Mastering the original form of wireless communication

Mastering the original form of wireless communication

"Mastering the original form of wireless communication

Radio operators a lifeline in a disaster
By Judy O'Rourke, Special to the Daily News


SANTA CLARITA - They ply their skills rigorously, yet remain unseen - that is, until something very bad happens. Then they are instant heroes.

Ham radio operators are deft at restoring communications when a strong earthquake or hurricane severs land and cell-phone links, electricity or Internet connections.

'Within 30 minutes of the 1994 (Northridge) Earthquake, I had my radios operating. I was in communication virtually around the world,' said Brad Marckwardt, a ham radio operator and Santa Clarita city radio officer.

About 80 volunteer ham radio operators who are members of a countywide disaster communication network are ready at a moment's notice to answer the call from the city, the county and sheriff's and fire departments.

They own and maintain their equipment, and the Federal Communications Commission allows them to operate on a wide range of frequencies free because of the public service they provide.

When City Hall stopped shaking after the Northridge Earthquake, the phone lines were down. A couple of ham radio operators employed by the phone company yanked wires from the unsafe building and set up an emergency operation center outside.

Team members are trained in state emergency management techniques. They practice drills often and meet once a month at City Hall to fine-tune their linkages.

The Sheriff's Department screens applicants before issuing identification cards. "


73 fer nw,
Bob N5IET

10X# 37210, FP#-1141, SMIRK#-5177
http://www.n5iet.com/
Code may be taking a back seat for now,
but the pioneering spirit that put the code
there in the first place is out front of it all.