk to. The pace is easy, and it gives you practice (and confidence) being on the air.
Worried about making mistakes? No fear. We have all made mistakes. Hams are a forgiving bunch, especially in GARS and ARES. We all have been the “new guy” at one time or another. This exercise is not that critical, and it gives you good practice for more momentous occasions.
They divide each day into shifts, the first one starting at 6 am (oh dark thirty for you military veterans). Yes, it is early, but we have to be in place when the cars start rolling in. The second shift starts at 10 am. Many “veteran” dog show workers work both shifts. I have gotten the habit of doing both shifts and I love it. The dog show needs volunteers over four days, so there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Some people work both shifts over the whole four day period. I am sure some of them take vacation days to do this, but such is the volunteer spirit of amateur radio.
What do I bring? There is likely further information in this issue of the Garzette, but look for information on the GARS and Gwinnett ARES Yahoo groups (reflectors). Here are some of my suggestions. First, bring your HT or two, if you have more than one. The Gwinnett ARES web site (www.gwinnettares.org) will have the frequencies listed. We will likely use the ARES portable repeater, but that is always subject to change, so bring instructions with your HT on how to set up a new frequency. The repeater has a short range, so no one outside of the dog show area will be able to hear you.
Secondly, dress warmly in layers for the event. Last year, I wore a hoodie with a nylon jacket, two pairs of socks, gloves, and a hat. It is cold and windy in the morning, but as soon as the sun comes out, it warms up, and I was able to remove layers as needed.
Snacks are a good thing to bring, but there are concessions inside. You will be able to take breaks as needed to go inside and perhaps get a warm drink. They usually give us tickets for a small lunch, but they are not required to do so.
Hope to see a bunch of new hams out at the dog show. Oh, and the two main reasons to come-it’s fun, and the camaraderie is wonderful. See you there!
73 de KJ4CMY