But in times of disaster, it usually is the only form of communication. Field Day also is a contest in which hams compete to see which operator can communicate with the most users across the continent. In years past, the more advanced hams have contacted up to 1,000 people in one day, according to members of the Raleigh Amateur Radio Society. Awards are given out in November for the person who makes the most contacts. Keys added that he communicated by ham radio for 25 years with his father in Los Angeles, and that it was still an important way of keeping up with his family across the country.
Ham radio is a hobby dating back to the early part of the century.
The radios can send messages by voice or International Morse Code to users all over the world. In Wake County, Field Day participants began gathering in a large field just south of Apex at 2 p.m. Friday. In Durham, Field Day operations will be at Eno River State Park, starting this morning. The contest's rules allow 24 hours to set up before today's exercise. Wittich said contestants often attach wire antennas to arrows, coiling them around the branches of tall trees so they can get the most powerful effect.