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Members of the Vermilion Range Amateur Radio Club (VRARC), which is based in Ely, took part in Field Day 2024 during the weekend of June 22-23.
The purpose of this annual event is to test the capabilities of amateur radio operators (hams) across the country.
During Field Day, hams utilize a variety of radio communications systems from Morse Code to voice transmissions to computer generated messages.
There is also a competition to contact as many amateur radio operators as possible during the event.
According to VRARC President Pete Makowski, amateur radio offers reliable communications, especially during disasters like floods, forest fires and tornadoes.
“For instance, when severe weather is predicted, hams will often form a radio network in order to report conditions directly to the National Weather Service and other authorities,” said Makowski.
“When conventional communications systems go down, ham radio operators are ready to send critical and priority messages to public safety officials. We can become a valuable lifeline when there’s a major emergency. During the Wolf Track Sled Dog Race, the VRARC uses its radio system in Ely to keep track of the dog teams from start to finish. It’s all about being part of the community. Hams offer a valuable service that people probably aren’t even aware of.”
The Vermilion Range Amateur Radio Club conducted its Field Day operations in the parking lot of the Mike Forsman Public Works Facility in Ely.
Operators took turns making radio contacts for hours on end, making sure that each contact was logged in a database.
“We get points for every contact and even extra points when folks like elected officials stop in,” added Makowski.
“Ely Mayor Heidi Omerza and former Ely Fire Chief Tom Erchull made appearances to see what we were doing.”
As to the total number of points accumulated by the club during Field Day, Makowski said those are still being tabulated and verified.
Amateur radio has many aspects and offers a lot of opportunities.
You don’t have to be an electronics expert to get involved and become a ham. The Vermilion Range Amateur Radio Club has a number of members who are willing to show interested individuals about amateur radio and its many offerings.
The club meets every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the Grand Ely Lodge. For more information, contact Pete Makowski at: [email protected] or call 218-7497600.
