MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The Grand Strand Amateur Radio Club got together on Saturday for their winter field day where they worked under simulated emergency conditions so they can be prepared for real emergencies in the future.
Gordon Mooneyhan was one of over 400 HAM radio operators who worked in South Carolina during Hurricane Florence. His job was to be the line of communication if Internet and phone service went down.
“HAM radio is a hobby that also benefits the public,” Mooneyhan said.
HAM radio operators have two field days a year where they practice communication skills which are vital during emergencies like severe weather.
“This gives us a chance to practice what we do which is communicating under adverse conditions,” Mooneyhan said.
While HAM radio may seem like somewhat outdated technology, Mooneyhan says it is cutting edge. Modern day technology, like cell phones and skype use similar technology to HAM radio.
Mooneyhan says the hobby is becoming more popular as time goes on.
“Especially with the recent hurricanes over the past five ten years, people who are in the affected areas realize (cell phone) technology can fail, and when it does they’re isolated. Amateur radio gives them the sense that yeah I’m not isolated. I think that really is the driving force that’s getting more people into the hobby.”
To learn more about the Grand Strand Amateur Radio Club, click here.
