MUSCLE SHOALS-Ham radio operators from the Muscle Shoals Amateur Radio Club (MSARC) will be participating
in ARRL Field Day, a national amateur radio exercise, from 1:00 pm on Saturday until 1:00 pm
on Sunday, June 24-25, at Gattman Park in Muscle Shoals, AL. The club will be operating
across the parking lot from the splash pad and the public is invited to attend to learn more about
amateur (ham) radio.
Hams from across North America ordinarily participate in Field Day by establishing temporary
ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Field Day highlights
ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an
independent, wireless communications network.
In addition to approximately 1,500 clubs across the country, some hams will also use the radio
stations set up in their homes, backyards, or other locations to operate individually or with their
families. Many hams have portable radio communication capability that includes alternative
energy sources such as generators, solar panels, and batteries to power their equipment. In
recent years more than 18,000 hams participated from thousands of locations across North
America.
“Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage
critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers,” said Tim Holt (KE4QID), Public
Information Officer for MSARC. “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet
and phone systems and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly
raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect a radio and power source, and
communicate effectively with others,” Mr. Holt added.
“While many hams volunteer to provide emergency communications when needed, amateur
radio is also a great hobby.” Mr. Holt continued, “It also fits well with educational programs
because it crosses geographical and cultural boundaries. It also involves some study in
electronics theory, atmospheric and weather conditions, physics, and math. If you have a little
bit of ‘mike fright’ and don’t want to talk on the radio, many opportunities are available for
computer-to-computer contacts as well as data networking, slow-scan TV, GPS tracking, and
remote control of devices.”
Media Release/Tim Holt, KE4QID/ARES Emergency Coordinator, Lauderdale County, AL/PIO, Muscle Shoals Amateur Radio Club
