North Olympic Peninsula Amateur Radio Club radio operators, commonly known as hams,will participate in the American Radio Relay League’s International Field Day on Saturday and Sunday.
In both Port Angeles and Port Townsend, amateur radio operators will staff stations under simulated emergency conditions with temporary antennas and emergency power for 24 hours from 11 a.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. Sunday.
The public is invited free of charge.
Clallam County Radio Club members will be set up at the carnival area at the Clallam County Fairgrounds, 1608 W. 16th St.
Members of the Jefferson County Amateur Radio Club and the Port Ludlow Amateur Radio Club will operate several stations at two locations: Fort Townsend State Park and the Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St., in downtown Port Townsend.
The main purpose of the annual field day is to acquaint the public with amateur radio while allowing hams to practice and refine their ability to communicate under emergency conditions.
“We’re really interested in getting families and young children out to this event where they can learn about this technology and how to get involved,” said Nita Lyman, Clallam County club member.
Mode of communication
Various communication modes — voice, Morse code and digital methods — will be used.
There will also be technical demonstrations of various technologies being used by hams such as automatic-position reporting and slow-scan TV.
“The general public is invited to drop by either location to see amateur radio firsthand operating under conditions that simulate an emergency,” said Owen Mulkey, president of the Jefferson County Amateur Radio Club.
“Local, inactive hams are especially invited to come by and get back on the air,” Mulkey said.
Amateur radio operators play a key role in emergencies when phones and public safety radio systems fail or become overloaded.
Information will be available on how to get into the hobby, and members will be available to answer questions.
For more information about the Port Townsend field day, phone Gary Fell at 360-379-1805.
For more information about the Port Angeles field day, phone Lyman at 360-461-4629.
