2022 Scratching Post
Scratching Post Special Event Station 2022
George County ARES will hold the Scratching Post Special Event Station on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Lucedale City Park, 840 Oak Street.
The station will operate from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM, with setup beginning at 6:00 AM.
Using the special event call sign K5K, GC ARES will operate voice and digital modes on 40 and 20 meters.
The event gives us an opportunity to introduce amateur radio to the public, spend a day operating together, and celebrate one of Lucedale’s unique local landmarks.
Everyone Is Welcome
This is a great opportunity to operate, learn, or simply spend some time with other amateur radio operators.
Operators of all license classes are welcome to participate. Less-experienced operators will be paired with someone who can help, and participants can choose to operate the radio, log contacts, or simply observe and learn.
You do not need to operate or bring equipment to attend. If you’re interested in amateur radio, come by and spend some time with us.
Operating Information
- Date: Saturday, September 3, 2022
- Setup: 6:00–8:00 AM
- Operating: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Breakdown: Beginning at 6:00 PM
- Location: Lucedale City Park, 840 Oak Street
- Operating Area: Gazebos on the upper side of the hill, not the pavilion
- Talk-in: 147.120 MHz (+), PL 136.5 Hz
- Special Event Call Sign: K5K
- HF: 40 and 20 meters
- Modes: Voice and FT4/FT8
Additional special-event information is available at K5K on QRZ.com.
Food and Refreshments
Water, ice, cookies, chips, Gatorade, and soft drinks will be available, but there will be no organized lunch.
Grills are available at the park for anyone who wants to bring food and cooking supplies. Several restaurants are also located nearby, or feel free to bring your own lunch.
Weather
If weather prevents us from using the park, GC ARES has an alternate location available. Participants will be notified if the alternate site is needed.
Equipment Checklist for Station Operators
Operators bringing a station should consider:
- Radio
- Antenna
- Power supply
- Microphone
- External speaker
- Rope or paracord
- Laptop with logging software
- Extension cords and power strip
- Fan
- Pen and paper
- Large trash bags or tarps for temporary rain protection
- Folding table, if available
Personal Items
You may also want to bring:
- Lawn or camping chair
- Bug repellent
- Any food or supplies you volunteered to provide
- Anything else needed for a comfortable day outdoors
Most importantly, you don’t need to bring anything or operate a radio in order to attend.
Come spend the day with us, learn something, make a few contacts, and help us share amateur radio with the community.