Amateur Radio Club

Dave Hanna is the vice president of the LW Radio Club and known to many LW residents as a “technology guru.” He provides his technical expertise on everything from computers, photography, video editing, scanning and, of course, radios.

Hanna has his general class radio license and teaches all levels of amateur radio classes in Cerritos as well as oversees testing.

Besides keeping the Amateur Radio Club up-to-date with the latest Windows programming hardware and software, the LW emergency radio communication van now has state-of-theart solar cell charging system for the battery back-up system thanks to his efforts.

Hanna has developed and implemented two emergency go boxes, each with a powerful GMRS radio, battery back-up and a 20-foot telescoping antenna system that are capable of covering the entire LW property via GMRS radio signals for use during disasters or emergency preparation.

Hanna’s interest in technology dates back to the 1960s, where he worked on guidance systems for the Minuteman Missile Program. He is also a member of the LW Emergency Information Council and active in the Video Producers Club, recording and editing the various shows held at the amphitheater.

The LW Amateur Radio Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. Ham, also known as amateur radio, Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios play a vital role in emergency communications. They work without relying on existing infrastructure, making them ideal in disasters like earthquakes and wildfires.

Beyond protecting themselves and their families, people who learn how to use radios to communicate can help others during a communication outage.

Volunteers are needed for every Mutual. Anyone interested in ham, FRS or GMRS is welcome to attend a club meeting and meet the club’s helpful, diverse and talented members. For more information, call 562-431-6586, ext. 2409, or visit www.lwsb.com/amateur-radioservice- club.

The Radio Club provides a GMRS and FRS practice drill every Wednesday morning.

Anyone who has a GMRS or FRS radio is invited to participate. The call-in time is from 9:309:45 a.m. on Channel 18/0. FRS radios are license-free, while GMRS radios require a license because they transmit with much more power and can communicate for much longer distances.

GMRS licenses from the FCC cost $35 and cover a resident and their immediate family for 10 years.