Amateur radio expo set for April 15 at Georgetown CHEER Center
Hundreds of amateur radio enthusiasts will gather this Saturday, April 15, at the Georgetown CHEER Center, 20520 Sand Hill Road, for the annual Delmarva Amateur Radio and Electronics Expo. The public is invited join the fun and bring the kids to learn why ham radio is not just granddaddy's hobby anymore. Admission to the vendor exhibits is $8 and doors open at 8 a.m.
Chris Cote of Smyrna will bring his ham radio equipment to demonstrate a variety of ways people use amateur radio to experiment and make contacts both in and out of this world. Cote, who uses FCC call sign KE5NJ, travels in his yellow demonstration bus with his equipment set up and ready to go. He expects to be ready to welcome visitors in the parking lot as early as 7:30 a.m.
Cote uses his bus is to promote ham radio and let interested visitors try something they have never done before, like making satellite contacts. He goes to many events throughout the year including Jamboree on the Air, Radio Merit Badge College and Parks on the Air to explain how radio works. Each event has a different purpose, but all include using ham radio to contact people around the world.
Ham radio is constantly evolving. New technologies are being developed, and operators are always finding new ways to use them. Cote has been involved for almost 50 years, and he is still planning new challenges. Later this year, he plans to bounce his radio signal from a public park location, off the moon, and back to Earth to a station located in another park. This will require that the operators’ sending and receiving stations both be in a position where the moon is above the horizon, using the right kind of antennas, and understanding a great deal of astrological information to calculate the best date, time and trajectory. It’s one of the things hams call fun!
Radio operators from throughout the Mid-Atlantic will be able to attend radio-related seminars, buy and sell new and used radio equipment, and take a free licensing test. Parking and outside tailgating events, including the KE5NJ bus, are free. For more information, email SussexAmateurRadio@gmail.com.
