Upcoming meeting is a signal for radio buffs to hone their craft

by Daniel Wolowicz

danielw@theacorn.com

Licensed amateur radio operators from Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park will participate in the American Radio Relay League’s Field Day event from 11 a.m. Sat., June 25 through 11a.m. Sun., June 26 at 401 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

Amateur radio operators will practice communication skills under primitive conditions with a generator, battery-powered equipment and portable antennas.

Special awards will be given for “alternative” power sources such as solar, wind and methane. The event is a competition as well as a “trial run” for emergency communication skills used during disaster situations.

“This year, we’re also working on having an operating fuel cell, which would be a first,” said Rob Hanson, a ham operator from Newbury Park.

Operations at the Hillcrest site (adjacent to National Park Service headquarters) will be conducted by the Conejo Valley Amateur Radio Club (CVARC), representing members from across the valley.

“The public is most welcome to attend, observe and even participate,” said Steve Champion, president of CVARC. “We’d love to demonstrate the fun, challenges and effectiveness of amateur radio, especially to young people.”

For more information please call Jeff Reinhardt at (818) 7063853.