The News-Press: Lehigh Acres

The News-Press: Lehigh Acres

"Latest News - Posted 7:47 A.m.
24-hour ham radio exercise set for Lehigh
By Jenn Lucas
jlucas@news-press.com
Originally posted on June 22, 2006

For a 24-hour period, amateur radio operators from around Southwest Florida will attempt to contact people all over the world.

The American Relay Radio League�s Field Day, which has been held at Veterans Park in Lehigh Acres since 2000, is a chance for ham radio enthusiasts to have some fun while training for disasters.

During hurricanes when all other communications fail, ham radio operators are still on the air,� said Earl Spencer, 80, a member of the radio league. It is the most dependent means of communication you can have.

Spencer, of Fort Myers, has been operating his radio for 45 years and said the more practice hams get, the better off theyll be in a disaster.

The basis for ham radio is practice; we need to be ready to assist in storms, Spencer said. To do the job effectively, you have to know it well, and this event gives everyone practice."



73 fer nw,
Bob AD5VJ(AAR6VM)
http://www.ad5vj.com/

Member CTDXCC
10X# 37210, FP#-1141
SMIRK#-5177, RARS #-149