Dialed in: Amateur radio association keeping ‘the other wireless’ alive

WASILLA — The Matanuska Amateur Radio Association is a general interest amateur radio club with approximately 100 members. You may not see them, but if you have a scanner, chances are you’ve heard them.

According to MARA secretary Tabitha Sherman, the group is comprised of folks from every walk of life with at least one thing in common, the love of amateur, or ham radio. Group officers said MARA members are involved in every aspect of amateur radio. The organization makes a special effort to participate in providing communications support for public service events, field days, marathons, sled dog and snow machine races—local and statewide, avalanche rescues, and wildland fires.

Sherman said the group works closely with Mat-Su Borough emergency services and emergency preparedness, as needed. MARA members also lend themselves to civic groups. Sherman said MARA works with both Valley Boys and Girls Scouts of America not only sharing their knowledge, but also allowing the Scouts to earn merit badges.

Ham radio operators must be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and getting the required license takes time and study. Other MARA activities include offering the required classes to obtain that license when there are enough interested individuals. Monthly ham tests are also administered by group members. Several club members volunteer their time to teach classes for those who wish to obtain an amateur radio license or upgrade their license privileges, with FCC volunteer examiners scheduling exams regularly.

The following excerpt was taken from the MARA webpage…

In an age where communication is often taken for granted, it’s easy to overlook the importance of Ham Radio.

I often receive questions like: “Why do I need Ham Radio when I have a cell phone?” or “Didn’t the internet kill Ham Radio?” While these modern forms of communication may have shifted the attention away from Ham Radio, by no means did it make it unnecessary. In fact, during a disaster, it’s very likely that these modern forms of communication will be the first ones to fail.

The number one reason for preparedness minded people to consider Ham Radio is its reliability during times of crisis. Since the early 1900s, this form of communication has reliably made it through every major crisis, disaster, and emergency situation with flying colors. When all other forms of communication fail, Hams are often the ones who are called upon to help communicate in and out of the disaster zone.

When the grid goes down, the Ham Bands will still be alive and very active.

Sherman agrees with the statement. She said despite the fact that worldwide cell phone use has skyrocketed over the past 10 years or so, and that most everyone is dependent on internet connections, both of those modes of communications would mostly likely be the first to fail in a major disaster.

“I enjoy being able to talk with people all over the world,” Sherman said. She said people seem to love talking with people from Alaska.

For those with their required license(s) but not members, the club owns and operates a repeater located at Wasilla High School and packet node. Both are open for all licensed amateurs and are home to many nets in the area.

The club, which has been in existence for decades, has a long history of community service and promotion of ham radio in the community and the state of Alaska.

The newly revamped website not only keeps members up to date on the latest club activities, it has links for practice exams and other pertinent information.

Sherman said the group usually meets monthly fire station 61 on 101 West Swanson Ave. in Wasilla. It also has numerous activities throughout the year where both members and those interested in learning more about amateur radio are welcomed. One of those happens tomorrow.

MARA’s annual picnic is on tap for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lucille Park in Wasilla. Sherman said burgers and hot dogs will be provided by the association but those attending are asked to bring a side dish to share.

More information on the group and how to contact them is available at its website and call letters—kl7jfu.com.

Contact reporter Chris Ford at 352-2270 or chris.ford@frontiersman.com