The Good Day Clermont! podcast recently interviewed Ron Brooks, President of the Milford Amateur Radio Club (MARC). Brooks discussed how this 501(c)(3) nonprofit supports radio operators across the county and how HAM radio bolsters the life-saving missions of Clermont’s emergency services.
Stream the latest episode of “Good Day Clermont!”
HAM radio (AKA amateur radio) has existed for over 120 years. Invented by Guglielmo Marconi in the 1890s, wireless telegraphy changed the landscape of post-industrial communications worldwide. The United States government began licensing and regulating amateur radio technology with the Radio Act of 1912, as HAM products and accessories became commercially accessible.
Despite high-powered computers and satellite technology dominating modern America, HAM still plays an important role in maintaining everyday life.
Brooks told Good Day Clermont! in an exclusive interview that MARC and associated clubs attract numerous radio technicians, equipment traders, and enthusiasts every year. MARC currently reports over 163 members.
Ron Brooks sits with members of MARC during a meeting.
“I don’t see amateur radio going away, at least in my lifetime. People thought the internet would kill HAM radio, but it hasn't yet,” Brooks said.
The club helps prepare entry-level technicians for HAM licensing exams, also called “Elements.” During monthly meetings, MARC also outlines opportunities for the greater Clermont community to participate, requests volunteers to operate radios during events, and plans for the upcoming HAMfest in August.
Radio operators from MARC are a critical resource for local emergency services during natural disasters and crises. For example, amateur communication relays support EMS and police operations during digital blackouts.
Brooks explained some of these responsibilities as a licensed radio operator: “If a tornado took out the county’s communications, we would offer our ham radio repeater as a backup so they could tune their radios to the frequency and continue on with their life-saving duties.”
HAM radio uses Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) waves to transmit signals from just a few miles to continents away, depending on the radio and operator. As a result, it continues to be a trusted tool for the U.S. military, which equips bases, vehicles, and missile silos with antennas to support intelligence and GPS operations.
Stream the latest episode of “Good Day Clermont!”
Brooks explained that many people don’t realize how in-demand HAM radio is in the background of public events like Taste of Cincinnati, stadium athletics, and local music festivals. Radio operators assist on the ground from a safe distance, preventing mishaps that can lead to injury or death.
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Great Lakes Division supports MARC and other training conventions for amateur radio operators and enthusiasts. The national association primarily promotes amateur radio advocacy and informs legislation on radio broadcasting in coordination with the FCC.
Credit: zdnet.com
ARRL will host its annual Field Day during the fourth week of June. According to its website, “more than 31,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill, and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event.”
Brooks reiterated the importance of getting out into the field during opportunities like this. “You can always study stuff in a book, but it's always good to go hands-on.”
Those interested in amateur radio in Clermont County can visit MilfordHAMRadio.org for more information.
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