Local ham radio operators keep in touch


Members of the Conejo Valley Amateur Radio Club have overcome the social separation issue imposed during the coronavirus— they meet several times a day using their radios.

The on-the-air meetings usually include some 20 to 30 participants who check in through a central network control operator and take turns sharing information.

The group has been meeting via the airwaves since the coronavirus outbreak hit last month.

The local ham operators connect by using a radio repeater in Thousand Oaks that allows them to share time together. They talk about a variety of topics, including recipes, technical questions, shows to watch and the availability of items at local markets. Nearly 100 different operators have participated since the program began.

Participating hams have called in from Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Newbury Park, Camarillo and Ventura.

The daily gatherings are hosted by several volunteer coordinators, including Zak Cohen of T.O. and Stuart Sheldon of Newbury Park.

In addition to the lively banter, the operators are honing their skills in case they’re needed to assist others in a time of emergency.

An FCC amateur radio license is required to transmit, but those with scanner radios can listen in on 147.885 MHz at 9 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

For information on obtaining a ham radio license, go tocvarc.org or arrl.org.