28 Jun 2008 - 29 Jun 2008

   McDowell Amateur Radio Association, MARA, will participate this weekend in an Amateur Radio event called Field Day. Radio operators and clubs compete among each other under simulated emergency conditions, usually using field erected radio stations, emergency power sources, and temporary antennas. The goal of the event is to practice radio and emergency preparedness skills, and to demonstrate this kind of operation to the public. Started in 1933, the exercise was--and still is--a way to test a station's or a club's emergency preparedness.

   Given the increased emphasis on emergency communications since September 11, 2001, Amateur Radio clubs are working more closely with the local Emergency Operations Centers.  This year's Field Day event will be at the old Rescue Squad building in downtown Marion at 186 State Street.  Operating times will be Saturday beginning at 10 AM through Sunday noon. 

   MARA will be operating on multiple frequencies ranging from short wave to the UHF TV spectrum, using antennas ranging from wires to high gain directional beams.  We will be using Morse code, voice, and digital modes. 

   One of the recent developments in Amateur Radio technology is the combining of radio and the internet.  It is now possible to use radio to connect to another amateur radio station at a distance (perhaps 50 - 500 miles outside a disaster area) to send and receive regular e-mail.  This is very important for accurate, detailed information exchange, including photos.