KI4HEE's blog

Local Hams to participate in National Ham Radio Emergency Test June 27-28

(Myrtle Beach, SC 24 June 2009) – Whenever there is a disaster, reports of ham radio operators providing critical communications in emergencies world-wide is common. On the weekend of June 27-28th., local ham radio operators will be operating under simulated emergency field conditions outside the Horry County American Red Cross Center on the old Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, to exercise their emergency communication skills.

Thousands of Ham Radio operators will be showing off their emergency capabilities nationwide during the two day event.

With a long history of providing critical communications after a disaster, Amateur Radio – often called “Ham Radio” - is often the ONLY way remaining by which people could communicate. When trouble is brewing, ham radio people are often the first to provide critical information and communications.

On the weekend of June 27-28, the public will have a chance to meet and talk with ham radio operators and see for themselves what the Amateur Radio Service is about. Showcasing the newest digital and satellite capabilities, voice communications and even historic Morse code, hams from across the USA will be holding public demonstrations of their emergency communications abilities.

This annual event, called "Field Day" is the climax of week long "Amateur Radio Week" sponsored by the ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio. Using only emergency power supplies, ham operators will construct emergency stations in parks, shopping malls, schools and back yards around the country. Their slogan, "When all else fails…”is more than just words to the hams as they prove they can send messages in many forms without the use of phone systems, internet or any other infrastructure that can be compromised.

Local Field Day activities will be conducted by members of the Grand Strand Amateur Radio Club outside the Horry County American Red Cross Center, 2795 Pampas Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC. The Public is invited.



Photo Caption: Local Ham Radio Operators practice Emergency Communication Field Conditions at a Ham Radio Field Day. This years event will be held Saturday & Sunday June 27th. & 28th. at the Horry County American Red Cross Building, on the old Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Photo Credit: Robert Hawkins