In times of crisis and natural disasters

Amateur radio is often used as a means of emergency communication when phonelines, cell phones and other conventional means of communications fail.

Unlike commercial systems, Amateur radio is not as dependent on terrestrial facilities that can fail. It is dispersed throughout a community without "choke points" such as cellular telephone sites that can be overloaded.

Amateur radio operators are experienced in improvising antennas and power sources and most equipment today can be powered by an automobile battery. Annual "Field Days" are held in many countries to practice these emergency improvisational skills. Amateur radio operators can use hundreds of frequencies and can quickly establish networks tying disparate agencies together to enhance interoperability.

Manawatu Amateur Radio Club helps with is and we have a group called AREC .

AREC is the public service arm of Amateur Radio. Many hams get involved in providing communications for sporting events, Search and Rescue and Civil Defence at different levels.

If you are  a Ham or you want to become a Amateur Radio Operator we have a course which you achieve this.

email our AREC leader Len Inkpen – A.R.E.C Section Leader & Cheryl Wheatley - A.R.E.C Deputy Leader

Article from our newsletter "OK Times"  president  blog

‘When all else fails’.

Something we can all be very proud of is our readiness to assist in times of necessity when all other means of communication no longer work as expected. With the recent global events the reality of disasters and our involvement is well documented, however, what is it we can do to better prepare ourselves for such an eventuality. There is much that will be useful when the call comes, look at the project ideas list you have on your to-do list , there will be things like:

• A spare battery pack for the handheld with a 12 volt charger
• Solar powering the ham shack
• Mobile operation on 80 and 40 meters
• Strengthening of the antenna system to weather storms better
• Practice the disciplines of AREC and get involved in a SAREX
• For myself I have recently added a second battery to the shack 12 volt system to keep my station operational for longer with a power outage

Can I encourage you all in the current environmental climate to not put off that project until a rainy day as by then it may just be too late? Remember, with communications, ‘When all else fails’ ham radio works, let us be like the boy scouts and be prepared.

Cheers

Richie zl2kp / vk2iax

we as hams have helped out in Christchurch are you ready to help out in your area?

click here to read the articles from Christchurch