TO: ALL ARES OPERATORS IN
DISTRICT 3 (OFFICIAL)
ALL AMATEURS IN WEST VIRGINIA
(INFORMATION)
FROM: WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED AND WOOD
COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICES (ARES)
ARES DISTRICT 3 BULLETIN NR 07.21 DATE: May 27,
2007
SUBJECT: A RADIO IS NOT ALL THAT'S NEEDED
A radio is simply a tool for accomplishing a job. Not
all radios are the same, meaning they all have different capabilities.
Further, anyone's personal favorite, or what works in their area, may be
totally inadequate for another purpose, or another area.
Even more important than the radio (GMRS, FRS, Amateur Radio, or
Commercial Radio (VHF/UHF/800 MHz, etc)), is that the user has the
knowledge, skill, and experience to effectively use it to solve the
problem at hand. Any tool in the hands of someone who is untrained
in its use can cause more problems than it solves. For the untrained
operator, the first radio instructions should often be "Release to
Listen", instead of "Push to Talk".
Just because you buy a guitar, doesn't mean you're a musician. At
the same time, if the only tool you have is a hammer, then every problem
looks like a nail.
First, define the communications problem or need, and then identify
the tools which may solve it, and finally choose the best solution based
on the available resources. The finest tool does little good if
the person who needs it, cannot afford to obtain it.
(Information is from Jerry Reimer, Northwood Park Community Emergency
Response Team, Harris County, Texas)
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
WV ARES Assistant Section Coordinator
WV ARES District 3 Emergency Coordinator