Palatine radio operators prepare for worst case scenario

On the weekend of June 25-26, Palatine Amateur Radio operators will conduct their annual Field Day communications exercise. This drill simulates a day-long emergency in which there is no commercial power, telephone or internet, and emergency messages need to be sent. In association with the Palatine Emergency Management Association, local operators will set up four radio stations at the Riemer Reservoir Sledding Hill at the intersection of Palatine Road and Wood Street in Palatine. Starting at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and continuing non-stop for a full 24 hours they will attempt to exchange messages with as many as possible of the over 35,000 participating stations nationwide.

The stations will use temporary antennas and portable radios powered by generators, solar cells and rechargeable batteries that can be quickly deployed in an emergency. Under optimal conditions they can reach other stations all around the world. In past years, the Palatine group has logged well over 1000 contacts, ranking second or third in the state of Illinois.

Field Day is an annual drill sponsored by the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) to encourage its members to improve their ability to operate under emergency conditions and raise public awareness of amateur radio. This event is free and open to the public. People of all ages are invited to observe and even get on the air themselves at a special station staffed by helpful trainers.

For information, contact the Palatine Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES); Bill Farmer at (847)922-0001 or Tony Jedlinski at (847)970-0157.