Why is Ham Radio Still Important?
In an age where communication is often taken for granted, it’s easy to overlook the importance of Ham Radio.
I often receive questions like: “Why do I need Ham Radio when I have a cell phone?” or “Didn’t the internet kill Ham Radio?” While these modern forms of communication may have shifted the attention away from Ham Radio, by no means did it make it unnecessary. In fact, during a disaster, it’s very likely that these modern forms of communication will be the first ones to fail.
The number one reason for preparedness minded people to consider Ham Radio is its reliability during times of crisis. Since the early 1900s, this form of communication has reliably made it through every major crisis, disaster, and emergency situation with flying colors. When all other forms of communication fail, Hams are often the ones who are called upon to help communicate in and out of the disaster zone.
When the grid goes down, the Ham Bands will still be alive and very active.
MAY General Meeting
The May General Meeting will be held at Good Sheppard Church in Wasilla. It is located at 501 E Bogard Rd, Wasilla, AK 99654
MARA Ham Fest
The MARA Ham Fest will be held at the Boys and Girls Club in Wasilla again this year. It will be on Saturday May 11th. The Address is 3700 Bogard Rd.
Setup Starts at 0900 and the ham fest will go to 1700.
Comm Center Training
MARA’s next training coming up on the schedule will be Comm Center and HF equipment training, in preparation for Field Day on the 22-23 June. The training will be on how to set the trailers up, assemble the equipment and training on operating, maintaining logs and extended operation. Currently we are scheduled to have Field Day and Fire Station 61. The training schedule is being firmed up currently. This training applies to all Valley hams who want to learn and participate. This is a great opportunity to see and operate different equipment, to possibly help decide what you would like as you upgrade your license. Some of the operating training will be a various ham’s stations to give you various view points and tips on how it works. Contact Mike Eppler/KL7ILA or Don/KL7JFT.
NOTICE:
To all Alaska Hams with a call sign License Plate
The State DMV is sending out yellow cards to those people needing to re-register their plates. The card indicates you can register online. However, for those that have ham radio plates you can't do it online. It has to be done at a DMV office. I have included below what one administer sent me.
I would advise that those re-registering their plates to take what Karina Garces-Pellon sent to me so if there are any questions, you have some backup. She is from the Anchorage DMV
I’ve included our Vehicle Transaction Application (Form 812) for the renewal, you will need to
- State on form 812 that you’re requesting Amateur Radio Exemption by checking the box “Other” and writing in the Amateur Radio (AR)
- Make the following statement in the Affidavit section on the application “This vehicle meets the requirements outlined in AS 28.10.421 (d) (8) (A) & (B) and I qualify for free registration under this statute.”
- Copy of current FCC License
- Folks need to understand they need a 5 Band HF radio installed in the vehicle with Antenna and power connection.
Click here for the Vehicle Transaction Application (Form 812)
SUNSHINE COMMITTEE
MARA members, if you know of a member who needs cheering up because they have lost a loved one, or are laid up with illness or injury, or if someone is in the hospital, please let one of us know. We would love to send a ray of sunshine in their direction.
Help us spread the cheer. Donations are always appreciated and can be made at the general meeting or directly to Tabitha or Pam.
Contact Tabitha at tabithainak@gmail.com (best way), or text or phone 907-414-2281.
Pam at pam.whitehead@gmail.com, or 907-376-9281.