The Long Island Mobile Amateur Radio Club (LIMARC) has reason to celebrate. Currently in the midst of their 50th anniversary and comprised of approximately 400 members spread out all over Long Island as well as other parts of New York, these “ham radio” operators are part of a culture that is generally misunderstood by a great deal of the general public.
So, what exactly is ham radio? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), recognizing the importance of having a reliable back-up means of communication in the event of an emergency, allows licensed amateur radio operators to transmit over local airwaves. When not assisting during an outage, ham radio enthusiasts often indulge in “party line” style conversations via a vast network of signal repeaters with other operators worldwide and even those in outer space. Yes, these radios indeed have some impressive range, according to LIMARC member Dave Akins of Hicksville.
“You can actually speak to astronauts…they all have ham radio set-ups in the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station, and they’ll answer you if you contact them,” Akins said.
Hicksville resident and current president Joe Gomez has been a member of LIMARC for the past five years, and said that ham radio has been around for well over a century in one form or another.
“We’re into the hobby to learn more about electronics and how radio, satellites, and TV transmissions work work,” Gomez said.”It’s a hobby, but it’s also an important secondary communication tool.”
Gomez was heavily into the amateur radio scene many years ago but the demands of an adult life pulled him away from his hobby. However, a major blackout in his area one year reminded him of the importance of being able to get in touch with the authorities in the event of an emergency, and it was through this event that he discovered LIMARC and got back in touch with his amateur radio roots.
Gomez noted that during Hurricane Sandy, the LIMARC played a huge part in coordinating communication for their individual neighborhoods, most of which were without power.
“During Sandy, cellular towers went down, and the only thing working was ham radio. We were able to call the police, ambulances and the fire department for the members of our communities,” he said. “Also, we were able to get together with all of our members and tell which gas stations were open, where gas was available, how long the lines were.”
If you saw a modern ham radio set-up, you’d probably do a double-take; those expecting the stereotypical World War 2-era large box transmitter and microphone would likely be shocked when a LIMARC member produces their ham radio from their pocket, with many resembling nothing more than a small walkie-talkie. These tiny devices, depending on the power and quality of antenna, are capable of transmitting radio, digital files, and even low-grade television signals all over the planet.
Based in Levittown, LIMARC alternates between Executive Board meetings at the Levittown Public Library and general member meetings at the Levittown Hall in Hicksville. For anyone interested, ham radio is not only a surprisingly cheap hobby—Gomez notes that you can do a great deal with a $40 radio and a good antenna—but an easy one to learn as well, thanks to the courses available through LIMARC.
“We’re friendly, and we’re always looking for new members. We regularly hold public events where people can try out radios themselves, and we work with local schools and Boy Scout troops as well,” Gomez said. “Radio is not only a great way to have fun and meet people the world over, he said, but an important way to serve the community you live in as well.”
To learn more about LIMARC, visit their website at www.limarc.org.
