Why Ham Radio Is Still Handy

[DarkTower87]

The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 highlighted two phenomena common in disasters: Network communications tower sites were destroyed, and network traffic overwhelmed systems -- two distinct issues causing failure in both public safety, and consumer-oriented communications.
Power failures cut off the Internet, and in New York, debris raining down onto ground-based infrastructure, like switching equipment, destroyed much of any communications left.
However, in the early stages of both emergencies, a group of individuals stepped in and took over much communication with privately owned radio equipment, at no cost to the taxpayer.
Who were these saviors?



http://www.technewsworld.com/story/W...ndy-75830.html

[OS-Wiz]

Good article and thanks for pointing this out. I'm an Amateur Radio Operator (HAM) and it is an exciting hobby.

[DarkTower87]

Originally Posted by OS-Wiz

Good article and thanks for pointing this out. I'm an Amateur Radio Operator (HAM) and it is an exciting hobby.

No problem. Glad you enjoyed the article.

[Hickeydog]

Just bumped up to General last month. I may not chew the fat, but I've still got plenty of equipment. Fortunately, we dont get too many wide area disasters in Ohio.

[BigE4u]

Reminds me of that scene in "live free or die hard" when everone is inside warlock's "command center"(moms stinky basement )... john mclane sees the ham radio and laughs and warlock replies, "its the end of the world insurance policy", so right he is.

[OS-Wiz]

Originally Posted by Hickeydog

Just bumped up to General last month. I may not chew the fat, but I've still got plenty of equipment. Fortunately, we dont get too many wide area disasters in Ohio.

Congrats on getting General ticket -- a big step up in freq spectrum!