View Full Version : NY Times Reporter Seeks Interviews
I successfully pitched a major story about what we are doing in the affected area to the New York Times. Just got off the phone with a very fine reporter, with whom I spoke for several hours. He has interviewed Alan Pitts at the ARRL and got a good interview of a ham involved in the mess down there. He wants me to locte 2 or 3 hams 'in the field' in the affected area who have participated in rescue operations. As well as 2 or 3 additional hams who are in their homes anywhere in the USA who also have had direct experience in some kind of rescue operation. If anyone knows of any interesting scenario that has occurred, we can get it into the New York Times. But we need to get interviews with these two sets of 2 or 3 hams in order to do this. Please contact me via email or telephone IMMEDIATELY so I can direct these people to the NY Times reporter.
Thanks,
BILL W1ZY 617-233-6650
bill@bigbluerecords.com
K0RFD
09-06-2005, 10:50 PM
Good job, Bill.
There are lots of stories out there -- the "other" ham site has been keeping a daily digest of them. Links to each story.
Just listening on 3873 at night I have heard several calls of people being located and needing rescue, needing meds, etc.
Even the rescue of the woman in her 70s and her 15 yr old dog that Geraldo grandstanded on Fox was supposedly called in by a Ham. He murdered the callsign to the point where it didn't make any sense, or I would have written it down.
n2ixa
09-06-2005, 11:08 PM
I have been pulling traffic off the Satren net on 14.265 over this past weekend. The only thing coming off that net is emergency stuff. I have made about 20 call's in to the LA. state PD and about and about 10 or 12 into the Golf Port MS. PD I don't know what ever happened to the people i called in about but Ill keep on trying.
Bob
Quote[/b] (n2ixa @ Sep. 06 2005,16:08)]I have been pulling traffic off the Satren net on 14.265 over this past weekend. The only thing coming off that net is emergency stuff. I have made about 20 call's in to the LA. state PD and about and about 10 or 12 into the Golf Port MS. PD I don't know what ever happened to the people i called in about but Ill keep on trying.
Bob
Heard you today scheduling for net contro. Good job!
Cortland
KA5S
w1ppy
09-07-2005, 12:08 PM
This in the local paper today, from the WSJ wire service:
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112597561578132422,00.html
73 & Keep up the great work !
Chris/W1PPY
KG4ZQZ
09-07-2005, 01:51 PM
Quote[/b] (w1ppy @ Sep. 07 2005,08:08)]This in the local paper today, from the WSJ wire service:
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB112597561578132422,00.html
73 & Keep up the great work !
Chris/W1PPY
- registration required, unusable link
kb5ylg
09-07-2005, 03:37 PM
They ought to interview Loy Seals or Mike Canady at Louisiana Baptist Convention Headquarters in Alexandria, they are using their radio operators to help coordinate feeding units and a massive supply chain in the effected area. Contact info: (800)622-6549, or (318)448-3402.
kb5ylg
09-07-2005, 03:40 PM
Radio Operator list in the Baptist feeding teams in Southern Louisiana:
Katrina Baptist Relief operators in Southern Louisiana
KB5YLG David at Lousiana Baptist Conv at Alexandria
WA5ETL Jack at Hammond
KK5YN Tom at Kenner
KL5EMH at St Tammany Hospital/Covington
KI4GOU Frank at Slidell email wa4dby@winlink.org
K4STB at Bogalusa (several radio ops from San Antonio)
email tbmscan02@starband.net
N5WYT at Hammond (Incident Command Center from Texas)
K5TBM at Hammond callsign used by N5WYT and other
operators at the Incident command Center
tbmscan01@starband.net
W5TBM at Dallas Texas Baptist Men Disaster relief HQ
K5GV Don at Baton Rouge (very hard to contact)
NA4MB at North American Mission Board/Georgia
WA4DBY at Nashville supporting the team at Slidell
73 de KB5YLG
W9WHE
09-07-2005, 03:57 PM
I sure hope you do not let him see the badge toting, orange vest wearing, blue light on the dash types. It would be a terrible thing for ham radio to be seen as associated with those guys.
KG4ZLB
09-07-2005, 04:13 PM
From the Wall Street Journal - somebody, maybe ARRL, needs to have a word with Mr Screeden of Motorola !!
As Telecom Reels
From Storm Damage,
Ham Radios Hum
By CHRISTOPHER RHOADS
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
September 6, 2005; Page A19
MONROE, La. -- In a shelter here, 300 miles north of New Orleans, Theo McDaniel took his plight to a young man fiddling with a clunky, outdated-looking radio.
Mr. McDaniel, a 25-year-old barber, had evacuated New Orleans with his wife and two small children more than a week ago and since then had had no contact with his brother or his aunt. The last he heard, his 42-year-old aunt was clinging to her roof.
"We've got to get a message down there to help them," he said. The man at the radio sent the information to the emergency-operations center across town, which relayed it to rescue units in New Orleans. Later in the weekend, Mr. McDaniel learned that food and water were on the way to his trapped brother and his brother's young family. He had heard nothing about his aunt.
With Hurricane Katrina having knocked out nearly all the high-end emergency communications gear, 911 centers, cellphone towers and normal fixed phone lines in its path, ham-radio operators have begun to fill the information vacuum. "Right now, 99.9% of normal communications in the affected region is nonexistent," says David Gore, the man operating the ham radio in the Monroe shelter. "That's where we come in."
In an age of high-tech, real-time gadgetry, it's the decidedly unsexy ham radio -- whose technology has changed little since World War II -- that is in high demand in ravaged New Orleans and environs. The Red Cross issued a request for about 500 amateur radio operators -- known as "hams" -- for the 260 shelters it is erecting in the area. The American Radio Relay League, a national association of ham-radio operators, has been deluged with requests to find people in the region. The U.S. Coast Guard is looking for hams to help with its relief efforts.
Ham radios, battery operated, work well when others don't in part because they are simple. Each operator acts as his own base station, requiring only his radio and about 50 feet of fence wire to transmit messages thousands of miles. Ham radios can send messages on multiple channels and in myriad ways, including Morse code, microwave frequencies and even email.
Then there are the ham-radio operators themselves, a band of radio enthusiasts who spend hours jabbering with each other even during normal times. They are often the first to get messages in and out of disaster areas, in part because they are everywhere. (The ARRL estimates there are 250,000 licensed hams in the U.S.) Sometimes they are the only source of information in the first hours following a disaster. "No matter how good the homeland-security system is, it will be overwhelmed," says Thomas Leggett, a retired mill worker manning a ham radio in the operations center here. "You don't hear about us, but we are there."
Slidell, a town 30 miles northeast of New Orleans, was directly hit by the hurricane and remains virtually cut off from the outside world. One of the few, if not the only, communications links is Michael King, a retired Navy captain, operating a ham radio out of a Slidell hospital.
"How are you holding up, Mike?" asked Sharon Riviere into a ham-radio microphone at Monroe's operations center. She and her husband, Ron, who is the president of the Slidell ham-radio club, had evacuated before the storm to the home of some fellow ham-radio enthusiasts in Monroe. She said Mr. King had been working 20-hour days since the storm hit.
Crackling static and odd, garbled sounds followed her question to Mr. King. Then he replied: "It's total devastation here. I've got 18 feet of water at my house. Johnny's Café down there has water up to its roof."
Ms. Riviere asked about her own home, which is not far from Mr. King's. "It's full of mud," Mr. King replied. "Looks like someone's been slugging it out in there."
Ham radios are often most effective as one link in a chain of communication devices. Early last week, someone trapped with 15 people on a roof of a New Orleans home tried unsuccessfully to get through to a 911 center on his cellphone. He was able to call a relative in Baton Rouge, who in turn called another relative, Sybil Hayes, in Broken Arrow, Okla. Ms. Hayes, whose 81-year-old aunt was among those stranded on the New Orleans roof, then called the Red Cross in Broken Arrow, which handed the message to its affiliated ham-radio operator, Ben Joplin.
Via stations in Oregon, Idaho and Louisiana, Mr. Joplin got the message to rescue workers who were able to save the 15 people on the roof, according to the ARRL, based in Newington, Conn. "We are like the Pony Express," says the 26-year-old Mr. Gore, wearing black cowboy boots. "One way or the other, even by hand, we will get you the message."
Mr. Gore, who is in charge of the northeastern district of Louisiana for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, has spent a lot of time the past week at the Monroe shelter, helping evacuees try to track missing friends and relatives.
Last Monday, Danita Alexander of Violet, La., came to a ham operator in the Monroe shelter asking about her 96-year-old grandfather, Willie Bright, who had been in a nursing home in New Orleans. The next day, she got word back from a ham operator that he had been safely transferred to a shelter near New Orleans . "We can't do enough of these," says Mark Ketchell, who runs the ARES branch in Monroe.
Nevertheless, the ham-radio community feels under threat. Telecom companies want to deliver broadband Internet connections over power lines, which ham-radio operators say distorts communications in the surrounding area. Since hams are "amateurs," there is little lobbying money to fight such changes, they add.
The hams also get little respect from telecommunications-equipment companies, such as Motorola Inc. "Something is better than nothing, that's right," says Jim Screeden, who runs all of Motorola's repair teams in the field for its emergency-response business. "But ham radios are pretty close to nothing." Mr. Screeden says ham radios can take a long time to relay messages and work essentially as "party lines," with multiple parties talking at once. Says Mr. Leggett at the Monroe operations center: "We are the unwanted stepchild. But when the s- hits the fan, who are you going to call?"
K0RFD
09-07-2005, 04:49 PM
Quote[/b] (KG4ZLB @ Sep. 07 2005,09:13)]somebody, maybe ARRL, needs to have a word with Mr Screeden of Motorola !!
I don't think so. #The stupidity of his point of view pretty well stands on its own.
Never interfere when someone is exercising his God-given right to be a total ignoramus.
w1gfh
09-07-2005, 11:56 PM
Quote[/b] (KG4ZLB @ Sep. 07 2005,09:13)]As Telecom Reels
From Storm Damage,
Ham Radios Hum
By CHRISTOPHER RHOADS
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
September 6, 2005; Page A19
Excellent story.
As I said, OM's, this is the defining moment for the amateur radio service. Thanks and best of health and wishes to all those doing e-comms in the disaster zone.
73,
Chip N1IR
I was on the air for 30 hours ,from the time Katrina hit, serving as a relay for the west gulf ares net.We did a lot of good rescue work,too many to mention.I also called LSP,MSP, and many more.I had a very hard time getting through.........73 K9VM
"Technology hasn't changed since WW II"http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif? #
Somebody needs to bring that reporter up to date. #He is missing SSB (that we later gave to the military), FM and repeaters, SSTV, PSK and the other digitals, satellites, and hundreds of other technological advances!! #Sheesh!!
Quote[/b] (K0RFD @ Sep. 07 2005,09:49)]Quote[/b] (KG4ZLB @ Sep. 07 2005,09:13)]somebody, maybe ARRL, needs to have a word with Mr Screeden of Motorola !!
I don't think so. #The stupidity of his point of view pretty well stands on its own.
Never interfere when someone is exercising his God-given right to be a total ignoramus.
I agree with the last statement, but many lay readers will not realize that ham radio is so far advanced above anything Motorola is doing these days. Especially after the reporter's error about WW II era technology.
kd7npq
09-08-2005, 03:20 AM
the N.Y Times is the most Left-Wing liberal paper.. why does anyone read this RAG http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?
Quote[/b] (KG4ZLB @ Sep. 06 2005,12:13)]The hams also get little respect from telecommunications-equipment companies, such as Motorola Inc. "Something is better than nothing, that's right," says Jim Screeden, who runs all of Motorola's repair teams in the field for its emergency-response business. "But ham radios are pretty close to nothing." Mr. Screeden says ham radios can take a long time to relay messages and work essentially as "party lines," with multiple parties talking at once. Says Mr. Leggett at the Monroe operations center: "We are the unwanted stepchild. But when the s- hits the fan, who are you going to call?"
Interesting. #Apparently neither the reporter nor Mr. Screeden were listening to CNN or FOX on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of last week when the reporters were saying things like "no communication from the EOC to the police or fire departments." And, "the police and fire departments are having a hard time communicating as they can only use one channel."
From what I gathered, and had confirmed on eham.net, the New Orleans trunked 800MHz public safety system took a dump even before the levies gave way.
The cause of the failure hasn't been made public. #But, whatever it is/was, it was another example of a major failure of trunked public safety systems in a catastrophy. #You can only imagine what the ramifications of that failure have been.
So, Mr. Screeden says that simple, basic and effective conventional radio systems aren't as effective as what the big /\/\ and Merger and Acquisition (M&A Comm) have as trunked systems to replace them? #First, 9/11/2001 in NYC, and now New Orleans. #When are the local/state agencies and our dear 'mother knows best' federal bureaucracy going to hear the tune? #Maybe after expanded BPL deployment and the HF nets won't be able to function either.
BTW, the system in NO was not manufactured by Motorola.
Lee
W6EM
Bradenton, FL
kc5oua
09-08-2005, 12:39 PM
There is an operator here in East Tecas that is the head of the EOC in Longview, TX. He has had operators on duty since people were evacued to here. N5REO, would possibly do an interview.
KG4ZLB
09-08-2005, 02:27 PM
I am sure that the author of this piece won't mind me posting this!
Katrina Zone Status Report Wednesday - KM4BA
Note: Today's status report is from Alan KM4BA, an Amateur Radio Emergency Service team leader working with Red Cross in the Katrina zone. Received at 0200UTC 08SEP2005UTC by KQ6XA and relayed to HFNOW, HFpack, and HFLINK.
From: Alan KM4BA
Day: Wednesday Evening
Report Location: Red Cross Shelter in Gautier, MS, USA.
(Gautier (go-shay) Mississippi)
We have put on about 2000 miles so far this trip. We have driven over many downed dead power lines and seen many convoys of military and law enforcement vehicles on the roads. Our teams have set up 7 shelters in Mississippi with 2 meter FM amateur radio stations and communications on various other frequencies. Some shelters have power, and others still have no power or phone service, so the stations are operating on generator or battery power. In this area, the main 2 meter frequency for our net is 147.440MHz FM simplex, now in use between all Red Cross shelters here. Now that we have 2 meters connecting the shelters, we are shifting a lot of Red Cross traffic from HF to the 2 meters nets.
We have so much 2 meter traffic now that we just got a second 2 meter net running on another frequency. The nets are being run by 30 to 40 volunteer ham operators and extends from the Louisiana/Mississippi border, eastward and northward to the shelters in Mississippi, and connects with the Red Cross Operations Center in Ocean Springs on Biloxi Bay on the Gulf Coast. Now that the 2 meter net is in place, much of the logistics is now shifting to localized level, with supply requests going back to the Montgomery Red Cross Operations Center where hundreds of semi trucks are moving through the depot there.
Several of the Red Cross shelter managers have told me that the ham communications is their primary and best communications and they would be lost without it. They say that even with some intermittent cell and phone service back, the ham network is essential for operations.
w1gfh
09-08-2005, 06:42 PM
Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Sep. 07 2005,19:32)]"Technology hasn't changed since WW II"http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif? #
Somebody needs to bring that reporter up to date. #He is missing SSB (that we later gave to the military), FM and repeaters, SSTV, PSK and the other digitals, satellites, and hundreds of other technological advances!! #Sheesh!!
He is not too far off. In September 1947, Oswald G. "Mike" Villard, W6QYT, and a group of student hams at Stanford University started new experiments with SSB. One could say that certain basic technology used in ham radio hasn't changed since WWII: the most popular antenna is still the doublet or dipole, amplifiers use power tubes, etc. Are the vast majority of hams engaged in cutting-edge hi-tech communications methods? No, they're chatting on the local repeater or checking in with their buddies on 40 and 75 meters, using SSB and FM (to say nothing of CW). To the modern world dependent on CD-quality audio, satellite TV, cell phones and iPods, ham radio ---with its squawking SSB, antenna towers, headphones, morse keys, meters, and transceivers ---IS something out of WWII.
Most people under 30 are woefully undereducated regarding history and many are hazy about when WWII happened (the 50's?) and which technology appeared when (8 track tapes? Didn't people have those in WWII?)
So it isn't outrageous for this reporter to assume that hams are enjoying a "low-tech" hobby. Bottom line: sure, he could have qualified his statement with a chart showing percentages of hams using digital, PSK, SSTV, etc. but his newspaper isn't an engineering publication. I don't expect general circulation newspapers to get every technological nuance correct. I generally allow newspapers and magazines some leeway, e.g. artistic license, when telling a story, adding some drama to keep the reader engaged. It was a particularly well-told story, put ham radio in a good light, and captured the attention of millions of readers. Nothing wrong with that.
Quote[/b] (w1gfh @ Sep. 08 2005,11:42)]Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Sep. 07 2005,19:32)]"Technology hasn't changed since WW II"http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif? #
Somebody needs to bring that reporter up to date. #He is missing SSB (that we later gave to the military), FM and repeaters, SSTV, PSK and the other digitals, satellites, and hundreds of other technological advances!! #Sheesh!!
He is not too far off. In September 1947, Oswald G. "Mike" Villard, W6QYT, and a group of student hams at Stanford University started new experiments with SSB. One could say that certain basic technology used in ham radio hasn't changed since WWII: the most popular antenna is still the doublet or dipole, amplifiers use power tubes, etc. Are the vast majority of hams engaged in cutting-edge hi-tech communications methods? No, they're chatting on the local repeater or checking in with their buddies on 40 and 75 meters, using SSB and FM (to say nothing of CW). To the modern world dependent on CD-quality audio, satellite TV, cell phones and iPods, ham radio ---with its squawking SSB, antenna towers, headphones, morse keys, meters, and transceivers ---IS something out of WWII.
Most people under 30 are woefully undereducated regarding history and many are hazy about when WWII happened (the 50's?) and which technology appeared when (8 track tapes? Didn't people have those in WWII?)
So it isn't outrageous for this reporter to assume that hams are enjoying a "low-tech" hobby. Bottom line: sure, he could have qualified his statement with a chart showing percentages of hams using digital, PSK, SSTV, etc. but his newspaper isn't an engineering publication. I don't expect general circulation newspapers to get every technological nuance correct. I generally allow newspapers and magazines some leeway, e.g. artistic license, when telling a story, adding some drama to keep the reader engaged. It was a particularly well-told story, put ham radio in a good light, and captured the attention of millions of readers. Nothing wrong with that.
Only by decades or so is he off. SSB experiments started two years after the conclusion of WW II. Hams are using far, far advanced equipment compared to WW II. There was no solid state (ALL current ham gear is solid state and many amplifiers are, also), there was no computer control, no microprocessors, no DSP (quite common in our realm), no repeaters, no digital, no SSTV, and the list goes on and on and on and on.
Actually, a ham of pre-WW II vintage would be totally lost in the technology of today. It has changed drastically since I started with a DX-40 in 1974!!
Yes, he was repeating a common misconception. But that is no reason to let it go unchallenged.
Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Sep. 07 2005,17:18)]Actually, a ham of pre-WW II vintage would be totally lost in the technology of today. #It has changed drastically since I started with a DX-40 in 1974!!
Yes, he was repeating a common misconception. #But that is no reason to let it go unchallenged.
So, how best do we challenge his errors? Talking about what he said here won't help.
Of course, the publication is from Dow Jones and Co. The same publication that wrote a horribly biased view of BPL-affected amateurs in NY as I recall. No retraction there and I think the ARRL tried very hard.
Perhaps a letter to the editor would help, but don't count on a retraction. Or, even think for a minute that they would admit that the gentleman from /\/\ was quite incorrect in his characterization of us and our equipment.
Trunk-clunk-junk with encryption is what the agencies want. Not simple, reliable conventional radio. And, it shows.........
Lee
W6EM
Quote[/b] (w6em @ Sep. 08 2005,14:59)]Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Sep. 07 2005,17:18)]Actually, a ham of pre-WW II vintage would be totally lost in the technology of today. #It has changed drastically since I started with a DX-40 in 1974!!
Yes, he was repeating a common misconception. #But that is no reason to let it go unchallenged.
So, how best do we challenge his errors? #Talking about what he said here won't help.
Of course, the publication is from Dow Jones and Co. #The same publication that wrote a horribly biased view of BPL-affected amateurs in NY as I recall. #No retraction there and I think the ARRL tried very hard.
Perhaps a letter to the editor would help, but don't count on a retraction. #Or, even think for a minute that they would admit that the gentleman from /\/\ was quite incorrect in his characterization of us and our equipment.
Trunk-clunk-junk with encryption is what the agencies want. #Not simple, reliable conventional radio. #And, it shows.........
Lee
W6EM
Hmmmm.... good question. Wish I had a good answer, except maybe trying to get better (read: more accurate) info out in the future.
ka3rfh
09-09-2005, 04:25 PM
Quote[/b] (W9WHE @ Sep. 07 2005,13:57)]I sure hope you do not let him see the badge toting, orange vest wearing, blue light on the dash types. It would be a terrible thing for ham radio to be seen as associated with those guys.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif ...and what is wrong with the volunteer (blue lighter)??
If it weren't for them we would be in a sad state.
I happen to be a Lieutenant in our local Fire Police organization and yes, I carry a badge, wear a safety green/retro orange vest and I have a red light (and siren) and yes I am a proud Amateur Radio operator.
'73
Robert Hill, WX3ROB
Communications Coordinator for the
Susquehannock Trail ProRally
www.stpr.org
Radio Op for the NYC Marathon
Luzerne County 911 FIRE/EMS Advisory Board
Lieutenant, White Haven Boro Fire Police
Luzerne County and PA State Fire Police Association
White Haven/Dennison Twp. EMA Communications Officer
American Red Cross Disaster Communications Team
Search & Rescue Communications
*Amateur Radio, when normal communications fail*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
K0RFD
09-09-2005, 05:13 PM
I guess I'm less bothered than some people by the "old tech" or "low tech" references to Ham radio in the WSJ article. #Ham radio is a mature technology. #It's decentralized so you can't nuke it all at once. #That's why it works. #That's the whole point. #It works.
The new whiz-bang communications technologies seem to be held together with spit and baling wire behind the glitz and glimmer. #Sneeze or tilt the antenna a little to the left or right and the whole system goes down. #If I want to get a message someplace with 100 percent chance of success, give me a mature, decentralized technology that ALWAYS works, at least a little. #Yeah a solar flare took us down for a while the other day. # So the relays get shorter or longer as necessary, or the traffic gets passed when the bands come back. #They always do. #
I don't care how many old farts have to relay the message, where they have to relay it to, what modes they use along the way, or how long it takes. #It gets there. #That's what's required.
Quote[/b] (wx3rob @ Sep. 08 2005,12:25)]Quote[/b] (W9WHE @ Sep. 07 2005,13:57)]I sure hope you do not let him see the badge toting, orange vest wearing, blue light on the dash types. It would be a terrible thing for ham radio to be seen as associated with those guys.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif #...and what is wrong with the volunteer (blue lighter)??
Nothing wrong with "blue lighters" as you describe them. #The real question is: #What's the matter with W9WHE?
It takes one who's willing to give the greatest gift of all, if it comes to it, to do what you do. #Thanks to you and all who do what you do to protect the rest of us.
Orange vested, HT-toting members of the ham fraternity, as Jonathan describes them, are now the only communications link to many people in shelters in the affected states. #If all those hams in the shelters had heeded his advice, there'd be a lot of folks still doing without the basic necessities.
Perhap's Jonathan's intent is/was to stir up controversy. #If he wants to do that, he can and get paid for it at the same time, as at least the last time I checked, he's still practicing lawyering.
Lee
W6EM
Quote[/b] (K0RFD @ Sep. 09 2005,10:13)]I guess I'm less bothered than some people by the "old tech" or "low tech" references to Ham radio in the WSJ article. #Ham radio is a mature technology. #It's decentralized so you can't nuke it all at once. #That's why it works. #That's the whole point. #It works.
The new whiz-bang communications technologies seem to be held together with spit and baling wire behind the glitz and glimmer. #Sneeze or tilt the antenna a little to the left or right and the whole system goes down. #If I want to get a message someplace with 100 percent chance of success, give me a mature, decentralized technology that ALWAYS works, at least a little. #Yeah a solar flare took us down for a while the other day. # So the relays get shorter or longer as necessary, or the traffic gets passed when the bands come back. #They always do. #
I don't care how many old farts have to relay the message, where they have to relay it to, what modes they use along the way, or how long it takes. #It gets there. #That's what's required.
Excellent points.
And the Motorola guy's point about "party line" format is right, but not in the way he meant. That (as proved by many drills and more than a few actual emergencies in my log) is one of ham radio's main advantages in an emergency situation. Many times you need word to go to several people. With our stuff you say it once, instead of calling people and repeating a dozen times or more.
WB6ANP
09-10-2005, 03:02 PM
Maybe we need to quit using motorola products.:angry:
WB6ANP
09-10-2005, 03:09 PM
I was listening to the SATERN net on thursday, they announced that as of that day they had fielded more than 54000 health and welfare messages, and ham radio is nothing?
w1gfh
09-10-2005, 05:24 PM
1947
http://www.qcwa.org/w0rn_station_2.jpg
2005
http://www.qcwa.org/n0uf_station.jpg
OK guys, I concede. Strictly speaking, ham radio technology is very different now compared to how it was at the end of WWII. All I'm sayin' is I could see how a layman might get the impression that nothing's changed.
(Hey, isn't that Leonardo DiCaprio in the top photo?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif )
Excellent, factually accurate article.
Super, exemplary e-comms!
Ham radio at it's finest!
73,
Chip N1IR
Quote[/b] (WB6ANP @ Sep. 09 2005,11:02)]Maybe we need to quit using motorola products.:angry:
Actually I don't think /\/\ wants hams to be users of any of their commercial gear besides cell phones anyway. #
The boys at the big /\/\ have a crusher, where all used mobile and personal gear traded-in is ground up so as not to be available for resale to the likes of us.
Their MICOM HF SSB radio division was sold off to an Israeli firm a few years ago as well. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
Quote[/b] (w1gfh @ Sep. 10 2005,10:24)]1947
http://www.qcwa.org/w0rn_station_2.jpg
2005
http://www.qcwa.org/n0uf_station.jpg
OK guys, I concede. Strictly speaking, ham radio technology is very different now compared to how it was at the end of WWII. All I'm sayin' is I could see how a layman might get the impression that nothing's changed.
(Hey, isn't that Leonardo DiCaprio in the top photo?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif )
The comment about the age of our technology is essentially accurate: In order of the 'most QSO's, the modes most used are:
FM;
SSB;
CW;
everything else together.
SSB took hold shortly after the war. CW was around in the the 1910 era, and FM arose just before WWII.
Great article!
I think one of the clear lessons that is being learned is that digital/text modes need to be emphasized in e-comms. Text is flawless and archival, and can be quickly sent elswhere, such as on the internet.
73,
Chip N1IR
Quote[/b] (w1gfh @ Sep. 09 2005,13:24)]1947
http://www.qcwa.org/w0rn_station_2.jpg
2005
http://www.qcwa.org/n0uf_station.jpg
OK guys, I concede. Strictly speaking, ham radio technology is very different now compared to how it was at the end of WWII. All I'm sayin' is I could see how a layman might get the impression that nothing's changed.
(Hey, isn't that Leonardo DiCaprio in the top photo?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif )
Cool photo, Leonardo!!!
I used to have an HQ-129X too, when I was about your age shown in the picture in 1964. #In 1947, I was still in diapers.
Your HQ-129X had better main and bandspread knobs than mine did, though. #Yours look to be from a Hallidrifter Skybuddy or something similar. #Mine had some non-Hammarlund knobs too. #I think they were Raytheon style or some such.
Lee
W6EM
Quote[/b] (n1ir @ Sep. 09 2005,16:17)]SSB took hold shortly after the war. CW was around in the the 1910 era, and FM arose just before WWII.
Great article!
I think one of the clear lessons that is being learned is that digital/text modes need to be emphasized in e-comms. Text is flawless and archival, and can be quickly sent elswhere, such as on the internet.
73,
Chip N1IR
Hello, Chip.
SSB didn't 'take over' until the mid 1960's. #AM was still the dominant mode aside from CW. #Rarely was SSB heard on HF. #Even though Collins had the KWS-1 and KWM-2. #And, Central Electronics had their 10 and 20 series SSB transmitters.
I remember when I was the first SSB station on my AF MARS net in the early '60s via a Heathkit SB-10 phasing sideband adaptor that I purchased and hay-wired onto my Viking II transmitter.
FM was around 2 meters via surplus /\/\ 41Vs, 80D's, 140D's and GE's Progress Line mobile drawers. #Remember when "Progress Is Our Most Important Product?" #Or, maybe that was before your time......
And, Motorola's jingle was "Quality Is Our Most Important Product."
Motorola was busy selling "Quasars." #(Boob tubes, not physics phenomena)
Lee
W6EM
Quote[/b] (w6em @ Sep. 10 2005,13:53)]Quote[/b] (n1ir @ Sep. 09 2005,16:17)]SSB took hold shortly after the war. CW was around in the the 1910 era, and FM arose just before WWII.
Great article!
I think one of the clear lessons that is being learned is that digital/text modes need to be emphasized in e-comms. Text is flawless and archival, and can be quickly sent elswhere, such as on the internet.
73,
Chip N1IR
Hello, Chip.
SSB didn't 'take over' until the mid 1960's. #AM was still the dominant mode aside from CW. #Rarely was SSB heard on HF. #Even though Collins had the KWS-1 and KWM-2. #And, Central Electronics had their 10 and 20 series SSB transmitters.
I remember when I was the first SSB station on my AF MARS net in the early '60s via a Heathkit SB-10 phasing sideband adaptor that I purchased and hay-wired onto my Viking II transmitter.
FM was around 2 meters via surplus /\/\ 41Vs, 80D's, 140D's and GE's Progress Line mobile drawers. #Remember when "Progress Is Our Most Important Product?" #Or, maybe that was before your time......
And, Motorola's jingle was "Quality Is Our Most Important Product."
Motorola was busy selling "Quasars." #(Boob tubes, not physics phenomena)
Lee
W6EM
Hi Lee,
The mode took hold shortly after the war. As usual, hams weren't the first to adopt it. #Again, I see nothing wrong in the WSJ article.
It sure WAS my time:-)
73,
Chip N1IR
Here's what the people on the ground discovered about our "next to nothing" radios vs. Motorola's and their contemporaries:
"Stratton said Amateur Radio has even had to loan some government agencies their communication gear because their own didn't function. "It's been an eye-opener to me operating in the EOC down there how terribly their equipment operates," he said.
Quote[/b] (w6em @ Sep. 10 2005,13:53)]SSB didn't 'take over' until the mid 1960's. #AM was still the dominant mode aside from CW. #Rarely was SSB heard on HF. #Even though Collins had the KWS-1 and KWM-2. #And, Central Electronics had their 10 and 20 series SSB transmitters.
And remember that Art Collins used ham radios to demonstrate SSB to the Air Force, touring with Gen. Curtiss LeMay. #The Air Force later adopted SSB as their standard operating mode. #Hams led the way as usual.
w1gfh
09-11-2005, 12:22 AM
Quote[/b] (w6em @ Sep. 10 2005,13:26)]Cool photo, Leonardo!!!
I used to have an HQ-129X too, when I was about your age shown in the picture in 1964. #In 1947, I was still in diapers.
Your HQ-129X had better main and bandspread knobs than mine did, though. #Yours look to be from a Hallidrifter Skybuddy or something similar. #Mine had some non-Hammarlund knobs too. #I think they were Raytheon style or some such.
Lee
W6EM
Er, those aren't my photos, Lee. They are from the QCWA website. (But they are pretty cool)
ka9uce
09-11-2005, 10:30 AM
This is a response to a letter posted on the amsat reflector, concerning the remark made by Mr. Motorola Exec(I'll call him) I am the author of this reply.
What I posted:
Mr. XXXX, I am in full agreement with your stance on Motorola's childish and ridiculous statement.
It does not make their company look good in light of the problems their vaulted smartnet/smartzone trunking systems have been having nationwide.
For an 'executive' to be in such a position and know nothing of what he speaks tells me they are unwilling to even view anybody, let alone hams with anything but vile cockroaches on the 'professional radio' spotlight.
The man is a fool, plain and simple, and it shows with his comment.
I've been a 'ham' since 1983, and use, service and program Motorola radios in both a professional and amateur atmosphere.
I can route comms with the same efficiency as the so-called pros if I had the same playing field to work with as a ham, but we rarely do.
Since our palyign field is voluntary, that does not make us less important, in fact I believe it increases our value as we can not profit from our position as volunteers, which makes us somewhat 'benign' in our operating, we take pride in what we do, and never have we made a cent from our hard work, and dedication to provide cost-free communications for not only police, but for fire and medical personnel, as well as search and rescue on both land and air when the need has arisen, can motorola say that? NO!
Just because our 'fraternity' is not a paid-for organization, our interest is solely on providing necessary communications when the normal path for communications has been cut, destroyed or never existed, there we shine brightly.
The recent tsunami proved that point very well indeed. Where was motorola during that crisis...did they even bother to volunteer their time and equipment with the same attitude the hams around the world had done?
Again....NO!
How many DAYS did it take for motorola to even begin getting men and materials to even be ready to ship to the flooded areas, that hams were already in the thick of, providing emergency comms?
It was well after the hurricane passed that they were willing to 'donate' their gear for use, we were already entrenched, so much for commercial value.
Hams make up a vast number of professional communicators, technicians and engineers, and they also design the systems motorola sells, they are part of a great community of valuable natural resources that are willing to place themselves in harm's way daily to help their fellow citizen, when big business only sends equipment.
My future dollars are going towards Kenwood, they are much better to deal with, and are just as quality minded or more so than motorola, and they are more in line with pricing that people can afford.
I've had my share of motorola's heavy-handed tactics with their software, and their mentality that they are the only players in the field.
They don't want you to be an MSS and sell any competitor's radios, and their agreements indicate that as well, they pull your MSS dealership if you refuse to sell motorola products solely.
Read the articles on how motorola deals with people in: http//:batboards.batlabs.com and you'll see the heavy-handed tactics they try to use on business and general public.
I stand with Mr. taylor on his views, they are proper and justified.
Thank you all for reading.
73!
--
Ernest A. Erickson, KA9UCE
Applied Electronic Communications
150 S. Roosevelt Rd. #1158
Mesa, AZ. 85202
602.489.1654(cell)
I think the WSJ did a remarkable, thorough and accurate portrayal of ham radio, obviously aided by W1ZY's multiple hour discussions. We come off as a dinosaur, albeit one that can help: like a steam engine train when the roads are wiped out.
Clearly the 'legacy' modes of SSB and FM are NOT the way to aid the Red Cross and Salvation army: digital and archival modes passing traffic are the only efficient way to do it. Someone sitting in front of a microphone on a net talking to the MidWest is just , if not more, problematic #than the non-ham methods.
The nets on 20M and 40M are working at a snail's pace on SSB.
After Katrina--months from now-- we need to re-think what it means to be PREPARED and PART of the e-comms scene, and put the emphasis on modes that aren't slow and 60 years old. My opinion. Yours may differ. And this is not a diss of the fine work of the hams involved--it is a constructive opinion on what can make it infinitely better.
73,
Chip N1IR
Quote[/b] (ka9uce @ Sep. 11 2005,03:30)]This is a response to a letter posted on the amsat reflector, concerning the remark made by Mr. Motorola Exec(I'll call him) #I am the author of this reply.
What I posted:
Mr. XXXX, I am in full agreement with your stance on Motorola's childish and ridiculous statement.
It does not make their company look good in light of the problems their vaulted smartnet/smartzone trunking systems have been having nationwide.
For an 'executive' to be in such a position and know nothing of what he speaks tells me they are unwilling to even view anybody, let alone hams with anything but vile cockroaches on the 'professional radio' spotlight.
The man is a fool, plain and simple, and it shows with his comment.
I've been a 'ham' since 1983, and use, service and program Motorola radios in both a professional and amateur atmosphere.
I can route comms with the same efficiency as the so-called pros if I had the same playing field to work with as a ham, but we rarely do.
Since our palyign field is voluntary, that does not make us less important, in fact I believe it increases our value as we can not profit from our position as volunteers, which makes us somewhat 'benign' in our operating, we take pride in what we do, and never have we made a cent from our hard work, and dedication to provide cost-free communications for not only police, but for fire and medical personnel, as well as search and rescue on both land and air when the need has arisen, can motorola say that? NO!
Just because our 'fraternity' is not a paid-for organization, our interest is solely on providing necessary communications when the normal path for communications has been cut, destroyed or never existed, there we shine brightly.
The recent tsunami proved that point very well indeed. Where was motorola during that crisis...did they even bother to volunteer their time and equipment with the same attitude the hams around the world had done?
Again....NO!
How many DAYS did it take for motorola to even begin getting men and materials to even be ready to ship to the flooded areas, that hams were already in the thick of, providing emergency comms?
It was well after the hurricane passed that they were willing to 'donate' their gear for use, we were already entrenched, so much for commercial value.
Hams make up a vast number of professional communicators, technicians and engineers, and they also design the systems motorola sells, they are part of a great community of valuable natural resources that are willing to place themselves in harm's way daily to help their fellow citizen, when big business only sends equipment.
My future dollars are going towards Kenwood, they are much better to deal with, and are just as quality minded or more so than motorola, and they are more in line with pricing that people can afford.
I've had my share of motorola's heavy-handed tactics with their software, and their mentality that they are the only players in the field.
They don't want you to be an MSS and sell any competitor's radios, and their agreements indicate that as well, they pull your MSS dealership if you refuse to sell motorola products solely.
Read the articles on how motorola deals with people in: http//:batboards.batlabs.com and you'll see the heavy-handed tactics they try to use on business and general public.
I stand with Mr. taylor on his views, they are proper and justified.
Thank you all for reading.
73!
--
Ernest A. Erickson, KA9UCE
Applied Electronic Communications
150 S. Roosevelt Rd. #1158
Mesa, AZ. 85202
602.489.1654(cell)
Targetting a company is not ham-like and I interpreted your statement as interference of business. It has no context to ham radio NOR this topic. My opinion: Please don't pass yourself as a radio amateur in conveying this stuff. It only makes us look bad, at bad times. It also deters from the positive relief effort, that I assume you are trying to be part of. Thanks.
ka9uce
09-12-2005, 05:22 AM
To N1IR, I never 'targeted' a company, i was merely posting my opinion about the comments made BY a company, big difference.
Since it was 'targeted' towards ham radio, I returned the favor.
I don't judge you, and I would appreciate the same courtesy in kind.
Looks like my post fits as well as yours does, and I am not 'trying' to be a ham, I am one thank you very much.
I find it rather amazing why some people feel the need to jump on others for simply having an opinion that differs from their own.
Thank you for letting me know that I should be trying to become a real ham, as I assume I have yet to reach that elevated position at this time since you are the master.
It gets tiring dealing with narrow minds on a daily basis, but I deal with it and let it pass, it's only a message board, not a life, for me at least.
I do thank you for filling me in on the facts as you see them and I am forever indebted to you for the high honors you bestowed upon me.
You surely didn't have to read or respond to it since it angered you, but you chose to do so; that's your fault, not mine.
How does my post 'interfere' with business?
Please indicate that my comment caused a direct loss, and if it did, oh well, I never forced anybody to do anything so I accept no responsibility for another's actions.
A business has no rights, people do.
I own a comm. shop so I have some idea as to what is and is not legal from a business standpoint, and what I posted is wholly legal.
Quote[/b] (WB6ANP @ Sep. 10 2005,08:02)]Maybe we need to quit using motorola products.:angry:
I hear a new Intel chipset will include onboard BPL. Are they next?
Cortland
KA5S
Quote[/b] (ka9uce @ Sep. 11 2005,22:22)]To N1IR, I never 'targeted' a company, i was merely posting my opinion about the comments made BY a company, big difference.
Since it was 'targeted' towards ham radio, I returned the favor.
I don't judge you, and I would appreciate the same courtesy in kind.
Looks like my post fits as well as yours does, and I am not 'trying' to be a ham, I am one thank you very much.
I find it rather amazing why some people feel the need to jump on others for simply having an opinion that differs from their own.
Thank you for letting me know that I should be trying to become a real ham, as I assume I have yet to reach that elevated position at this time since you are the master.
It gets tiring dealing with narrow minds on a daily basis, but I deal with it and let it pass, it's only a message board, not a life, for me at least.
I do thank you for filling me in on the facts as you see them and I am forever indebted to you for the high honors you bestowed upon me.
You surely didn't have to read or respond to it since it angered you, but you chose to do so; that's your fault, not mine.
How does my post 'interfere' with business?
Please indicate that my comment caused a direct loss, and if it did, oh well, I never forced anybody to do anything so I accept no responsibility for another's actions.
A business has no rights, people do.
I own a comm. shop so I have some idea as to what is and is not legal from a business standpoint, and what I posted is wholly legal.
Ask your lawyer why this can be seen as interference to business. I am merely a disinterested party.
When you state comment as 'fact', and that 'fact' is not supported by reality, then it is not opinion (at best). You made several allegations about Motorola with are, IMO, highly damaging ; not shown to be supportable; , and deliberately distributed in a public forum with intent.
I know nothing about Motorola and its trunk operations, but your public announcement here, certainly was designed to stop business with them, as opposed to show there is a problem that is being fixed..
Sincerely,
Nathan Cohen
ARS N1IR
N2MMM
09-12-2005, 02:35 PM
A fair assesment of the issue:
CBS Report on Ham Radio/ Katrina (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/09/08/scitech/pcanswer/main828737.shtml)
KA9UCE:
I see that you have met Chip. Thanks for your posting.
You have been threatened. You might want to do a google or alta vista search under the email fractenna at aol dot com and read some of the hits. Quite informative.
Sadly, there are some amongst us that seem to appear supportive of those who seek to lessen or even perhaps end the amateur radio service in favor of reassignment of our spectrum to their commercial enterprises or to those who might be customers of their for-profit enterprise(s).
I surely would like to think that there are those, somewhere in government, that have the good sense to be looking for "lessons to be learned" from the telecommunication failures surrounding Katrina.
Its high time that trunked systems be abandoned. Their failure on 9/11/01 in NYC was a first call. Now, the total collapse of the 800MHz PS trunked system in New Orleans immediately after Katrina struck. How many more lives need be lost or injuries sustained (because) of the failure of trunked systems at greatest times of need?
Factory Mutual even strongly recommends that fire agencies only use simplex conventional communications between firefighters inside burning structures and others to ensure reliable and immediate communications.
Public safety agencies and the FCC need to wake up and admit that trunked systems are highly vulnerable to failure in crises and step back to conventional repeater technology.
Lee
W6EM
N2MMM
09-12-2005, 08:59 PM
Quote[/b] (w6em @ Sep. 12 2005,13:36)]KA9UCE:
I see that you have met Chip. #Thanks for your posting. #
You have been threatened. #You might want to do a google or alta vista search under the email fractenna at aol dot com and read some of the hits. #Quite informative.
Sadly, there are some amongst us that seem to appear supportive of those who seek to lessen or even perhaps end the amateur radio service in favor of reassignment of our spectrum to their commercial enterprises or to those who might be customers of their for-profit enterprise(s).
I surely would like to think that there are those, somewhere in government, that have the good sense to be looking for "lessons to be learned" from the telecommunication failures surrounding Katrina.
Its high time that trunked systems be abandoned. #Their failure on 9/11/01 in NYC was a first call. #Now, the total collapse of the 800MHz PS trunked system in New Orleans immediately after Katrina struck. #How many more lives need be lost or injuries sustained (because) of the failure of trunked systems at greatest times of need?
Factory Mutual even strongly recommends that fire agencies only use simplex conventional communications between firefighters inside burning structures and others to ensure reliable and immediate communications.
Public safety agencies and the FCC need to wake up and admit that trunked systems are highly vulnerable to failure in crises and step back to conventional repeater technology.
Lee
W6EM
***T*R*U*T*H***
Trunking=fragility
Without a doubt, trunking ran into some failures--as did every single other infrastructure on that part of the Gulf coast. We've had some failures too--also caused by natural events, such as the wipeout of HF comms from solar flares. Fortunately relatively temporary.
The role of ham radio in this debacle is rapidly becoming secondary--albeit essential: logistics and H&W for shelters, and so on. The primary comms for services are rapidly being filled as we speak--and we will soon have no role there to speak of. This makes total sense.
We have hundreds of eager and devoted volunteers who had been able to respond to the call and they will continue to take ham radio into its finest hour. Please don't degrade that success by focusing on the bitternes of affixing blame to a telecom company--and making silly comments about individuals like myself making threats--when all that was suggested was go ask someone else who you can confide in.
Like I said: be PROFESSIONAL as a RADIO AMATEUR in the days ahead. And thanks again to those who are directly helping.
73,
Chip N1IR
Quote[/b] (w6em @ Sep. 12 2005,13:36)]KA9UCE:
I see that you have met Chip. #Thanks for your posting. #
You have been threatened. #You might want to do a google or alta vista search under the email fractenna at aol dot com and read some of the hits. #Quite informative.
Sadly, there are some amongst us that seem to appear supportive of those who seek to lessen or even perhaps end the amateur radio service in favor of reassignment of our spectrum to their commercial enterprises or to those who might be customers of their for-profit enterprise(s).
Lee
W6EM
Lee,
What the heck ARE you talking about??
This is false as it pertains to me.
You did, however, makes the constructive suggestion that I be googled. Great idea! Here's a really enlightening link that shows the deep divide between a rational and balanced view, and on the other side, (some) hams acting like total goofballs (IMO) and not in the public interest (IMO). Thanks for suggesting this look-further:-) Especially on the BPL (Broadband over power lines) issue and ham radio.
http://www.radiobanter.com/printthread.php?t=2451
ALSO:
http://www.radiobanter.com/printthread.php?t=2445
Unfortunately, my comment #(there) about hams not embracing modern modes--over a year ago--has the contemporary ring of truth, as we get criticized for just that issue: FM, SSB; and CW are very slow; non-archival; and prone to error compared to modern digital modes. They do not serve most needs of e-comms effectively.
73,
Chip N1IR
One of the most important aspects after a disaster has occurred is the analysis of what worked and what didn't. #And, the reasons why or why not.
I don't have a lot of faith in our government incumbents examining things objectively, since, at least as far as telecomm technology is concerned, their behavior is likely tainted by money. #Money from manufacturers of inappropriate or more aptly, inadequately hardened technology for public safety application.
A glimpse of this attitude is visible in the Congressional testimony of the FCC's Homeland Security representative. #He reported, adnauseum, how many cellular handsets were interrrupted and said nothing at all about the failure of the public safety radio system.
His only mention was to defer the conversion of one city to what apparently would be a trunked system.
I am personally thankful that so many amateurs rallied to the call, and that agencies such as the Coast Guard, have the good sense to stick with firm and substantial conventional communications methods. #VHF AM (aircraft) and VHF FM to vessels and vehicles get through in crises.
As to your comments about HF being interrupted by the solar flares, yes, but only momentarily. #There were reports of a form of strange interference, though. #I noticed that the FCC had granted Special Temporary Authorization for Ultra-Wideband Radar to be used to scan through structures. #Apparently, what was being used was only permissible for DOD offshore. #Nice, but it may have been the source of the noise.
Yes, it is now time for amateurs to wind down operations from shelters, as infrastructure returns.
At some point, I hope that the ARRL assembles a few relevant achievement stats for amateur radio that can show that it saved lives. #And, was strategic in the early hours following the disaster. #I seem to recall someone from FEMA using amateur radio to get a message from Bush to the mayor. #Or, at least trying to. #And, some remarks about FEMA people discarding their communications gear because it didn't work and relying on amateurs to be their link.
BPL may actually have lost some ground as a result of the nature of the events as well. #Especially since HF communications may not have been possible if BPL were in place around the distant HF stations involved in life saving communications in and out of the region. #Just a parting thought for the future......
73,
Lee
W6EM
Quote[/b] (w6em @ Sep. 13 2005,13:43)]One of the most important aspects after a disaster has occurred is the analysis of what worked and what didn't. #And, the reasons why or why not.
I don't have a lot of faith in our government incumbents examining things objectively, since, at least as far as telecomm technology is concerned, their behavior is likely tainted by money. #Money from manufacturers of inappropriate or more aptly, inadequately hardened technology for public safety application.
A glimpse of this attitude is visible in the Congressional testimony of the FCC's Homeland Security representative. #He reported, adnauseum, how many cellular handsets were interrrupted and said nothing at all about the failure of the public safety radio system.
His only mention was to defer the conversion of one city to what apparently would be a trunked system.
I am personally thankful that so many amateurs rallied to the call, and that agencies such as the Coast Guard, have the good sense to stick with firm and substantial conventional communications methods. #VHF AM (aircraft) and VHF FM to vessels and vehicles get through in crises.
As to your comments about HF being interrupted by the solar flares, yes, but only momentarily. #There were reports of a form of strange interference, though. #I noticed that the FCC had granted Special Temporary Authorization for Ultra-Wideband Radar to be used to scan through structures. #Apparently, what was being used was only permissible for DOD offshore. #Nice, but it may have been the source of the noise.
Yes, it is now time for amateurs to wind down operations from shelters, as infrastructure returns.
At some point, I hope that the ARRL assembles a few relevant achievement stats for amateur radio that can show that it saved lives. #And, was strategic in the early hours following the disaster. #I seem to recall someone from FEMA using amateur radio to get a message from Bush to the mayor. #Or, at least trying to. #And, some remarks about FEMA people discarding their communications gear because it didn't work and relying on amateurs to be their link.
BPL may actually have lost some ground as a result of the nature of the events as well. #Especially since HF communications may not have been possible if BPL were in place around the distant HF stations involved in life saving communications in and out of the region. #Just a parting thought for the future......
73,
Lee
W6EM
Hams were a light in a very dark and crooked path Lee.
I bet that we hams are the first to learn, and the OM's and YL's who did the e-comms sure were the last to complain!
Compare that to the incredible blame-game unfolding...I hope you share with me the interest in staying out of it until reason has the chance to prevail. It's very, very ugly right now.
73,
Chip N1IR
Quote[/b] (n1ir @ Sep. 12 2005,20:00)]Hams were a light in a very dark and crooked path Lee.
I bet that #we hams are the first to learn, and the OM's and YL's who did the e-comms sure were the last to complain!
Compare that to the incredible blame-game unfolding...I hope you share with me the interest in staying out of it until reason has the chance to prevail. It's very, very ugly right now.
73,
Chip N1IR
Yes. The public will hear plenty of that stuff and political opportunism, I suppose.
People who have never experienced a large catastrophe don't have a reasonable concept of how much time it can take to get needed assets and the obstacles.
Take care of the problems and the people first, then duke it out. I'm afraid it sounds more like the other way around.
Quote[/b] (n1ir @ Sep. 13 2005,17:00)]Hams were a light in a very dark and crooked path Lee.
I bet that we hams are the first to learn, and the OM's and YL's who did the e-comms sure were the last to complain!
Compare that to the incredible blame-game unfolding...I hope you share with me the interest in staying out of it until reason has the chance to prevail. It's very, very ugly right now.
73,
Chip N1IR
Darn, Chip! We wind up agreeing again!! Well said.
kb2wye
09-14-2005, 10:24 AM
Quote[/b] (KG4ZLB @ Sep. 07 2005,12:13)]The hams also get little respect from telecommunications-equipment companies, such as Motorola Inc. "Something is better than nothing, that's right," says Jim Screeden, who runs all of Motorola's repair teams in the field for its emergency-response business. "But ham radios are pretty close to nothing." Mr. Screeden says ham radios can take a long time to relay messages and work essentially as "party lines," with multiple parties talking at once. Says Mr. Leggett at the Monroe operations center: "We are the unwanted stepchild. But when the s- hits the fan, who are you going to call?"
That piece of S%#@ from Motorola (Jim Screeden) needs a good beating!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
Quote[/b] (W2RJL @ Sep. 14 2005,03:24)]Quote[/b] (KG4ZLB @ Sep. 07 2005,12:13)]The hams also get little respect from telecommunications-equipment companies, such as Motorola Inc. "Something is better than nothing, that's right," says Jim Screeden, who runs all of Motorola's repair teams in the field for its emergency-response business. "But ham radios are pretty close to nothing." Mr. Screeden says ham radios can take a long time to relay messages and work essentially as "party lines," with multiple parties talking at once. Says Mr. Leggett at the Monroe operations center: "We are the unwanted stepchild. But when the s- hits the fan, who are you going to call?"
That piece of S%#@ from Motorola (Jim Screeden) needs a good beating!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
Absolutely correct!! His ignorance is appaling, and his public venting of same even worse! But, amazingly, there are "hams" on here defending him.
N2MMM
09-14-2005, 01:52 PM
I think Motorola would be interested in knowing that this idiot was publicly disparaging Ham Radio. It is my experience that Hams are sought out for advice related to the purchase of 2 way radio systems in the workp[ace. When my former employer was setting up an evacuation radio system, my manager called me into his office and discussed the matter. I suggested a system of 16 UHF #handhelds, 6 of which would multi channel radios with corporate security and other site frequencies as well as the evacuation frequency. These would be in the possession of the shift evacuation commander (3 shifts) as well as the plant manager, leaving a radio for the alternate evacuation manager as well as a spare radio to cover breakdowns. 1 single channel radio would be placed at each building exit. (10 radios) I further suggested that they buy Motorola radios and a gang charger along with 3 spare batteries. IIRC, they spent somewhere north of 7,000.00 for the system which was exactly what I described to my manager. I don't think I'll recomment Motorola again if their position is that Amateur Radio is unimportant. Seems they are EAGER to take our frequencies to make a buck. but it'll bite 'em
Quote[/b] (N2MMM @ Sep. 14 2005,06:52)]I think Motorola would be interested in knowing that this idiot was publicly disparaging Ham Radio.
I think Motorola doesn't give a rat's patoot. If they did, he would have been reprimanded already.