Ham operators aid emergencies, reach out globally

Local amateur radio operators were hamming it up Saturday at the Yuma County Fairgrounds during the Hamfest and Emergency Preparedness Show.

 Ham operators interested in the field were given the opportunity to meet with their colleagues, check out new gear on the market and attend 14 separate seminars throughout the day.

  "Ham is just another name for amateur," said Roger Hunt, event volunteer. "Ham radio operators are licensed by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and can only operate with a license.

  "Each operator is like their own portable radio station, because the radios are specifically designed to run off of battery power."

  Hunt says that having access to a ham radio becomes essential in times of great calamity.

  "When everything else fails, we are still operating. When a disaster strikes, Hurricane Katrina for example, all of the normal communications tend to fail. The landlines and even cell phones become inoperative. Cell phone towers are equipped with batteries, but when they become disconnected with a steady power supply, they won't last very long.

  "This is when the amateur radio operator gets involved. It's very common that in an area devastated by a natural disaster, the only communication going in or out is via ham radio."

  "Our capability to respond in an emergency is essential," said event participant George Scott. "We are often the first responders and have been proven time and time again. For the most part here in Yuma, there is a radio operator ready to respond at a moment's notice. We can get on the air quickly and provide communications where there are none any longer.

  "I personally have a scanner running through the frequencies at all times, and if I hear a signal come through with someone in need, I can immediately respond to them. This is instant communication exactly when it's needed."

  Scott said he has used his ham radio to contact people all around the world.

  "This is a global hobby. There are very few countries in the world who don't operate ham radios. North Korea is one of last to completely forbid ham radio operations. I've contacted people in at least 180 countries around the world from my home right here in Yuma."

  Scott, who has been involved in the world of ham radio since 1982, said that ham radio clubs are always interested in welcoming new members.

  "We are always looking for ways to recruit new hams and teach them how to use their radios properly in order to pass the FCC licensing exam. We want to educate people on how to use their equipment and make sure they are using the proper procedures.

  "We want our youth to get involved in this, and due to less stringent licensing requirements, we are seeing more of them get involved."

  Scott said many other radio fests in the country are shutting down, but he is positive about the prospects concerning Yuma's annual event.

  "Ours is just getting started. We have been very successful over the last five years, and I hope it will continue to grow."