[KYHAM] Hurricane Wilma
Scott Thile (K4SET)
k4set at radioministries.org
Fri Oct 28 09:07:25 EDT 2005
And just like Katrina, some are also responding with HF Pactor capable
Winlink 2000 stations. There is certainly a place for SSB and FM voice, but
not at the exclusion of digital. Each mode serves its own unique role. Its
important to include everything viable in the mix as we plan.
A number of key HF Pactor equipped Winlink 2000 stations set up in response
to Katrina and Rita relief efforts. I had at least five of them connecting
to my Winlink 2000 PMBO station here in Murray (K4SET) on 30 and 40M. They
connected to me and other Winlink 2000 PMBO stations which were available
anytime it was convenient for them to connect. Most of these stations
connected several times daily to up and download critical E-mail traffic.
These Winlink stations are of fantastic value in passing traffic that
includes record keeping, ordering of supplies, damage assessment reports,
getting medical advice for teams responding, as well as passing Health and
Welfare traffic. In short, any traffic that can benefit from 100% accuracy,
a written record, and immediate delivery to anyone with an internet E-mail
address is a prime candidate for HF E-mail via the Winlink 2000 network.
Like any other mobile HF station set up, these Winlink capable stations can
be set up easily for immediate mobile operation. My self contained mobile
Winlink station in my van is ready any time. Because it can connect to any
of 68 HF stations worldwide via the existing Winlink 2000 network, it
requires no existing network in the stricken area, and can overcome almost
any propagation problems to find a good connection. If local VHF/UHF packet
resources are available I can also take advantage of those.
HF Pactor equipped jump teams can be a huge asset. Hopefully over time we
can continue to add more of this type capability in our response efforts.
Several of the larger group relief efforts are adding this capability as
they can muster the resources. Several with SATERN and the several Southern
Baptist communications units are ones I have helped recently get equipped
for this so far. We also have a number of local ARES groups in KY looking
into it.
Our KY state EOC and their new mobile command unit are now fully equipped
with Airmail and Winlink 2000 capability, and several operators are starting
to train with it now as well.
73 and 75, Scott
Scott E. Thile, K4SET
KY ARES, ASEC, Digital Communications
> -----Original Message-----
> From: kyham-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:kyham-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jeff Martin
> Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2005 9:13 PM
> To: kyham at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [KYHAM] Hurricane Wilma
>
> Interesting... Just like Katrina, the equipment is being
> brought in from outside Amateurs and the functionality of
> that equipment is based on the lowest common denominator...
> simplex FM and HF SSB Voice.
>
> ARRL News:
>
> Florida Amateur Radio Volunteers Answer the Call NEWINGTON,
> CT, Oct 26, 2005
>
> "Bushel said volunteers will need to be "self-contained,"
> carrying all radios, antennas, parts and accessories with
> them. Food, water and shelter will be available, however."
>
> - Jeff, WB4JM
>
> ---------------------------
> Support Amateur Radio in KY
> http://www.kyham.net
>
More information about the KYHAM
mailing list