HAMNET IN HUNTSVILLE
AUGUST 2007
The Hamnet attendance in Huntsville, Alabama was the highlight of two years of activity since the initial visit to Finland in 2005.
However, GAREC07 as it has become known was by all accounts and comments, the most successful to date.
Close on 100 delegates, mainly from the United States of America, attended this gathering of people who have emergency communications by amateur radio operators, at heart.
The venue was Huntsville, probably better known for the initial research in the area by Dr. Werner von Braun and his colleagues into rocket propulsion. A suitable museum depicting the research and history of the earliest of jet propulsion to the latest Saturn rocket, are a visible in the Space & Rocket Museum just outside the city – and I mean genuine replicas.
But, our thoughts were with amateur radio and the anticipated presentations by various specialists in their fields as well as reports on the recent Cyclone Katrina – almost 2 years to the date.
After the initial welcoming statements, we got down to all the presentations spread over a period of 2 days. These presentations covered every aspect of the types of communications available to us today plus the latest developments in digital technology.
I would go so far as to say the whole aspect and means of radio communications is going to change over the next few years, especially with the introduction of digital communication as well at HF-Link technology which searches for the best frequency to conduct a contact. No more searching for best propagation, the system does it for you!
All the role players who assisted in emergency communications were there to present their organisational structures as well as vivid audio visual presentations.
However, Friday belonged to the people who were involved after the Katrina disaster. These presentations were of an exceptionally high standard and very descriptive of the work done by the volunteers as well as their ability to adapt with innovative ideas under difficult circumstances.
Much credit was given to Amateur Radio volunteer groups who went out of their way to assist and you can write volumes on the accolades they received after the event from other emergency groups, the Police, the various Hospital staff, people in distress and families of victims. Some very emotional!
The immense value of the role of the amateur radio operator in this situation will live with many relief and emergency organisations for years to come.
Whist attending the post GAREC events, I had the opportunity to meet so many people who still enjoy the hobby of amateur radio in its pure concept of talking to people all over the world. I was impressed by the way the young amateurs handle the hobby without being precocious and thoroughly enjoying the facilities available to them. Manning their own stand and helping others “get involved”.
The ARRL stand was very large and well presented with every aspect of the hobby available like checking QSL cards, joining the League, buying books, maps and CD’s, learning more about the aspects of emergency groups, software, listening to speakers and so on.
The flea market was large but from many comments, not a patch on Dayton Ohio! Many suppliers, manufacturers and outlets represented were doing brisk trade!
However, the bottom line, I personally learnt a lot, met many people, brought back so much material it’s going to take a while to sift through it all – both for Hamnet as well as ideas for the SARL.
It was well worth attending and I personally will attend again before 2010 and then possibly take someone with to enjoy the experience.
Nothing spared when it comes to Emergency Communication Equipment.
