December 5, 2007
Amateur Radio Gateway to the World

The International Space Station QSL card is a highlight of the Gateway Amateur Radio Club of Cleveland's new display at the White County Library in Cleveland.  The club opened the exhibit Monday.  Club members, Jim Balaun, Diana and Ivan White, Tilitha and Don Collins gathered current and antique equipment, maps and contact confirmation cards for the display. The QSL cards are sent between members to confirm radio contacts around the world and to outer space!  Cleveland Georgia, Gateway to the Mountains; Amateur Radio, Gateway to the World is the theme of the exhibit which runs through the end of December.

Balaun, (K4PZ) says, "The display includes everything needed to communicate around the world. The antenna I made and used to communicate with friends and family at home during a 20,000 mile trip across the USA, to Alaska and Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada is right there!" He beams proudly indicating a coiled red wire in the display.

    Members have communicated with other amateur radio operators in all fifty states and over 150 countries on all seven continents.  On Saturday October 20, 2007 the club and Boy Scout Troop 48 participated in the 50th annual (JOTA) Boys Scouts of America Jamboree on the Air. Members set up radios and antennae at scout hut on Jess Hunt Road.  Scouts, guided by an experienced operator, were able to talk with other scouts around the country and the world. Each scout who participated received a patch commemorating the event.  The patch is part of the library display. Earlier members of the troop attended a radio merit badge class offered by Balaun.

    Hams provided health and welfare communication during the aftermath of the World Trade Center bombing and Katrina.  Amateur radio operators work closely with local and national emergency managers. Gateway Amateur Radio Club meets monthly at the local EOC office.  They hold regular field days to practice emergency communication with portable equipment from remote location. Members assist local authorities with weather related emergencies, searches for missing persons and homeland security.

Free classes for aspiring amateur radio operators of all ages will be offered by the club winter 2008.  For more information on club activities or classes contact:

Michael Stanley (AI4PL)  706-384-2059, club president

Chris Egeland (AG4AX)  706-865-5896

Jim Balaun (K4PZ)  706-865-0930