Ham radio operators set to sharpen skills

Amateur radio operators from all parts of Santa Cruz County will descend upon Cal Fire’s Ben Lomond training camp the weekend of June 22 and 23 for a refresher training course in emergency broadcasting. The general public is invited to attend.
Jointly hosted by the San Lorenzo Valley (SLVARC) and Santa Cruz County (SCCARC) amateur radio clubs, the goal of the annual event is to prepare amateur, or “ham,” radio operators to serve as emergency communication relays in the event of natural disasters.
At the overnight event, participants will practice setting up makeshift antennas and broadcast stations as well as how to broadcast clear and concise information.
Locally, ham radio operations served as key means of communication with emergency personnel and evacuees during the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 and various floods and fires.
The event will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 22 and will continue until 11 a.m. the following day. The Cal Fire facility is located at 13575 Empire Grade Road in Santa Cruz.
For more information, contact 408-507-9054.