eHam.net News

///////////////////////////////////////////
An International Radio Station in Your Basement:

Posted: 07 Jul 2012 05:20 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/28601


Ham radio is alive and well, and despite cell phones and the Internet, is
still the best way to run a parade, marathon, or send information during a
catastrophe. Some folks may remember being able to talk to astronauts in
the space station from school. Others maybe knew someone with an
international ham radio setup in the basement. What you didn't know is that
you can still do that (minus astronauts) for about $15 for the license and
starting at $90 for the handheld style of ham radio or cheaper if you hit
an amateur radio flea market like the one I went to this morning in South
Milwaukee (with roots in the military, these ham things start at the crack
of dawn). But why now, what else does it do, and how does it work, you may
ask? I just found out that parades, bike races, marathons are being managed
by understated folks with ham radios. The kind of guy that may not want to
tell you his last name, but who has an internationally recognized call sign
that ties to his home address at qrz.com. It makes sense -- routes are
long, and walkie-talkies only reach so far. Cell phones do not have an open
line and cannot broadcast. However, a ham operator at a route juncture can
signal others about conditions and race details.


///////////////////////////////////////////
Need QSL Cards from New Guinea or Solomon Islands (1939-1943):

Posted: 07 Jul 2012 04:30 PM PDT
http://www.eham.net/articles/28598


A 501C-3 non-profit is building a $3.5M WW2 Educational Center adjacent to
the last remaining operating WW2 PT Boat. We are looking for QSL cards
from subject and-or LT Arthur Reginald Evans (NZ) who radioed in the rescue
of PT 109's crew. Donor will receive honors and ceremonial ride onboard
PT 658 (completely restored with weapons systems and 2000HP Packard
engines) and discounted weekend room at next year's Memorial Day
celebrations at Jantzen Beach Red Lion Hotel in Portland, OR.