Ham Radio Lives On Through TVCC Class and Field Day
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
From the Notebook
A free class at Trinity Valley Community College is helping more people discover the power of amateur, or “ham,” radio. The Introduction to Amateur Radio Service and Licensing course teaches the basics and prepares students to pass the FCC Technician Class license exam.
The class is open to anyone age 16 and up. It’s a good fit for those interested in emergency preparedness, learning a new skill, or helping their community.
The class begins Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. and is free. To register or learn more, call 903-675-6212 or email conted@tvcc.edu. Questions about the course can also go to David Deas at nouxr@arrl.net.
The Athens Amateur Radio Club (AARC) recently showed off the value of ham radio during Field Day, a national event backed by the American Radio Relay League. On a summer afternoon, club members set up in a field in Athens and made contact with people around the world using solar power and homemade antennas.
“Field Day gave people a taste, but the class dives deeper,” said instructor David Deas. “From how radios work to the rules you need to follow, students leave ready to help when it counts.”
Field Day is about being ready when phones and the internet go down.
“When tornadoes, hurricanes, or power outages knock out phones and the internet, amateur radio is still there,” Deas said.
Visitors saw how the team builds a working radio setup in just a few hours and uses voice, Morse code, and digital tools to connect. Licensed hams often assist groups like the National Weather Service or local emergency teams during disasters.
The Athens club welcomes new members. They meet at 9 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at First Presbyterian Church in Athens. More information is available at athenstxamateurradio.club.
(From information provided by TVCC.)
