Amateur radio operators from around Arizona are gathering in the town of Maricopa this weekend, celebrating a time before internet and cellphones.
The Casa Valley Dispatch reports that the American Radio Relay League's state convention was in its second and final day Saturday of presentations, tower climbing and the launch of a high-altitude balloon that will help with future radio communications.
The event, known as Copafest, brings amateur ham radio operators from all over the state.
Participants can see vendor exhibits with manufacturers of radio, electronics and other technology.
Organizers with the Maricopa Amateur Radio Association, which is hosting, say ham radio is still popular for several reasons.
Many enjoy being able to hear different languages by trying to communicate across the globe.
