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Story Archives: Ham radio operators plan local 'radiofest'


Ham radio operators plan local 'radiofest'
by Scott Rogers - posted Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008 @ 9:52 pmE-mail Story E-mail Story | Print Story Print Story 
Ham Radio operators throughout the state will converge Saturday, April 26, at the Barak Shrine Temple for the annual Northeast Louisiana Regional Ham RadioFest.

Local residents interested in learning more about the hobby also are invited to join.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. and run through mid-afternoon at the Barak Shrine Temple, which is located off the Interstate 20 Frontage Road in Monroe.

David Gore, the event coordinator, says ham radio has something to offer for everyone, whether it's the latest technology such as digital equipment, or older methods like sending Morse code. Many people take up ham radio simply to talk to other people around the world, he said.

The local ham radio group expects a large turnout of operators from throughout the state, and they're hoping for newcomers, too.

Admission is $5 and participants will be eligible for grand prizes and door prizes. All proceeds form ticket sales will help offset expenses for the facility rental and prizes as well as help fund future events, Gore said.

The grand prize is a Yaesu FT-450 base radio. The Linux Group of Louisiana also will be on hand giving away free copies of the latest Linux operating system. The Linux Group also will give away two computers at the event.

"This is a great opportunity for people to come out and get some information about this hobby. A lot of people don't realize that they can get involved in this hobby for as little as $100. They can start with a little handheld and work their way up. You can be up and running with the local ham radio group for $100 to $200," Gore said.

Ham radio is more than just a hobby as many operators work with emergency personnel during times of severe weather or natural disaster.

"It was originally designed as a communications service to assist when normal means fail. We are here to serve during hurricanes and other disasters as a backup in case the officials' radio service goes down. We even have a group of storm spotters here, so there's really something for everyone. Even if you just want to get on it and talk to people around the world, or learn Morse code," Gore said.

Radio demonstrations will be held during the day for newcomers who want to learn how to operate one of the devices.

"This is a hobby for any age group and it's something you'll spend your whole lifetime tinkering with, plus it's a great public service. I can't think of anything else that gives you so much enjoyment, and gives back to the community at the same time," Gore said.

For those who cannot make Saturday's event but want to learn more about ham radio, the local group holds monthly meetings at the Ouachita Parish Fire Department's training center at 1000 New Natchitoches Rd. in West Monroe. The meetings are held beginning at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month.

Gore also recommends the following websites for additional information about ham radio operations: hello-radio.org, emergencyradio.org, and the local group's web site at ares-nela.org.
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