est. 1953
The Abington Amateur Radio Club, AARC, founded by William Shaffer, (callsign unknown) in 1953, was one of the first Amateur Radio organizations in the area. During the 1950's, there was a total of three local clubs: The Wyoming Valley ARC, Wilkes-Barre; The Electric City ARC, Scranton; and the AARC, Clarks Summit. By the late 1950's, the AARC continued to grow while the others gradually disappeared.
The 1960's was a time of rapid change and growth within Amateur Radio and the AARC as well. Incentive licensing became law and the AARC responded by offering free Ham Radio classes to those interested. A large number of people took advantage of this offering in preparation for their FCC tests. In 1972, with the interest in VHF communications, the AARC sponsored the formation of the Lackawanna Valley Repeater Association. The LVRA established the first repeater in Northeastern Pennsylvania. W3BJU/R 146.340/940 MHz, composed of a separate receiver and transmitter, was located on the Ron Hatfield property in Clarks Summit. The value of this system was quickly proven that summer when the Agnes flood waters ravaged portions of the area.
In the fall of
1972, the system was moved to a much higher location on the WWDL-FM radio
tower on West Mountain in Scranton. In 1975 the LVRA/AARC was called upon
again when yet another flood occurred in Luzerne County. Later that same
year, the LVRA officially rejoined their parent organization and invested
in excess of one thousand dollars to improve their repeater system. Training
in emergency and public service communications became a major part of the
AARC. Its lessons proved to be valuable with Amateur Radio involvement
in the Johnstown, Three Mile Island and the Scranton mine disasters. It
was decided, in 1981, to change the AARC's name to one that was more representative
of its area of interest and membership. The name Scranton Pocono Amateur
Radio Klub, SPARK, was decided upon. A constitution was written and the
license K3CSG was given by the FCC. SPARK has undergone many changes to
accommodate the evergrowing interest with Ham Radio in this area.
SPARK still believes that Amateur Radio should
not only be a hobby for its operators, but that it should be a way to assist
the general public by providing routine and emergency services when needed.
SPARK is affiliated with the Emergency Management Agency of Lackawanna
County and stands willing to provide communication support required in
the event of a disaster. SPARK promotes National Weather Service SKYWARN
program, which utilizes Amateur Radio to spot severe weather and encourages
its members to become affiliated. We also aid local chapters of various
charitable organizations with taheir annual races and walk-a-thons, by
providing communication support to enhance the safety of the participants.
SPARK provides services
geared toward the Amateur Radio community. The repeater, K3CSG/R on 146.340/940 MHz,
is open to all hams. The system is presently located
on the WWDL-FM towers as previously mentioned. At an elevation of 2200
feet, we are able to provide coverage to Lackawanna, Luzerne and parts
of Bradford, Monroe, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
SPARK is dedicated to the promotion of Amateur
Radio by offering testing sessions to the public and to other Hams. We
have three highly experienced Contact Volunteer Examiners, CVEs, representing
the ARRL. Laurel and W5YI groups with more than a dozen Volunteer Examiners
under their guidance. Testing is held the second Tuesday monthly,
at Lackawanna Center for Public Safety, 30 Valley View Drive, Jessup, PA 18434, 19:00 hours.
For its members, SPARK has purchased a liability
insurance policy. This policy is tailored to fit our needs and covers ALL
members participating in a club authorized function. As soon as an individual
is accepted for membership, insurance protection begins.
SPARK participates annually in the ARRL FIELD
DAY held in late June. The principle behind FIELD DAY is to make radio
contacts in a less than optimal location, using simple antennas and generator,
battery or solar power. In its purest form, FIELD DAY is used as a training
tool for Amateurs to experience what it may be like to operate duringduring
an emergency situation. We normally have our effort situated at a park
in the Scranton area. As a new member, you are encouraged to attend, lend
a hand and experience all that FIELD DAY means to SPARK. If you would like
to operate one of our radios outside of your privileges, don't hesitate
to ask a member to be your control operator. After all, how will you learn
something new if you don't jump at an opportunity.
Members of our club routinely participate
in the PA QSO PARTY. This is an on-the-air radio contest, held in early
October, that draws massive attention nationwide. Unlike FIELD DAY, SPARK
members operate their own stations, whether mobile or stationary and combine
scores for a cumulative total. You need not worry about having HF privileges,
since there is plenty of action to be found on VHF and UHF as well!
Finally, SPARK conducts its meetings the
third Tuesday of every month in the Lackawanna Center for Public Safety, 30 Valley View Drive, Jessup, PA 18434, 19:00 hours. The
meetings are designed to accomdate the business necessary to SPARK's future.
Presentations and seminars are also given during these meetings. As a member,
you are encouraged, but not required, to attend and give your input or
make suggestions. Please feel free to attend
whether you are a ham or thinking about getting your license. We would
be glad to have you. For more information contact SPARK here E-Mail SPARK. To download an application, see this link Printable Membership Application. Applications must be mailed to:
SPARK,
ATTN: Treasurer,
P.O. Box 20206,
Scranton, PA 18502. 73 from the Officers of SPARK.
