Ham radio system donated and installed at the fire hall (Alaska)

A century-old technology has been added to Petersburg’s fire hall for emergency communication when all else fails.

Amateur radio —or ham radio— is a form of two-way radio communication that allows specially licensed operators to communicate over long distances using radio frequencies reserved for non-commercial use.

Think walkie-talkie, but much more powerful. Depending on the equipment and frequency range, ham radio operators can communicate with neighboring communities, countries on the other side of the world, or even space.

Ham radio is both a hobby for the electronically-inclined and serves as a reliable communication resource.

Using specific “nets” —designated frequencies— licensed ham radio operators can socialize with other hobbyists as well as help out during emergencies by keeping communities in touch when regular communication goes down.

Ham radios can function powered by battery or other alternative energy sources. Even the government regards ham radio as a dependable backup communication system for emergency or disaster scenarios where cellular and internet grids no longer work.

Amateur radio operators —also called hams— in the U.S. have a specific license granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that legally permits them to transmit on certain frequency bands. Licensing prevents radio interference and ensures that operators know proper radio procedure and safety protocols.

Read more – Petersburg Pilot: https://bit.ly/4fpgZ90