History and Mission
The Pelican Bay Amateur Radio Club was founded in 1980 by a group of Brookings-Harbor amateur radio operators who wished to share their common interest in HAM radio. Amateur radio is a hobby of self education and emergency preparedness. It is to our country’s benefit to maintain a reserve of trained radio operators, technicians and electronics experts. Hams stand ready at a moment’s notice to assist whenever normal communications channels are overloaded, damaged or disrupted. Amateur radio is officially recognized as our nation’s backup network during times of emergency, disaster or international distress.
Fun and Friendship
Many PBARC members meet for coffee on Fridays from 8:30 to 9:30 am at The Tea Room in Brookings. The club also holds regular meetings the last Friday of every month, 6:30 pm at the Chetco Activity Center. The annual meeting, election of officers and picnic is held every September.
Emergency Service
In case of emergencies, such as floods, tsunami, storms and power outages, PBARC members are trained and ready to help. Members operate with almost every type of transmission on every frequency within the amateur radio spectrum as designated by the FCC. Many have alternate power supplies in case of power failure.
During the Silver Fire in 1987, east of Brookings the PBARC members helped United States Forest Service with emergency, health and welfare messages.
Community Service
Many club members have assisted with communications for Walkathons, Azalea Festival Parade, Jefferson State Coastal Bike Tour, statewide bike-a-thons and other community projects. The two PBARC radio repeaters are monitored for use in emergencies and to assist visitors to the area.
