Amateur radio operators test their skills at Field Day

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Red River Radio Amateurs took part in the annual A-R-R-L Field Day.

It’s an opportunity for amateur radio operators from around the country to try to contact as many other radio sites as they can.

Red River Radio Amateurs were able to contact just shy of 500 other sites over the weekend, which they say is slightly more than they have in past years.

One operator says events like this aren’t only an opportunity to practice, but are also a great way to share their hobby.

“I call ham radio the hobby of a thousand hobbies. There’s so many different things you can do, this is one of the events we can do. We can contact satellites, some hams did. I talked to a guy this morning who talked to some folks doing the same thing in Mayville, and they actually made 3 satellite contacts today. So there’s actually amateur radio satellites floating around up there.”

The group set up was powered by several batteries, with solar power used as a back up.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about ham radio can find a link here.