BIG FLATS, N.Y. (WENY) — The Amateur Radio Association of the Southern Tier (ARAST) took part in a national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise on June 28 and 29. The theme of "radio connects" was on full display at the W2ZJ radio station at Harris Hill.

"It's state of the art now, they keep on improving it," said event secretary Tom McGarry. "Some people like the old way. Some people like these new satellite communications, digital communications, and all these different things."

People were seen operating old-fashioned communication radios that use Morse Code, as well as newer devices that use keyboard-to-keyboard communication. But for operator Meade Murtland, he enjoys using the phone.

"I always have liked phone. I love talking to people back and forth," said Murtland. "I've done code a portion of my life, and I do the digital too. But I really find the exchange that you have with the people voice-wise beneficial."

Murtland said he's been using radios his entire life. He said he enjoys it because it's a way of connecting all corners of the world.

"Everybody is different in this world, and that's one of the great things about this; it kind of brings everybody together," Murtland said. "I can talk to an amateur radio operator in England, and we've got a bond instantly. I could talk to an amateur radio operator in Africa, as I have before, and we have a bond."

The national event is also used as a training exercise for local amateur radio operators. Individuals and groups like ARAST can help out during times of emergencies when traditional communication is wiped out. Operators at the event said skills like this would also be useful for a time when cell signals are jammed, like during a natural disaster.

"If we're used to working together as a team, and an emergency comes, we don't have to like be real awkward or rusty with our communications," McGarry said. "We can set it up and operate smoothly."

Organizers said the point of the weekend's competition is to help build a community among the ham radio operators, as well as to just have a good time. An official number of calls has not been figured out yet, but the group was expected to make hundreds of contacts over the 24-hour competition period.