MOUNT CRAWFORD VA: (Rocktown Now) – Amateur radio enthusiasts from across the region will gather this weekend at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds for the annual Amateur Radio Field Day, a 24-hour event that highlights both the hobby and its importance in emergency communications.

Paul Hellmuth, a longtime ham radio operator and director of the local 911 center, said the event offers a unique opportunity for both experienced operators and the public to explore the world of amateur radio. “It’s been a hobby for me since I was 13 years old,” Hellmuth said, noting that the activity has existed for more than a century.

Amateur radio, often called “ham radio,” allows licensed volunteers to communicate using a range of frequencies and technologies, from traditional voice transmission to Morse code and digital modes. Operators can communicate locally or across the globe by bouncing signals off the ionosphere; Hellmuth said one of his longest contacts reached Australia.
Unlike unlicensed services such as CB or family radios, ham radio requires operators to pass an exam demonstrating knowledge of regulations and technical principles. In exchange, they gain access to a broader range of frequencies and capabilities, allowing for more advanced communication.

Field Day, organized annually by amateur radio groups nationwide, serves as both a demonstration and a simulated emergency exercise. The local event will officially run from 2 p.m. Saturday through 2 p.m. Sunday, with participants operating radios continuously to make as many contacts as possible.
“We don’t like to call it a contest, but there are points involved,” Hellmuth said. “It’s really more of an emergency communications exercise.”

During the event, operators will set up multiple stations across the fairgrounds, each focusing on different communication methods. These include voice transmissions, Morse code, and digital systems, as well as a special station where visitors—including those without a license—can try making contacts under supervision.
All stations will operate using backup power sources such as generators and batteries rather than the electrical grid, simulating real-world conditions in which traditional communication systems may fail.

“That’s where amateur radio really becomes important,” Hellmuth said. “If all normal communication systems go down, these operators can provide a critical backup.”
Local amateur radio volunteers regularly work with emergency services through the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) program. They maintain stations at key locations such as hospitals and the 911 center and can relay messages across regions, including to state emergency operations centers.
In addition to its practical applications, amateur radio offers educational value, particularly for young people interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Hellmuth said operators as young as 10 have become licensed, and the hobby can help Scouts and students earn badges and hands-on experience.

“There’s a lot of experimentation involved,” he said. “You can build equipment, design antennas, and even work with satellite communications.”

Organizers encourage community members to attend the free event, observe demonstrations, and learn more about how amateur radio works. Setup begins Friday, and visitors are welcome to stop by at any time after the official start Saturday afternoon.
The Rockingham County Fairgrounds is located just south of Harrisonburg along Route 11.

Learn more about Amateur Radio here: What is Ham Radio