Are you looking to spend more time in the backcountry? While spending days or weeks away from civilization is a great adventure, you may have some worries about safety. Garmin in reach and other devices allow for backcountry communication but come with a large price tag. Still, there is something else that allows for 2 way communication and is a fraction of the price. It's traveling through the air all around us. Invisible to the eye, but giving some the ability to communicate at the speed of light. Worldwide about 3 million people use this form of communication, but to do so one must have access to the right equipment and pass an exam.
I'm talking about Ham Radio operators. Amateur radio or Ham Radio is a hobby for some and an important service for others. Operators can use radio communication to talk to people worldwide from the comfort of their home. It also allows for a form of communication that is more reliable than cell service in remote places.
In order to get a Ham radio license, you must pass a 35-question exam on regulations and rules, operation practices, basic circuits, and radio theory. For higher classes which give you access to different features, there are similar exams. After passing an exam, a Ham operator (or station) will receive a unique call sign that identifies both the operator and the location in which the operator was licensed. With this sign and a radio, operators can make their first contact!
Once armed with a radio, call sign, and license, “Hams” engage in numerous activities involving their radios. Some use their radios to make contacts and collect QSL cards. In amateur radio, QSL means either do you confirm my transmission’ or ‘I confirm your transmission’. QSL cards are similar to a post card and validate communications and contacts. Similarly, some collect Summits On The Air or SOTAs. To do so, one must be within 25 meters of the summit and make direct contact (without the use of a repeater). Being a license holder also allows you to make backcountry trips without having to worry about losing service. With the right equipment and knowledge you can be miles from service while still being able to contact civilization if necessary.
While being a Ham is a great hobby, it can also be a valuable resource in times of need. When Hurricane Katrina caused large-scale blackouts, Hams helped out where other communications failed. EMTs use Ham radios during active rescue situations though it is illegal for non-emergency services to use this frequency for any reason. In the North Country, operators have and continue to help out in times of need. Recently, Hams assisted with traffic and safety during the solar eclipse when cell service was expected to be poor. Amateur radio is also used for communication during events such as canoe races or fishing competitions. These hobbyists provide helpful services to the community mainly through volunteering.
Having an extensive network is incredibly helpful in many cases but it is important to remember that amateur radio is not infallible. Many people's home and mobile radio setups could be unusable in times of natural disaster. So it does not always solve issues of ice storms or fires. But when cell service goes down, when there are wide-scale power outages, or when there are large amounts of people in the same area, Hams help our community stay safe.
Having a radio on you in the backcountry can be a great safety measure.The ability to communicate in times of need with other hikers and with civilization is invaluable in cases of emergency. Even without a license, you can listen to a radio for regular updates about the weather or even for entertainment and information. I myself have been spared hiking out in a thunderstorm by having a radio handy. So before your next big adventure, consider adding a backup form of communication to your bag.
If you are interested in getting your license, there are regular exams in person in several locations in the North Country. The next exam at the time this article is released is 6:30pm in North Syracuse. You can find a test center in your area here.
