By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Weekend Editor

HAM Radio operation isn't as popular as it once was but there are still many people who enjoy it as a hobby. It is possible to speak to people from across the world by simply changing frequencies.

The Fayette County Repeater Association is a group of people who enjoy operating amateur radios and they are always looking to turn more people on to it.

One of their main forms of public relations happens annually at the Amateur Radio Field Days. Using generators, radio stations are set up for 24 hours as the group tries to make as many contacts as possible. Two stations are set up for the group to use and one is set up for the public to use.

"Field Days is a great opportunity to see what amateur radio is all about," said Pat Stressel, a member of the Fayette County Repeater Association.

Like most of HAM Radio's fans, Stressel got into it because her mother and father were both amateur radio operators. She got her amateur radio license two years ago and participated in the field days event last year.

Though making contacts with people in foreign lands is certainly one of the benefits of amateur radio operation, its main purpose is to test the emergency capabilities.

If a storm were to knock out all power or a crisis hit and ordinary lines of communication were down, a HAM radio could be used to seek out help.

Different people from the Fayette County Repeater Association will be taking time slots during the 24-hour event.

The event will run from 2 p.m. Saturday to 2 p.m. Sunday at 221 Hi Lo Road in Fayetteville. The public is encouraged to come out and see the group in action.

For information phone Pat Stressel at 770-719-1503.

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