wrote:
You may have to watch an online ad, but it's worth the wait.

http://www.elecdesign.com/Articles/A...164/11164.html

73 de Jim, N2EY

Given the millions and millions and millions spent on communications
infrastructure...

" " "The National Guard cited antiquated communications technology-as a
contributor to its delayed response. Lt. Gen. Steven Blum told USA
Today that there was a shortage of high-tech radios and satellite
communications gear. "We were underequipped," Blum told USA Today. "We
don't need tanks and attack helicopters... but we must have
state-of-the-art radios and communications." " "

The Guard most certainly does need attack helicopters. That's what
differentiates the Guard from "AmeriCorps." The Guard is an
Armed Service.

" " "The Guard has historically gotten "handmedown" equipment from
active-duty military. It now uses "Vietnam-era radios while it needs
37,000 newer radios," according to Guard budget briefings." " "

OK, lets fund the Guard.

" " "Meanwhile, ham radio operators proved that older technology can be
the most reliable technology. Our EDA Editor (and ham) David Maliniak
wrote an online column on the subject, pointing out that sometimes "old
works when new doesn't." (Read it and add your comments at ED Online
11136.) During and after Katrina, hams running on generators (sometimes
with makeshift antennas) worked throughout the hurricane zone to put
emergency stations on the air. They guided rescuers to stranded victims
and updated weather services via the Hurricane Watch Net." " "

Wait a minute. The Guard says their equipment is antiquated and needs
replaced, but the ARS service says that older technology may be what is
needed.

Obviously, they can -both- be right. When wide area vhf+ comm systems
go down, they have to switch to simplex where they can, and HF/NVIS
networks for the rest of the area.

Certainly they have mobile repeaters and towers on trailers, don't
they? A Honda 1K that is so quiet that it doesn't interrupt comms, and
sips gasoline. A lot of ham clubs have that setup, why not the
government?

Why not indeed. Government contractor steps up and takes a 10K project
and turns it into 275K contract.

Police department needs 3 of them. Sherrif needs 1. Fire department
needs 3. The Guard needs 3. Governor/EMA needs 2.

12 x $275k = $3,300,000 instead of $120K.

Then they store it in the impound lot with the wrecked cruisers and
fire trucks, exercise it every three of four years whether it needs it
or not. Stale gas in the Honda generator gas tank; sputter sputter,
sputter.

Somebody writes an article and calls it "antiquated" equipment.