HAM Radio is not just a relic of the past, but an active, vital resource that serves our communities today. On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the area’s amateur radio operators and their clubs will showcase their skills and equipment in a competition at the Ag Center in Smith County.
During this event, participants will demonstrate their “Go Kits”—essential equipment that HAM operators can mobilize within one hour of being notified of a need. These kits are designed to operate independently of traditional communication infrastructures, such as cellular networks, fiber optics, copper wiring, the internet, or even the power grid. This means they can function effectively in local environments and transmit messages globally, ensuring reliable communication in times of crisis.
Many of these dedicated HAM operators collaborate with local and regional organizations, providing backup communication services when emergencies arise. They play a crucial role in supporting local hospitals, ensuring that their long-range communication equipment remains operational during critical times. Interestingly, most Tennessee Health Departments are equipped with communication radios that have yet to be tested or even unboxed since their delivery.
As public service sectors increasingly rely on digitally encoded, trunked, and linked systems—often dependent on internet connectivity—there is a significant risk that these systems may fail during a disaster. While these modern solutions work well most of the time, they can leave communities without communication capabilities when it matters most. HAM Radio serves as a reliable bridge in such situations.
We hope you’ll join us for this event to learn more about how HAM Radio continues to be a crucial tool for community resilience and safety. Additionally on this day a technician licensing study and testing class will be offered.
