D69 Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Communications

Presented by

Members of D69 Emergency Communications Team

Also known as 'Ham Radio Operators

What we Do

'Hams' are federally licenced to operate radio stations within Canada. Many choose to assist the community by providing emergency communications when commercial facilities fail.

Your tax dollars provided much of the equipment you see. Radio amateurs provide the expertise to keep it running through difficult situations.

Amateurs are also good a passing messages in a concise manner leaving little doubt as to what is the intent of the message!

Why 'HAM' ?

Some speculate the term "HAM" stands for:

"H elp A ll M ankind" as reflected in the radio

amateur’s long history of service towards people

in distress during natural calamities, disasters

and civil emergencies. In fine S.O.S. tradition,

this gives us H.A.M.

More theories? www.w7eca.org/whyham.htm

Regional Facilities

Hams maintain a digital network for emergency response

Grab & Go Box

We have 4 portable radio stations that provide audio and digital messaging.

We can set them up so they are radio telephones or connect them as a low speed version of internet email using radio waves rather than wires as the medium of communication.

Communications TrailerThe 'Comms' trailer can be moved to the centre of the action.

The trailer is on view adjacent to this building.

If you are lucky, it may even be in operation.

Trailer – radio setup

Message is handwritten onto a form; handed to an operator who contacts the recipient station to speak the message. Operator logs and files paper copy.

Messaging - traditional

Hams use voice for most messages but 'Email' like messaging is becoming the new standard as it simplifies logging all the 'traffic'

Messaging

Hams use specialized 'Email' programs to send and receive messages. The program also transmits the message through several types of digital communication protocols

It looks like email. Below is the message you saw earlier.The coloured box shows the ham operator how the message is flowing through the radio network

'Formal' messages are like telegrams of old. A rigid format guarantees that a traceable message is produced in as few words as possible.

Interested ?

Amateur Radio is a multifaceted technical hobby

To acquire the federal licence calls for several months study and the completion of a 100 question multiple choice test.

If you would like look further into the possibilities within 'ham' radio please take one of our brochures from the table.

Tnx es 73

Ham lingo meaning 'Thanks and good day'

From the

Emergency Communications Team

And members of the

Mid Island Radio Association [ MIRA ]

Enjoy the 'Emergency Preparedness' display

And pick up a few tips to add to your safety.