When a natural disaster like a hurricane occurs and traditional forms of communication like cellphones are unavailable, amateur radio operators, often referred to as "hams," are called in to provide communication services. This was also true on 9/11, when hams were asked to set up their transmitting and receiving equipment until other communication services could be restored.
To prepare for an emergency, hams hold an annual practice emergency drill event called Field Day, which typically occurs on the fourth weekend in June. The event dates back to 1933 and is sponsored each year by the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL), which was formed in 1914. Field Day events take place throughout the United States and Canada.
Locally, Field Day took place on June 25 and 26 in Ludwig's Corner, attracting participants from throughout Chester County. The goal, other than transmitting and receiving messages under emergency conditions, was to see how many other Field Day stations the operators could contact in a 24-hour period in the U.S. and Canada.
Participants used voice and Morse code when making contacts with other radio operators, as well as a digital communication using computers. "Instead of using the laptop to get on the internet, it is connected to the radio, and it is transmitting the digital signal to the station on the other end," explained Field Day participant Joe Fell. "Digital is preferred when you need a transcript of the communication exchange. Morse code is a major benefit when signals are weak since it can easily be heard."
Fell designed and operates a repeater in the Parkesburg area; a repeater is a radio station that automatically takes an incoming signal and simultaneously "repeats" it to a wide area. "A repeater is a transmitter that is remotely located, typically on a mountain," said Fell. "It receives a radio signal from a car or home and retransmits it out at much higher power. My repeater, which is one of the most active ones is Chester County, has 80 users. (While not a club), we have a breakfast once a month, and everyone that operates on (my) repeater wanted to participate in this year's Field Day."
He reported that the age span of the operators on Field Day ranged from 10 to 80 years old. "During our 24 hours of operation, the stations made contact with over 1,300 stations throughout Canada and the United States using voice, digital and Morse code," Fell said, adding that George Robinson, Field Day chairman, was able to secure the event location.
Fell noted that the participants utilized solar or generator power, antennas, transmitters and receivers commonly called transceivers while enjoying plenty of coffee since the event lasted 24 hours. "Planning has already begun for next year's Field Day," he added.
Those interested in becoming amateur radio operators must obtain a license and pass an exam. "(Which) examination is given is based on the class of licensed that is being applied for," noted Fell.
To learn more, contact Fell at wa3gms@gmail.com. More information is also available at http://www.arrl.org.
Leave a Review