- by Richard Card, KD4JKX -
- Southeastern Emergency Digital Association Networks -
Homeland security, whether helping to save lives and protect property from terrorist bastards or the ravages of Mother Nature, is not only SEDAN's guiding principle but it is also the primary reason why Hams retain the amateur radio bands that they enjoy today. Continued access to our valuable radio spectrum is dependent upon our active participation in emergency communications efforts-and to that end I say, let's not forget the critical role of packet radio.
On Thursday, June 27th I listened to a commentary on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition," that concerned potential terrorist threats against the United States. The person being interviewed, a computer security expert, was asked by the interviewer about the likelihood of hi-tech-related attacks against computer-controlled infrastructure in this country. He replied that the threat exists, and that scenarios typically envision a simultaneous disruption of communications and power grids, in combination with other destructive acts. To me, this is clear evidence that our collective role as emergency communicators has never been more critical. For Hams, patriotism means being ready to serve when duty calls.
Digital emergency communications networks, like SEDAN, are needed to help counter the potential terrorist threat of wide-scale communications disruptions. Packet radio is uniquely suited to meet today's communications emergencies: it does not require central control, is reasonably confidential, and it operates independent of AC power mains.
SEDAN packet radio does not beacon the location of an emergency, nor does it "make do" with a BBS or DX-Cluster-type system that is primarily dedicated for other-than-emergency use. SEDAN does one thing well, and that is to provide "real time" keyboard communications between User points over a broad and often region-wide area. SEDAN ain't the internet, folks, so don't expect speeds other than 1200 bd. But, when it comes to nitty-gritty, down-and-dirty emergency communications needs, guess what works? You got it: pedestrian-speed 1200-baud packet!
I call upon every able-bodied licensed radio amateur to get out of your shacks and into your communities, to do your part for America by doing what you love to do-communicate on the Ham bands. This is not about preserving your hobby-radio band allocations; this is about what President Bush has called the need for all Americans to do their part.
I appeal to all emergency-related agencies and coordinators to inquire about how the SEDAN can be adapted to serve your community's back-up communications needs, and I appeal to every interested licensed radio amateur to join us in our efforts to help "do our part" for America.
Richard Card, Editor
Burgaw, North Carolina
Southeastern Emergency Digital Association Networks
http://www.sedan-central.org/