TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY ARES MEMBERS (OFFICIAL)
ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE (INFORMATION)
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM ARRL DISTRICT 3 EMERGENCY COORDINATOR
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INC.
WOOD COUNTY BULLETIN NR 16.18 DATE: May 1, 2016
SUBJECT: FEET ON THE GROUND
For 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 systems.
Just because the advanced communication systems can handle more traffic and information faster, doesn't mean that simple voice, CW, or Packet communications aren't needed. Most high volume, high speed communications are in operation at one or two locations at a disaster site, or scene, and they are communicating point- to-point with a communication centers or offices.
Where does those high capacity, high speed communication systems get their traffic? 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 it's 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
District 3 ARES District Emergency Coordinator
WCEC
Wood County WV