SCHERTZ, Texas — Amateur radio operators from across Texas gathered Saturday at the Schertz Civic Center for Radio Fiesta Weekend, an annual event where participants bought and sold equipment, exchanged information and met with fellow hobbyists.
The event featured tables filled with radios, microphones, antennas, wiring and other amateur radio equipment. Attendees spent much of the day discussing technical aspects of the hobby and sharing experiences with other operators.
Brian Havran of the Katy Amateur Radio Club said amateur radio continues to evolve with new technologies and communication methods.
Operators can communicate locally through repeaters, make long-distance contacts on lower frequencies and use specialized equipment that bounces signals off the moon to reach other operators, Havran said.
Amateur radio operators also use digital modes to transmit text messages, communicate through satellites and contact operators aboard the International Space Station.
Havran sold equipment donated by the families of deceased amateur radio operators, commonly referred to within the hobby as “Silent Key” equipment.
“Just about everything we got here has come from members who have passed away, and their widows gave it to us,” Havran said.
Another popular attraction at the event was the sale of “Go boxes,” portable units designed to power radio equipment in remote locations using batteries.
Dennis Kendricks, who builds the devices, said operators can transport the boxes into the field and use them to power radio equipment without relying on external electrical sources.
Attendee Elijah Judd said he came to the event to search for equipment and connect with friends in the amateur radio community.
“I came here looking for interesting hardware — which I found a few things — and also just to meet a few friends,” Judd said.
The San Antonio Radio Club, which organized the event, was founded in 1919 and ranks among the oldest amateur radio clubs in the United States.