We've been following that earthquake Giulio, even here on the edge of the Pacific. It's an awful tragedy that underscores the importance of communications independent of the normal infrastructure.
I live in a coastal area vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. We're easily cut off from the outside by ground because our only road runs right at sea level much of its way and is easily flooded by a tsunami or even a heavy storm. A week ago I attended a Community Emergency Response Team meeting and gave my usual short talk about how Ham radio has many levels of capability from e-mail like texting and voice using a variety of portable, fixed and mobile equipment to Morse code using a tiny hand-held radio capable of spanning the continent if needed (while showing off my KX1). As a result, my neighbors would be very disappointed and upset if I didn't remain an active Ham and they consider the antenna on my property a primary asset to the community. Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- ... An easy, but sad example happened some days ago, when an earthquake stroke the center part of Italy, with more than 250 deaths. The Volunteers of many ham radio clubs gave their immediate support, helping coordinate the first waves of help and support, via the good old SSB on 40 mts or FM in 144 MHz. Many newspapers and TV news programs made clear at what extent the ham support have been fundamental and effective. Despite the complicated commercial and civil networks, internet, cell phones etc.... hams are still more than useful... 73 de Giulio IW3HVB ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
