Yellowknife (Sep 05/03) - The Yellowknife Amateur Radio Society may be just another club in town, but it also has an important purpose during times of crisis.

Joe LaFerla, president of the club, explained they have many responsibilities in emergencies. The territorial emergency plan recognizes the society as an emergency communication system.

"We're here to provide communication when regular lines fail," he said.

LaFerla said one of reason they are so important is because the radios are reliable in times of crisis. LaFerla pointed out that if the phone lines are down radios are the best ways to contact someone. He added even cell phones aren't as reliable as high frequency radios.

"We act as a back up if something major happens," he said.

Although there is a serious side to the club, LaFerla said it is also a lot of fun.

The society is hoping to generate some more interest in amateur radio. They are organizing a 12-week basic training course in September.

Once a month the club meets to exchange ideas, talk about problems and talk about connections they have made.

Depending on the right conditions, high-frequency radios can send signals around the world. LaFerla, who's call sign is VE8JL, often uses his radio to try and make contact with people in other countries.

"I've talked to a man from Pakistan. It was a wonderful conversation," he said. "I've made contact with people in Europe, Russia and Japan.

Club treasurer, George Blandford once made contact with the McMurdo Station, which is located in the Antarctic. "That was really incredible," said LaFerla. "That doesn't happen very often."

High frequency radios work by sending radio waves to the ionosphere, which then bounce back down to earth. The frequency could be sent halfway around the world or it could end in a neighbour's yard.

LaFerla said making contacts are the most exciting part about amateur radios. He explained that he never knows who he's going to talk to.

"One night I talked to a person from Hay River," he said. "It's funny to think that the radio wave only bounced that far."

During the year the club participates in several international competitions. Amateur radio operators have a certain amount of time to make as many contacts as possible.

"The contests are fun but they also have a purpose," he said. "They prepare us for emergency situations where we have to be able to make contacts."