Hams host Field Day in Ramona

Amateur radio operators, nicknamed “hams,” have long communicated with each other without the benefit of the Internet, cell phone towers or other infrastructure. Those wondering how they do it have their chance.

Ramona Outback Amateur Radio Society (ROARS) will host Field Day, a 24-hour event beginning Saturday, June 28. The mission is national. All club members aim to talk to as many people around the world as possible, using various forms of radio equipment.

The public is invited to join the experienced radio operators. A “GOTA” station — Get on the Air — will be set up so that those with new licenses, or even adults or children without licenses, can understand what talking over the airwaves is all about.

“One of our goals is for the public to learn what we do, why we do it, and how we do it, so having someone try out ham radio for the first time is fun for everyone,” said Richard Elling, ROARS member.

Hams can provide communications in times of emergency or disaster, when the usual lines of communication are unavailable. During the past Ramona wildfires, for example, hams provided backup communications for the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and more.

ROARS Field Day will be at Ramona Fire Station 82 at 3410 Dye Road. The event will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and end on Sunday at noon. For more information, visit www.roars.net.