Desert RATS Celebrate Amateur Radio During Field Day at Cathedral City Library

The Desert RATS hosted their annual Field Day at the Cathedral City Library on Saturday, giving the community a hands-on look at the world of amateur radio.

The event ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and welcomed families, friends, and curious visitors eager to learn more about ham radio and its many uses.

RATS stands for Radio Amateur Transmitting Society, and organizers say the event is designed to showcase how amateur radio technology works and how those skills can serve the local community.

While many people associate ham radio with emergencies and disaster response, organizers say the hobby stretches far beyond that.

Demonstrations included sending images bounced off the International Space Station, exploring antique radios, and showing how radio technology can connect with STEM education for younger generations.

Organizers say Field Day is an annual tradition that celebrates amateur radio as both a hobby and a valuable tool for communication, learning, and community service.