The radio operators, or hams as they often call themselves, established hundreds of connections with other people across Canada and the United States.
Also, the neophytes who popped by to check things out learned something, too, said MARC member Basil Burgess.
"It was very successful and success in a radio event depends on the ability to get your signal out and pick up as many (signals) as possible," said Burgess. "We had coast-to-coast connections as far east as Nova Scotia and south to Florida.
"It was just one of those years where everything seemed to come together," he added.
The event started Saturday afternoon and continued throughout the day and overnight into Sunday. About 20 MARC members participated at eight portable stations set up at the conservation area.
"We had people come by and visit us," Burgess said. "They were escorted around and got to see what was happening."
Ham radio involves the use of wireless communications to speak with other amateur radio enthusiasts.
The technology, according to ham radio enthusiasts, continues to work during emergencies when other forms of communication go down. One of the reasons club members met over the weekend was to make sure everyone was prepared to use the radios in the event of an emergency.
"We're more than just a bunch of guys who like electronics and to talk, (because) if that was it, we'd just use cell phones," said Burgess. "Amateur radio is like driving a car because it's a privilege, not a freedom. We give back during emergencies; that's why we're given the airwaves."
For more information, visit www.marc.on.ca.
cclay@mississauga.net
