Stephen Hamilton, associate professor and technical director of the Army Cyber Institute at the United States Military Academy at West Point, along with several members of the Orange County Amateur Radio Club (and some of their fancy equipment), visited Marlboro High School last month. During their informative visit, they introduced students to “ham” radio, a popular hobby and service that uses the radio frequency spectrum to bring people and electronics together for the purpose of recreation and communication.
As the Dukes learned, licensed individuals use ham radio to connect with others across towns or even around the world, all without the use of the internet or cell phones. The activity can be fun, social, and educational, and can serve as an important lifeline during emergencies.
The students each got a turn at the ham radio station that had been set up outside, and were able to practice call signs and other codes and language used by seasoned radio operators as they made local and distance contacts.
Students were clearly impressed with the experience and appreciated learning a unique new skill. Copy that!