2 weeks Ago By Zach Petroff
The Uniontown Amateur Radio Club will host an open house on Saturday, April 19th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.
m. as part of an international amateur radio event located at the group’s clubhouse at 433 Old Pittsburgh Road in Uniontown. “It’s one of those hobbies, where you use your hobby, to talk about the hobby, to other people who are enjoying the hobby,” joked Cory Sickles, the club’s coordinator and Western Pennsylvania Section Public Information Coordinator.
He hopes the open house will ignite curiosity and captivate attendees about the power of radio, just as he was inspired as a teenager. “When I was 14, I cajoled my parents into taking me to an amateur radio open house,” Sickles recalled. Already intrigued by electronics and radio, Sickles said he discovered the world of amateur radio after seeing a notice in the Herald-Standard, and after attending a meeting at the age of 14 found himself immersed in the hobby, thanks to a lot of the other “ham radio operators” “Many of the ham operators there were World War II veterans and Korean War veterans who had been radio operators.
..They were all very generous with their time and their knowledge and were very patient with everyone that wanted to learn,” he said.
“Ham” is a nickname for amateur radio operators that originated as a derogatory term used to describe incompetent telegraphers in the railroad industry. Over time, however, the term evolved and was ultimately embraced by the amateur radio community as a badge of pride. Hoping to pass the love of amateur radioing on, Sickels and the other members are excited to share their interest with inquisitive minds.
“It’s a great way ...
to have hands-on experience with math and science and even geography,” he said. “But also it’s a way to gain a better appreciation of the world at large.” Members of the club will be on hand to explain more about modern amateur radio, along with answering questions and providing the opportunity of on-the-air experiences for attendees.
The open house will feature demonstrations of radio equipment, showcasing a range from vintage collectors’ pieces to modern digital communication systems. Tony Alviar, of Ohiopyle, who has been with the club for nearly 40 years said the club is not just a great way to socialize with people who have similar interests from all of the world, it’s also a great opportunity to get hands-on experience. “It’s a great way for people to work with equipment they may not have access to that they didn’t know existed,” Alvair said.
“Generally, and especially initially, when someone wants to learn how to use the various pieces of equipment, we just don’t direct them to the internet and say ‘go for it’ – we’re here working with them and answering any questions they may have. Club members emphasized that getting started is easier and more affordable than most people realize. “For about $50 and some studying, anyone can get a ham radio license,” Alviar said.
“We even have equipment here that new members can use.” Eugene Wilburn, a member for 4 years, said visitors will also be able to learn about the club’s critical role in emergency communications, such as providing vital links during disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. “We want to show people that ham radio isn’t just a hobby from the past,” says Eugene Wilburn, a club member.
“It’s a living, breathing community of people who love communication and technology.” The open house is on Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m.
to 1 p.m. at 433 Old Pittsburgh Road in Uniontown.
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