Members of the Tamaqua Wireless Association will be among the thousands of radio enthusiasts who will be hitting up the airwaves this weekend.

The association will hold its annual Field Day exercises beginning at noon Saturday from the Owl Creek Reservoir in Tamaqua.

The group will be among the nation’s 31,000 ham radio operators who will set up temporary transmission stations to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill and service to communities.

Ham radio, or amateur radio, doesn’t rely on the infrastructure used by other modes of communication, such as cellphones.

It is often used in emergency situations, when all other communications are down.

“We will be doing it from the pavilion there,” said Jim Munley, the Tamaqua group’s spokesman. “We will be doing all different types of communications, including digital.”

The event is open to the public, and Munley hopes people stop by to learn.

One always popular offering is the “GOTA” station, which Munley said stands for “get on the air.”

At the station, folks have the chance to try to communicate with others participating in Field Day. Participants will attempt to contact as many as they can during the 24-hour event, Munley said.

Once they make contact, they ask what type of radio and power the others are using.

“People really like doing that,” Munley said.

He said contact can be made across the state, nation — and even overseas.

The group will offer VE testing at 5 p.m. Saturday for those seeking an amateur radio license or an upgrade.

“You don’t have to register for that; just show up,” Munley said.

The group also plans to unveil its new Meshtastic at Field Day. Munley said the device is designed to exchange text messages and data in off-grid environments.

There will be light food and refreshments.

The Tamaqua Wireless Association started after major flooding in Tamaqua in 1955. Local amateur radio operators were trained to provide communications in the event of another devastating flood or emergency.

For more information, contact Munley at 570-728-7737.