Since 1948
Ham operators provide communications support in public service events like the Abe's River Race held in July 15th, 2017. The race was held on the Sangamon River from Salisbury to Petersburg, IL. Communications support is vital to ensuring a safe and successful event. The logistics for some of the ham operators were different than typical public service events in that some operators were in kayaks. Additionally, the operations were spread out over a fairly wide area requiring the use of taller antennas and additional power to ensure that each station's signals were copyable. All in all, it was a successful event.
