Ham Radio
Lost Echo Ham Club
The Lost Echo Hams is a group of individuals that were inspired by the community need to communicate, especially in times of emergencies. This need grew in response to the formation of the Echo Lake Community Group. Initially most of these individuals acquired their Amateur Radio License having no background in technology. This dedication led to the creation of the Lost Echo Ham club with the club call sign of WA7LEH. More information can be found at WA7LEH.net.
New Amateur Radio Hams!
In June 2019, sixteen people from our community completed a two day class culminating in the FCC Technician Class exam. Everyone successfully completed the exam! Congratulations to AJ Baxter, Denise Deacon, Keith Deacon, Marion Douglas, Robert Earle, Linnea Evans, Germaine Fitzgerald, Jan David Hettinga, Jeremy Hettinga, Suzette High, Janet Macher, Richard Pierce, John Stelfox, Richard Williams, Jill Williams and Evelyn Woods.
For most it was their first exposure to the technology, rules and techniques of radio and the technology that makes it work. With strange terminology, weird relationships, and enlightening concepts, they absorbed the information required to pass the FCC exam. While it may have been a challenging course for some, it was a joyful relief in the end to have completed the course.
They learned the theory of how radios work, the rules of operating a radio, basic electronics, antenna design, wave propagation, and safety measures among several other topics. The other thing everyone learned was that it is still possible to tackle a vastly different subject and retain the information.
What this means to the Echo Lake community is that during an emergency or disaster we are much better equipped to handle the adverse conditions with the knowledge that we can all communicate with each other and the region through these key people. Communication will help ensure safety and save lives.
We are thankful for the time and effort of Scott Honaker and Erik Robins, the volunteer teachers that taught the course and answered the many questions during the weekend.
Scott is the Snohomish County DEM Communications Coordinator, IT Consultant, and Regional Communication Leader, lead instructor for FCC Amateur licensing and advanced ACES courses. In addition, Scott is leading and directing many radio related working groups and developing regional and state policy relating to Emergency communications. Scott is also part of the ICOM national sales team, highly respected for his knowledge of radio systems, protocols, rules and challenges to all radio system engineers.
Erik is the Snohomish County ACS administrator and event organizer for many Amateur radio events throughout the county. He has taught technology for decades and continues that extensive effort locally with FCC Amateur licensing classes and advanced ACES courses. In addition, he is intimately involved in many system installations around Snohomish County. Even in retirement, Erik is a full time volunteer, making the world a better place.
We are also thankful for the examiners Dick Beach, Gary Nevius, Ann Wright, Wayne Connell, and Erik Robins that made certification possible.