The airwaves were abuzz with chatter last Saturday afternoon as members of the Vero Beach Amateur Radio Club hosted their 2017 Field Day at the Del Mar Condominium Clubhouse, the culminating event in celebration of national Amateur Radio Week.
After fueling up with a cookout, more than 30 of the club’s 75 members took shifts “on the air” from 2 p.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday. They were reaching out to more than 40,000 amateur radio operators in all 50 U.S. states during the 24-hour period, with a goal of making as many contacts as possible.
“It’s a yearly activity through our parent organization, the ARRL (American Radio Relay League). We try to get in contact with all 50 states. We only missed it by one last year,” said Paul Bartoszewicz, VBARC public information officer.
The event also gives the “hammers” a chance to hone their skills. Using generators, operators demonstrated digital, satellite and voice communications using emergency stations set up much as they would during emergency situations. Guests were welcome to observe the action, talk with the operators and learn how to get the required FCC radio license.
“We don’t plug into power; we use generators. Hurricane season is here and this gives us a chance to set up our equipment, make sure it’s working properly and just have fun for 24 hours,” Bartoszewicz explained.
Amateur radio operators nationwide have provided emergency assistance support since the start of the 20th century. The Vero Beach Amateur Radio Club was formed in 1961, initially working with the Office of Civil Defense. They continue to offer support during crisis situations to the Emergency Management Division of Indian River County and the American Red Cross.
When phones and cellphone towers go down during storms, often the only way to communicate is by ham radio. The club works under the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to keep communication open between shelters and the EOC.
The local club assisted during Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne and Wilma, and during Hurricane Matthew in 2016 supplied operators at 15 Indian River County shelters from the time they opened until the all clear was given.
Club President Eric Larabell, whose father was in the Army Signal Corps during the Korean War, said he was hooked at a young age. “My dad was stationed in Alaska and relayed messages to Korea. I remember him talking to a guy in Russia using code and being amazed.”
Earlier this year the VBARC was awarded the designation as an American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Special Services Club, recognizing their high level of community support, training, demonstrations and technical projects.
A particularly active club, they conduct many activities to keep their skills fresh and interest peaked, holding weekly get-togethers and monthly outings. They conduct a digital university to keep current on new technology and, as a service to the community, its members provide checkpoint communication during local 5K runs and walks.
“This is not your grandfather’s ham radio,” said Bartoszewicz with a laugh. “It’s a hobby that we’re able to use to help others.”
The VBARC meets monthly every second Thursday at the Indian River County Emergency Operations Center at 4225 43rd Ave. For more information visit W4OT.com.