Amateur radio operators have a Field Day in Kline Twp.

Jun. 27—McADOO — When disaster strikes and traditional means of communications are disrupted, members of the Schuylkill Amateur Repeater Association join fellow amateur radio operators to bridge the gap.

Amateur radio operators are capable of setting up self-sufficient stations to maintain communication between organizations such as the American Red Cross or emergency management agencies in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.

During those times, cellphones and other means of communications may become disabled, said Larry Wolfgang, treasurer of SARA.

"We can bridge the communications gap and provide a vital link when traditional lines of communications are no longer existent," he said.

Members of SARA and similar organizations nationwide practiced their techniques this past weekend during the annual American Radio Relay League Field Day, a 24-hour nationwide emergency communications exercise for amateur radio operators. Local radio operators joined others throughout the country in practicing setting up stations away from home by using temporary antennas and power sources.

In addition to SARA, which conducted its exercise at the Silverbrook Rod & Gun Club in Kline Twp., the Tamaqua Wireless Association held its Field Day at Schroeder Family Farms near Barnesville.

The conditions are meant to simulate situations when communication infrastructure has been disabled or interrupted, during which amateur radio operators are called to assist.

"We are practicing restoring the lines of communications when the basic lines of communications are gone," Wolfgang said.

During the 24-hour period, Wolfgang said, 583 Morse code communications were maintained, along with 254 voice contacts. Contacts were made throughout the United States from as far away as Hawaii and several Canadian provinces.

Peter Oesterle, secretary of SARA, said satellite stations were set up to communicate with other Field Day participants.

"This exercise is designed to see how quickly we can set up and communicate," he said. "We practice so we can react as quickly as possible when a disaster or emergency happens."

Important, but also fun

SARA member Andy Hitzel, of Pottsville, has fond memories of his many years as an amateur radio operator. He recalled talking to a person from Germany the weekend that the Berlin Wall was torn down.

"He was talking to me, telling me what he is seeing and promised to send me a picture and a piece of the wall," Hitzel said. "Unfortunately, I never got anything."

Hitzel also recalled speaking with someone in the Australian Outback who suddenly disappeared from the air waves. Some time later, the person came back on, apologized and said he had to put "petrol" — what Americans usually call gas — into a generator to continue their conversation.

"These are the things you remember," Hitzel said. "We serve an important purpose in an emergency, but it's fun, too."

SARA sponsors several repeaters in Schuylkill County that relay amateur radio signals from low-power portable or mobile stations so that they can communicate over a much wider area.

The portable radio units can be powered by electricity or battery, ensuring they can operate under adverse conditions.

"We can basically go anywhere, set up and begin our operations without outside help," Hitzel said.

300,000-plus

Included in the exercise was a Get on the Air station that enabled visitors to talk with other amateur radio or ham operators.

Wolfgang said there are more than 300,000 federally licensed amateur radio operators throughout the United States and Canada. That number jumps substantially when other countries in Europe, Africa and Australia are considered.

Hitzel said, if needed, operators are poised to play a key role during an emergency.

"It's a hobby, but it also provides a crucial service," he said.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013