Amateur Radio Club

The LW Amateur Radio Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. Those interested in Ham,General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Family Radio Services (FRS) are welcome to attend a club meeting and meet the club’s helpful, diverse and talented members.

The Amateur Radio Club has a GMRS and FRS practice drill Wednesdays at 9:30-9:45 a.m. on Channel 18-0 (Channel subject to change). FRS radios are license-free. GMRS radios require a license and transmit with more power and can communicate over much longer distances. GMRS licenses cost $35, covering a person and their family for 10 years with no test required.

When people talk into the radio, they should make sure to wait until the radio is clear, then press the side button before stating their first name, last name initial and Mutual number, then release when finished.

Ham, GMRS and FRS radios play a vital role in emergency communications. They work without relying on any existing infrastructure, making them ideal in disasters like earthquakes, flooding and wildfires. Beyond protecting oneself and family, people who learn how to use radios to communicate can help others during a communication outage.

For more information on HAM, GMRS or FRS radios call the Radio Room at 562-4316586, ext. 2409, come to one of the monthly meetings, or visit www.lwsb.com/amateur-radioservice- club.