Amateur radio plays critical role
Weekend practice session will showcase ‘Ham’ operators
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Friday, June 26, 2009 9:58 AM PDT
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| Robert Batcheller, an amateur radio operator, tests the high frequency radio transmitter in the sheriff’s office. |
VALE — Local amateur radio operators will convene this weekend to practice and compete in a field day involving fellow radio operators from around the nation and the globe.
“Ham” radio operators have often been a lifeline during times of disasters, such hurricanes and floods, when other communications systems have broken to get emergency services the information they need.
So effective were they during the flooding in Vernonia, near the Oregon Coast, that Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski set aside money to help counties create an emergency radio center if there was enough Ham operators available to support it, Robert Batcheller, primary operator of the emergency radio system housed in the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, said.
Batcheller or his designee will be at the office during an emergency if another local communication system is needed. Although a volunteer, Batcheller works directly under the county’s emergency services commander, Lt. Rob Hunsucker.
Saturday, members of the Treasure Valley Radio Association and their families will be set up at Bully Creek Park and campground where they will take part in various short-wave communications skills, Ron Morell, field day chairman, said.
From noon Friday, to Saturday, noon, local radio operators will be challenged to display their preparedness skills. Radio operators will set up their wireless devices, antennas and power generators as they try to connect with as many other field day stations as possible.
The general public is invited to watch, listen and even take part, Morell said.
“We hope anyone who is interested in seeing what amateur radio is all about will come out for field day,” he said.
Morell said Ham radios still provide a critical bridge of communication in today’s modern society.
“We want the community to know that in the event of an emergency, we will be ready to assist in any way we can,” Morell said. “While people often think cell phones or other communications technologies have replaced Ham radio, we can still provide an important communications service that others can’t.”
Members of the Treasure Valley Radio Association come from Payette, Ontario, Weiser, Nyssa, Vale and Huntington.
“There are about 40 members,” Morell said. “I’ve been a member the last five years.”
Although he has had his license since 1975, Morell said his business kept him from being more involved, but, “being a Ham operator helped me a lot in my business.”
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