In a remodeled Richland County Emergency Management trailer, Three Rivers Amateur Radio Club will radio in shifts. The exercise begins at 1 p.m. Saturday and ends at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 28.
As a part of the exercise, the club will gain points for things like each contact they make in each mode, being set up in a conspicuous spot and if elected officials make a stop at the trailer. One contact the group hopes to make every year is with the International Space Station.
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Due to the important help ham operators offered during emergency operations, North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven named June 21-27 as Amateur Radio Week. He commends operators throughout the state for their help during disasters, particularly during this year's spring flooding. Also they assist the National Weather Service through SKYWARN, take part in the Community Emergency Response Teams program and provide general public service.
Many operate ham radios as a hobby, Woytassek said, however operators are also involved to help out in emergency situations.
The exercise helps them sharpen their skills so when they are needed for radio contact during a disaster they will be more prepared. The Three Rivers Amateur Radio Club has some members who are proficient in the microphone mode, digital mode and Morse code. The more modes they can operate in the more effective their communications can be.
"With a ham radio license, it gives operators legal advantage and knowledge to operate radios for experimental or recreational operations," Woytassek said. Not only can they help out in emergency situations, they can talk to people all the way around the world and even satellites or astronauts. When they aren't helping with disasters, members build radios and antennas. An example is a di-pole, which is a strand of wire cut to a specific frequency length.
As a part of the exercise Saturday, the public is invited to stop by and visit. Anyone is welcome to talk on the radio or simply observe and ask questions. Operators will run through the basic steps — first the contact sign, which is W0END identifying the location, give the signal strength and then log the contact. They may also talk briefly with the contact.
About six club members will be at the trailer Saturday working in shifts. "We're always hoping for someone from the police department or emergency services to stop down and take a look," Woytassek said. People of all ages are invited to listen in and learn more about ham radio. Saturday evening, the public is invited to join the club for pizza or potluck at 6 or 6:30.
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