News

July 7, 2008

Tuning in for fun

CAMILLE FIOTI Times Leader Correspondent

LEHMAN TWP. – The Murgas Amateur Radio Club of Wilkes-Barre had its 29th annual “Hamfest” Sunday at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds. Vendors, also known as “tailgaters,” sold new and used ham radios, computers and electronic equipment from tables alongside their vehicles.

Sarah Reed of Bethel, Berks County, said she didn’t mind driving two hours to get to the event. Accompanied by her boyfriend, Matt Miller, Reed, an amateur radio operator or “ham,” said she’s been attending the Hamfest for years.

Although Reed belongs to another amateur radio club in her area, she also likes to support the Murgas Club.

“I just like coming and looking around,” she said. “I get a kick out of all the stuff.”

Money from admission ticket sales and rentals of vendor booths are used to pay for club-sponsored activities such as the annual “Field Day” at Moon Lake Park. The event, which trains for disaster preparedness, attracts hams from around the state. A portion of the proceeds also goes to support the Murgas Scholarship, which is administered by the Foundation for Amateur Radio.

The Murgas Amateur Radio Club has about 100 members, said chairman Carol Nygren. The club provides public service communications each year in support of the Wilkes-Barre Triathlon, the Wilkes-Barre YMCA Duathlon and local walks to support diabetes and multiple sclerosis awareness and research.

Part of what attracts people to amateur radio is the ability to communicate across the country, around the globe, or even with astronauts on space missions.

Elaine Kollar said her husband got her hooked on the hobby. “When we got married, I got my license,” she said. “I wanted to know how the equipment worked.”

In order to obtain an FCC license to operate on radio frequencies, known as the “Amateur Bands,” operators must have basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles and pass an exam. Carolyn Harrsch, of Wyalusing, was preparing to take her test at the Hamfest.

“I’ve never been around ham radios, but my friend promised me one if I pass the test,” she said.

One of the club’s youngest members, 15-year-old Roz Gannis of Wapwallopen, said she’s been talking on her dad’s ham radio since she was 3. She officially became a “ham” when she received her operator’s license three years ago.

“I get to meet a whole lot of people, but most of the time I don’t see their faces,” Gannis said, adding that she’s contacted people from as far away as Canada.

Gannis competes in club-sponsored contests where members try to make as many radio contacts as they can. She’s tried to get her friends interested in the hobby, but hasn’t had any luck.

“They use every excuse to use their cell phone instead of a radio.”

Roz has a cell phone but she hardly uses it.

“It’s not because of the radio,” she said. “I just do it because it’s fun.”

USEFUL TO YOU

Meetings of the Murgas Amateur Radio Club of Wilkes-Barre are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Power and Light’s East Mountain Business Center off state Route 115. For more information, contact Carol Nygren at 477-2294.

Visit www.timesleader.com for a link to the Murgas Amateur Radio Club of Wilkes-Barre’s Web site.

“I get to meet a whole

lot of people, but most of the time I don’t see their faces.”

Roz Gannis

A 15-year-old ham radio enthusiast

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