Newport County "Hams" Practice Winter Communications Skills

Despite Saturday night’s strong winds and driving rain, Newport area ham operators were busy practicing their “communication resiliency” skills while operating from a tent and shelter at Portsmouth’s Glen Park.

The Newport County Radio Club is participating in the annual, 24-hour long Winter Field Day event alongside thousands of other operators across North America. Last year, the club ranked first nationally in the most competitive, outdoor/two transmitter category.

Since 2007 amateur radio (or “ham”) operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Winter Field Day to showcase the science, skill, and service of amateur radio.

Field Day demonstrates ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent communications network. Over 35,000 people from thousands of locations are expected to participate this year.

Anyone can become a licensed amateur radio operator. There is no minimum age or More Code requirements. Tests are given monthly across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Currently there are over 725,000 licensed hams in the United States, as young as 5 and as old as 105. For more information visit Newport County Radio Club at www.w1sye.org or on Facebook – Newport County Radio Club.