Ham Radio Data Center by YO5OFH

In the modest confines of Engineering Building D, room 046, voices carry a long way. From Italy to Uruguay to the International Space Station, the members of the SIUC Amateur Radio Club have the capability of "rag chewing"-- making general conversation -- with fellow amateur radio operators across the world. Gregg Sperling, a sophomore from Westmont studying pre-law and president of the organization, said amateur radio is a hobby used for personal communications and emergency use among other things. "We have the ability to talk around the world from this room," he said. David Williams, a senior lecturer in the College of Engineering and faculty adviser of the club, said he has talked to fellow amateur radio operators from 145 countries. Amateur radio has existed for more than 75 years, he said. "Before Facebook, text messaging and walkie-talkies, amateur radio operators were social networking," Williams said.

Read more: eHam.net News

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