Ham Radio Takes the Airwaves: Northwest Amateur Radio Society Joins Nationwide Field Day in Klein
For 24 hours starting June 28, 2025, ham radio operators from the Northwest Amateur Radio Society (NARS) will power up their radios, raise antennas, and reach across the airwaves from a modest field in Klein, Texas. It’s all part of ARRL Field Day, a nationwide emergency preparedness and public outreach event that draws over 40,000 participants across North America each summer.
This year, the NARS Field Day site will be at the HCESD 16 Administration Building, located at 18606 Stuebner Airline Road, Spring, TX 77379. From 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 through 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, amateur radio operators — also known as "hams" — will be transmitting under real-world conditions to showcase their role in emergency communications and community connection.
“Ham radio functions completely independent of the internet and phone systems, and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes,” said Paul Owen, N5NXS, president of NARS. “Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others.”
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An Annual Test of Skill and Service
Field Day has been organized by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) since 1933, serving as both a friendly contest and a serious demonstration of amateur radio’s utility in crises. Operators must work with limited power and equipment, simulating how they would operate during natural disasters or other emergencies when conventional systems fail.
During this weekend-long exercise, NARS will showcase Morse code communications, voice transmissions via single side band, digital modes that link computers to radios, and even satellite communications. The club will also operate a GOTA (Get On The Air) station, designed for newcomers, inactive license holders, and curious guests who want to experience the thrill of live ham radio.
“It’s amazing how many people light up when they realize they’re talking to someone hundreds or thousands of miles away using just a small radio and some wire,” said Owen.
Why Amateur Radio Still Matters
Despite the prevalence of smartphones and internet-based communication, amateur radio remains a crucial resource when infrastructure is damaged or overwhelmed. Ham operators played key roles in maintaining communications during 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Colorado floods, often acting as the only link between affected communities and emergency responders.
“We’re a service hobby with a mission — we experiment, we build, and we help when it really matters,” said Owen. “That’s why we’re still growing and still excited to share this with the next generation.”
According to the ARRL, there are over 600,000 licensed amateur radio operators in the United States and more than 2 million worldwide. Ham operators come from all walks of life — teachers, doctors, students, retirees — united by a shared interest in radio technology and public service.
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Getting Started in Ham Radio
Becoming a ham is more accessible than ever. The cost to get started is relatively low: study materials for the FCC licensing exam typically cost under $40, and many local clubs offer free or low-cost classes. Entry-level radios can be purchased for under $200, with opportunities to find quality used equipment at local “hamfests” and flea markets.
Once licensed, operators can explore a wide variety of communication modes — from traditional Morse code to digital texting, voice, and even satellite relays. Some hams build their own antennas or radios; others enjoy participating in DX contests that test who can make the most distant contacts.
To learn more or to sign up to participate in Field Day, interested individuals can visit the NARS website at w5nc.net/nars.
The event is free and open to the public, with hands-on demonstrations, equipment displays, and plenty of friendly radio operators ready to share their knowledge. For those seeking a new hobby, a community connection, or a way to serve during emergencies, ham radio may be just the signal they’ve been waiting for.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for local event updates, community preparedness programs, and ways to get involved with public safety efforts in the greater Northwest Houston area.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.