TO: ALL WEST VIRGINIA ARES MEMBERS (OFFICIAL)
ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE (INFORMATION)
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM WV SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WV ARES BULLETIN NR 10.15 DATE: April 11, 2010
SUBJECT: FEET ON THE GROUND
For several years I've been watching how communications technology keeps advancing to faster communications modes that handle more traffic and information. I have often wondered where that leaves Amateur Radio communications with just a simple CW, voice, or 1200 baud Packet Radio system. Just because the advanced communication systems can handle more traffic and information faster, doesn't mean that simple voice, CW, or Packet communications isn't needed. Most high volume, high speed communications are located at one or two locations at a disaster site, or scene, and they are communicating point-to-point with a communications center or office.
Where do those high capacity communication systems get their traffic from? A lot of the time they get their information from communicators who have their feet on the ground, out in the field, who only have a simple communications device such as a walkie/talkie or a mobile radio. Every communications system has its place in an information network. Just because there are high capacity, high volume communication systems at a disaster site doesn't mean that a single Amateur Radio operator, with a simple communications device isn't needed.
Keep practicing your simple communication drills, nets, and traffic handling. You may be surprised how important it will be when interfaced with high capacity, advanced communications system, or if that advanced system would happen to fail.
Remember, a lot of Amateur Radio communications can operate without infrastructure that may be damaged during a disaster.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
WV ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
WV ARES District 3 Emergency Coordinator