HAM Radio

operation isn't as popular as it once was but there are

still many people who enjoy it as a hobby. It is possible

to speak to people from across the world by simply

changing frequencies.

The Fayette

County Repeater Association is a group of people who

enjoy operating amateur radios and they are always

looking to turn more people on to it.

One of

their main forms of public relations happens annually at

the Amateur Radio Field Days. Using generators, radio

stations are set up for 24 hours as the group tries to

make as many contacts as possible. Two stations are set

up for the group to use and one is set up for the public

to use.

"Field

Days is a great opportunity to see what amateur radio is

all about," said Pat Stressel, a member of the

Fayette County Repeater Association.

Like most

of HAM Radio's fans, Stressel got into it because her

mother and father were both amateur radio operators. She

got her amateur radio license two years ago and

participated in the field days event last year.

Though

making contacts with people in foreign lands is certainly

one of the benefits of amateur radio operation, its main

purpose is to test the emergency capabilities.

If a storm

were to knock out all power or a crisis hit and ordinary

lines of communication were down, a HAM radio could be

used to seek out help.

Different

people from the Fayette County Repeater Association will

be taking time slots during the 24-hour event.

The event

will run from 2 p.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday at 221 Hi

Lo Road in Fayetteville. The public is encouraged to come

out and see the group in action.

For

information phone Pat Stressel at 770-719-1503.

<!--##############