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Dennis Brothers · March 19th 07, 05:20 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.moderated

"Steve Bonine" wrote in message
...
wrote:
On the con side, a real disaster is the worst possible scenario for trying
to get this technology to work reliably. You're potentially in a
high-noise low-signal poor-antenna situation. The equipment required is
fairly complex, and you need a fair amount of technical knowledge to set
it up. When I build a mental image of someone at a shelter trying to set
up this gear, it's hard for me to see success. Finally there's the issue
of what data gets sent; some of it probably is not appropriate for
transmission using amateur radio.

A way this works with WinLink (and what we are implementing in MA) is that
you put full-up WinLink stations, with both HF and VHF capability, in a few
hardened (state-owned) EOCs. Local EOCs and shelters use AirMail (the
WinLink client) with VHF TNCs to communicate with the state EOCs, with
forwarding over the Internet if it's still up, or HF otherwise. A VHF-only
WinLink client station can be quickly set up in a temporary EOC or shelter,
and can even be used mobile.

- Dennis Brothers, N1DB