It is a hobby that many people around the world enjoy. Often called “ham” radio, operators make friends “on the air” that last a lifetime. You can join in on the fun whether you are a ham radio operator, interested in getting involved, or just want to learn more about it.
On Saturday, June 22, starting at 8 a.m., White County’s Gateway Amateur Radio Club (GARC) is hosting an Amateur Radio Field Day adjacent to the NoFo Brew Company at 1939 Helen Highway in Cleveland, Georgia. GARC is a nonprofit organization that continues to provide a service vital for backup communication.
Popular event
Field Day is the single most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada.
On the fourth weekend of June of each year, thousands of radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups, or simply with friends to operate from remote locations. The object of Field Day is to communicate with as many stations as possible and, in doing so, to demonstrate the ability to operate in abnormal situations in less than optimal conditions.
Global friends
Ham radio is a unique opportunity to make global friends and learn about their lives, event organizers say. It can also be a way to help others in distressed situations if necessary.
Time and again, ham radio has been called into action to provide communications in crises when it mattered.
Enthusiasts call it an “adventure” and “fun” and say becoming a licensed ham radio operator is worth the time. There are online courses for beginners. Some courses specify that you will receive your money back if you pass your exam on the first try. That is an incentive.
If this is a hobby that interests you, come out to the Amateur Radio Field Day on June 22 and talk to some of the ham radio operators. They’ll be available to answer your questions and can also help you find the right equipment so you can communicate with other radio operators around the world.
All ages participate
The Amateur Radio Service has been around for a century. In that time, it’s grown into a worldwide community of licensed operators using the airwaves with every conceivable means of communication technology. Operators range in age from youngsters to grandparents.
There are people from all walks of life who are in the ham ranks. Most people become operators to enjoy learning and being able to transmit voice, data, and pictures through the air to unusual places, both near and far, without depending on commercial systems.
The annual Field Day is one of the highlights for many clubs. There is a contest to contact as many other stations as possible and to learn to operate radio gear in abnormal situations and less-than-optimal conditions.
Public meetings
If you are interested in learning more, contact [email protected] or visit Gateway Amateur Radio Club.
GARC is headquartered in Cleveland. Meetings are open to the public. The club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the White County Seniors Center, 1239 Helen Highway, north of downtown Cleveland.
The club’s weekly net meets on Sunday nights at 8:30 pm local time on the K4GAR repeater. The repeater transmits on 146.910 MHz with a negative offset of 600 kHz and a PL tone 100.
