Besides talking to the ISS, don't forget that Ham Radio does a very
important public service in disaster relief, furnishing communications when
the phones, cell towers, computers, etc. all stop working.
At least one state officially recognizes the value of Amateur Radio
operators - Alaska. After the big earthquake of 1964, they enacted a law
that allows licensed Hams to get vehicle license plates for their vehicles
for a dollar (with their call signs!), as long as there is a radio installed
or can be installed in less than 24 hours.
Everytime there's a tornado outbreak, serious hurricane, flood, fire, or
other emergency, the Amateur Radio ARES system is usually activated. Many
municipalities have pre-arranged networks using Ham Operators for
communications or backup.
So is this system passé? Not in my estimation!
Werner
----- Original Message -----
From: "OK Don" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Mercedes Discussion List" <mercedes@okiebenz.com>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2007 12:08 AM
Subject: Re: [MBZ] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
It has - my son doesn't see any magic in it at all, he has IM, doesn't
see any need for a radio. He describes calling CQ as picking up the
phone, dialing a random number, and seeing who answers. I agreed, and
asked what's strange about that?
Amateur radio might get a bit of pick-up, the Morse code requirement
expires Feb. 24th.
It's also the only way you can talk to the International Space Station
as it soars overhead --
On 2/11/07, Bob Rentfro <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I had no idea what all those crazy numbers were...then it all made sense
to
me.
I had some friends in school who were ham operators. I always thought it
was
cool.
I bet its popularity has waned big time over the years.....
Bob R.
--
OK Don, KD5NRO
Norman, OK
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just
sit there."
Will Rogers
'90 300D, '87 300SDL, '81 240D, '78 450SLC, '97 Ply Grand Voyager
