On Saturday, the club hosted an amateur radio field day that was open to the public and lasted until the next day.
Doug Silliker, vice-president of the club, said the purpose was to test their communications and to achieve a certificate if they gain enough points within North America, which is when they successfully make contact.
Silliker said he’s had many great experiences with the hobby.
“I’ve talked to people all over the world: Japan, Italy, and Australia. It’s good because you get to hear people’s stories and they share their life experiences.”
Mann talked him into becoming an amateur radio operator and has been a club member since 2005, he said.
“It’s a good way of communicating, meeting people, and making friends.”
Mann said amateur radio is unique because, unlike texting or calling, you don’t know who will be on the receiving end.
“Today we’re going to put the call out and we have no idea who’s going to answer us. That’s the beauty of it.”
Mann’s father was into radio, and it’s something that intrigues him because it’s a hobby that’s constantly evolving.
“It’s very interesting and it’s always changing with technology. I just built a new computer system for digital this week.”
Besides being fun, amateur radio is capable of assisting in times of emergency, he said.
“When New Orleans and Louisiana flooded, that was all amateur radio because there was no power and the cell phones were out. All amateurs have portable radios and were submitting back to a central office.”
He said their club would be responding if there was ever an emergency in Summerside and they have an emergency station in city hall.
Mann said the event ran for 24 hours straight and he expected a great turnout from the public because it’s an engaging pastime.
“It’s fun and there’s a lot of social interaction.”
