Ralph Romig Thursday gave Iola Rotarians a look at the history of amateur radio and how crucial operators can be in keeping the public aware before and during natural disasters.
Today, “there are more than 700,000 hams (popular name for operators) in the United States and more than a million worldwide,” Romig said.
Early amateur radio operators encountered problems with interference, which was alleviated somewhat by a federal law that required licensing and also restricted usable wave lengths.
Romig pointed out hams needed a license, obtained by passing an examination, and that there were several levels.
“The amateur service originally was established partly to encourage people to experiment with radio technology and partly to create a pool of trained radio operators to serve in time of national emergency,” he said.
When World War II broke out, practically every able-bodied male ham in the country was drafted, which gave the U.S. a pool of trained radio operators.
While much of the process is hobby oriented, Romig pointed out that local hams are weather spotters and conduct exercises to prepare them to respond if an emergency situation develops.
He noted that becoming a participant could be done on the fly.
“Any person of average intelligence who has the desire and will apply themselves can pass the test,” Romig said.
“The desire is, by far, the most important ingredient.”
Getting started isn’t expensive.
“It is a hobby and like any other hobby, it’s going to cost you just as much or just as little as you’re willing to spend,” he said.
Romig brought several pieces of radio equipment to give a hands-on demonstration.
Rotarians tune in on Thursday
