Ham Radio

When All Else Fails, Ham Radio Works!

Amateur radio operators – “hams” – are one of the most important components of Emergency Communication. Ham Radio is a step up in power and frequencies from GMRS Yellow Radios. While Yellow Radio users communicate within neighborhoods about local news and needs, hams provide communications between local shelters, assembly areas, medical clinics, response teams in the field and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

How Does Ham Radio Work?

Hams have options to operate over a wide range of frequencies, with higher power and larger antennas, ensuring communication is possible locally, statewide and nationally. Information about getting and maintaining equipment, protocols and techniques and other useful tips can be found in the EVCNB Ham Information Website.

Become A Ham

Ham radio operators must pass a written exam and are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. Getting a license is easy, even for non-techie types. There are in-person classes available regionally and an abundance of online tutorials and practice resources. See the EVCNB Ham Information web pages for details.

Nehalem Bay Hamsters

Our local ham radio club, the Nehalem Bay Hamsters, was formed to practice and enhance emergency communication skills. The Hamsters has a weekly radio practice, a bi-monthly training session and conducts several exercises throughout the year.