July 23, 2024 |
Photo – Ham radio – Courtesy Tom Hayes
A Rawlins resident is looking for like-minded people to join a ham radio club. Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, allows users to communicate across town or around the world without relying on the internet or phones.
Department of Corrections Welder Tom Hayes is trying to find members to join the Carbon County Amateur Radio Association. Hayes, who has over 20 years of amateur radio experience, said ham radio was developed decades ago to allow military personnel to communicate with loved ones back home. Hayes described how the radio signals can reach across the planet.
Hayes said he has been able to communicate with people from 31 different countries, all from his home in Rawlins.
By adjusting the settings on your radio antenna, Hayes said you can broadcast locally by firing the signal straight up into the atmosphere and having it bounce back down.
As part of a Wyoming ham radio group, Hayes said he uses the short distance method to stay in touch with people across the state. Amateur radio is a valuable tool for keeping in contact during an emergency.
Hayes said ham radio has a stigma of only being used by nerds with huge radio sets in their bedrooms. With modern technology, Hayes said radios can now fit in your pocket. Through a series of repeaters, the amateur radio operator said he is able to get a signal pretty much anywhere in Carbon County on his handheld set.
To legally operate a ham radio, you need a $35 license from the Federal Communications Commission. Hayes said the FCC issues three types of amateur radio licenses: technician, general, and extra. Each level provides users with access to more radio frequencies. Hayes said an extra license makes it easier to communicate around the world.
Hayes said having a higher FCC license also makes it easier to train the next generation of ham radio operators. A ham radio mentor is called an Elmer, thought to have originated from a fictional character named Elmer the Safety Elephant that appeared in educational materials in the 1960s.
Hayes is part of the Carbon County Amateur Radio Association. He and the other members are offering to share their experience with people looking to get into ham radio. At 40-years-old, Hayes is one of the youngest members of the club. The Carbon County Amateur Radio Association needs an influx of new members, said Hayes.
Hayes is asking all licensed ham radio operators in Carbon County to join the local club. However, everyone is welcome. Hayes said he is fighting to dispel the hobby’s negative public perception.
If you are a licensed ham radio operator or wish to learn more about the hobby, visit the Carbon County Amateur Radio Association Facebook page or call Hayes at 349-0214.
