[CW] Katrina emergency nets

[N2EY at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/10/05 1:43:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
kburrows at lvp.eastlink.ca writes:


> The ideal system for emergency comms is available via satellite systems, no
> towers, no fixed station infrasture and less
> skilled operators needed.
> 
> All that is needed is an RV type vehicle with a  2 way satellite dish such
> as the Datastorm system, you can interface with the
> internet and the mode would be e-mailing, this gives a hard copy at fast
> speed and needs little training as most people nowadays
> are familar with e-mailing..
> The vehicle is self contained for food, cooking, power and sleeping area.
> 

Such a system has to be able to "see" the satellite - you can't just plunk 
one down anyplace and expect it to work.

There's a bit of time delay in a geosynchronouse satellite path. About a 
third of a second round trip.

On NPR the other day was the story of sheriff in a Massachusetts town who 
heard of a parish in the affected area that was simply without comms. The police, 
fire, ambulance and other public safety folks were there and relatively 
intact but with their comms gone were struggling to do anything, with trees down 
all over the place, power off, many buildings gone.

So he and some local citizens packed up their mobile comm unit, complete with 
sat terminal etc., and headed south. Made an enormous difference - saved some 
lives.
AFAIK they are still there.

73 de Jim, N2EY