Cape Cod Amateur Radio Operators To Participate In ‘Field Day’

BREWSTER – Stand by. Copy. Roger that. Over and out. 

These are just some of the phrases you’ll likely hear if you join Cape Cod’s amateur radio operators this weekend for a demonstration of their public emergency communication capabilities. 

On Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, radio operators across the country will host public meet ups in an annual event known as “Field Day.” This is the climax to Amateur Radio Week, which is sponsored by the American Radio Relay League. 

According to a press release for the event, “​​Using only emergency power supplies, ham operators will construct emergency stations in parks, shopping malls, schools and backyards around the country. Their slogan, ‘When all else fails, ham radio works’ 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 in a crisis.”

Amateur radio operators, also known as “hams,” were once looked down upon. “Ham radio” was once a derogatory term that came from the phrase “ham-fisted,” which implied their lack of skill in operating the radio using the Morse code. Today, amateur radio operators have embraced the term, marking it as a badge of honor. 

In emergency situations when power lines are cut, the internet is down and communication is all but lost, amateur radio operators are able to rely on batteries and generators to continue communication efforts. 

In events like floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and recently the California wildfires, hams  support communication efforts, offering lifesaving information to emergency relief crews. During Hurricane Katrina, ham radio was often the only way residents in New Orleans could communicate with the outside world.  

Local amateur radio operators will be at the Brewster Sportsman’s Club on Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is great for anyone interested in technology, radio or just curious about the logistics of amateur radio. Attendees will be able to try out the equipment and learn more about the modern technology that is available today. 

“It’s not like your grandfather’s radio,” said Rob Leiden, member of BARC and past amateur radio operator. “We now have computers that make it much easier to communicate with.” 

There are over 700,000 amateur radio licensees in the U.S., and more than 2.5 million around the world. Through the ARRL’s amateur radio emergency services program, ham volunteers provide emergency communications for thousands of state and local emergency response agencies, all for free.

For more information, visit Barnstable Amateur Radio Club’s website at barnstablearc.org/.