Members of the Ellijay Amateur Radio Society (EARS) will be participating in the annual Amateur Radio Field Day exercise, June 27-28 at the Ellijay Lions Club. Since 1933, during Field Day, amateur radio operators, ( “Hams”) have set up public displays featuring temporary radio stations, antennas and power systems. The public is cordially invited to visit the site so they can see the science and skill of Amateur Radio. For over 100 years, Ham Radio has involved people of all ages – from 5 to 100 years, to experiment with electronics and communications techniques. Hams provide a free public service to their communities. When disasters happen, normal communications facilities like cell phones, Internet and even land line telephone systems can be knocked out. Hams were the first to establish communications when Katrina hit the Gulf coast. Field Day demonstrates how ham radio can work under any conditions without the use of regular communications systems and with loss of commercial power. Using only temporary wire antennas and batteries to power their transmitters, hams can communicate with other hams all around the world.

Ham radio can teach people about electronics, physics, meteorology, and numerous other scientific disciplines. Even the astronauts aboard the International Space Station are ham radio operators. Hams on earth can communicate with the using only simple antennas and low-powered transmitters and receivers.

The United States has over 725,000 licensed hams. Clubs such as the Ellijay Amateur Radio Society, invite members of the public with an interest in learning about electronics, over-the-air communications and how to serve the public through ham radio are welcome to get involved. Our club members can help anyone to get their first level FCC amateur radio license right here in Ellijay, as well as Gilmer and surrounding counties.

State, local and federal governments recognize the value of amateur radio in serving local police, fire and other emergency responders and non-governmental community service agencies. In keeping with this realization, Gilmer County Commission Chairman, Charlie Paris, has issued a proclamation naming June 21 – 28 as Amateur Radio Week in Gilmer County.

Field Day at the Lions Club, Fair Grounds will include a number of activities open to the public. Visiting hours are 12 noon to 5pm on Saturday, June 27. Dignitaries, including Georgia State Senator Steve Gooch, have been invited to attend the event.

Guided tours will take visitors to each of our stations where they will learn the purpose and mode of operation of each station. Voice (Phone), Digital and Morse Code stations will be in operation. Visitors will see the temporary antennas and power systems being used during Field Day. There will be a welcoming table where free brochures and other documents are available that explain the many facets of Amateur Radio – both hobby and public service.

The 24-hour operating period begins at 2pm Saturday and ends at 2pm on Sunday. EARS members will try to contact, as many other Field Day locations as possible. There will be many such stations in operation around the United States, Canada and the rest of the world during the 24-hour period. This provides a realistic simulation of adverse conditions like those in real emergency situations where large numbers of health and welfare messages are transmitted to relatives and friends of those affected by the emergency or disaster event. Severe lightning storms, earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes and wildfires are all examples of such events.

Other activities planned during the weekend include:
• 1:00pm Saturday at the Lions Club, a United States flag raising ceremony conducted by the Civil Air Patrol Cadets of the Ellijay 507 Civil Air Patrol Squadron under the command of Captain Don Murray.
• A signal cannon firing salute to the flag by EARS member, Paul Russell – N4AIR, will accompany the flag raising.
• A Civil Air Patrol communications trailer will be on site for visitation by the public.
• 3pm -4pm Saturday, members of the Civil Air Patrol Cadets will have a chance to get on the air at the Voice station. Each operator will be able to make several contacts.
• 10am Sunday, A United States flag retirement will be conducted by the Boy Scouts of Troop 402 under the direction of Scout Master Angel Broussard and Troop 404 under the direction of Scout Master Greg Withrow. This is a very moving and solemn ceremony.
• 11:30am Sunday, members of Scout Troops 402 and 404 have a chance to get on the air at the Voice station. Each operator will be able to make several contacts. This will help the boys to earn their Radio Merit Badge.

Field Day is shaping up to be an exciting and informative weekend for EARS members and the public as well.

EARS website: www.w4hhh.net