SEA-PAC, the Pacific Northwest’s largest convention of independent ham radio operators, arrives at the Seaside Convention Center for the weekend of Friday, June 1, through Sunday, June 3.

Now entering its 36th year, the event features exhibits, seminars, a flea market and family entertainment. It’s also an annual opportunity for ham radio operators from around the region to gather and talk shop. And it’s a chance for novices to learn from the pros and get a glimpse into the fascinating, communicative world of ham radio.

Far from an introverted bunch, independent operators enjoy meeting new people and experimenting with the latest trends in their field.

“Really, we’re just a bunch of folks who like playing with radios,” SEA-PAC Chairman Delvin Bunton said.

Like many people who become interested in ham radio, Bunton caught the bug in his youth. A desire to travel the world without leaving home held great appeal, especially in the years before the cell phone age.

“I had always dreamed about being able to talk to somebody in other parts of the world,” he said.

After becoming a licensed operator as an adult, Bunton’s main drive for being an operator stemmed from his interest in emergency communication.

“In many emergencies, communication systems for fire and police departments can get knocked out,” he said, pointing specifically to the Great Coastal Gale of 2007, a winter wind storm that put much of the North Coast in the dark. “Amateur radio operators use their own equipment to support the county.”

Bunton added that Oregon has been particularly aggressive in coordinating independent operators with government and emergency services.

“Along the coastal counties of Oregon, the number of Ham operators per thousand is much higher than inland,” he said.

Before someone can become an operator, they must first become licensed.

The Federal Communication Commission regulates the amateur band in order to prevent operators from interfering with their neighbors, something that could quickly escalate beyond mere nuisance.

“You may screw up other people’s radio or Wi-Fi services,” Bunton said. “For example, if you lived near the Coast Guard and messed with their frequencies, they’d probably get pretty put out, especially when lives are on the line.”

There are three levels of ham radio operator licenses: technician, general and amateur extra. More than half of current operators hold the technician level, according to Bunton. “The higher your license, the more privileges you hold,” he said.

The test is relatively easy: “I’ve seen 8-year-olds pass it,” Bunton said.

From there, each operator is issued a unique, internationally recognized call sign and they are able to roam the air waves.

When the convention hits Seaside, a lot of the focus will be on education — something Bunton feels is necessary regardless of your skill level.

“I’m a strong proponent of continuing education,” he said, pointing to a Friday workshop as an example: emergency communications and preparedness.

“Our premise there is taking care of yourself first so you are capable of helping your community,” Bunton said.

There are a few ham radio operator clubs locally, including Sunset Empire Amateur Radio Club in Astoria. Bunton said visiting those are another great way to start.

The convention continues to grow as more people gain interest in the field. Bunton said this year’s attendance should be around 2,500 from around the Pacific Northwest: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Northern California.

Novices are encouraged to attend, and Bunton hopes a new generation will become involved.

“It’s magic, there’s no way around it,” he said.

To view details on the convention, visit seapac.org. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a ham radio operator, visit the National Association for Amateur Radio at aarl.org.