            Using the Wisconsin Network - Part 31
                 by Andy Nemec, KB9ALN


     Someone once said, in describing packet radio, that it is
a mode that is looking for it's "niche". One may easily draw
that conclusion these days from simple observation. Not all
packeteers use the mode for the same thing. Some use it for
information, reading everything that comes off the BBS. Some
use the Sale ads on the BBS to keep track of pricing on used
gear. Some use it to communicate with their buddies, and still
others use it to chase rare DX. In fact, one can almost call
packet radio a tool rather than a particular mode in the
traditional sense. 

     While it might not be obvious to the casual observer, this
is what packet radio is becoming - a resource more than a
preoccupation. At least to some members of the packet
community, it is regarded more as a utility than a passion.
Which is not a bad way to look at it when you pursue emergency
communications as part of the hobby we call Amateur Radio.
Packet radio can become a valuable tool in emergency
communications, rather than a replacement for a particular way
of doing things.

     While I have not experienced every kind of disaster
operation, there are some that I and other amateurs have
experienced. In the process of dealing with these disaster
scenarios, packet radio has revealed itself as a rather helpful
resource.

     What can you use packet radio for in an emergency? Well,
there are things that packet radio is simply not cut out to do.
If everyone used packet exclusively as a means to report storm 
activity, the Skywarn program would be of questionable value.
However, there are some areas where packet has found it's 
"niche".

     In the case of the Skywarn system, it can certainly aid
meteorologists in getting information before a net control
operator is able to get to the NWS office. Many such operations
configure the packet station to print out incoming messages so
that meteorologists can read storm reports before the net
control operator arrives. While voice is often the quickest and
most efficient method to convey severe weather reports, it does
no good when there is nobody on the other end of the radio
circuit. This is one tool that the Skywarn people can find
useful.

     And we can't neglect APRS. The Automated Position
Reporting System can provide "pinpoint" coordinates eliminating
any confusion as to a spotter's location. While these packets
do not travel through a network well, they certainly can be
used locally, with the coordinates relayed via a conventional
method.

     After the storm, many ham radio operators accompany the
Red Cross on Damage Assessment rides. An operator with voice
capabilities and a laptop can cover both a quantity of
information and satisfy a need for immediate communications.
Nothing beats packet for passing a quantity of information.
What can take a long time conveying via voice can be sent in
minutes via packet. Damage assessment data can be saved on the
laptop and uploaded later, calls for immediate needs can be
handled by voice.

     I have also found that, when working with Kewaunee County
RACES, packet is a helpful tool there. When long lists of any
nature need to be transferred, packet provides an easy way to
do this. We had a drill "casualty" list that would have taken
10 minutes to send and verify by voice. With a good typist on
the other end, we were able to send it easily in seconds to our
Public Information Officer in Green Bay.

     When working the Weyauwega train derailment, we found two
good uses for packet. First, it was a good backup to our voice
radio path to the Division of Emergency Management offices in
Madison. The second was to have a method of conferring with the
folks in Madison without anyone easily overhearing our
conferences. Emergency coordinators often have fears of someone
(from the press or general public) overhearing part of a
conversation and misinterpreting what they hear. Packet is a
little tougher to listen in on, partly because of the
equipment, and partly because of the way it comes across the
screen when you are monitoring.

     This, and the ability to sit back and carefully compose a
note made our jobs easier - we could think of what we needed to
talk about rather than trying to remember it on the fly. And we
did not have to be quite as diligent in our choice of wording.
Of course, we never did forget that someone could listen in on
our conversation. That comes with the territory.

     As you can see, packet can be a useful tool when working
in emergencies. In the next few installments, we will explore
the mechanics of incorporating Packet Radio into your emergency
operations.

     Until next time, 73 from Andy.