HAM only means of commo?

[KG6MGF]

I have heard the comment recently, "when they don't have cell phones and internet, let's see who they turn too", on more the one occasion since I became a ham a few short weeks ago. So sitting here the question came to mind. Are there validated instances where Amateur radio was the only means communication during any crisis, or other situation? I make the emphasis on only because 911 comes to mind, but it seems some cell communication was accomplished. I also state urban because as well all know cell phone just doesn't reach all areas. It would be interesting to see some articles or stories of recent events where amateur radio really lived up to it's claim of alternative communication when it's needed most.

[WB2WIK]

It happens regularly, and it's well documented.

Most recently, the ARRL reported on the big rescue in Montana, here:

http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/08/08/2/?nc=1

If you are a League member, you'll get a lot of information like this provided to you via QST and regular e-mailed bulletins. If not, you miss it.

WB2WIK/6

[w3sy]

I thought we agreed that "ham" was not an acronym, and therefore did not need to be capitalized! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Well, at least we got that KD7 to stop putting a hyphen in the middle of his call.

Okay. I'll crawl back in my hole now.

Out.

[WB2WIK]

Steve (W3SY), I checked out your Loop Skywire and have only one question: Do you cut all that grass? Looks like work to me, I'm scared.

Re the A3 falling and the new Explorer 14 installation: Looks great. Having installed similar stuff on about 1.6 zillion occasions over the past 35+ years, I'd recommend moving the guy points out farther from the mast base, so the upper guy set creates a 45 degree guy angle slope. That will about double the strength of the system and create less stress on the Rocket Launcher mast when the winds get gusty. Otherwise, looks great!

Re the original topic here: I'm thinking about creating a disaster so hams can come to the rescue, just can't think of something suitable. Possibly a lost dog. I'll lose it, myself. Didn't like the dog, anyway.

WB2WIK/6

[n0xu]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (WB2WIK @ Aug. 14 2002,12:28)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Do you cut all that grass? #Looks like work to me, I'm scared.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
If I had a yard that big, I'd invest in a flock of sheep. They'd keep the grass down, and they're tasty, too!

73 Drew N0XU

[N7CPC]

I cap. Ham and Amateur because I WANT to. So There!

73

[KB1GYQ]

* * * YAWN * * * (I couldn't resist)

[ka0azs]

To get this back on track to the original question, specifically in an urban setting, I know that in 2 instances (OK City bombing, and TWA 800), the Cell infrastructure was untouched, but the system quickly overloaded and became usless for a time.

One major cause was that every media type (especially radio and TV) that showed up, once they had established contact with their home base, kept the circuit open continously. In th TWA 800 incident, I believe the TELCO put in 2 portable cell sites to handle the media alone, and it still wasn't enough.

Hope this helps answer your question.

73

Randy KAØAZS

It is well documented both in the past and present that Amateur Radio has either taken up the slack when the other systems are overloaded OR has been the sole communications medium available at the time.

Too many to list beyond the most obvious - Sept. 11th, Montana mountain rescue, the floods in the Midwest, fires in the Midwest/Northern areas, telephone outages, etc..etc.

If you are new to Amateur Radio (HAM radio) you may not see much now.. but hang around a couple of years. Odds are you will become exposed to it and see deepre into what we do.

Enjoy!

73
Chuck K3FT

W3SY wouldn't brag about using sheep cuz he's too baaaashful. OK, sorry. I'm getting into a wooly subject and I 'veal' that others may retaliate with their own retorts.