Welcome to JARS!


The Johnston Amateur Radio Society was formed in September of 1975. The “JARS” group has come a long way in its 40 year history. A monthly newsletter is sent to the membership to keep everyone informed of the current events.

The Johnston Amateur Radio Society has exclusive rights to call the AK4H repeater (147.270 Mhz) home. The repeater is located on the WRAL/WRDC TV tower in Auburn, NC. The repeater is actually owned by the Auburn Repeater Corporation which is comprised of JARS members.

Upcoming Events

NC Ham Radio Exhibit 2025

📡 Ham Radio Exhibit Volunteers Needed! 🎙️

The Ham Radio Exhibit at the 2025 NC State Fair is looking for volunteers to help staff the exhibit this October.

This is a great opportunity to showcase the excitement of Amateur Radio to thousands of visitors and help promote our hobby across North Carolina.

👉 To sign up and reserve your spot, please visit the link below

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
(Note: This is not a JARS event, but a statewide Amateur Radio event with participation from multiple NC clubs.)

Let’s work together to spread the word about HAM RADIO at the NC State Fair 2025! 🎉

36th Annual JARSFEST 11/16/2025

36th Annual JARSFEST – Sunday November 16, 2025 – 8am – 1pm

The Johnston Amateur Radio Society (JARS) is pleased to announce the 36th Annual JARSFEST, to be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the American Legion Complex in Benson, North Carolina.

JARSFEST serves as the sole annual fundraiser for JARS, and we respectfully request your assistance in sharing this information with fellow amateur radio operators and organizations.

Comprehensive details, including admission sales, indoor table reservations, outdoor flea market spaces, and additional raffle ticket purchases, may be found at: https://jars.net/jarsfest-2025

Door Prizes

  • First Prize: Yaesu FT-991A (HF/VHF/UHF All-Mode Transceiver)
  • Second Prize: Icom IC-2730A (Dual Band Mobile Transceiver)
  • Third Prize: Yaesu FT-65R (Dual Band Handheld Transceiver)
  • Additional prizes will be announced at a later date.

We encourage all amateur radio operators and enthusiasts to join us for this important event, which offers opportunities for fellowship, equipment exchange, and the continued support of amateur radio in our community.

Remember to check the Calendar for upcoming events!

  • 36th Annual JARSFEST – 11/16/2025 – Benson, NC – More Information Here
  • Every Night @ 8:30pm – Jars Net – Nightly Rag-Chew @ 147.270 Mhz
  • Every Tuesday Night @ 9pm – JARS Preparedness Net
  • Every Wednesday Night @ 8:30pm – JARS Net & Trader’s Net
  • Every 2nd Thursday is the JARS Officers/Board Meeting
  • Every 3rd Thursday is the JARS Monthly MeetingCleveland Draft House – 461 Shotwell Rd, Clayton NC 27520 – Please arrive 6 – 6:30PM to eat prior to the 7pm Meeting. Hope to see you all there.

Announcements