[Elecraft] Question on K3S and Winlink Express

[Lyn Norstad]

I don't argue with the responders position, but have found that the
participation of hams in emergency communications is not only welcomed, it
is encouraged by groups like FEMA, Red Cross, Salvation Army and others on
local, regional and national levels.  Many of us have completed the required
FEMA training and participate in exercises regularly through our local
organizations (ARES, etc.).

The voluntary participation by Hams in the case of natural disasters, for
example, is well documented.  Many of us have taken it seriously enough to
actually get the required training offered to us by FEMA, ARRL, etc.  Groups
such as SATERN and the Red Cross hold periodic Simulated Emergency Tests
with the active participation of ham radio groups.

Right now, hams in the South Carolina area are actively participating in
emergency communications related to Hurricane Isaias.  Are they "riding high
and saving the day" ?  Probably not, but they are contributing their skills
and facilities in an effort to serve the public need.

73
Lyn, W0LEN


-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of JHRichards
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2020 4:18 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Question on K3S and Winlink Express

a nationwide group to become proficient in handling P2P message
traffic in the case of a "grid down" emergency (no internet, no cells, no
repeaters, no power). 

-------------------------------------------------------

While that is a lovely gesture, it is neither realistic nor practicable. 
Your traffic handler and I have radios, but my in laws and relations do not.

Moreover, when it gets THAT bad, I will NOT be on my radio.   Instead, I
will grab a gun and hunker down to protect my homestead and loved ones from
looters.   And, I expect your traffic handlers to do the same.   If they are
situated within the disaster area, they will be busy enough looking after
their own, and if they are located outside the area, they are not likely to
drive hundreds of miles in to hand-deliver messages of good tidings to my
wife's disconnected family 200 miles away.  Besides, FEMA and most other
official agencies are not going to be embarrassed by another communications
conundrum "when all else fails."   Even the ARRL has backed away from that
draconian position.  At a recent Dayton Hamvention, FEMA made it abundantly
clear the notion of ham operators riding high and saving the day are long
gone.  It clearly indicated ops must be FEMA trained and certified, and it
will supply the radios.   It gave an example where the only way local ham
operators were involved in an actual emergency was to identify the highest
hill in the area to put a temporary repeater.   Thank you, good night, we
will take it from here.    Just MY take.   K8JHR   



--
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