Members of the Ely-based Vermilion Range Amateur Radio Club (VRARC) participated in Field Day 2024 the weekend of June 22 and 23.
The purpose of this annual event is to test the skills of radio amateurs across the country.
During Field Day, radio amateurs use a variety of radio communication systems, from Morse code to voice transmissions to computer-generated messages.
There is also a competition to contact as many radio amateurs as possible during the event.
According to VRARC President Pete Makowski, amateur radio provides reliable communications, especially during disasters such as floods, wildfires and tornadoes.
“For example, when severe weather is forecast, amateur radio operators often form a radio network to report conditions directly to the National Weather Service and other authorities,” Makowski said.
“When traditional communications systems fail, amateur radio operators are ready to send important and priority messages to authorities. During major emergencies, we can become a valuable lifeline. At the Wolf Track sled dog race, the VRARC uses its radio system in Ely to track the dog teams from start to finish. It’s about being part of the community. Amateur radio operators provide a valuable service that people probably don’t even know about.”
The Vermilion Range Amateur Radio Club held its Field Day in the parking lot of the Mike Forsman Public Works Facility in Ely.
The operators took turns establishing radio contact for hours at a time, ensuring that each contact was logged in a database.
“We get points for every contact and even extra points when people like elected officials come by,” Makowski added.
“The Mayor of Ely, Heidi Omerza, and former Ely Fire Chief Tom Erchull came by to see what we are doing.”
As for the total number of points earned by the club during Field Day, Makowski said those are still being evaluated and verified.
Amateur radio has many facets and offers many possibilities.
You don’t have to be an electronics expert to join in and become a radio amateur. The Vermilion Range Amateur Radio Club has a number of members who are happy to introduce interested individuals to amateur radio and its many offerings.
The club meets every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the Grand Ely Lodge. For more information, contact Pete Makowski at: (email protected) or call 218-7497600.
