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Published on 06/08/1998 All articles from this issue

Radio hams prepare for communications marathon

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Special to the Town Crier

Local amateur radio operators will participate in a nation-wide emergency communication practice exercise June 27 and 28 from a site in the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. They will be joined by hundreds of Bay Area amateur radio operators and approximately 35,000 radio amateurs (hams) throughout North America.

Ham operator Fred Snively said the objective is to contact as many other such locations as possible during the 11 a.m. Saturday to 11 a.m. Sunday contest period.

However, Field Day is more than a competition, Snively said. "It is a serious rehearsal of emergency radio communication skills with equipment that can be used during disaster situations, such as the next large earthquake," he said.

By quickly assembling self-sufficient, working stations and regularly practicing operating skills, Snively said amateurs will be ready to support the community in the event of a disaster.

This event is sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the nation-wide radio amateur organization. The ARRL has been effective in establishing emergency radio communications during major disasters.

The public is welcome to tour the site and talk with the operators during the contest.

"We will be operating from Mora Hill in the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve," Snively said. "Our site is 600 feet above Los Altos with excellent views of the entire South Bay area."