The steady tapping of the Morse code on a straight key is a common communication technique used by amateur radio operators.

If you want to meet people and make friends around the globe, there‘s an easier – and probably less expensive – way to do it than booking a steady stream of airline tickets.
Members of the Lakehead Amateur Radio Club (LARC) have made contact over the airwaves with people from as far away as Australia and Russia, and even a research station in Antarctica, all from right here in Thunder Bay.
“It‘s a very friendly hobby to get into,” said club member Karl Hamilton.
“Everybody‘s out to help everybody else.”
Hamilton got his amateur radio licence in 1969 and has been at it ever since. His interest in the hobby started with CB radio, but he eventually wanted more than that could offer.
“I wanted to talk to people all over the place and this was a good outlet for it,” he said.
Conversing with people about anything from the weather to their family lives, amateur radio enthusiasts (also known as “hams”) can be found across Northwestern Ontario. The Lakehead Amateur Radio Club boasts 55 members, and club president Randy Gottfred said there are many more hobbyists in the area who don‘t happen to belong to the club.
The group, which meets once a month, has a long history in Thunder Bay. Up and running since 1934, LARC is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. On April 17, the exact date of the very first meeting, a dinner will be held at the Slovak Legion.
Club membership is diverse, and Gottfred noted members range in age from 16 to 90-something.
“It spans the generations. It‘s interesting – the members are from all walks of life.”
While a technical background no doubt helps wannabe radio operators get started, he said, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are the keys to passing the licensing exam.
Amateur radio is something that can be done from home, using a lot of technical equipment, or not, depending on preferences and budget size, said club members.
“These are fairly elaborate radios – they‘re quite costly,” said Gottfred of the gear packed into the group‘s emergency communications centre on the second floor of the Salvation Army building on Cumberland Street.
The centre, which is open to all LARC members, allows for more than just friendly international communications, said Gottfred, who noted that it gives them the capability to help out organizations like the fire department and the Red Cross in case of an emergency.
While there are smaller-sized and lower-priced radios to be had, many enthusiasts are interested in trying out all the options and technologies available to them.
“It‘s a money sponge hobby, there‘s no doubt about that,” added Hamilton with a laugh.
It‘s also a hobby with many benefits.
“There‘s so many things you can do, and so many things you can share with other people,” said Gottfred.
“You can keep in touch with family and friends, and you can talk to new people all over the world.”
For more information about the Lakehead Amateur Radio Club, go to the website at www.larclub.net