The Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society (GARS) (Call Sign: W4GR) is a large, active, ARRL-affiliated special service amateur radio club serving Gwinnett County and the northeast metro Atlanta area in Georgia.
Overview & History
Founded: 1973 by operators from the Scientific Atlanta Radio Club.
Membership: Over 350 active members.
Recognition: Awarded the prestigious ARRL/Dayton Hamvention Club of the Year in 2014 and the Atlanta Hamfest Georgia Club of the Year in 2022.
Core Activities & Events
Meetings & Workshops: Monthly general meetings on the second Tuesday of the month and interactive technical workshops on the third Tuesday.
TechFest: Hosts an annual winter event known as TechFest, showcasing various facets of the hobby to the community.
Testing & Licensing: Conducts regular in-person amateur radio license exam sessions (third Sunday monthly) and offers license classes and mentorship programs ("Elmers").
Public Service: Active in community support, including local parades, fundraising events, and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) operations