HAM radio operators working in the field. Image courtesy: Gary Harrison
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — It’s Christmas in June this weekend for HAM radio enthusiasts across the globe.
For 24 straight hours, Saturday into Sunday HAM radio clubs will be set up looking to make contact with as many people worldwide as possible while also honing their skills for emergencies. ”
Harrison says HAM radio is technically considered a hobby because many of the participants have purchased and assembled the equipment on their own time and dollar, but that doesn’t diminish their value to the community.
“When all else fails, HAM radio will work,” said Gary Harrison with the Wisconsin Valley Radio Amateurs group.
That means when other forms of communication fail such as cellular or telephone HAM radio can step in. “We actually have a complete infrastructure that interfaces with emergency [managers] at their pleasure [for] disaster situations whenever we can augment or help their communcation,” added Harrison.
The Wisconsin Valley Radio Amateurs will be set up in the parking lot of Good News Baptist Church at 145919 Lowland Lane in Mosinee. Harrison says they will begin set up in the mid-morning on Saturday and begin broadcasting at 1 PM. They’ll attempt to make contact with as many other HAM radio users as possible for 24 straight hours, ending at 1 PM Sunday.
Harrison says anyone interested in observing the event or even trying their hand at communicating is welcome to come out anytime during the event. “At least two radios, possibly more, will be in operation [at all times]. They can watch and if they are so inclined we’ll put them on the air. If they want to know more about how to get involved, they’ll be information there as well.”
In addition to adults who might have an interest in taking up the hobby either for fun or as a way to help the community, Harrison is also hopeful that some middle or high school students will take an interest.
“This can be one of those hands-on STEM activities. We talk so much about science, technology, engineering, and math in schools, and this is an occasion where you can put all four of those disciplines to work, have some fun doing it, see immediate results, and serve the public.
At any given time during the event, there could be upwards of 500,000 HAM radios broadcasting across the globe. Harrison adds they’ll be looking to make contact with people domestically and worldwide using satellites and a repeating station on the International Space Station.
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