Hanover
But the competition is only one aspect of American Radio Relay League (commonly referred to as ARRL) Field Day, which the Twin State Radio Club regularly participates in.
“It builds a skill for communicating under difficult conditions,” said Dave Colter, treasurer of the group. Participants use the day to test their equipment, which can be used as the primary form of communication if a disaster occurs. To demonstrate this, group members will operate their equipment using solar, battery and generator power at Richmond Middle School in Hanover.
“There’s literally thousands of stations on air around the continent,” Colter said. In years past, members of the group have contacted between 1,000 to 2,000 other radio operators. “We’ll have two stations on air at a time.”
The event also gives community members an opportunity to learn about ham radio and what draws people to the hobby. The group has about 40 members in the Upper Valley.
“People think that amateur radio is obsolete, but that’s far from the case,” said Colter, adding that there are more ham radio operators throughout the country now than ever before.
While many are drawn to amateur radio for the technical aspect, there’s far more to it than that.
“It’s also a people hobby,” Colter said. He’s talked to people from all over the world. “That’s a lot of fun.”
Editor’s note: Amateur Radio Field Day begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday and runs until 2 p.m. on Sunday at Richmond Middle School, 63 Lyme Road. The event is free. For more information, visit www.w1fn.org.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
