[ATeam]

What new nickname do you prefer, Leo? Elmer or Sparks?

After picking up, delivering or laying over in 17 Katrina-affected communities last year, I resolved to get my amateur radio license. In the Army, I learned Morse Code and ran a net at a MARS station for a while. The code sticks with you no matter how much time passes.

I'm looking forward to working the CW bands. In Katrina, one thing that happened was that many repeaters went down for lack of electricity. Cell phones failed too. My orientation in the hobby is CW and in using the truck as a self-contained, self-sufficient station; able to communicate worldwide with low power and a modest antenna configuration. With three power sources (main engine, generator, reefer) and all the other survival goodies we carry, amateur radio would round out the package.

In the Army, it was a good time to head to the woods, string an antenna between the trees and run traffic with Korea, Germany and Kansas using Morse code. In a real emergency like Katrina or the "big one" when it hits California, that kind of communications capability may come in handy.

Not where I need to be to pass the tests yet but it's absolutely on the to-do list. The study materials are in the truck.

[terryandrene]

I prefer semaphore, wig-wag and flashing light. Each are line of sight; however, I've gotten reception at about 50 nautical miles by bouncing a 24" signal light off the clouds.

[LDB]

I think I'll just stick with Leo. I don't consider myself at a level to be Elmer and don't do CW so no sparks. Having a general license with an HF rig is a good thing but don't discount VHF/UHF. First responders will be going in with minimal equipment good for the first 24 hours or so. That will be HT's with spare batteries and AA packs. Much of the primary EmComm and rescue will be run V/U. That same generator on your truck will also power a repeater as well. A couple of days study should be enough to pass the tech license. The test is offered at many hamfests around the country as well as offered periodically at various clubs.

A good dual band HT and a good V/U mobile unit for the truck would be a nice setup to start with and give good EmComm capability if needed. Setting up that way wouldn't be terribly expensive either. With the proper radio choices and correct GPS choice they can be interfaced and position reports can be made at preset intervals. Position can also be passed to a website and anyone given the station identifier can follow the progress of the truck via the web.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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[greg334]

When you look at the selection of radios and the prices, there is a lot of choices. for about $300 you can have a really good station setup.

Leo you mentioned EmComm, don't forget RACES. I am meeting this weekend with a number of EmComm/CERT people this weekend to discuss the work I am doing.

Anyway, Phil if you can copy code - you got it beat.

The funny thing is the failures during and after Katrina was that many ran down there and got mad when they were asked not to even take thier radios out of the bags but pitch in and unload trucks, etc... The other thing is I read a rather disparing article about the failure of amateur radio during both Katrina and Rita written to take away from Field Day. Mind you that there is room for training and practice and the author seems to think that Field Day is the only practice that operators get.

[ATeam]

I've gotten reception at about 50
>nautical miles by bouncing a 24" signal light off the
>clouds.

Terry, THAT is impressive. Seriously. Way-cool!

[ATeam]

I have no visions of rushing to the rescue in a disaster area with ham radio in hand. If we're in a disaster area as expediters, we will already be doing important work in the relief effort. My radio interest is more about being able to get word back home to family and friends that we're OK. Plus, it's just plain fun to do what Ham radio operators do. Studying radio theory keeps the mind sharp too.

[LDB]

I was using EmComm in a generic way to refer to any form of emergency communications. As you say, RACES is another good program.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
----------
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.