MUSCLE SHOALS-Ham radio operators from the Muscle Shoals Amateur Radio Club (MSARC) will participate in
ARRL Field Day, a national amateur radio exercise, from 1:00 pm on Saturday until 1:00 pm on
Sunday, June 28-29, 2025, at Gattman Park in Muscle Shoals, AL. The club will operate across
the parking lot from the splash pad and the public is invited to attend to learn more about
amateur (ham) radio.
“While many hams volunteer to provide emergency communications when needed, amateur
radio is also a great hobby,” according to Tim Holt (KE4QID), Public Information Officer for
MSARC. “It also fits well with educational programs, crossing geographical and cultural
boundaries. While studying for a license exam, you will learn some basic electronics theory,
atmospheric and weather conditions, physics, and math, as well as FCC regulations and
operating procedures. There is some techie-type stuff, but not too much—but don’t let that scare
you away! And while Morse Code is no longer required, some hams still enjoy using it; others
like the personal touch of talking to other hams (on the air). The newer ‘digital modes’ allow
different types of contacts to be made computer to computer.”
“Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage
critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers,” Mr. Holt added. A stated purpose of
amateur radio in the Federal Regulations is community service; one way we serve is assisting
during severe weather events, such as storm spotting and providing damage reports to the local
Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) and the National Weather Service (NWS). For
example, this past May Lauderdale County alone experienced eight tornadoes. When the NWS
in Huntsville issued a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch, area amateur operators started
a “net” to report weather conditions and storm damage to the tri-county EMA offices, who then
initiated any required response and passed the report to NWS. During five “net sessions” in
May, there was an average of 33 operators throughout the Shoals area reporting conditions in
their communities.
Hams across North America participate in Field Day to demonstrate their skill and service. It
highlights ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and
create an independent, wireless communications network. Many hams use portable radio
communication capability, including alternative energy sources such as generators, solar
panels, and batteries to power their equipment. “Since ham radio functions completely
independently of the internet and phone systems, a remote 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 a battery, and communicate effectively with others,” Mr. Holt added.
Approximately 1500 clubs and 18,000 hams across North America will participate in Field Day;
some hams will also use the radio stations set up in their homes, backyards, or other locations
to operate individually or with their families.
More information can be found on the Muscle Shoals Amateur Radio Facebook page and at
www.msarc.org.
Media Release/Tim Holt, KE4QID/ARES Emergency Coordinator, Lauderdale County/PIO, Muscle Shoals Amateur Radio Club
