The Inevitable Death of Ham Radio

[AA7BQ]

Joe Tomasone (AB2M)
November 23, 2004

Yes, yes, I know. You've heard this before. It's been pronounced when
FM was introduced, screamed from the mountaintops when no-code came to
be, and continues even today with BPL. However, I have seen some
disturbing trends lately, and I think that they point towards the slow
and painful death of the hobby we hold dear. Please, indulge me for a
moment as I explain.

Whenever there is any threat to Amateur Radio, be it potential band
reallocation, Part 15 intrusion, or any other issue that threatens to
upset the status quo, we hams immediately raise the one sacred,
(usually) FCC-scaring, blood boiling rallying cry that we have - WE
PROVIDE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS. We never justify ourselves anymore
as advancers of the radio art (we'd be hard pressed to do so these
days), so the only value we can provide to justify our continued
occupancy of billions of dollars of spectrum is merely emergency
communications. I believe that very soon, certainly in my lifetime, we
will be all but out of that game. Allow me to explain.

I have been a resident of Tampa, FL for the past few years. 2004 will
certainly be remembered around here for a long time - and should have
been a shining example of emergency communications saving the day time
and time again. You didn't hear that this time. Wonder why? I spent
time in some of the hardest hit areas here in Florida, and what I saw
from an emergency communications perspective scared me silly. Before
we tackle that, however, let's go back in time a little:

1991: A newly licensed ham living in Long Island, NY; I am called up
to help provide communications in support of Hurricane Bob, which
would up dealing a glancing blow to the eastern end of the Island. We
were activated by the local emergency management office, and assigned
to various government and first responding agencies to allow for
intercommunication if needed. Fortunately, we were not tasked in my
immediate area.

1996: TWA Flight 800 crashes off the coast of Long Island. Hams assist
the Red Cross in providing communications for mass care operations
(primarily). This, I will later realize, is the first operation I have
been involved with in which hams were merely augmenting a cellular
system that was overloaded for an agency that has radio communication
equipment of its own but rarely uses due to training and equipment issues.

2001: 9/11. I am forced by my employer to sit this one out in Florida
(where I have arrived earlier in the year), but manage to scrape
together a web-based database to manage the load of volunteers. I
quickly realize that this, again, is a Red Cross/Salvation Army
support operation. I never heard of any assistance to FDNY, NYPD, Port
Authority Police, the EMO, or anything else.

2004: Four hurricanes in almost as many weeks. Hardly anywhere in
Florida has not been affected by these storms. People are without
food, shelter, electricity, water, telephones, cell phones (in many
cases). Essentially, much of Florida has dialed the clock back 100
years or so. Tensions are high. The EMOs consider how to prevent civil
disturbances and looting of incoming food and supplies. Fire
Departments are going door to door looking for survivors. Driving
through the main street of a town at night is hazardous at more than
5mph due to the amount of overhead and downed debris and electrical
wiring (which probably is dead, but who knows?).

So, you might ask, how did Amateur Radio respond?

I'm not sure we did.

I responded to 3 seriously hit areas: Wauchula (in Central Florida),
Punta Gorda (in South Florida) and Pensacola (in the Florida Panhandle).

In Wauchula, we delivered a portable repeater system so that the
responding agencies could communicate. That sounds like a fine use of
ham radio - except it was a Forestry repeater, on their frequencies.
Sure, we hams brought it and deployed it, but anyone familiar with the
setup could have. The Sheriff's Department lost a huge tower (and thus
their repeater) in the storm, leaving them with no communications save
simplex, which didn't even come close to covering their operating
area. Therefore, deputies in the furthest reaching areas had no
communications. We were able to move their repeater to another
location that had a working antenna and saved the day. But once again,
we did not operate OUR radios, save for local simplex communications
to get this all accomplished.

As the EMO had no tasking for us (by now the cellular providers had
their mobile cell sites around), we left.

Punta Gorda. Ground Zero for Hurricane Charley. I arrive there a week
after Charley hits to help relieve the operators from the local area.
I get there to find no tasking other than Red Cross communications,
and a Section Manager so starved for something to do - ANYTHING to do
- that he cooks up a plan to have hams drive around the community
soliciting health and welfare traffic. Remember, folks, this is a full
WEEK after the Hurricane. If you haven't gotten a message out to your
loved ones in a week, you probably don't want to. Again, there's
little to do - the Red Cross is using Nextels - which are working.

Pensacola. In the wake of Hurricane Ivan, the call goes out - hams are
needed - BADLY. I kiss the YL goodbye, load my Jeep, and start out on
the 8 hour drive. Upon arrival, I am sent to the local Red Cross (here
we go again) headquarters to relieve operators. There, I meet two hams
who inform me that they have passed 3 messages in the past 24 hours.
Three. One ham has extensive damage to his home and, quite frankly,
this is a better place for him to sleep at the moment. The other ham
wonders what we are doing there. He departs the next morning.

In the morning, I am informed that Red Cross operations are moving
from the Chapter Headquarters to a larger facility in the donated
basement of a commercial company. I am asked to establish
communications from there to the EOC. Getting there, I am staggered to
find that I am expected to provide communications to a building that
has working telephones, internet access, email, a slew of Nextels that
are being handed out, and, to add insult to injury, 2 Red Cross comm
vans with every type of radio known to man (including ham), satellite
links into the National Red Cross Network, and WiFi.

I tell the hams running the show at the EOC what the story is - I'm
providing communications for a building that has more communications
than I think I have ever seen in one location before. They respond by
sending a total of 4 more hams to assist. I speak to the local EC and
tell him that if he doesn't want a boatload of really perturbed hams,
he'd better find some taskings for us to justify putting out the ARES
equivalent of an All Points Bulleting screaming for ham help. He
promises that we will have something to do in the morning.

I spend a part of the night helping the Red Cross folks set up WiFi so
that they don't have to run cabling to each workstation for network
access. I begin to wonder if I could have left my license at home.

The next morning, we do indeed have a tasking. The Red Cross is making
a push into the hardest hit local area on the beach near the Gulf of
Mexico - as close to the landfall point as we're gonna get. (It
literally is described almost like an offensive against rebels in
Iraq). Given the amount of sand that was blown over roadways, I am
chosen along with another of my overnight compatriots for the task
since we both have 4-wheel drive. We depart, with instructions to meet
and team up with two other hams at the parking lot of a local
supermarket just outside the devastated area. There, we are to await
the Red Cross team that will push Mass Care into this area.

Upon our arrival, we meet the two hams immediately, and they are NOT
happy. They've been waiting there for this Red Cross team for HOURS,
and each time they ask where the Red Cross is, they are told "any time
now". Seeing us, they quickly decide that we are their relief. They've
had it, and head home. Net Control doesn't sound too surprised to hear
that they have abandoned ship.

My new partner and I wait for three hours. Yes, that's right, THREE
HOURS. No sign of the Red Cross. During our wait, we take some time to
take a look at the shopping center in this hard-hit, hurricane ravaged
area. The supermarket is open. OPEN? We look inside. They have milk.
MILK? I can't buy milk in TAMPA, and we never came close to being hit
by Ivan! Further inspection here reveals that they have ice, bread,
bottled water, and everything that people in a hurricane-ravaged area
should be waiting in long lines and mugging their fellow citizens for.
All the while, my cell phone has a great signal, and I am able to make
and get calls at will. Now, really starting to question our mission
here, we begin asking Net Control the tough questions: WHERE IS THIS
TEAM, AND WHAT IS OUR MISSION? A great deal of scurrying is heard over
in the EOC, and eventually we are told that they don't know where the
Red Cross team is, but we should await them.

Sorry. We've been here for three and a half hours, and the team before
us was waiting almost as long. I snap. I drive back, collect my
belonging, and without so much as a word, I begin the drive home,
arriving at 4am, the stomach acid churning in my stomach having proved
quite adequate to keep me awake for the drive. The other ham (and a
few others) leave the area as well, ranging from disillusioned to
plain old mad.

Sitting back afterwards, I began to realize a few trends that had been
slowly emerging:

1. Ham Radio (well, ARES anyway) has largely become the free
communications auxiliary to the Red Cross.

Worse, they already have enough communications capability to more than
cover themselves. Their problem? A lack of trained communicators.
Suddenly, I grasp why we always seem to be assigned to the Red Cross.
I try to remember the last time I was assigned to anyone other than
the Red Cross during an emergency. I have to go back almost ten years.

2. The Red Cross doesn't need us.

Even while assigned to the Red Cross, the only task consistently put
to hams is to relay shelter census counts. I almost couldn't believe
my ears as I heard hams relaying shelter census counts to an EOC when
both had fully working landline phones. Why are we used in this
scenario? Because they don't have to use Red Cross personnel to do it.
For their critical comms, they use Nextel. I can't remember the last
time I saw the Red Cross even use their OWN radios, which they have in
abundance.

3. Cell phones, mutual aid repeaters, Blackberries are replacing Ham
Radio as the inter-agency communications glue.

None of the Emergency Management Offices I worked with had any need
for communications outside of these. Cell phone providers rush in
mobile cell sites (called "COWs" - Cellular On Wheels - a cell site on
a trailer) when an emergency hits - and registered Emergency
Management personnel get higher priority on the cell network - so
overloaded cell sites are becoming a thing of the past for our served
agencies. Blackberries run on the cellular networks and are low
bandwidth devices. Even in areas with no electricity, the Blackberry
owners were tapping away like mad.

Now, you may say that this isn't the case in your area. You might even
be right. However, I think we have seen the end of the era in which
Amateur Radio saves the day as a matter of course in this country. In
fact, the only example I've seen lately of Ham Radio coming through
where all else fails is in the Hurricane Nets to the islands like
Cuba, Grenada, and Haiti. In other words, those outside the US.

I see this as in inevitable slide down a slope towards more and more
communications capability in the hands of the masses. Look at the
revolution in smart cellphones - I carry a Treo 600 - a device from
which I can surf the web, get and send email, and make and get phone
calls - all in one little device. It wasn't all that long ago (fifteen
years, perhaps?) that a cell phone was considered small if it fit in a
briefcase. Where will we be in fifteen more years? Will we be able to
still claim that we provide a critical, unique, robust communications
capability? I think that once so many forms of communications saturate
the general public that they can't all possibly go down during a
disaster that we will have lost that argument. Remember when CW was
the mode that got you through when all else failed? Now, make that
argument to anyone but a CW buff and you'll be laughed at. I remember
being able to show my HT to a teenager and see the look of amazement
when I made a contact over a repeater to the next County. Now, that
same teenager will ask if that big cell phone I'm carrying can play
cool ringtones. I rapidly see the day approaching in which we will be
relegated to the museums like the dinosaurs that we will have become -
a quaint memory of what once was. A nostalgic trip down communications
lane. We will, as a hobby, become the macrocosm of CW - outdated,
outmoded, and universally laughed at as we try to claim that we are
needed somehow.

And then the spectrum vultures will come.

[wa0ttn]

I hope this doesn't sound too critical, but you might have posted a link to the original posting on eHam (http://www.eham.net/articles/9642). There were a lot of great comments, many of which I expect will be repeated here.

[kf6myv]

Interesting. However can you take your Treo 600, make an antenna for it, Run the feedlines, make the power supply, calibrate it and shoot the single from your QTH to wherever w/o paying someone to hook you through? I think not. This hobby is far from going away. Not in my lifetime anyway and I hope to help keep it going.

I suggest everyone pick up a book, go buy some parts, and BUILD BUILD BUILD!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N1XHF]

All I can say is wow! Not good

[n3jbh]

someday we shall see that some huge EMP will destroy all this fancy solid state type gear. than those using the old tube stuff will be needed. i dread the thought of that day but one nice size electro magntetic pulse. good very well bring the end of modern comuincations as we know it. now if i could only spell we be in great shape. you wouldnt beleave i am married to a teacher with 10 years colledge would ya http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[KT0DD]

Amateur Radio will change, But I don't believe for a second that it will die. There is no replacement for the ionosphere, and our ability to operate outside of an existing infrastructure. Next time a disaster hits, try hooking up a piece of wire to the back of your PC (not one that is SDR enhanced, because then it would be a radio) and see how far you'll get on the internet. We may lose some spectrum, and have to share more limited frequencies, but a slot will be there for us Hams, at least for the next 20-30 years. And if by slim chance we are shut down, I'll move to a 3rd world country that still relies on HF/VHF/UHF because they're too poor for anything else. 73.

[KF4OUI]

I beg to differ. I was in Punta Gorda just a few days after Charlie. I was with the Red Cross not as a ham but as a driver for a truck loaded with supplies. I had to drive around looking for damage, then give the people the stuff I had on the truck.

Anyway, I took along my Icom V8000 and mobile antenna. While I was in the truck, this radio was on and tuned into the net control frequency. There was non-stop traffic on the net. My phone did not always work because I ventured away from US-41 and all the emergency cell phone trucks. My Icom always worked. If I needed to reach the Red Cross HQ or FEMA, I could have.

The majority of the big guns were on US-41. There were cell phone tower trucks, satellite phone trucks, internet access trucks - you name it. But away from the highway, in trailer park land, people were still fairly isolated. No car and you were stuck.

I will agree that the role of ham radio in emergency communications is less than what it used to be, but it is not dead yet. You can cover small areas with cell phone tower trucks, but it is hard to cover all of FL from the Gulf Coast, through Orlando, then to the East Coast. When there are multiple hits, like this year, commercial resources are stretched thin.

Also, ham radio is still important for non-emergency, community service type communications. Just last weekend, I used my boat to provide communications for a small kayak race that benefited the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Stuff like this can still be used as ammo to keep spectrum.

-- James KF4OUI

[WF7I]

While I don't think ham radio is going to die, I do think that the rationale that we provide critical emergency aid is kind of outdated, for all the reasons stated by the original article. True, there are still situations where cell phones won't cut it, but they are few and far between.

To say that we'll lose all our frequencies and die just because we can't justify ourselves as the best emergency comm network around is false though. Look at CB -- lots of foul language and behavior, no organized emergency aid nets, and certainly no contribution to the "state of the art" in radio. But nobody has shut them down. Worst case, we become another CB service. But I don't see that happening.

And amateur radio does contribute in small ways to expanding the state of the art in electronics and communications. I can speak firsthand that many engineers and some scientists are hams, many of their motivations and ideas come from having played with electronics. I think it would be stupid for the US government to ever decide to shut it all down just because the Red Cross has a lot of satellite trucks and there are too many cell phones!

People were yelling about the demise of this hobby 20 years ago when I got into it, and they still are. Yet, here it still is.

[k6sgh]

A clue that might be worth watching is the decision the FCC will make regarding the morse code requirement for HF. If in fact the FCC wants our frequencies for other uses, then they will NOT want to increase the number of people using these frequencies now. Therefore, they will not adopt a no-code policy....and the number of amateurs will continue to decline until there will be no one left to complain.

[N4ADO]

The first time I heard the statement
"Ham radio is a dieing hobby" was about
15 years ago. The person who said it was
the owner of a rather large Amateur radio Store.
He then proceded to discontinue selling
amateur radio equipment because of his belief.
His local competetors (those within 100 miles)
have prospered since then.

Ham radio is not dead yet!

I live in Vero Beach, Florida. Two of the hurricanes hit
Vero Beach, three weeks apart. An emergency net was
active, on the local repeaters almost the whole time.
Cell Phones went out on occasions. At least one of the
2 meter repeaters was working the whole time.
I, myself, participated in an HF net and passed messages.
Sure, Red Cross (and other emergency services)
had their own nets. We amateurs were there as
back-up #though.

[n0nwo]

I am actually amazed that we have not lost more spectrum to business as it is. After all... money rules. I think amateure radio makes a big mistake of always using the emergency trump card. What we need more of, is public service work. Hepling with communications at parades, local marathons and triatholon type events, skywarn, special olympics. If we want to keep our frequencies, we need to be doing a lot of this sort of thing year round, every year, and gget our names and pictures in the papers and on tv news doing it.

That does not mean to say that emergency communications should not be promoted too, but we need more of the other.

our local club in Grand Rapids, Mn. is very active with skywarn, Forget-me-not Foundation (works with handicapped people using horses) fishing events for the handicapped, communications for local snowmobile club when they raise money for food shelf during their radar runs, local marathons and so on. We do try to get our name in the press for doing thses things. It is not about ego or needing some one to pat us on the back, but we are creating a lot of goodwill.

We are also active Emergency wise. We have a wonderful working relationship with the county sheriff Departement and the area coordinator for homeland security. Homeland security just bought vhf radios, antennas and power suplies for eleven hospitals in north east minnesota. It is the first time all these hospitals have had real time direct communications with one another. We have had 2 drills this year and ALL the athoritys are very impressed with what we were able to do.

So amateur radio dieing??? no... not yet. But we need to be out there more in the public eye doing community service, or I can see a day when it will happen.

[N9OQT]

Let us not forget about International good will as well.

Let us hope that the US will be willing to make a small investment of spectrum, to help fellowship, and goodwill to other nations.

I admit that communications have greatly improved over the last 30 years, cell phones, internet, availability of FRS and GMRS radios, internal radios for different organizations, etc.

I think that there are still some times when only we can help out.

A few years ago, a bunch of hams near Eastern Illinois University helped them do something that would still be difficult today to accomplish as good as well did it!

They had a series of 'events' going on at the same time for a Science Triathalon. There were Model Rockets in one area outside, a bridge building competition in one building, and a computer programing competition in another building. They needed to have all of the results quickly entered into a database, to compute score, and winners for prizes to be awarded immediately after the events were over.

I wrote a program in Quick BASIC, and we had several portable packet systems set up. Each ham operator at each event had a 2 meter voice radio, and a 440 packet radio. So each operator could send the info of the packet, and it was automatically entered into the database, no retyping which could have introduced errors in the data.

They also had voice comms in case of some malfunction, but since each location had 2 operators, and 2 setups, we had built in redundancy.

Everything went off without a hitch, and we were asked to come back 2 more years after that. The instructor that did the Science Triathalon decided not to do it anymore, and so we were no longer needed. But I still think back to the first time, and how I only had 2 weeks to learn Quick BASIC, I already knew BASIC, write a complex program to input data from multiple TNC's at the same time, testing, and testing, and testing it again, as we couldn't fail and let down the 1000 kids that would be participating, and all of the operators in town setting up portable packet stations with battery power, and testing those too.

It is probably one of my fondest memories from the first few years as a ham. And it was a great way to talk about ham radio with kids that already had interest in the sciences!

I wonder if any of those kids ever got their license after their initial inspirations of ham radio that day. I know I was asked about how it worked at least 50 times that first day.

I HOPE that ham radio stick around for a long time.

73 from Baghdad,

YI9OQT / N9OQT

And Happy Thanksgiving to all!

[kc7rad]

Joe,
In some respects, I see your point & understand why you might feel frustrated. The incidents you describe are somewhat disturbing, but keep in mind that when all else fails, we will be there, radios at the ready. Referencing KF4OUI's posting, the commercial emergency communications equipment will always be placed in an area that will help the most people: high traffic highways & urban areas. The more isolated areas are almost always the last to regain utility services; that's where we come in. The United States has far more rural areas than urban, prime locations for ARES and RACES groups to participate.

As a participant in many emergency weather nets in the midwest, I can state that without a doubt the Weather Service needs us. Tornados, funnell clouds and other severe weather can be masked from radar by heavy precipitation and even incidences of odd propagation. The government and public at large rely on weather spotters to do their jobs. Are they needed every single time they are called out? Absolutely not. Do they feel their time is wasted? In most cases not.

Quote[/b] ]We never justify ourselves anymore
as advancers of the radio art (we'd be hard pressed to do so these
days)...
This is just not right. Here are some examples of contributions being made through or because of ham radio: high-speed spread-spectrum communication; APRS; Propagation research (PropNet); space communications; etc...

The long and the short of it is this... ham radio isn't going away in our lifetimes. We are needed... No, not every day, or for every emergency. We are society's CYA plan. When all else fails, we will be there, talking to the world.

73's and happy Thanksgiving, all.
Ken - KC7RAD

[KB1LQD]

I see a delcine also, I am a new ham (15 yrs old!), every one in my high school has a cell phone, no one is interested, becuase A: too geeky, well first off, ya it may be a little "geeky" but after oyu do it, its freaking amazing how much fun it is!!! sure, they can log onto AIM, I do, but look im on HF talking with a complete stranger 1300 miles away, making a new friend, sure, he/she is bound to be about 20 years older than me but who cares, im still waiting to meet a younger ham. i think cell phones and the internet is "declining" if you will, our hobby. But i see another problem, I see that there are alot of people who are losing the want to be on the "smarter" crowd, not as in good grades, im talking about tuning up on the cw and pumping away, no its too hard, heck some younger poeple dont think about taking the test because we need to study for it. im my mind it is sad, and hey, im not a 60 yr old complaining about the lack of knowlege & interest in the younger groups in ham radio, i am part of the younger group. I want the younger people to get into ham radio, but i think all this funding for youth awareness of ham radio isnt being targeted right, personaly, i see the need for mabey a really big new program, mabey a AIM type thing, but we already have that, ecept its not as easy as clicking on the net, and you would have to follow rules and cant use bad language. i see some of the people not wanting to follow that. i think that we need to target the older people, the ones that are not captivated by the neat ringtones and Oh My God! i can take a picture on my phone, my generation will grow up in the next 15 years, and hey guess what, i think alot people will get bored with the ringtones and heck, buy a real digital camera! sure, i also support the advertisement for kids, there is a friend that is slightly interested in radio, but seems like hes more into the schematics and learn how to fix electronics than talk on the radio, its a start.

personaly, where do most kids shop, wal-mart right? what if walmart had a big radio section, all those neat cases with flashing buttons and the promise of talking 1000's of miles, do you think more people would be involved? or heck, at least understand the hobby better?if the big-guns of dept-stores wer the jump on the radio wagon, i think there would be more interest. look at mcdonalds, they target the kids, no you dont see a 1/1000000 of the ads in a magazine, and heck most arnt ing the food magazines, they are in the tv ads for the tv shows that target the crowd they are looking for. think marketing... how do we "sell" ham radio?

[N9CJT]

This afternoon and evening 21 hams in this county received 24 different pagings from the local Emergency Management director as severe thunderstorm watches and tornado warnings were issued. He relied upon our information to advise most local industries through seek shelter advisories, although two of the largest industries, Cummins Engine Company and Arvin Industries, liasoned with us through their own Ham employee emergency communications teams.

Simultaneous with the EM director's first pagings, our local severe weather net was activated at the direct request of the National Weather Service, which continued to issue spotter requests and receive spotter reports via Amateur Radio equipment installed at the regional NWS office throughout the opeartion. NWS warnings were issued in "downwind" counties as a direct result of the information we provided, just as warnings had been issued for our counties from data provided by Hams in "upwind" counties. In this county we operated a total of 130 minutes before NWS told us we could stand down.

What's this about no more need for emergency response via Amateur Radio?

[kc8voj]

Quote[/b] (KB1LQD @ Nov. 24 2004,21:51)]
I don't believe that ham radio is dying I am a 16yearold amateur radio opperator I have been liscensed since 14. i am an active homebrewer I love to build things. People talk about how computers are taking over well we wouldn't have computers if it wern't for some hams that got together in the seventies and helped prototype the first computers. I do agree however that more young people like myself need to be actively involved in ham radio.

[QUOTE]I see a delcine also, I am a new ham (15 yrs old!), every one in my high school has a cell phone, no one is interested, becuase A: too geeky, well first off, ya it may be a little "geeky" but after oyu do it, its freaking amazing how much fun it is!!! sure, they can log onto AIM, I do, but look im on HF talking with a complever the te stranger 1300 miles away, making a new friend, sure, he/she is bound to be about 20 years older than me but who cares, im still waiting to meet a younger ham.

I have a cell phone but it is only for emergencies and stuff that can't be said over the air. i am pretty lucky being that my parents are both hams

[K4JF]

There will always be a need for trained and competent communicators. It is not just the radios, but the "can do" attitude of the vast majority of hams working in emergency preparedness. There was an example of that in the above article. Hams got it going, who cares which band the radio was on.

And cell phones have a LONG way to go to be as reliable as even 2 meters. I know many places where my cellphone says "no service" but I can hit half a dozen repeaters on 2m and 70cm. Active, open repeaters, many with backup power.

[n7rvn]

Are we mearly communicators? #I hope not. #There are many things that we do to enhance the technology of communications. #The common bond of radio is there, but there is and should be more. #I personally LOVE service to people on another level.

One of the most important factor when responding to an event which is overwhelming to any community, is that of the volunteer. #For Federal disaster relief, each volunteer is valued by the appliction or service they perform. #Someone with a chainsaw is valued less than a person with a backhoe and more than a person with a rake and bucket. For every hour an individual is working, this value is credited towards the amount of money the local, County and State governments must generate before the Federal funds will be released.

Though it is getting more rare, the pratical application of hams is still there. #One must be creative however in finding a way for more manpower (hams) to be used.

In May of this year, a tornado came through the area and destroyed a village in the southern part of our county. #See earlier article #Amateurs Shine Again # #on QRZ.com (http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=3;t=68052) about some of the applications of hams.

Some Governmental agencies have no idea what we have the ability to do without relying on the electric and phone companies, cell towers, and satellites. #Our common FM applications can be used in a variety of ways. #To relay information about vicitms via packet, can be done without violating HIPPA regulations. #Monitoring volunteers for safety concerns can free up the paid staff to do other duties. #The list goes on and on.

Most importantly is the development of a good relationship with agencies who may be able to use our communications skills. #Find out what your local needs are for training or other events. #Offer to assist (having specific plans ahead of time) so that your group will build a rapport and a level of trust when the situation is less critical. #Helping out with monitoring vehicle or pedestrian traffic for safety issues, at a sporting event for instance, may free up some of the police to work in an intersection. #(Hams should not be directing traffic) #Walk through a sporting event in the stands watching for trouble or health issues. #

More eyes are always better in these events. #The perks are that you may get in to a sold out high school, college, professional game or concert, and with luck, a discount on a $8.00 hotdog. Most importantly, you are developing a relationship with the authorties who will now be more inclined to request your group to assist with other events. #In a more severe invironment, you may also be called upon to assist. #Show your groups skills and impress the heck out of them so that they understand the amount of work your group will save them from having to do.

In Seattle, the Coast Guard has a working relationship with the area A.R.E.S. groups. #They have devloped this relationship slowly. #The hams have attended many courses which will increase their value as an asset. #

A few years back, an earthquake shook the area and knocked out the telephone based radar and VHF communications for the Vessel Traffic System (VTS) which is the marine equivalent of Air Traffic Controllers. #The VTS system monitors and directs all large vessels throughout the entire Puget Sound Region. #Hams made it possible to communicate a call to the Canadian Coast Guard who in turn called all vessels in the area and instructed them to wait out in the ocean, outside Puget Sound, or for vessels which were inside the Sound, to drop anchor and await instructions when the US Coast Guard was able to restore communications.

The area phones were dead, cell phones were dead, and it was over 5 hours fron the time the original call was made to the Canadian Coast Guard via a ham, before the official call was able to be made by our government confirming the request to stop all those freighters and oil tankers.

What would have happened if there was no relationship to some alternative? #Who knows. #The odds of having some sort of collision would have increased. #Docks which were damaged in the quake might have been destroyed when a ship attempted to tie up to it.

All this was saved because someone shook hands and said, "Our group may not be needed all the time and for every event, but we are here and we would like to show you what we have the ability to do. #Our team is also interested in participating in classes and training exercises so we can be of better service, and more familiar to you, when you do call". #These relationships will be more valuable than gold when they need us. #It will be equally valuable when we need to defend our spectrum.

Look it as a spare tire in the trunk of the car. #Knowing it is there is all well and good. #When you think you need it is not the time to check to see if it fits the car or if it is inflated. #Checking for proper inflation every 5 years or so is also not always the best either. #Let the authorities know what your capabilities are. #Adapt your group to meet varying needs so that you may be called upon in a greater variety of applications. #Teach them that they can take advantage of your group's willingness to volunteer 24 hours a day.

Work with multiple local groups like churches, Fund raising activietes like the March of Dimes walks, bicycle tours, Marathons and the like. #These are great ways to stay familiar with #your equipment as well as those with whom you seldom talk to on the air.

Locally here in Lincoln Nebraska, our next seasonal potential application is that of delivering nurses via 4 wheel drive vehicles from their homes to the hospitals and home again. #If the snow is too great, hams will be dispatched by the area Emergency Management Center via 2 meters to meet this need, picking up or dropping off multiple passengers. #Adaptability to make ourselves more appealing to those who otherwise might have no other way to do the job without spending money that their budget just plain does not have. #For us, it is just another way to stay in the loop and involved in some application where someone says, "I need some help" and we hams willingly respond.... again.

73

N7RVN

[ka6akh]

I spent a bit of time in Japan this summer. They have more elctronic hobbiest stores in a two block area in Tokyo that we have east of the Mississippi. They are great hobbiest. They also have many more electrical engineers per capita than we have in the States. I suggest that there is a strong correlation between a strong engineering base in the populace and the availability and accessibility of related hobbies. Kill the hobby and you kill the base. When the hobby dies, I can't wait to go and get my JA call sign.

[K1MH]

I agree wholeheartedly! We are sitting on billions of dollars in RF spectrum and as teh deficit grows there will be demnd for it.

I doubt that the HF bands will be taken but the VHF/UHF bands would be a windfall for the US Treasury.

The first to go will probably be the 220 band.

Well, smoke em if you got em (while you can)

73,

Mike - K1MH

[w8znx]

Joe et all, more doom and gloom,
heck Amateur radio was doomed end of ww 1,
doomed agn when moved to high freq wasteland,
doomed due to BCI, later doomed agn from TVI
remember the tv's that used 21 mhz IF some TV's picked up ham sigs better then tv sigs,
ect ect,

as long as there are people that want to be ham ops
there will be amateur radio

cul 73
Mac w8znx dit dit

[K2WH]

You certainly have alot of time on your hands doing all the volunteer work. #That said however, I see ham radio #evolving away from the traditional role of humankind savior to ham radio as a glorious hobby and I believe this is the way it should be. I think maybe you have forgotten the fun aspect of communicating by radio just for the sheer pleasure of doing it. #Do you ever just get on the air and have fun or has ham radio become a job?

In closing, I have never viewed ham radio the way you see it. I agree, thirty years ago, it was something to impress people with your communications skills and the golly gee whiz technology, but I never saw ham radio as the savior of the common man or saw myself as a servant of the public. I saw and still see ham radio as something akin to acquiring a hunting or fishing license, nothing more nothing less. #A license to have fun.

Why worry, be happy.

K2WH

[n5vkn]

Hello All. I live in tornado alley. (Broken Arrow, Ok.) When there is a theat of bad weather of any kind it is not the TV or Radio Stations I listen to but the Ham Radio Weather Nets. You will hear it from the hams first! Thanks to the weather spotters in my area many lives have been saved and still are to this day. Keep up the good work. 73's All Chris n5vkn

[W1CAR]

This was forwarded to me via the author on a mailing list. Then, I read the post on Eham and replied to it. Then, a couple others forwarded it through a couple more lists, and I received it again. Then I received it two more times this morning from some who didn't read their email yesterday. Now, I'm seeing it here...just as I expected.

Enough is enough. If ham radio dies, will all the 700,000 operators in the US alone die at the same time?

It's all about perspective. If you have a positive outlook and promote the hobby with good amateur practice, I don't see it ever going anywhere.

But...while we are enjoying it, there will always be the "doom and gloom" pessimists with their conspiracy theories and crybaby articles about how horrible things are and why they think the world will come to an end soon.

Personally, I'm sick of this one already.

[k5okc]

I think the original poster has too much time on his hands, and has lost all perspective. Ham radio is a hobby. We should no more organize for emergencies, than we should organize for a soup kitchen in Detroit. This is the 21st century, with satellites zipping by overhead and geosynchronously providing worldwide coverage. When FEMA rolls their communications van into a disaster, most radio buffs walk away in awe at the millions of tax dollars on display, and hide their 1/2 watt talkie in their coat pocket.

Ham radio is a personal hobby, that can be enhanced by like-minded amateurs forming a club. The reason many clubs (and I include emergency clubs) fail, is that only a few hams do all the work, and when they leave, the remaining gomers can't generally reload the toilet-paper dispensor.

Just because your club died, is no reason to predict the end of the world, or the end of your hobby. BPL will affect ham radio more than the Red Cross going their own way.

I remember, about 25 years ago, reading an article about the demise of the paper industry due to the advent of the computer. The premise of the article insisted that computer displays and digital storage would cause a major downturn in the use of paper, causing the industry to be in crisis. The opposite took place. People still wanted a printed copy. Further, people found that reading a computer screen was not a conducive substitute. People also wanted to share ideas, something which demanded hard copies be produced. Actually, paper manufacturing has increased. As Marshall McLuhan prophecied: "The medium is the massage."

Not too long after that announcement in-home video came along and the doomsayers were calling for the demise of the movie theatre. People were not going to attend theatres when they could have their own copy. Instead, people continued to flock to theatres and the megaplex was born. People as social beings, wanted to continue to be a part of a larger experience.

I have been a ham for 40 years and have heard many versions of amateur radio doomsday. In addition to the ones listed here, we can include incentive licensing, FM repeaters, solid state circuitry, VEC's, etc.

I refuse to become a radio hypochondriac. Instead of asking about or analyzing symptoms that may look like they lead to death, perhaps we need to be more optimistic about the things that keep amateur radio full of life. Let me suggest a few premises:

We are able to communicate. Even in the world of cell phones and the internet, there is something very unique about sitting in front of a microphone and talking to someone around the world. This may seem passe to some, but I still see a glint of wonder in the eyes of those who watch this radio "magic" work. I do believe, however, that the next generation of amateurs are going to be much more aggressive in the integration of digital protocols and amateur communications. We can't resist this synthesis any more than we could SSB during the AM years or FM repeaters while holding on dearly to our Heathkit "Twoer." The key for me on the issue of VoIP - is there a radio tuned to an amateur frequency and an antenna somewhere in the mix?

We are a part of a communications fraternity. We join clubs and participate together in a variety of radio interests many times as a group. We enjoy the shared experience of the hobby and are able to talk and eyeball each other at various times. We find we have other areas in common and also connect in with our families in tow.

We are able to serve our community. I realize there are various ways of looking at the issue of Emcom in this modern age. Perhaps the issue is not one of making our case before the skeptics, but just being ready to help - both in training and a volunteer spirit. If you have become a ham radio operator in order to become a professional in emergency communications, you did not choose wisely. You need to go to work for an Office of Emergency Management, etc. But, if you want to be present as a resource - however small that might be - stay with the program. We have earned our place in many situations. In Skywarn, for instance, the NWS still depends heavily on Amateur Radio Spotters. I know this first-hand.

Will ham radio die? The question isn't on my radar. I remain optimistic that we will continue to be worthy occupants of our place in the spectrum. Will ham radio change? It always has and always will.

[w5vpu]

I am amazed that the only rationale presented for the continued value of amateur radio is "emergency communications." And "if that is no longer needed or wanted, then we are dead." Emergency communication is only one of a number of reasons we exist and continue to exist. We are "amateur" radio operators. Amateur meaing we do it for the love of it rather than for the payment we receive. And we do many, many diverse things within the borders of "radio." Only by seeing only one focus for our "hobby" will we finally die away. Does anyone remember the fight the makers of buggy whips put up to prevent the development of the automobile? Who knows what is before us? Only those of us who decide we actually "love radio" and continue to do something with our passion for it.

[k9pep]

Hello Joe, et all,

Well I just finished reading this and all the suceeding posts.
Most completley missed a point partially made by KF4OUI, coming close were K4JF, and N7RVN. Point? KF4OUI said "we moved a repeater and got it working" among other statements of what his group established. Now I ask you, how many of those NON-HAM radio operators even know what a repeater is, much less how to move it, set it up, and make it function?
Almost any one can push a button and say something. But the real expertice here was the ability to MAKE IT POSSIBLE for those "anyones" to be able to push that button and say something.

Many hams even, would have trouble doing simple things like this. Those that can, (and do) even if it is not "on HAM frequencies", are a great asset to their community.

Now in a recent discussion with a Salvation Army leader, he made the statement that "most hams can not even take a message, and repeat it to another station with out making several mistakes"
So before we start thinking we are the Holy grail, maybe we need to learn to do a good job of the "simple things" too.

In one answer, the writer made the statement that "a magnetic impulse burst" would take out all transistor devises. I am pretty sure the writer was attempting to josh us all. Some time ago, this was an actual possibility, and still is to an extent, but the technology now exists to "harden" solid state devices so that magnetic pulses do not destroy them. I know this because before I retired, that was one of the things we were doing to all military "solid state" devices. Many of the "engineers, electricians, electrical assemblers" etc. working on this and other projects, were licensed Amateur radio operators, and got their first interest in electronic communication via their "hobby".

Then there is one aspect that I have seldom heard. Radio was invented by amateurs. Society would be rather stupid to totally remove the entry avenue into electronics, by killing amateur radio. If that had happened before the late 1940's would we have solid state devices? Would we have VHF and UHF, etc.? The statement was made that those frequencies were valuable. Yes they are, in one letter the referral was made to amateurs being put in the "wasteland", before the amateurs figured out how to use it, it was a waste land of RF. So once again amateurs paved the way. I believe they will continue to do so. Apparently so does our government, as they have installed Amateur Radio in the International Space station, at a "quite high price per pound" cost to get it there.

So when they take VHF, UHF, SUHF etc., we will start making other frequencies work for us and the world!
Hey 73, 75, thanks for reading , Paul K9PEP

[N8CPA]

A few years ago, the organizers of an annual charity bike ride informed the ARES that, because they all now had cell phones, they would no longer need the assitance of hams for their ride. So ARES sat out the event.

The following year they requested the assistance of hams. The group had discovered that there was more to what we do than mere hardware. There's tactical organization, discipline, protocols, and sufficient experience to lend flexibility and creativity to solve unexpected problems.

That will probably be our future role in disaster comms. We might not use ham radio during recovery. But the organizational skills and tactical experience that facilitate disaster comms will continue to be learned on Amateur allocations, and through public service in non-disaster type exercises. The nature of our role might change, but we will still be there.

[K1MH]

Quote[/b] (k5okc @ Nov. 25 2004,07:01)]I think the original poster has too much time on his hands, and has lost all perspective. Ham radio is a hobby. We should no more organize for emergencies, than we should organize for a soup kitchen in Detroit. This is the 21st century, with satellites zipping by overhead and geosynchronously providing worldwide coverage. When FEMA rolls their communications van into a disaster, most radio buffs walk away in awe at the millions of tax dollars on display, and hide their 1/2 watt talkie in their coat pocket.

Ham radio is a personal hobby, that can be enhanced by like-minded amateurs forming a club. The reason many clubs (and I include emergency clubs) fail, is that only a few hams do all the work, and when they leave, the remaining gomers can't generally reload the toilet-paper dispensor.

Just because your club died, is no reason to predict the end of the world, or the end of your hobby. BPL will affect ham radio more than the Red Cross going their own way.
I agree ham radio is a hobby but in order to retain the frequencies we already have it better be more than that or they will go away.

For example, when they finally switch off the analog television channels, the frequencies that the TV stations once used for their analog transmissions are estimated to add billions to the US Treasury in auction.

Here is a little known fact, the shutoff date scheduled in 2006 simply won't happen, it will be more like 2009. The billions that were supposed to be available in 2006 have already been accounted for. When that doesnt transpire you add that to the deficit.

The FCC has already spoken on their opinion of ham radio in their BPL decision and that to me said it all.

We will see what happens when a ham interferes with a BPL node. The hobbiest will lose against the business enterprise.

Mike

[K1HAH]

Here we go again! SSB was going to ruin our old CW and AM... not only did it not kill our hobby it enhanced, and with each innovation the cry goes out. Ham radio has many facets, among them development of new technologies for communications. Lets take a few moments to review where we are today. How about the ILA, Plasma antennas, low power long distance communications through digital modes, EME, Meteor scatter to name just a very few. Each day the innovators work on new technology, things to make your hobby better and more worthwhile. Yes, emergency set up's are a standard part of these communications but things do change over the years. I remember when I was the radioman-in-charge of NMY52 (USCG Mobile Radio Station) and we traveled to the Mississippi River floods to set up for emergency communications. Today it is not needed- other technology is available. I think sir, instead of sending our a cry that "Ham Radio is Dying" you should instead call out, "In HAM radio we have innovators, unpaid, that develop new technology each and every day. They prove it out and somewhere down the line it becomes available to other services who provide services for pay. Sir, your hobby has a depth that you do not seem to comprehend. Open a book or better yet, your mind. John K1HAH

[kc5lmf]

Ham radio is a vital service -- just like the biplane.

One day when all the comms equipment goes out then ham radio will be there to save the day just like the bi-plane will be there when all the jet planes suddenly fail.

Long live the Ham radio Service... Long live the Biplane

[NE4ME]

I maybe missed it..but I failed to see anything in here about interoperability. I don't know about any of you but my cell phone (sprint pcs) would not receive calls for about 2 weeks once the attacks of September 11th happened and I am in SE TN. I assume they had some kind of eqt in NY or there systems were jammed. OK, here is where ham radio shines...."INTEROPERABILITY"....How many police, sheriff, ema, fire, ems, etc have repeaters that cover all of their jurisdiction plus their surrounding counties? How many of them are on the same band? There are 800, 900, 460, 150, and 40 MHz systems out there. How many people other than hams or those really into commercial radio know how the characteristics of each VHF band (propagation)? How many agencies can get on another agencies repeater or simplex channel (have it programmed into their radios ahead of time) (no VFO's on 99.9% of commercial gear). How many agencies have all of their repeaters and other agency repeaters at their repeater site (terrorist takes out a leg of one tower and all their repeaters are gone, maybe even for more than 1 county). There are lots of cases of too many eggs in one basket. Us hams, or fellow hams, have repeaters all over the country on multiple bands, various locations, and we can normally program any of these freqs in most any of our radios and access them within seconds if not minutes (of course some sort of repeater directory is handy as well as a rig with PL, DCS, etc). Anyway, the point is a couple of things.....We communicate with people in our community, our county, the adjacent counties, the state, adjacent states regularly. We know most of the callsigns and names of most of the net controls for all nets within 30-100 miles away on VHF and on our state nets etc. Do you think it is going to be easier for us to communicate or department heads that don't know eachother's names. I know that many commercial repeaters have emergency backup, but those could be the target of terrorists as well. How many ham repeaters are at sites owned by hams and have only ham repeaters there and emergency backup. I wonder how many ham sites would be targeted? I doubt any unless there were other govt services there. I think that terrorist "infrastructure" attacks are going to be the wave of the future. Attacks to phone lines, ISP's, 911 centers (that's where I work), power providers, television and radio broadcast (maybe the liberal ones that provide misinformation will be left alone by the terrorists), repeater sites, electrical substations, sewage facilities, water facilities, dams, etc. I think that the ones that would cause the most fear would be taking out electricity and broadcast facilities. The ones that would really hurt recovery would be taking out government communications (radios, phone lines) and bombscares at hospitals. What do you all think? Rusty NE4ME

[WA4RYW]

Well, I for one agree 100% with this assessment. I work in the Cellular industry, and I know what we have to deploy in emergency situations. We can establish communications anywhere in the country in the time it takes to drive or airlift via helicopter there. We have COWs that not only use the existing infrastructure to connect in to the network, we can bring sites up via a satellite connection if necessary. This means I can drop a network of cells around an area in Florida, for instance, and switch the traffic through facilities in Seattle with 100% reliability. These are deployed all over the country, and can be staged even closer for such events as hurricanes where there’s warning. Private contractors have sat-com trucks that can be deployed almost immediately, and after 9/11, public service/law enforcement have new budgets for buying state of the art redundant comm systems. Anything short of a nuclear strike would be mostly inconvenience.

As for “state of the art” communications, we were debating the use of CTCSS a month or two ago in this forum. Debating 40+ year old technology. No, we don’t even come close here with our 50 year old SSB and our 65 year old FM. But then, we’re regulated as to what emissions we are allowed to use, but I truly digress.

Our spectrum? We’ll keep HF, who cares? The FCC MUST consider HF pretty much useless aside from propaganda radio and religious broadcasts, that’s why they’re allowing BPL to move forward, right? Better use of the spectrum in their eyes, especially from a profit-generating perspective. Anyone who wants global or wide-area communications today will use satellites or existing infrastructure. Sure, some over-ocean flights are still tracked via HF, and some guys in their yachts get their e-mail over Pactor, but that’s about it today. I’ve got a new VoIP phone service that I use over my broadband Internet connection. For $19.95 a month, I have a little terminal that plugs into my Ethernet switch that’s about the size of a modem. With this device, I can plug in a regular telephone set, and I can have a phone number (up to three) in any area code in the US, Canada, or most of Europe and Asia. My unit has a phone number for Knoxville, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia that rings the same phone. My local unlimited toll-free calling area is also the US, Canada, and 14 countries in Europe, all for $19.95. I also get call waiting, call forwarding, and three way calling with that. Now THAT's state of the art!

The commercial industry would KILL for our 70cm band. They also have designs on 220, but not much is ever heard about 2 meters. There’s a foothold there that would be hard to unearth. Our spectrum around 1 GHz and above is attractive to commercial interests, as well. Look for these to be targeted in the near future.

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (k9pep @ Nov. 25 2004,07:58)]Hello Joe, et all,

Well I just finished reading this and all the suceeding posts.
Most completley missed a point partially made by KF4OUI, coming close were K4JF, and N7RVN. #Point? #KF4OUI said "we moved a repeater and got it working" among other statements of what his group established. #Now I ask you, how many of those NON-HAM radio operators even know what a repeater is, much less how to move it, set it up, and make it function?
Almost any one can push a button and say something. #But the real expertice here was the ability to MAKE IT POSSIBLE for those "anyones" to be able to push that button and say something.
, Paul K9PEP
Thanks, Paul... that was EXACTLY my point. And the points made here that some hams could not pass a message speaks of the particular hams involved, not the Amateur Radio Service.

We who wish to participate in public service have an OBLIGATION to train, train, and retrain. If you do not wish to take part in that segment, fine. Nobody is asking you to do so, just as no one requires you to do CW, or RC, or satellites. But if you take up the responsibility, then take it seriously and do the work.

There are several posters I have seen here and elsewhere who do not want to take part in public service, but try to justify their non-participation by claiming that it does not exist, or is faulty. Neither is the case.

To those people: you do not have to justify your non-participation. It is not required. Just say you are not interested in that facet, and let the rest of us just do it.

[w6em]

The original post wasn't quite on the mark, at least as far as Hurricane Charlie was concerned.

Although somewhat of a shut in recently, I listened to area repeaters intently. #And, to local media.

First off Nextel FAILED bigtime in the Central Florida area south of Tampa in the first few days after Charlie. #In fact, appeals were aired on media for the public NOT to try to use Nextel.

And, on-site hams fixed a non-operable portable public safety repeater for Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte. #I forget which.

Cellular and Nextel are subject to overloading, just like landlines. #And the Red Cross depends upon use of Nextel for its communications? #Not a wise choice, IMO.
At least, if they want immediate communications, and not to have to wait days for low level, mobile nodes to be deployed to try to patch a busted network.
#
Overloading of cell sites and trunked radio systems? #Incompatibility with different agency gear? #Just ask those familiar with 9/11 in NYC. #And, if a large event occurs, overloading happens quite often.

Is the hobby dying? Nah. Will there be frustrations for 'gung ho' volunteers chasing after emergencies? You bet.

HR is a strategic asset. Maybe not as widely publicized as it should be, but it won't be allowed to 'die'.


73,

Lee
W6EM
Bradenton, FL.

[w2kg]

Wow, this entire posting is amazing! #I hope it's just that I'm missing something, but it doesn't appear to me that anyone who has posted a reply has tried to engage AB2M's observations seriously. #I have read everything from outrage to whistling in the dark, but no cogent engagement. #It seems that we're all inside our happy zones and we ain't coming out anytime soon. #Joe, AB2M, is trying to tell us that we have to see ourselves and our service as OTHERS SEE US. #He is calling for introspection and who the heck wants to do that when we're having so much fun patting ourselves on the back? #None of that self evaluation for us, boys!! #As for me, I'm sticking my head right back in the sand (at least I think that's what it is...).

73 de K2TFS

P.S. Maybe we might think about what Joe is saying. #Maybe the really bright guys among us (and there are plenty!) will take up the challenge implicit in AB2M's statements. #Maybe...

[w4yd]

Obviously emergency service is not the total justification for amateur radio. There are many others ranging from innovative and educational to collegial. But if we want to be major players in strategies for national survival, we need to become well integrated with providers of health and welfare assistance (SATURN, FEMA) before the hurricane, earth quake or epidemic of Ebola hits. They need to think of us as part of them. The range is big and it extends beyond ARES and civil defense. ARRL can help this advance through high level coordination with government (eg. FEMA, VA, USPHS). We need to be a bigger part of disaster planning on the national and international level (?WHO- mud slides in Honduras; Haiti). We need to be going through the options with hospitals and community service providers in anticipation of the disasters...We need to be clearly in mind and in the plans because of our year 'round relationships with them. This takes integrated planning. We probably can't be a big part of the action as an after thought. Jumping into our cars during the week after disaster has struck and waiting to be given a task at a rendez vous check point or at the beach simply doesn't reconcile with the need to be partners and planners in advance. But, the real key to OUR survival is to be find ways (through schools, scouting, personal example, etc.) to supplement our greying heads. We must find ways to involve our young people, show who we are and what we can do (digital modes, satellite operations, and our use of the computer), welcome them and show we really mean it!! 73's, W2AAZ http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[N2QFD]

Disaster relief radio not working? What were all of us who who sat up all day on 9/11/01 relaying calls out of NYC doing when everything else fell down or was clogged up.

Ham radio isn't dead yet, and as an example I'd point to Morse Code oddly enough. The FISTS club is issuing numbers in the 11k range now. I am part of the FISTS, NAQCC, club and QRPp-I. If anything Ham radio has gone from budding to a blossom in the homebrew CW/QRPp area.

Thanks, for the words though, very nice article, please keep it up. Dialectic is the only way to wisdom.

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (K2TFS @ Nov. 25 2004,10:54)]Wow, this entire posting is amazing! #I hope it's just that I'm missing something, but it doesn't appear to me that anyone who has posted a reply has tried to engage AB2M's observations seriously. #I have read everything from outrage to whistling in the dark, but no cogent engagement. #It seems that we're all inside our happy zones and we ain't coming out anytime soon. #Joe, AB2M, is trying to tell us that we have to see ourselves and our service as OTHERS SEE US. #He is calling for introspection and who the heck wants to do that when we're having so much fun patting ourselves on the back? #None of that self evaluation for us, boys!! #As for me, I'm sticking my head right back in the sand (at least I think that's what it is...).

73 de K2TFS

P.S. Maybe we might think about what Joe is saying. #Maybe the really bright guys among us (and there are plenty!) will take up the challenge implicit in AB2M's statements. #Maybe...
Pointing out his mistakes/innacuracies or omissions isn't engaging him?

He needs to think of HR as more than just ambulance chasing. #Sorry, but it is much more as others have pointed out already on this thread.

73,

Lee
W6EM

[kc8vjd]

Quote[/b] (n3jbh @ Nov. 24 2004,19:20)]someday we shall see that some huge EMP will destroy all this fancy solid state type gear. than those using the old tube stuff will be needed. i dread the thought of that day but one nice size electro magntetic pulse. good very well bring the end of modern comuincations as we know it. now if i could only spell we be in great shape. you wouldnt beleave i am married to a teacher with 10 years colledge would ya http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
I for one have some solid state gear. I have only been into the hobby a couple of years but am highly partial to my Heathkit gear and plan to keep it running for years to come. Right now my HW 101 is down for repairs so I am using a TS 120 until I get it going again. I love building and although it be taboo, I would like to find one unbuilt, get out the soldering iron and have at it.

[ae6op]

I've always thought of amateur radio as essentially a hobby and claims of a lofty purpose as an alternative emergency communication service, well, exaggerated. Of course the farther back in time one considers this, the better it's relevance could be argued, as amateur radio's role certainly played a more relavant purpose as a suppliment to critical emergency communications and as other purposeful contributions like allowing wives to talk to their soldiers while overseas (as recently as Viet Nam).

Where it does have a real and ongoing relevance today, as Walter Cronkite pointed out in his recent video salute to amateur radio, is it's indispensable marine and maritime use. But he also pointed out several significant examples of emergency support that were provided during the massive southern California wildfires two years ago.

Arguments about the fragility of cellphones, POTS, SAT and cyber networks are legitimate and with the certaintly that these will continue to be disrupted by natural and man made disasters (however infrequent) should continue to provide for amateur communities to justify and defend the spectrum, however little and infrequently they may actually be called upon. But remember, that's not the only justification available.

Have heart... let's not forget the much of the world does not have the more reliable, more redundant communications infrastructure of the United States and preserving the amateur radio spectrum is very much a global, collective concern with very real interests and influence of amateurs everywhere.

[wd8ldx]

Ham radio dies when good-will dies, let the elmers get a grip so the rest of us can get organized, get involved, and most of all - get relevant.

73 # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[KI4LZK]

Quote[/b] (KB1LQD @ Nov. 24 2004,21:51)]I see a delcine also, I am a new ham (15 yrs old!), every one in my high school has a cell phone, no one is interested, becuase A: too geeky, well first off, ya it may be a little "geeky" but after oyu do it, its freaking amazing how much fun it is!!! sure, they can log onto AIM, I do, but look im on HF talking with a complete stranger 1300 miles away, making a new friend, sure, he/she is bound to be about 20 years older than me but who cares, im still waiting to meet a younger ham. i think cell phones and the internet is "declining" if you will, our hobby. But i see another problem, I see that there are alot of people who are losing the want to be on the "smarter" crowd, not as in good grades, im talking about tuning up on the cw and pumping away, no its too hard, heck some younger poeple dont think about taking the test because we need to study for it. im my mind it is sad, and hey, im not a 60 yr old complaining about the lack of knowlege & interest in the younger groups in ham radio, i am part of the younger group. I want the younger people to get into ham radio, but i think all this funding for youth awareness of ham radio isnt being targeted right, personaly, i see the need for mabey a really big new program, mabey a AIM type thing, but we already have that, ecept its not as easy as clicking on the net, and you would have to follow rules and cant use bad language. i see some of the people not wanting to follow that. i think that we need to target the older people, the ones that are not captivated by the neat ringtones and Oh My God! i can take a picture on my phone, my generation will grow up in the next 15 years, and hey guess what, i think alot people will get bored with the ringtones and heck, buy a real digital camera! sure, i also support the advertisement for kids, there is a friend that is slightly interested in radio, but seems like hes more into the schematics and learn how to fix electronics than talk on the radio, its a start.

personaly, where do most kids shop, wal-mart right? what if walmart had a big radio section, all those neat cases with flashing buttons and the promise of talking 1000's of miles, do you think more people would be involved? or heck, at least understand the hobby better?if the big-guns of dept-stores wer the jump on the radio wagon, i think there would be more interest. look at mcdonalds, they target the kids, no you dont see a 1/1000000 of the ads in a magazine, and heck most arnt ing the food magazines, they are in the tv ads for the tv shows that target the crowd they are looking for. think marketing... how do we "sell" ham radio?
I beleive the best way to grow the hobby, recruiting if you will, is by explaining to people how the hobby would help them in something they are interested. Why did I decide to get my ticket? Because I am intested in skywarn and therefore wanted to become a ham so I could communicate with other Chasers. That is the reason I got into it, but then I started to realize the other amazing facets of Amateur Radio! Aprs, Packet, CW, and all the other amazing things. I am 17 and am just totally amazed at all you can do!

Some of the older hams say that us young people are just not interested, and don't give a darn, well I say that is horse crap. Young people are totally intested, most of us just do not know what the heck Amateur Radio is or what we can do with it.

I agree with the poster that said we should do more public service type stuff, something I love to do, and abseulutyly wish i could do more of it.

Here is the bottom line, If you want to increase interested in amateur radio, you MUST increase awareness. We need shows on Amateur Radio, like the different hobby shows they have on Networks Such as DIY and PBS.

Inclosing all i have to say is make others aware of the hobby and they will come

Thanks Happy Thanksgiving and 73

de
WX4CKV Josh

[vk2lin]

I have had my licence for 9 years now and the best thing about Amateur Radio is talking to nice people and making new friends. Whether its on HF, Packet Radio etc i think we are very lucky to be involved in this, leave the politics alone and just have fun.

de Linda vk2lin
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[kb9ibw]

I do not think that Ham Radio is dying. #It may not be receiving it's proper credit because of the fact that most Ham's have decided to make it a self contained hobby. #All most of of do now is yap among one another, and we are not involved in community service, special events, and events where Ham Radio could bring attention to itself.
# # #We must move with the tide of public interest. #Right now that tide is with those that serve in the Military. #The public supports them, and the media is going out of it's way to do stories relating t the military members and families.
We need to ride the wave of this tide by getting Amateur Radio involved in military special events such as Amateur Rtadio Military Appreciation Day, and other activites that focus on connecting families with their loved ones that are deployed around the world. #We need to work with readiness groups, VA Hospitials, and Military Hospitials to allow the public to show appreciation to veterans, and active duty members. # Look at the success of the Yello Ribon magnets that appear on cars around the country. #We could do the same thing with Amateur radio magnets or Vinyl window signs pushing Amateur Radio for communications to our troops. #We can also move into doing special event stations related to deployments, and troops returning home. #Lots of Press coverage at these events, and they like our role in these events.
Let's move toward more public support events using amateur radio as a medium of communications. #No large public event should happen w/o us being there with amateur radio. #
See what we are doing at www.freewebs.com/kb9ibw. #
Join in and make amateur radio a big part of public awareness and appreciation for those that serve.

# # # #Amateur Radio will only die if we allow it to do so. #The public, Military, and the Media loves the concept of our involvement with helping our troops know that we support them. #Spread the word, and approach a Guard Unit, Reserve Unit, aor Active Duty Base with the idea, and then have your Club work an event related to ARMAD. #Watch your members gain a new respect for the hobby, and the public and media will be asking for more Ham Radio participation in the future.

# # # #We do not have to sit back and let our great hobby die. #We can revive it, and keep it active and fresh by being involved in public activities that are popular.
We do more then emergency communications. #We ar interactive and should show our stuff during live active events, espc those involving the military. #Many Ham's #are retired, active, and veterans, so we have many contacts to help us get our feet in the door.

Visit www.freewebs.com/kb9ibw for more information, and view the web album. Look at the support we received from The Golden Corral Resturants.


KB9IBWAmateur Radio Military Appreciation Day (http://www.freewebs.com/kb9ibw)

[K0RGR]

Well, there's another elephant in the room here, too, and it's talked about on the eham posting.

I felt pretty bad about the whole thing until I read the huge newsletter from the ham club in the poster's home town about all the things that the other hams there did during just one of the 4 hurricanes:

Tampa Radio Club Newsletter (http://www.members.aol.com/larry33414/04SeptNewsletter_225DPI.pdf)

It appears that the Tampa Club was mostly involved serving the Salvation Army, and they were kept pretty busy, while our contributor was out looking for the Red Cross.

The contributor feels that his experience was so important that he even posted a link to it on the help site for newbies, HamHelpGroup on Yahoo. I bet it was a big morale booster for the kids that just got their tickets. Nice going!

I've been on public service events that I thought were a pretty big waste of my time too, and it sounds like this fellow may have been abused by some overzealous ARES people. But I've also been on lots of events where the hams were truly indispensible and even today could not be replaced with anything short of satellite phones, and those are in very short supply.

For a different perspective, go to eham and read the posting about CERT and ham radio - it's a very good story.

[ab2m]

As was mentioned here, many of you have missed my point completely.

I do not see the only value in Ham Radio to be emergency communications. I'm just saying that emergency communications is the only value that we give back to the public in exchange for occupying billions upon billions of dollars of spectrum. And yes, I am primarily talking about the VHF and higher bands that will look attractive for reallocation to the highest bidder. When the FCC comes a'calling for 220 or 440, what will we say to them as a reason to leave us on that band? We can't say that we are innovators in radio any longer; what was the last technology we pioneered? Pactor? APRS? That's old news. They won't care that we can string up a wire antenna and get a 1w CW signal out from a disaster area - they will be busy watching people string up WiFi and drop in COWs. Ragchewing will fall on equally deaf ears. We simply have nothing to put up; we will be forced to shut up.

As to the two OMs who presumed that I:

a) Have too much time on my hands: I wish. I really do. I have had to slack off on my volunteer commitments in deference to my career, my small business, and my family. I was an active member of Civil Air Patrol once upon a time - now I have no time for it.

b) Am an "ambulance chaser" - looking for emergencies to run to so I can wave my HT in the air: Well, I don't have much to say to this other than it's plain silly. I responded to the hurricanes in Florida because I *LIVE* there. I responded as any ARES/RACES/ACS member would have and should have. No more, no less. I didn't spend a week at a time there, clutching to an ID card and having a ball. No, at most, I was there for 2-3 days at a stretch while not doing the day job.


There *is* an implicit challenge in my missive. We need to demonstrate value - and not to ourselves, to the general public - if we want to keep all this spectrum. I firmly believe that we will continue to fight off efforts to take spectrum away from us. If you don't believe that, then you obviously cannot discern a trend from all that has been happening lately. I've tried to put forth a prognostication/warning/challenge. Is it certain future? Of course not. But I don't like the way the sky is looking; I see the possibility for storms in our future. How will we address them?

Of course, if you still think that this is the same as WWI; the introductions of FM, repeaters, and no-code; or the potential demise of CW, then I respectfully submit that your head is buried quite deeply in the sand, so much so that you won't even trouble yourself to acknowledge it. But that's OK, you are entitled to your own opinions and thoughts. To you, I say this: 73 OM, GUD LUCK IN THE CONTEST DE AB2M. SK SK SK

[ab2m]

Quote[/b] (K0RGR @ Nov. 25 2004,13:34)]Well, there's another elephant in the room here, too, and it's talked about on the eham posting.

I felt pretty bad about the whole thing until I read the huge newsletter from the ham club in the poster's home town about all the things that the other hams there did during just one of the 4 hurricanes:

Tampa Radio Club Newsletter (http://www.members.aol.com/larry33414/04SeptNewsletter_225DPI.pdf)

It appears that the Tampa Club was mostly involved serving the Salvation Army, and they were kept pretty busy, while our contributor was out looking for the Red Cross.

The contributor feels that his experience was so important that he even posted a link to it on the help site for newbies, HamHelpGroup on Yahoo. I bet it was a big morale booster for the kids that just got their tickets. Nice going!

I've been on public service events that I thought were a pretty big waste of my time too, and it sounds like this fellow may have been abused by some overzealous ARES people. But I've also been on lots of events where the hams were truly indispensible and even today could not be replaced with anything short of satellite phones, and those are in very short supply.

For a different perspective, go to eham and read the posting about CERT and ham radio - it's a very good story.
Quote[/b] ]The contributor feels that his experience was so important that he even posted a link to it on the help site for newbies, HamHelpGroup on Yahoo. I bet it was a big morale booster for the kids that just got their tickets. Nice going!


Actually, the *only* place I posted it to was EHAM. #Anywhere else it has appeared, including here, was posted by someone else.

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (ab2m @ Nov. 25 2004,13:39)]As was mentioned here, many of you have missed my point completely.

I do not see the only value in Ham Radio to be emergency communications. #I'm just saying that emergency communications is the only value that we give back to the public in exchange for occupying billions upon billions of dollars of spectrum. # And yes, I am primarily talking about the VHF and higher bands that will look attractive for reallocation to the highest bidder. #When the FCC comes a'calling for 220 or 440, what will we say to them as a reason to leave us on that band? # We can't say that we are innovators in radio any longer; what was the last technology we pioneered? #Pactor? #APRS? # That's old news. #

There *is* an implicit challenge in my missive. #We need to demonstrate value - and not to ourselves, to the general public - if we want to keep all this spectrum. # I firmly believe that we will continue to fight off efforts to take spectrum away from us. #If you don't believe that, then you obviously cannot discern a trend from all that has been happening lately. # I've tried to put forth a prognostication/warning/challenge. #Is it certain future? #Of course not.

#
Emergency communications is NOT the only public service "give back". #If you weren't so interested in self-promotion of your publication, perhaps you would have read the very meaningful Skywarn and public event assistance stories on this thread.

Your subject of your 'sky is falling' posting isn't new. #Pessimistic experiences and #threats to HR's demise have been debated to death. #Probably for at least 40 of the 44 years of my licensure.

Sure, we could use more positive press.

Spectrum threats? #Perhaps. #But, since you are talking primarily VHF and UHF by your own admission, you seemed to have ignored the post that reminded us of the hundreds of MHz available spectrum soon-to-be surplussed by conversion from analog to digital TV. #Why? #Didn't you read the post?

No longer any innovation? #Gosh, well, how about motivation of young adults to become electrical engineers or perhaps physicists? #Probably one of the most important reasons why the service still exists. #Sure, some important discoveries have been made by amateurs, but admittedly, the microstructure of hardware has made breadboarding and construction difficult. #However, there are still many opportunities for software development by the amateur community.

Offering your bad experience with emergency public service activities and in IMO not a correct assessment of Hurricane Charlie assistance in the Tampa Bay Area, does not constitute #a valid example of the coming end of HR.

Here's a challenge to you: #Get involved with your local ARES organization and work with them as a group instead of lone wolfing your emergency volunteerism. #You'll probably find a more fulfilling role. #I know for a fact that the ARRL Section Manager for WCF and many Section officials worked their tails off for little recognition outside of the ARRL. #That was too bad. #HR does deserve more and better publicity. #In fact, I heard a seasoned Tampa Bay Area TV broadcaster who is a ham ask for more story input about HR assistance. #The great stories are out there. #They just need to be told.


73,
Lee
W6EM
Bradenton, FL.

[W0GI]

I wonder how you are going to drive those portable Cell trucks into S. California after some major freeway overpasses come down during a major earthquake?

I have to wonder why the local PD and Orange county public service agencies, are actively recruiting hams, if our service is so worthless?

The post from the ham in Broken Arrow, Ok, brings back memories of me standing beside my car outside of Tulsa, Ok, looking for wall clouds and funnels. That goes on everywhere, when severe weather is close by.

And, don't tell me that there aren't cases of young hams going on to engineering careers, due to their interest in technology being sparked by ham radio.

What is inevitable, is that ham radio will continue to add many benefits to society.

Good points were made, but lets not go so far into the "Doom and Gloom". It's not that bad.

Bob W6NJ

[WF7I]

Quote[/b] (ab2m @ Nov. 25 2004,13:39)]We can't say that we are innovators in radio any longer; what was the last technology we pioneered? Pactor? APRS? That's old news.
I see the point you're trying to make but I just don't quite buy into it. This hobby is constantly changing and evolving, as many of its members are technicians, engineers, and even research scientists in their "day" jobs, and they have a lot to offer.

WSJT, PSK31, digital voice -- these are NOT "old news" as you say, and some of it does take place on these coveted VHF/UHF bands you're talking about. There are also satellite communications, AMSAT and space experiments like SAREX that you left out. Could there be more activity up there? Absolutely. But to say it is zero, and we're just a bunch of vintage gear enthusiasts is absurd.

I always felt, personally, that the ability of ham radio to be a truly useful service in a real emergency was often over-rated anyway. Yeah, there are niches we can fill, and can certainly help out. But it is not a backbone of support. Never was, never will be. Unless, perhaps, a global thermonuclear war breaks out, and in that case, there won't be many of us around to be helped!

This whole post reminds me of the pro-BPL series of posts by a guy named "Chip" a few weeks ago. Is there a politically-inspired trolling going on to try and put down amateur radio? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Keep the faith, promote public service activities where possible and helpful, and augment existing systems without pretending to be THE premier comm system in a crisis, and I think hobbiests can still fill a niche role in that arena.

[W9JCM]

"Interesting. However can you take your Treo 600, make an antenna for it, Run the feedlines, make the power supply, calibrate it and shoot the single from your QTH to wherever w/o paying someone to hook you through? I think not."

Why would I want to do that to my treo I love my Siemans x66 PocketPC I got rid of my HTs long ago.

[KB9REE]

Very good point about the radio art. Of course Howard Stern would end radio as we know it anyway, so he can do whatever he wants with his show. I don't look forward to the day when you have to pay to get local radio. When over the air becomes history and pay through the nose is the only communication option there is I will not be happy with that. I may just go back to reading books until they become out of style and stop being printed except on the internet. Just charge your e-book here! Crazy world isn't it.
By the way, we are still processing emergency communication on an as needed basis here during weather emergencies. We had cold rain and snow and power outages all over, but we passed accident traffic and kept each other informed and even had the weekly two meter net last night in spite of the storm. We also had a ham family without power in a house they have newly moved into and radio was their link with the outside world last night. So if you pass by keep listening for the good old 82 repeater call sign W9MJL out of Danville Illinois. Look forward to helping you if you get stuck in a ditch.
Terry Powell, KB9REE

[N5MFA]

The death of Ham Radio is goin gto be caused by people like the guy on 14.275 whoo has some kind of weird fetish for Riley Hollingsworth. Have any of you heard this guy? It's people like him that make me decide not to bother venturing onto 20 meters. This guy needs to double up on his visits to the therapist!:rock:

[w6em]

Quote[/b] (N5MFA @ Nov. 25 2004,17:20)]The death of Ham Radio is goin gto be caused by people like the guy on 14.275 whoo has some kind of weird fetish for Riley Hollingsworth. Have any of you heard this guy? It's people like him that make me decide not to bother venturing onto 20 meters. This guy needs to double up on his visits to the therapist!:rock:
Would that be K1MAN?

[k5okc]

Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,16:52)]I wonder how you are going to drive those portable Cell trucks into S. California after some major freeway overpasses come down during a major earthquake?
They have these things called cargo aircraft. There's also helicopters. When you run out of latitude and longitude, there's always altitude...

[k5okc]

People always look at Ham radio with an American perspective. Americans (North and South) may have nothing to do with worldwide frequency allocations. We will be a minority vote at some future radio conference.

[n5esa]

It almost seems as though lack of need for Hams as emergency communicators is seen as a loss of a pretense that might find purchase with the FCC and the guys with the deep pockets. Ditto for the idea that Hams might advance the radio sciences (not that they aren't). We shouldn't have to provide an example of how amateur radio is of practical service to the society at large, anymore than more than your local NBC affiliate demonstrates that they are beneficial to the community (and I would argue that they aren't). Bandwidth set aside for amateurs show continue to exist because we ENJOY IT. Just like I enjoy a stroll through the park by my house. That should be enough.

If the death of Ham radio is imminent, it is because of a lack of people engaged in DOING IT. I live in Houston. This is a metropolis of a couple of million people. On a lot of nights I can scan the repeaters and hear nothing but crickets. Out of that many potential hams, I ought to have trouble getting a word in edgewise. Instead I have trouble finding someone to come back to me. The amateur airwaves are a case of use it or lose it as far as I can tell. Even that might not be enough, but without at least that, I see the amateur spectrum being divied up nicely amongst the monied few.

[W0GI]

Quote[/b] (k5okc @ Nov. 25 2004,18:14)]Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,16:52)]I wonder how you are going to drive those portable Cell trucks into S. California after some major freeway overpasses come down during a major earthquake?
They have these things called cargo aircraft. #There's also helicopters. #When you run out of latitude and longitude, there's always altitude...
Right okc,

Major earthquake, many casualties, no food, and no water, and they will be using the aircraft for portable cell sites.

Have you ever been involved in disaster planning?

W6NJ

[k5okc]

Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,20:40)]Quote[/b] (k5okc @ Nov. 25 2004,18:14)]Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,16:52)]I wonder how you are going to drive those portable Cell trucks into S. California after some major freeway overpasses come down during a major earthquake?
They have these things called cargo aircraft. #There's also helicopters. #When you run out of latitude and longitude, there's always altitude...
Right okc,

Major earthquake, many casualties, no food, and no water, and they will be using the aircraft for portable cell sites.

Have you ever been involved in disaster planning?
I'm sure you know best. No food, and no water huh?

[n3jbh]

the answer my freinds is blowing in the wind !!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k5okc]

Quote[/b] (n3jbh @ Nov. 25 2004,21:02)]the answer my freinds is blowing in the wind !!! :D
'How much wood could a woodchuck chuck
if a woodchuck could chuck wood
The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind.'

[W2CDR]

Hi Joe!!
Glad to see you're still up and active!! This is carl (ex-N2LET).
I read your essay with great interest however, I must say that I disagree that our changed role in performing "emergency communications" may underlie "the inevitable death of ham radio". At the most, I will support the notion that our role in providing "emergency communications" is a mediocre justification to support the presence of ham radio and ham radio operators. Though not a strong rationale (this is where I agree with you inpart).
I believe strong justification for ham radio lies in the experimental nature of the hobby as well as sense of community it provides for both hams and non-hams alike. In particular, our role during public events such as marathons and so forth.
Granted that our use during "emergency" situations has changed. Its a given that the availability of cell-phones and other communication advances have deminished the "traditional" roles that ham radio operators play during these incidents. Thus we must evolve into the new role we now appear to play: "backup support". To me, this is still a noble contribution we can make when we are needed. I have volunteered with Red Cross before and i'll admit, I was not satisfied with my role. In fact I thought it sucked. However, both Hams and the agencies that utilize us need to plan a way to use us more efficently. Thus I believe, this would avoid some of the situations you experienced. We, as hams, do certainly need to adapt to modern times. Your technical expertises is indeed a noble trait and I would be proud having used them to help others. However, we should all keep in the back of our minds, that should our radios and operatings skills be called upon during dire times, I believe we'll all be running to help (as in the many incidents you described).
As for "inevitable death of ham radio",I think our most important concern is that of recruitment of QUALITY people into our fine hobby. Certainly the merger of the internet and ham radio will facilitate interest among the younger crowd. However that just one tool we have. The death of ham radio will come in the form of fewer quality people joining our ranks. Thus continued technical advancement is a necessity, and lack thereof will certainly be the inevitable death of this fine hobby. Certainly the FCC still believes in us by still granting us our licenses no?
Changing gears a little, I was a little insulted for you Joe, when a certain member in this forum, with a WH in the callsign, insinuated that you had nothing better to do than to volunteer your time. To that person, I say, I feel sad for you. Joe's role as a volunteer shows that he has a strong commitment to being "a citizen" of this fine country. Sometimes, people (like Joe) volunteer their time cause they MAKE the time even when their schedules are complicated (take 9/11 and Joe's internet database). There are people out there who are fat lazy morons who don't care about thier fellow citizens, and to those people, I say... us little volunteers we'll be there for you when you need us, even if you don't understand why we are there. We'll FIND the time. We do have lives and familes just like you do, we just want to help a little. Wouldn't it be nice if EVERYONE gave some of thier time? (and not money..TIME!).
On a final note Joe, I sought a different outlet to volunteer my time other than ham radio. I now volunteer my time with the NYPD as an Auxiliary Sergeant. I had a great time helping others during the black out last year, and still get to assist people on a regular basis. I get the satisfaction I need helping people. Ham radio is indeed a great way to help out, but sometimes, you just want to volunteer in a different way, while still doing something invaluable! (at least I think so).
Best of luck Joe, and hopefully we'll chat soon. A well written essay indeed. Kudos!!

73, Carl

[kc2egl]

It is amazing how K1MAN finds his way into every forum about the demise of Ham Radio. If you do not know who K1MAN is or what he is about check out his daily rants on 20 meters. He (and those like him) are what is wrong with Ham Radio. It is not the threat of losing our frequencies to the corparate world, it is the idiots like K1MAN who threaten our frequencies. If we get rid of those like K1MAN we will have less worry about the death of our beloved radio art.

73's
Mike
KC2EGL

[W0GI]

Quote[/b] (k5okc @ Nov. 25 2004,19:00)]Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,20:40)]Quote[/b] (k5okc @ Nov. 25 2004,18:14)]Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,16:52)]I wonder how you are going to drive those portable Cell trucks into S. California after some major freeway overpasses come down during a major earthquake?
They have these things called cargo aircraft. #There's also helicopters. #When you run out of latitude and longitude, there's always altitude...
Right okc,

Major earthquake, many casualties, no food, and no water, and they will be using the aircraft for portable cell sites.

Have you ever been involved in disaster planning?
I'm sure you know best. No food, and no water huh?
Maybe you should explain to us that live here, what happens if an 8.0+ earthquake occurs in the LA basin.

You think the tap will be running? #And if it is, the water hasn't been mixed with waste?

You think that after you escape your home that was just destroyed, that you will just walk on down to the Safeway store and buy some food. #Oh gee, it was destroyed too... #Maybe food and water will just be lying around in the street?

I guess you think this is funny, but I don't think the victims would see your humor.

I guess you think that every California public agency trying to get people to build up emergency earthquake supply kits with emergency food and water, are just a bunch of asses like me.

Thanks for spreading your thoughts that we shouldn't worry about it.

Your comments are irresponsible at the very least.

The official statement, is have enough emergency food and water for two weeks.

Yes, no food and water, DUH. #Get a clue.

W6NJ

[n7ell]

I found the comments from ka6akh concerning Japan quite interesting and couldn't agree more. The changes that lie ahead for Ham Radio are only a symptom of a much larger problem. For sometime now, US universities have been experiencing a decline in engineering students. I've also heard that several universities this year had new graduate engineering student enrollments drop 50% or more due to tougher INS requirements. When I attended grad school in the late 90s (Ph.D. EE), I was one of a handful of American students. American students simply want the big $$$; an MBA and a management job. Today many of the grad students from China and India are actually returning to their home countries after spending a few years working in the US gaining valuable experience. Once in their home country they build high technology businesses. The US needs to stop dumbing down the K-12 education system. People that can afford private school send their kids there because they have control over their child's education. If we expect the high tech populace and Ham Radio to increase in number, then as the teenagers have said, we need to sell/market Ham Radio/engineering/science to the younger generation.

[G3SEA]

I believe the point of the article is that Emergency Communications are dying, not Ham Radio ?

Those involved in Emergency Comm's will understandably dispute that premise.

As a percentage of the total active U.S. Ham population those involved in Emergency Comm's is very small.

Most view it as a fun hobby and seem to believe the ' Professionals' have more than enough resources to cope with disasters.

[k5okc]

Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,22:41)]Quote[/b] (k5okc @ Nov. 25 2004,19:00)]Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,20:40)]Quote[/b] (k5okc @ Nov. 25 2004,18:14)]Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,16:52)]I wonder how you are going to drive those portable Cell trucks into S. California after some major freeway overpasses come down during a major earthquake?
They have these things called cargo aircraft. #There's also helicopters. #When you run out of latitude and longitude, there's always altitude...
Right okc,

Major earthquake, many casualties, no food, and no water, and they will be using the aircraft for portable cell sites.

Have you ever been involved in disaster planning?
I'm sure you know best. No food, and no water huh?
Maybe you should explain to us that live here, what happens if an 8.0+ earthquake occurs in the LA basin.

You think the tap will be running? #And if it is, the water hasn't been mixed with waste?

You think that after you escape your home that was just destroyed, that you will just walk on down to the Safeway store and buy some food. #Oh gee, it was destroyed too... #Maybe food and water will just be lying around in the street?

I guess you think this is funny, but I don't think the victims would see your humor.

I guess you think that every California public agency trying to get people to build up emergency earthquake supply kits with emergency food and water, are just a bunch of asses like me.

Thanks for spreading your thoughts that we shouldn't worry about it.

Your comments are irresponsible at the very least.

The official statement, is have enough emergency food and water for two weeks.

Yes, no food and water, DUH. #Get a clue.

W6NJ
I think you're just ignorant of the 21st century, as are most emergency clubs. One ex-Soviet aircraft, or a couple of C-5, or even a few C-17 can bring in bowsers and bottled water as well as MRE in such numbers as to make your point here silly. There are millions of stores in LA that have bottled water and canned foods. Hell, my own underground tornado shelter is better equipped than the fallout shelters of the 50's and 60's.

I don't think you have a clue, and your trying to be some kind of expert here you don't have the basic skills for.

The US created and operated a freight-train of C-17 from Europe to Afghanistan to drop MRE. They also ran bowsers into several cities and the local volunteers kept them full with water.

The problem won't be food and water, it will be finding all the dead bodies and burrying them in a bulldozed trench, so the survivors won't also die off from disease. The best thing Hams can do in LA, is to learn to locate, transport, and bury large numbers of dead. Learn how to operate bulldozers and front-end loaders. You don't want body fluids running down the streets as the bodies get ripe in the heat.

[KD5NCO]

Joe Tomasone (AB2M)
November 23, 2004

Very astute observation and well written too.

Certainly something for all of us to think about and prepare for.

I am truly amazed at the negative responses. Joe's observation and possible impacts are very real in my mind. Were it not for the behavior of the FCC relating to BPL, I too might have disagreed with the final analysis.

In fact, I have spent much time closely observing the FCC's decisions relating to RFID tags and several other Part 15 devices. It was the BPL issue that certified in my mind that money, profit, and political coin have a much higher standing in the FCC than our relatively smallish contribution (charter for advancing the art, emergency needs, goodwill, et al) by Amateur radio and the spectrum we consume.

Imagine 4 very competent and divergent agencies all telling the FCC the same thing; BPL causes interference and raises the noise floor. And internally the FCC technical staff has to know the truth of this fact. Yet the money and political pressures are too great for Michael Powell to do the RIGHT thing and severely limit or outright ban the technology (as did many European and Asian countries). Curious, no?

Will Ham radio die, as we know it? Well that is a yes and a no. We do have a voice, but not the power to retain all our bandwidth. Within 20 years I see us strictly relegated to the lower HF and completely irrelevant as public emergency communicators. I #pray I am wrong, but fear that our internal malaise and backbiting may be to broad spread to stop. (I fundemantaly agree with the SPAR charter, but lament that the orginization even needs to exist)

Joe's (AB2M) observations are just a small part of a broader trend. Whatever your opinions of Reilly Hollingsworth, it is interesting to note that he has been telling us, for over 3 years now, that the internal bickering and fighting is DETREMENTAL to us as a group. I assume, based on where he hangs out, that he has inside knowledge on this idea. But whenever his thoughts are posted, there are too many of us that seek to deride him, and ignore the message. In fact many take the time to take his caution and increase the bickering. Increasing the public display of internal discontent that he was cautioning us against. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Ever notice how fast the FCC works relating to big business issues and the relatively rapid NPRMs vs. the slow pace of all the Amateur related issues? Anybody else have the same ill feeling that I do, that the FCC might just punish the ARRL, and all of us, with the upcoming NPRM(s) relating to Amateur licensing, testing, and the Morse Code requirements?

No, we are not doomed to die tomorrow, but we have very real challenges in the future. I suggest if you want to be part of the solution that you at least understand what the problem is and what the stakes are. The notion that your TR4 tube rig will get out the message on CW if there ever was a nuclear EMP, or other dire emergency, and that ALONE will save Amateur Radio is foolish.

We need to increase our tent. We need to be relevant. We need to speak with one voice. We must recruit a mix of competent middle-aged voters and interested youngsters. We need to promote the notion that Amateurs are good citizens and worthy of the Billions of dollars of spectrum we consume.

If you do not believe there is a big red target on our spectrum you just are not paying attention.

Fred von Gortler
Test Officer
United States Army Operational Test Command (USAOTC)
Command, Control, communications, and Computers Test Directorate (C4TD)

My directorate and I test all new equipment and software the Army requires to keep the soldiers equipped with the up-to-date state of the art communication and information tools. The military is always looking for more bandwidth and they usually get what they need. The SAVI RFID tags are a prime example. As a part 15 device, they did not have the power and “on emitting” duration to pass all the data relating to whatever they are attached to. At the militaries (and industries) request, the RFID manufactures asked the FCC to modify the rules to accommodate increased power and “time on” durations. The FCC did just that in less than 2 years. I test new tri-band satellite systems. Yes we are in the GHZ spectrum where bandwidth goes a long way. But with the advent on more robust information management software and devices, there is a great need for much broader bandwidth. Trust me folks, I have been observing this for many years now, military and industry usually get what they need or want!

[W0GI]

Quote[/b] (k5okc @ Nov. 26 2004,08:05)]Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,22:41)]Quote[/b] (k5okc @ Nov. 25 2004,19:00)]Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,20:40)]Quote[/b] (k5okc @ Nov. 25 2004,18:14)]Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 25 2004,16:52)]I wonder how you are going to drive those portable Cell trucks into S. California after some major freeway overpasses come down during a major earthquake?
They have these things called cargo aircraft. #There's also helicopters. #When you run out of latitude and longitude, there's always altitude...
Right okc,

Major earthquake, many casualties, no food, and no water, and they will be using the aircraft for portable cell sites.

Have you ever been involved in disaster planning?
I'm sure you know best. No food, and no water huh?
Maybe you should explain to us that live here, what happens if an 8.0+ earthquake occurs in the LA basin.

You think the tap will be running? #And if it is, the water hasn't been mixed with waste?

You think that after you escape your home that was just destroyed, that you will just walk on down to the Safeway store and buy some food. #Oh gee, it was destroyed too... #Maybe food and water will just be lying around in the street?

I guess you think this is funny, but I don't think the victims would see your humor.

I guess you think that every California public agency trying to get people to build up emergency earthquake supply kits with emergency food and water, are just a bunch of asses like me.

Thanks for spreading your thoughts that we shouldn't worry about it.

Your comments are irresponsible at the very least.

The official statement, is have enough emergency food and water for two weeks.

Yes, no food and water, DUH. #Get a clue.

W6NJ
I think you're just ignorant of the 21st century, as are most emergency clubs. #One ex-Soviet aircraft, or a couple of C-5, or even a few C-17 can bring in bowsers and bottled water as well as MRE in such numbers as to make your point here silly. #There are millions of stores in LA that have bottled water and canned foods. #Hell, my own underground tornado shelter is better equipped than the fallout shelters of the 50's and 60's.

I don't think you have a clue, and your trying to be some kind of expert here you don't have the basic skills for.

The US created and operated a freight-train of C-17 from Europe to Afghanistan to drop MRE. #They also ran bowsers into several cities and the local volunteers kept them full with water.

The problem won't be food and water, it will be finding all the dead bodies and burrying them in a bulldozed trench, so the survivors won't also die off from disease. #The best thing Hams can do in LA, is to learn to locate, transport, and bury large numbers of dead. #Learn how to operate bulldozers and front-end loaders. #You don't want body fluids running down the streets as the bodies get ripe in the heat.
So you are an expert? You know where the millions of stores are close to where I live? You know where the closest airport is, that has a usable runway? And that all of the freeway overpasses are ok between that airport and my area?

I'll be sure to forward your wisdom to the LA and Orange County Emergency Management Agencies, so they can mend their ignorant ways.

If you would like, I will pass your resume along, as they certainly could use your expert leadership, to get our emergency agencies into the 21st century.

W6NJ

[k5okc]

Quote[/b] (W6NJ @ Nov. 26 2004,11:13)]So you are an expert? #You know where the