Hiwassee Dam – Ham radio enthusiasts and those interested in learning about the hobby came out to Fields of the Wood on June 28-29 to participate in the fun world of Summer Field Day.
Jeff Dodd and Guy Langellotti with the Appalachia Amateur Radio Club were a couple of the happy "hams" present for the annual Amateur Radio Relay League event. Langellotti was all smiles.
“I want to be able to communicate during emergencies,” he said. “When phones go down, radios come on."
The yearly two-day event provides licensed radio operators another chance to hone their communication and technical skills. It also gives an opportunity for new folks to experience ham radio operations. The event encourages making new contacts around the world.
The public was invited out to get on the air and communicate with others around the world via ham radios, which can be vital in emergencies. On the same weekend, the Hillbilly Hams ARC held its first event behind Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church.
Details: For the Appalachia Amateur Radio Club, call Chuck Reid at 828-557-6147 or email k4cnr92@gmail.com. For the Hillbilly Hams, visit hillbillyhamsarc.org.