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<P><FONT size=2><FONT size=6><STRONG>Ham Radio Keeps Up With the Digital
Age</STRONG></FONT></FONT></P><FONT size=2><FONT size=6>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma size=3>A <STRONG>CBS 7 News</STRONG> report quotes the
<STRONG>National Weather Service</STRONG> as saying "<STRONG>in the age of
digital technology, an old standby like Ham Radio could help save your life in
natural disasters or severe</STRONG> <STRONG>weather</STRONG>"</FONT></P>
<P></FONT><FONT size=4>Read the full CBS 7 News report by Jennifer
Samp:<BR></FONT><BR><BR><FONT face=Tahoma size=3>Midland, TX - The National
Weather Service says in the age of digital technology, an old standby like Ham
Radio could help save your life in natural disasters or severe
weather.<BR><BR>"Even though it’s cold today that severe weather is right around
the corner and we start getting a lot of severe weather April through June" Pat
Vesper, the Warning Coordinator Meteorologist at the National Weather Services
said.<BR><BR>Vesper says they closely work with Ham Radio operators, he says
Amateur Radio has been around for decades, and today is the 55th Annual Hamfest
in Midland.<BR><BR>“This event is a way for us to come out and greet our amateur
radio operators that has helped us with operations for many years,” Vesper
said.<BR><BR>“We have resources we can use within our grasp and provide what the
national weather service needs,” Nancy Alkire with the Amateur Radio Relay
League said.<BR><BR>To some it’s considered a hobby, but to others it is helping
save lives.<BR><BR>"The faster that warning goes to the community, hopefully the
faster those folks out there can take cover,” Alkire said.<BR><BR>Ham Radio
operators can be considered as "spotters" who go out and get ground information
about weather, then relay to the national weather forecasters, and along with
satellite and radar information The National Weather Services can get a total
picture on dangerous weather.<BR><BR>"Based on everything including the sky warn
and spotter report were able to issue warning more effectively."<BR><BR>Then a
severe weather warning is sent out to all forms of communication, online, radio
and meteorologists at broadcast stations like CBS 7’s Pinpoint
Weather.<BR><BR>“Maybe were helping in saving some lives,” Alkire
said.<BR><BR>Training to become a Ham Radio operator is underway, they say they
have no solid predictions for this severe weather season, but will be preparing
for the worst.<BR><BR>“We're going to help save lives with critical information
when people need that information.” Vesper said.<BR><BR>If you want more
information on volunteering you can call (432) 563-5006<BR><BR>Jennifer
Samp<BR>CBS 7 News<BR>jsamp@cbs7.com<BR>March 20, 2010</FONT> </FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Tahoma>When All Else Fails Amateur Radio Works<BR><A
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