Amateur Radio Operators ‘Ham’ It Up At Library Presentation
WARSAW — An amateur radio program and demonstration was held Wednesday, Aug. 23, at Warsaw Community Public Library.
Amateur radio (also called ham radio) describes the use of radio frequency for the purpose of exchanging messages. The term “amateur” is used to specify someone interested in radio-electric practice with a purely personal aim.
Ham radio operators use their hobby to communicate with other hobbyists across the world. Ham radio can also be used to relay information in emergency situations, such as during a tornado or other disaster.
It has been reported that the term “ham” was originally a disparaging term used in professional wired telegraphy during the 19th century to mock operators with poor Morse Code skills (“ham-fisted”). At some point the amateur radio community began to reclaim the term as a title of pride, and by the mid-20th century it had lost its derogatory meaning.
The Hoosier Lakes Radio Club of Kosciusko County was formed in 1951 by a group of local amateur radio operators and electronic experimenters.
According to Jack Worth, treasurer of Hoosier Lakes Radio Club and pastor of Dutchtown Brethren Church, Warsaw, Hoosier Lakes Radio Club is one of the most active radio clubs in the entire state.
“This is the way most radio communication went on in WWII,” said Worth, “They had so many people in WWII who were code operators that the Vibroplex Company couldn’t keep up with the demand.” Vibroplex is a manufacturer of Morse Code keys.
Worth went on to explain that Lionel LLC., an American designer and importer of toy trains and model railroads, was contacted at that time.
“They got in touch with Lionel, the company that makes toy trains,” Worth said, “Vibroplex sent their patterns to Lionel, and Lionel was commissioned to manufacture telegraph keys to ensure there would be enough keys to go around because communication was so important.”
Many amateur radio operators participate in radio contests, during which an individual or team of operators attempt to contact and exchange information with as many other amateur radio stations as possible in a given period of time.