28 | LIFE IN SOLERA | DECEMBER 2022 |
Why is there a Radio Club?
As the title suggests, most residents will pose the
question to members of the radio club, especially
with the invention of cellular telephones. If you
have followed our previous articles, you should
realize that cellular is great until services become
interrupted. The Solera Radio Club (FCC License
KC6SRC) was initially formed for residents to
perpetuate the hobby of amateur radio use. With
the prospect of experiencing a failed communication
infrastructure, club members are now concentrating
on providing communication services to Solera residents
if exigent circumstances arise.
Club radio operators are poised to use their training, skills,
and equipment to provide communications during emergencies
"When All Else Fails®." Amateur radio can function completely
independently of the internet and phone systems. Under emergency
situations an amateur radio station can be set up almost anywhere
in minutes. Members can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or
on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate
effectively with others like first responders.
Members of the club sharpen their skills by being associated
with a national program called Amateur Radio Emergency Services
or ARES. This program consists of licensed radio operators who
have voluntarily registered their qualifications and
equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for
communications duty in the public service
when disaster strikes. The Solera Radio Club is
part of the Banning Pass ARES District. They
receive weekly updates on radio protocols and
procedures for operating during disaster events.
Their involvement with ARES ensures our
community will be prepared if our communication
infrastructure collapses.
TRIVIA ANSWER FOR NOVEMBER:
Question: Besides talking on his ham radio, this famous
newscaster spent most of his life talking into a microphone for a
living. Who is it?
Walter Cronkite (former CBS newscaster). KB2GSD, Walter
Cronkite obtained his amateur radio license after he retired from
CBS news, primarily to have another form of communication while
on his sailboat.
TRIVIA QUESTION THIS MONTH (answered next month)
Using a hand held "walkie-talkie", some hams can talk with
another amateur that is 100 miles away by utilizing what device?
"When All Else Fails – Think Radio Communications." ~ Ray
C. Gayton-Jacob (N6KZM), ray.n6kzm@gmail.com and http://www.
soleraradio.com
RADIO CLUB
