Story Published:
Jun 29, 2008 at 5:38 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jun 29, 2008 at 10:40 PM CDT
Some radio enthusiasts got together in Peoria today to see how far they could contact people with their Ham Radios.
About 50 operators set up their amateur radios to see who might pick up their waves.
The participants were able reach people across North America, including Hawaii.
Even some new comers tried out a system set up just for them.
This activity is more than a hobby...Ham radio is also used for emergency contact across the world.
"In the time of an emergency, they actually need all kinds of communications. Whether it's Red Cross support or Salvation Army, or a lot of agencies for aid. Usually what happens though immediately following, is everybody is worried about their relatives and families and they want to know how well they are doing or where they are at. And that's where ham radio really helps", said Coordinator Craig Thompson.
The group ran a 24 hour long event while giving periodic demonstrations of Morse code, satellite communications, and traditional voice communication.
