eHam.net News for Monday 17 June 2013

[eHam.net via rec.radio.info Admin]

eHam.net News

///////////////////////////////////////////
Ham Radio Operators Holding Field Day:

Posted: 16 Jun 2013 05:07 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/30298


Madison County -- On June 22 local amateur radio operators will be holding
a public demonstration of emergency communication abilities at the site of
the former Middle School, adjacent to Memorial Park on South Main Street in
Fredericktown. The annual event, known as "field day", is a day when
amateur radio operators, known also as "hams", from across the world take
to the airwaves simulating emergency conditions and make themselves
available to the public to educate and share experiences. Despite the
Internet, cell phones, e-mail, and modern communications, every year whole
regions find themselves in the dark. Earthquakes, tornadoes, fires, storms,
ice, and even the occasional cutting of fiber optic cable leave people
without the means to communicate. In these cases, the one consistent
service that has never failed has been Amateur Radio. Hams provide backup
communications for everything from the American Red Cross, FEMA, and even
for the International Space station. Area Hams will join with thousands of
other Amateur Radio operators showing off their emergency capabilities this
weekend.


///////////////////////////////////////////
Ham Radio Still Part of Hurricane Center Arsenal:

Posted: 16 Jun 2013 05:06 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/30297


Amid the high-tech computers, satellite dishes and sophisticated equipment
at the National Hurricane Center is a HAM radio operator station, somewhat
hidden in a back office. It might seem like it's akin to placing a teletype
on a space shuttle. But when hurricanes form, the amateur radio station
cranks up and receives weather information from HAM operators in the
affected areas. Their observations help the forecasters in Miami-Dade
County better judge a storm's strength or position and issue more precise
warnings. "The goal of our station basically is to help save lives," said
Julio Ripoll, assistant coordinator of the hurricane center's Amateur Radio
Station. "We give hurricane forecasters eyewitness reports and data they
probably wouldn't otherwise have."


///////////////////////////////////////////
Forget Cell Towers and Satellites:

Posted: 16 Jun 2013 05:06 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/30296


MUSCATINE, Iowa -- There's always a chance of losing electricity during
natural disasters and other emergency situations. So if your internet or
phone isn't working, how are you supposed to call for help? There's always
ham radio; but despite the name of their group, some local operators are no
amateurs when it comes to using it. For a 24-hour period, starting at 1
p.m. Saturday, June 22, and lasting until 1 p.m. Sunday June 23, the
Muscatine Amateur Radio Club will demonstrate the radio's emergency
capabilities. The demonstration takes place at 2701 170th St., just north
of Muscatine on Iowa Highway 38. The public is invited to this free event
to see what amateur -- or ham -- radio can do. Tom Brehmer, with
Muscatine's Amateur Radio Club, said the club holds the demonstration on
the third weekend of June each year. The demonstration also partners as a
contest, of sorts. Brehmer explained that the club will communicate with
ham radios across the country and will keep count of how many stations they
contact during the 24-hour period. More than just people keeping in touch,
amateur radio operators provide valuable service, said Brehmer, In the
past, the club has provided storm spotting for the National Weather Service.


///////////////////////////////////////////
Ode in Morse Code:

Posted: 16 Jun 2013 05:06 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/30295


Ode in Morse Code: