Ham Radio operators are the eyes of the National Weather Service

By Bob Cox, from Star-Telegram Even in the age of high-powered Doppler radar, instant communications and the Internet, the National Weather Service and local safety officials still rely heavily on old methods for accurate observations and emergency communications. Volunteer amateur — or ham — radio operators still play a primary role in providing on-site information about tornadoes and storm conditions to weather forecasters and letting emergency responders know what’s going on. "There’...

ARRL WPA Section News

On January 26, 2010 the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted on and passed HB2070(189-6). This bill deals with several subjects the most notable portion of this legislation for many people is the sections which deal with "Prohibiting use of interactive wireless communication device". Below is a copy of Sections 2 & 3 of HB2070. It is notable that there are no exceptions for Amateur Radio. However, Section 2 of HB2070 on page 5 lines 19 Thru 22 there is this:, "The term does not in...

Pittsburgh Scouts Respond to Haiti

While our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti, as Scouts who are always ready to lend a helping hand, our minds wonder what can I do to help? Rescue efforts are currently underway by professionals trained in disasters. The immediate need is for emergency supplies that have to be purchased. The Boy Scouts of America is partnered with the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) and locally the Greater Pittsburgh Council is partnered with the Brothers Brother Foundation (www.brothersbro...

VE TEST SESSION – February 14 at the TechFest

We will be having a Volunteer Examiner Test Session for anyone who wishes to earn or upgrade their amateur radio license at TECHFEST 2010 on SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14. The test session will be held at the Baden American Legion Post 641 in Baden, PA: Address: 271 State St. Baden, PA 15005 Time: 9:00 am on Feb. 14, 2010 Cost: $15.00 Bring two forms of ID ( one with your photo) Bring your original license (if any) and a copy. Bring any C.S.C.E's from prior exams if any. If you have any q...

Just don’t call them amateurs

By Joe Fries, from Kelowna Amateur radio operators are amateur in name only, and you may have them to thank if you’re ever the unfortunate subject of a search-and-rescue mission. Photo Joe Fries You may recall the Christmastime drama surrounding a Kelowna man who went missing in the Chute Lake Road area. The initial manhunt was conducted by police and search-and-rescue teams, which were assisted by amateur radio operators, who know what buttons to push when other forms of communicatio...

Be Prepared!

Help Haiti: Low-tech radios connect some Haitans

By John D. Sutter, from CNN In the brutal aftermath of Haiti's earthquake, Jean-Robert Gaillard turned to his low-tech radio for solace and for a lifeline. When the earthquake hit, the 57-year-old from Petionville, Haiti, found most of his normal lines of communication -- his cell phone, the Internet, even his ability to walk down the street and talk to someone -- severed by the disaster. But Gaillard used a neighbor's generator to power up his radio and connect to a handful of amat...

TECHFEST 2010 Press Release

Contact: Grant Miller Beaver Valley Amateur Radio Association (BVARA) Email: techfest@W3SGJ.org Press Release TECHFEST 2010: Where Technology, Scouting and Amateur Radio come together On the second weekend in February, hundreds of Amateur Radio operators, Boy Scouts and people interested in technology from all over the tri-state area will converge at the Baden American Legion in Beaver County, Pennsylvania for TECHFEST 2010. The event will be held from 8:00AM until 2:00PM on Sunday, Fe...

Help Haiti: Ham radio operators provide critical communication line during disasters

By Leticia Juarez, from 39Online.com In the aftermath of Haiti's 7.0 magnitude earthquake, amateur radio operators like Jeff Walter tuned in and listened. "We are listening for anything, any information that we can possibly relay or use in some manner to benefit somebody," said Walter, emergency coordinator for Harris County Amateur Radio. The wireless technology came in handy when Harris County was asked to in aid in the search for six Houston area Rotary Club members in Haiti. The...

Western Pennsylvania Section News – N3MSE

By John Rodgers, N3MSE, from the ARRL January 17, 2010 On Saturday January 16 I was privileged to be a guest at the annual Skyview Radio Society banquet. This was a kickoff to the beginning of their 50th year as a radio club. 2009 was not a good year for the club in terms of disasters befalling them. A violent and nasty storm hit early in the year and took down trees, antennas, towers and damaged much of the club area. This group pulled together and not only restored the club area but also...