NAWILIWILI — The public is invited to see the Kaua‘i Amateur Radio Club operate under “emergency” conditions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Nawiliwili Yacht Club clubhouse located in the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor. Members of
NAWILIWILI — The public is invited to see the Kaua‘i Amateur Radio Club operate under “emergency” conditions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Nawiliwili Yacht Club clubhouse located in the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.
Members of the KARC will be joining thousands of other amateur radio operators, who will be showcasing their emergency capabilities over a 24-hour period this weekend.
Earlier this year, there were numerous reports of ham radio operators providing critical communications during unexpected emergencies in towns across the nation. Towns suffering from the effects of floods, winter storms, tornadoes and other natural events have been aided by the radio operators.
Residents and visitors have an opportunity to meet and talk with Kaua‘i amateur radio operators and see first-hand what the program is about. Members will have some of the latest digital and satellite capabilities, voice communications and historical Morse Code during the demonstration of emergency communications.
Dick Olsen of the KARC said despite having the luxury of the NYC Clubhouse, all radio gear will be set up for emergency situations with generators providing power and some field antenna set up, while KARC attempts to connect with radio operators internationally.
“When all else fails, ham radio works” is more than the slogan for the national association for Amateur Radio. Amateur radio clubs, on Field Day, will prove they can send messages in many forms without the use of phone systems, the Internet or any other infrastructure that can be compromised during a crisis.
“We hope people will come and see for themselves,” said Jane Goldsmith, NH7TZ, president of KARC. “This is not your grandfather’s radio anymore. The communications that ham radio operators can quickly create have saved many lives when other systems failed or were overloaded. And above all, it’s fun.”
In addition to the emergency capabilities, people can also learn how to get their own FCC radio license.
Visit www.arrl.org or www.kauaiarc.org for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
