HAM radio operators contact first station on 100th anniversary

On the 100th anniversary of the first Amateur Radio Relay station, W1AW, the Sky Valley Amateur Radio Club (W7SKY) made contact with the Newington, Conn. station, using portable equipment set up in the Skykomish River Park.

More than 40 stations in North America were contacted during the Field Day event June 28 and 29, using both digital and voice high frequency radios.

Visiting the Sky River station, Monroe City Councilman -á(right) was briefed by Brad Feilberg, Monroe Emergency Management Director, on emergency communications capabilities supplemented by the Radio Club.

Amateur radio, often called HAM radio, is of interest to emergency management departments because they can be used to relay communications in times of crisis.

The Sky Valley Amateur Radio Club, according to member Mike Terry, was formed in 1989, when it was the Sultan Elementary Amateur Radio Club.

Photo courtesy of Mike Terry