WILLIAMS — A few ham radio licensees in Williams are trying to re-establish the Bill Williams Mountain Radio Group. They are looking for former members who would like to re-establish the group as well as anyone who would like to obtain and amateur radio license.

Glen Davis, who recently obtained an amateur radio license, is one of those making the attempt. He tried to contact some of the former members through the web site, but received no response.

“A strong amateur radio group is important,” Davis explained. “It gives the opportunity for new amateur radio operators to learn from experienced operators. Most people do not know that a person of any age that can past the test can get a license.”

Amateur radio has been around since radio began. People interested in obtaining a HAM radio license no longer have to worry about Morse code.

“In fact you do not even need a radio, anymore,” Davis said. “With programs such as Echolink you can make contacts around the world on your computer or smart phone.”

Amateur radio also serves the community with emergency communication. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—also known as the National Weather Service—has established the Skywarn system that trains weather spotters to report hazardous or unusual weather conditions during a storm. The Federal Communications Commission has established the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). In some areas, such as Coconino County, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) has established the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). These services provides emergency communications when other forms of communication fail.

Another advantage of a local group is that experienced amateur radio operators can help those interested in obtaining a license pass the examination. Communications even with a simple Technician license can be expansive through the use of repeaters. Mobile units no bigger than your hand can keep you in communication on the highways even where cell phone service fails.

Davis also noted that there are several new forms of communication that people do not think about. “You can communicate with a 2-meter hand held radio via satellite. You can bounce signals off of the moon. You can do digital communications through a computer. There are contest where you try to make as many contacts as possible in a set time. And you can even learn and use good-old Morse code.”

Anyone who is interested in re-establishing the Bill Williams Mountain Radio Group can contact Glen at kg7ydj@kg7ydj.us.