HAM Radio Demonstration and Information Session

I and a few other HAM radio operators are going to set up a Demonstration in Devon at Centennial Park on June 24 from Noon till 5:30 pm.

We will be joined by VA6SCC, an 11 year old HAM radio operator at 1:00 pm to talk with any youth who are interested.

What is HAM Radio?

HAM Radio (Amateur Radio) is a form of Communication, a Hobby and a Community Service.

HAM radio has been in Alberta for over 100 years but it’s visibility has been diminishing. We are trying to let people know it still exists and is still useful. We are government Certified Radio operators with our own equipment who enjoy all kinds of activities including volunteer service to the community.

Ham radio has been involved in all facets of communication including Emergency Communications during the High River Floods, the Pine lake Tornado and the Slave Lake fires. We get involved when Cell service, Telephone and other forms of communication were overwhelmed or failed to provide needed communication locally or across the country.

Other areas of the hobby include satellite communication, contesting ( basically a game where you try to contact as many countries around the world as you can sometimes in a short period of time with your radio. Some contests award points and certificates.) Some HAMs enjoy building radios, building mesh nets, or providing community service by offering communications for events like marathons and rallies.

“Fox hunting” is another activity HAMs can do. It is a game where you use a radio to find a hidden transmitter. This uses the same techniques that are used to find downed airplanes by teams on the ground. We will teach you the basics and you can try and find the hidden “FOX”

Come and see us in Devon’s Centennial Park on June 24th and ask us questions. We love our hobby and enjoy talking about it.