At MACA’s quarterly meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, “ham” or shortwave radio operators Ken Alan and Ralph Squillace encouraged audience members to engage in shortwave radio as an alternative to landlines or cell phones in an emergency, when the power is off. It doesn’t require electricity, they stated, and anyone may listen to a shortwave radio at any time. They and the handy-talkies Alan demonstrated are inexpensive, they added. Repeater stations, similar to those cell towers, are located in the mountains, they provided.
In order to talk on a shortwave radio, however, they stated that one must be licensed but licensing no longer requires proficiency in Morse code – just a knowledge of the alphabet. If the applicant does not pass the exam the first time they may retake it. Even children are broadcasters, Alan provided.
A licensed operator may use a “handle,” or pseudonym; or they may use the call letters they are given upon being licensed, although some operators know each other by a first name. Licensees may choose their call letters, they added.
Both presenters are experienced radio announcers who interviewed locals for a June 30 podcast on Sunday at Mentone Days, as reported in MM’s article titled “MORE ON MENTONE’S 138TH BIRTHDAY PARTY,” published on 7/2/25. The podcast is available at https://apple.co/4np4tLs. The duo continue to publish podcasts.
Alan is, additionally, a volunteer examiner for licensing. For further information about licensing or equipment or anything connected with ham radio, contact Alan:
MACA’s next meeting will be in January or February, its President, J.P. Gutierrez, announced. MACA, the Chamber and COMET are dark in November and December. MM