Amateur Radio Emergency Service
When all else fails, Gwinnett ARES is on the air.
Licensed ham radio volunteers who provide emergency communications for Gwinnett County when phones, power and the internet go down.
Get on the air with us
Guests are always welcome. The best way to be ready is to practice, every week.
Monthly Meeting
4th Tuesday · 7:00 PM
Newly licensed, experienced, or just curious: everyone is welcome. Talk-in on 147.075+ (PL 82.5).
Monday Training Net
Mondays · 8:15 PM
147.075 MHz (+), PL 82.5 on the GARS 2-meter repeater. Check in, or take a turn as Net Control.
Digital Net
Mondays · 8:45 PM
Right after the voice net. The mode rotates every two weeks between FLdigi, Winlink and D-RATS.
MeshCore Channel
Any time
Off-grid text messaging. Add the Gwinnett ARES channel to your MeshCore companion with one scan.
Want to run the net?
Sign up for a Net Control (NCS), Alternate NCS or Digital NCS slot.
Upcoming events
No upcoming events are posted right now. Check the full calendar, or listen in on the Monday net for announcements.
What is ARES?
One of the most meaningful things Amateur Radio operators do is provide emergency communications when disasters strike. When cell phones go down, landlines fail, and the internet goes dark, Amateur Radio operators are still on the air. That’s why our slogan is simply: “When All Else Fails.”
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) is a volunteer organization of licensed hams who register their skills and equipment to serve the public during emergencies. If you have a license and a sincere desire to help, you’re already qualified to join. Right here in Gwinnett County, we’re one of the largest and most active ARES® groups in Georgia, working hand-in-hand with GEMA and the Gwinnett Office of Emergency Management as part of the county’s official Emergency Operations Plan.
Filling the gaps
When official systems get overwhelmed, we set up radio links between the County EOC and remote locations, and shadow key decision-makers so they’re never out of reach.
Supporting partner agencies
Staffing emergency shelters, helping hospitals talk to each other and the health department, and supporting NGOs like the Salvation Army during recovery.
Eyes and ears on the ground
Skywarn spotting for the National Weather Service, and damage assessment of roads, power lines and structures using standard ICS forms. Lawrenceville weather
Messaging without the internet
With Winlink we send email, even with attachments, entirely over radio, keeping a reliable record of requests and actions for the county.
We stay ready year-round by providing communications at community events like marathons and parades, and by joining disaster exercises with county agencies, so when a real emergency happens everyone already knows how to work together.
Ready to get involved?
Brand new to ham radio or a seasoned operator, come see firsthand how Amateur Radio serves our community.
Glen Wendt, W3WWT, Gwinnett ARES Emergency Coordinator