Other Radio related activities

A lot of satisfaction can be gained by using amateur radio to provide a service to others, here are some things that I am doing.

Please note that the information below is only kept for historic reasons and is no longer valid from my involvement point of view.

Hamnet

The Emergency Communications Division of the SA Radio League

The SARL is a founder member of the International Amateur Radio Union and as part of it's charter, the SARL is required to operate an emergency communications division which is charged with providing accurate and efficient communications in times of natural and other disasters, and when life or property is endangered.

This task has been delegated to HAMNET which is the SARL's emergency communications arm.

HAMNET further provides a service to the Government of the Republic of South Africa in terms of the constitution of the SARL, rendering assistance in providing a radio communications network in times of disaster and whenever the life, property or safety of the community is endangered.

HAMNET works closely with the National Disaster Management organization (previously known as Civil Defense and later Civil Protection) in liaison with the S A National Defense Force, S A Police Services, Provincial and Local Governments and other national bodies which all play a supportive role when any emergency situation arises within the Republic.

HAMNET is structured on a National basis, with a National Director appointed by the Council of the SARL and who exercises executive control of HAMNET. Each Province falls under the direct control of a Provincial Director, a Deputy and Assistant Directors.

The objective of this structure is to place the command and control of HAMNET members under the jurisdiction of a provincial structure where decisions can most effectively be taken. Provinces can further operate sub-provincial HAMNET units at the discretion of the Provincial Director.

HAMNET members are required to undergo training in order to be proficient in emergency network protocols, operating procedures, the efficient handling of any incidents under emergency conditions and to be able to locate and proceed to, or establish positions utilizing longitude and latitude references. This latter aspect is important especially when air 'search-and-rescue' operations are underway.

All members of HAMNET are issued with an identification card recognized by the majority of services within the Republic.

I have been a member of Hamnet for many years and I am currently the Deputy National Director for Hamnet in South Africa.

 

Motor Rallies

Radio amateurs in South Africa have a long and proud tradition of providing radio communication during motor rallies in Southern Africa. The duties include emergency communication as routine communication like sending times from the end of the special stages to control to allow the scorers to calculate competitors positions during the rally.

To enable us to do this we make use of VHF (2m) communication from mobile as well as field stations to a control station. We often use a mobile repeater during these operations. We also make use of HF communication as some of the special stages are to far away (could be more than 300km) from the control station for VHF communication.

Apart from the fun we have providing communication, setting up field stations in many places and seeing Southern Africa there are also always lots of social activities that go along with the rallies !

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