While cell phone service and internet connection can often be inconsistent and unreliable, one medium never disappoints its users.
And that’s Ham radio.
According to Caldwell County Emergency Management Director Joey McCaslin, the amateur — yet effective — signal has been used successfully in and around Princeton, in dealing with emergencies. He calls it a sure source of communication when others go dark, and it’s a necessary alternative when disaster strikes.
This weekend, the local Princeton Ham Radio Club will put its skills to the test.
Field Day is set for Saturday, June 24, at the Caldwell County/Princeton Airport. Sponsored by ARRL.org, it’s a contest built for Ham radio groups, in which the are challenged to make as many contacts as possible in a 24-hour period.
Set up begins at 7:30 AM, and the contest will run from 1 PM Saturday until 1 PM Sunday.
McCaslin said the public is both welcomed and encouraged to come out and see what Ham radio is all about.
The Radio Club just announced its elected officers for this year, with McCaslin named president, Wesley Belt named vice president, Gail Blackburn tabbed as secretary/treasurer, and James Flood tabbed as sergeant of arms and safety officer.
