Today, Tues. Sept.22, 1998 Amateur Radio Operators all over the State will provide emergency radio communications in a simulated disaster operation situation. Whatever the disaster may be such as a major earthquake in which a vast amount of communications would be wiped out or impaired to the point of being ineffective, or inadequate, licensed "ham" radio operators have honed themselves to provide very effective radio communications and coordination with local, county, state, and national facilities for major disaster reaction. Though many people view hams or radio amateurs as hobbyists, they are recognized truly as the Amateur Radio Communications Service, and as a federally licensed SERVICE by the Federal Communications Commission, they are licensed to provide a very important to all communities throughout the 50 states.They are capable of providing communications using emergency power that will allow them to stay on the air at various frequencies in order to cover the necessary distances needed during a major disaster. When the communications of other sources are tied up, put out of service because of damaged facilities, and rendered useless because they cannot provide communication over the proper distances the hams are able and experienced at providing rapid and effective communications to supplement, or completely take over as needed, and without delay. Many people are used to using cellular phones, but these could be rendered useless in a major situation. The pods that carry cellular communications can be damaged or useless. Many amateur radio operators have various modes of operation such as sattelite communications that can provide communications when other modes fail. Today, these hams will put their expertise to the T E S T to simulate a major disaster situation with all out forms of equipment and ability to provide the service they were licensed to - in this case a "major earthquake" situation. Afterward, they will critically evaluate their effectiveness to protect and provide the emergency services that would be most effective when the real disaster should happen. Amateur radio operators, cannot by law accept remuneration for their service according to FCC regulations and by International agreement that govern such communications service. Carroll of Snohomish. Amateur Radio W7IML The W = United States, all hams have a "prefix" that tells what country they are from. The 7 = the 7th district of the United States, various areas are divided into districts. The IML is issued by Federal Communications Commission like automobile licenses AAA AAB AAC etc. Mine stems from 1940 when I was issued the call letter W7IML . Since then, because of the vast numbers of hams in the U.S. the call letters vary greatly for various classes of licenses that designate the privileges that the person has earned. Mine happens to be the Advanced license which allows me the privileges I need. The greatest number of privileges of operation is called the Extra Class License. There are beginner, and even "no code" licenses where an examination without the knowledge of telegraphy, or code is unnecessary. Anyone interested in obtaining an amateur radio license of any kind, may contact me and I will be happy to provide the necessary information. There is no age limit for obtaining the "ticket" or license that can provide a lifetime of interest in communications that costs very little to get started. There are Elmers out there (teachers) who will help those interested get started and help those interested to learn the "ropes". 73 means Best Regards 88 means Love and Kisses and 30 means the end of a message as borrowed from the telegraphic days when news was sent over telephone poles, and by railroad dispatchers that ended up in the newpapers across the nation, and the world. >>>>>73 & 30 <<<<< _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]