Ham radio enthusiasts meet at Pacificon, a convention for amateur radio.
Amateur Radio Convention ”Pacificon” Draws Over 1,100 Enthusiasts
More than 1,100 amateur radio operators, also known as hams, gathered at the Marriott Hotel in San Ramon, California for the annual Pacificon convention from Oct. 20-22. This three-day event showcased all things amateur radio, including forum presentations, license classes, nonprofit organization booths, kit building, and even a fox hunt. The forums covered a wide range of topics, from beginner’s guides to building remote ham radio sites. It was a thrilling gathering of radio enthusiasts from around the world.
The Annual Amateur Radio Conference “Pacificon” in San Ramon, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2023. (Helen Billings/The Epoch Times)
Youngest Ham and Twin Girls Awarded Radios
On the second day of Pacificon, a radio was awarded to the youngest ham who passed the technician exam. Additionally, twin 11-year-old girls from Napa received radios after passing their technician exams. Their proud father, Nik, accompanied them to the event. It was a special moment to celebrate the achievements of these young radio enthusiasts.
According to the website “Ham Radio Deluxe,” amateur radio is both a service and a hobby that connects individuals worldwide through wireless communication. Licensed operators use a variety of radios to communicate with other hams across the globe. From handheld models to dashboard mounts and remote shacks, the possibilities are endless.
Kristen McIntyre, call sign K6WX, the Pacific Division Director of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), at the Annual Amateur Radio Conference “Pacificon” in San Ramon, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2023. (Helen Billings/The Epoch Times)
Amateur Radio Licensing and Privileges
Kristen McIntyre, the Pacific Division Director of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), explained that amateur radio licensing has three levels: technician, general, and extra class licenses. Each license class grants additional operating privileges, allowing hams to explore and communicate further.
According to FCC rules, licensed operators are required to state their call sign every 10 minutes during transmission and at the end of their communication. Call signs are like names for hams, and they take great pride in them.
Handheld ham radios at the Annual Amateur Radio Conference “Pacificon” in San Ramon, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2023. (Keegan Billings/The Epoch Times)
Amateur Radio in Emergencies and Beyond
While ham radio is not used by police and fire departments, they often collaborate with emergency communications groups composed of amateur radio operators. These operators possess the expertise and equipment necessary for effective communication during emergencies. In instances like the Lahaina wildfire in Hawaii and Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers, Florida, amateur radio provided the only means of communication when other infrastructure was destroyed.
It is highly recommended for individuals to obtain a ham radio license and keep a radio in their emergency supply kit at home. The versatility and reliability of ham radio make it an invaluable tool in times of crisis.
Ham radio enthusiasts like Bob Wolbert, call sign K6XX, emphasize the ability to communicate without relying on the internet or electricity. With battery-powered radios, hams can connect with people thousands of miles away, making ham radio a valuable asset for preparedness.
Amateur radio equipment on display at the Annual Amateur Radio Conference “Pacificon” in San Ramon, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2023. (Helen Billings/The Epoch Times)
Ham Radio: A Journey of Exploration and Connection
Joe Eisenberg, a ham radio enthusiast and writer for CQ Amateur Radio, shared the origin of the term “ham.” It derived from the amateur actors in vaudeville, who were called “ham actors.” The name stuck and became synonymous with amateur radio.
Eisenberg explained how amateur radio operators played a crucial role in advancing technology. By pushing amateurs to higher frequencies, they discovered the ability of radio waves to travel long distances. This led to important innovations that continue to shape the field today.
Amateur radio equipment on display at the Annual Amateur Radio Conference “Pacificon” in San Ramon, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2023. (Helen Billings/The Epoch Times)
The Power of Morse Code and the Ham Community
Jim Crites and Bob Leichner, members of the Long Island CW Club—Teachers of Morse Code, highlighted the importance of Morse code in ham radio. They offer classes to teach Morse code from scratch, helping individuals develop their skills and increase their speed.
Roland Williams, another member of the club, emphasized the mental challenge and benefits of learning Morse code. It exercises the brain and keeps the mind sharp, making it an ideal activity for individuals seeking mental stimulation.
Morse code equipment at the Annual Amateur Radio Conference “Pacificon” in San Ramon, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2023. (Helen Billings/The Epoch Times)
Connecting the World Through Ham Radio
Ham radio enthusiasts cherish the ability to connect with people worldwide. They consider ham radio as the “first social media,” providing a unique platform for on-air meetings and conversations. It fosters international goodwill and friendship, transcending political and cultural boundaries.
The Long Island CW Club also offers innovative solutions, such as a haptics device for the deaf and hard of hearing, allowing them to decipher Morse code through vibrations and lights. They strive to make ham radio accessible to all.
A light-up and vibrating device for delivering CW (Morse code) to the deaf and hard of hearing, at the Annual Amateur Radio Conference ”Pacificon” in San Ramon, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2023. (Helen Billings/The Epoch Times)
Ham radio is a fascinating world of exploration, connection, and innovation. It continues to captivate enthusiasts of all ages, offering endless possibilities for communication and community.
Can you explain the significance of the kit building activity and the fox hunt in the context of amateur radio
> Amateur radio operators listen for signals during the Pacificon convention. (Helen Billings/The Epoch Times)
A Welcoming and Educational Environment
The Pacificon convention provided a welcoming and educational environment for both experienced and novice amateur radio operators. Participants had the opportunity to learn from industry experts, ask questions, and share their own experiences. The convention also featured license classes for those interested in becoming licensed operators.
Nonprofit organizations set up booths to showcase their initiatives and provide information to attendees. These organizations included the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), which promotes amateur radio and supports radio operators in emergency communications, and the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), a national organization dedicated to promoting and supporting amateur radio enthusiasts in the UK.
Kit Building and Fox Hunt
One of the highlights of Pacificon was the kit building activity. Participants could purchase and assemble kits for various amateur radio projects, such as transmitters and receivers. This hands-on experience allowed attendees to dive deeper into the technical aspects of amateur radio and enhance their skills.
Another exciting event was the fox hunt, a classic amateur radio activity where participants
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