Local hams have a field day

Amateur radio operators nationwide participated in the 86th annual Field Day last weekend.

Every fourth weekend in June, more than 40,000 hams in North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science as well as the skill and service that amateur radio operators provide to their communities, according to the American Radio Relay League.

The Kootenai Amateur Radio Society hosted this year’s Field Day at Majestic Park in Rathdrum. The 115-member organization promotes interest in electronic communication, amateur radio and radio art. Members share information about amateur radio service with the public. The group was founded in 1952 and has participated in every Field Day since.

“Basically the original purpose of Field Day was to set up emergency communications and provide communications in times of natural disasters and emergencies and that type of thing,” society vice president Jerry Hart said. “So it gives them a chance to go out and practice, set up their equipment and get efficient at doing so, but in lieu of not having an emergency or natural disaster, we just get out and have fun.”

Society members set up five stations to make contact with other hams participating in Field Day. They were running various modes during the field day; phone, which is voice over microphone; morse code; digital mode, which uses a computer. For radio newbies and others who were not licensed, the society offered a “GOTA” — ham shorthand for a “get-on-the-air” station that gives visitors a chance to try broadcasting.

To become a ham, radio enthusiasts must be certified, which means passing radio science tests. The “technician” test is 35 questions long. A general test comprises 35 questions. An optional extra class covers material on another 50 questions, Hart said.

Radio waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. When an individual watches television, listens to the radio or uses the microwave, he or she is using electromagnetic waves. The waves vary in size: Broadcast radio waves are the longest: They can range from as little as 0.04 inches to 62 miles high. Other frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum comprise microwaves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays and, finally, gamma rays.

Mike Glauser, 63, remembers making his first radio connection when he was 19 years old. He was in Hollywood; his connection made its way to Honolulu. Glauser has worked with radio for 44 years. He said radio waves and those who work with it were remarkable, “Radio comes with a high density of extraordinary people,” Glauser said. “It is a collection of smart people to hang out with.”

The Kootenai Amateur Radio Society meets the second Monday of the month, and the group is always welcoming new members. Membership is $15 a year. The society offers classes and test help to assist new members trying to obtain certification.