Since its beginning in 1952, SPARC, the Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club, has existed not for profit, but for fun, adventure, learning and service to the community. Each member has the opportunity to participate in a fascinating hobby that lets them communicate with other radio operators around the world, as well as associating with the group of hams here in Spartanburg.
But there's a more useful side to amateur radio, that of assisting others with communications when help is needed and ordinary methods don't suffice. The club also participates in fun activities, such as the March of Dimes Walk-America, M D walk-a-thon and the Bike Assault on Mount Mitchell.
There's a more serious side to ham radio. Assistance. When an elderly gentleman was lost near Lockhart, some of our members were there. When the tornado touched down in northern Spartanburg several years ago, our members were there. When the jet plane crashed near Boiling Springs, we had members there. When 12 inches of snow blanketed the Upstate and shelters were opened, our members helped out.
Several nights a week the club runs a local communications net on 2 meters, practicing for the time when such a net might be needed. In order to become an amateur radio operator and join in on the NET, you must pass a "novice or no code tech" test.
| Read the SPARC Constitution and By-Laws. |