06/27/2006 | W5EA / N5KWB News Star Article
Jun 24, 2006

Ham radio operators test response

By Elizabeth Fitch
efitch@thenewsstar.com


Area amateur radio aficionados will get a chance to hone their skills today as part of a nation-wide Field Day.
Beginning at 1 p.m., members of the Twin City Ham Radio Club and the Northeast Louisiana Amateur Radio Emergency Service will communicate with individuals across the country from their set-up at the Ouachita Parish Fire Training Center on New Natchitoches Road.

The annual event always is the last full weekend of June, according to Twin City public information coordinator David Gore. Gore said the event is not only social, it also allows participants to ensure their emergency equipment is in good shape.

"Being that it's hurricane season, we want to make sure everything is working well there," Gore said.

Ham radio has long been a popular pasttime across the country. According to a written statement from ARES, "amateur radio operators provide communications support for government agencies and public service non-profit during times of disaster when normal means of communication are nonexistent."

For example, ham radio essentially was the only way to contact with the southern regions of the state during Hurricane Katrina, Gore said.

West Monroe resident Bill Blanton first got his license in 1958. He said his hobby is most rewarding when he can help during times of need.

"It's a good feeling to know you're helping someone."

The Field Day's goal is to communicate with as many people as possible during a 24-hour period. The number of contacts are then tallied and compared with other groups.

Twin City Ham Club President Scott Dickson said the group typically makes about 1,000 contacts and hopes to continue that trend.

"For some, they come for the food and (to be) social," Dickson said. "For me, I come for the competition."


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Ham operators have Field Day this weekend
Staff report - News Star
June 23rd, 2006

Amateur radio operators from the Twin City Ham Radio Club and the Northeast Louisiana ARES will set-up and test their operating skills and equipment this weekend during an annual nationwide event known as Field Day.

The goal of Field Day is to make as many contacts using a variety of communication modes during a 24-hour period.

Totals are tallied after the events for groups to compare their performance with other stations across the nation.

Set-up begins at 3 p.m. today at the Ouachita Parish Fire Training Center, 1000 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe.

Amateur radio operators provide communications support for government agencies and public service non-profits during times of disaster when normal means of communication dont exist.

Recent operations include emergency communications support during hurricanes Katrina and Rita as well as special communications support for the Wish I Could Foundations annual Marengo Swamp Ride.

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Amateur Radio also received media exposure on KNOE's Good Morning Ark-La-Miss, as well as NBC-10's weekend newscasts.

Special thanks to all that helped with this event.

David S. Gore, W5DSG
Public Information Coordinator
Louisiana Section ARRL -- W5DSG