Bid : $RACESBUL.337
Subject: Bul337-Why Packet Radio?


From: W6WWW@KD6XZ.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NOAM
To  : RACES@ALLUS

TO: ALL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCIES VIA AMATEUR RADIO
INFO:    ALL COMMUNICATIONS VOLUNTEERS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE
INFO:    ALL AMATEURS U.S   (@USA: INFORMATION); CAP, MARS
FROM:    CA GOVERNORS OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
         (W6SIG@WA6NWE.CA)         Ph: 916-262-1600
         2800 Meadowview Rd., Sacramento, CA  95832
         Landline BBS  Open to All: 916-262-1657

RACESBUL.337    SUBJECT: TEC - Why Packet Radio?
RELEASE DATE: August 1, 1994

    QUESTION: Is it important, or necessary, to have packet
radio?
    RESPONSE: Yes, with packet radio (digital data) you can
access a world of data you may never achieve in any other way.
For that reason, it is recommended that every EOC and/or
communications center have a packet radio terminal, which
consists of a radio, a terminal node controller, and a digital
communications terminal (computer) and printer. Once the unit is
operational and accessible to a local bulletin board system
(BBS), it can be left on all the time so that any traffic
addressed to RACES will be automatically transmitted to
unattended government terminals. A licensed Amateur Radio
operator does not have to be in attendance to RECEIVE traffic.

    Also, keyboard-to-keyboard communication is quite usable
in emergency and temporary communications systems where it can be
accomplished either direct or through no more than one mountain
top relay. A good volunteer communications unit can put such a
relay (digipeater) where none normally exists for the duration of
the emergency. A good communications unit is one that can
establish an emergency system that is never dependent upon
individuals or their call signs. The people may come and go but
the system must stay in place until demobilization. Just make
sure the system will remain intact for the duration of its need
and that it is not dependent on the presence of a particular
person.

    Packet radio has earned its highest praise during major
incidents like forest fires, earthquakes, floods, etc. California
State OES volunteers regularly issue one or more SITREPS
(situation reports) daily to all affected agencies and
jurisdictions. It is transmitted via the Amateur Radio packet
system to all packet Bulletin Boards in the Western United
States. Many fire departments, for example, rely on these
updates.

    Necessary to the overall formula for success is a state
emergency management agency committed to actively promoting,
using, and providing ongoing management and leadership in the
utilization of communications volunteers in government service.
Unfortunately, not all states support and participate in this
role. However, our experience proves that the cost is extremely
low for the benefits derived. Packet radio communications has
been just one of them.
EOM