A chance to learn all about emergency communications and cutting-edge technology is coming up with weekend.

 

The Coffeyville, Independence and Parsons Amateur Radio Clubs will hold a joint field day exercise as part of ARRL Field Day held across the nation. Coffeyville Amateur Radio Club President Jacob McCallie says there will also be something new at this year's event.

 

A new communications trailer was funded through private grants and by a large grant from ARRL, which is the National Association for Amateur Radio.  The trailer will feature all-new radios and digital communications methods that allow the ability to send large amounts of data without the Internet, plus emergency power.  McCallie says this trailer could be utilized around the area in a local communications emergency, and Field Day is a good practice event.

 

Across the nation, clubs and individuals will set up portable stations all weekend long. The local clubs will set the trailer up at Oakcrest Lodge in Coffeyville across from the Aviation Heritage Museum this Saturday, June 28th.  The stations will be in operation for 24 hours from 1 p.m. on Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday. The public is welcome to attend and can register for the chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card.  More information HERE.