Known by his Call Sign-KB8STK, Amateur Radio Emergency Service and Skywarn Coordinator Danny Bailey summed up HAM Radio Operators and their service. “When all else fails–Amateur Radios,” said Bailey.
The Richland County Skywarn Program is made up of a group of volunteer amateur radio operators that essentially become the eyes and ears for the county in a time of severe weather or emergency. Working directly on request, activated by the National Weather Service and or various Local Emergency Officials, their communication skills and ability to provide connections and support to local health, government and relief agencies in time of disaster is anything but “amateur.”
The most recent display of their skills was during the July storms this past summer. According to Bailey he received a call from Med-Central requesting transportation for nurses who were scheduled for work but were unable to report due to the heavy rainfall and flooding.
Known as “Angels in four-wheel drive,” Bailey said that by the end of the day a group of HAM operators were responsible for arranging rides for 40 people. There are approximately 30 operators in Richland County that Bailey oversees, with approximately 400 networking nationwide.
Skywarn reports to the Emergency Management Agency or EMA, the Red Cross, Salvation Army and all local emergency agencies through NIMS(National Incident Management System), a communication system through FEMA. The system provides a consistent, nationwide approach and vocabulary to connect multiple agencies or jurisdictions to work together to build communications needed during time of disaster or emergency.
Another example of the contributions made by amateur radio operators is the Hurricane Katrina disaster. HAM operators worked directly with the Red Cross as the sole method of communication. Bailey stated that at times when all other modes of technology fails, amateur radio is the first or only means of communication.
Bailey’s inspiration to join the amateur radio club and to become licensed was initiated by good friend Miles Wilson, his Call Sign-KF8VB. Already a licensed amateur radio operated himself, Wilson encouraged his friend Bailey to pursue his interest in HAM radio and guided him to become licensed.
Bailey stated,”He was my “Elmer,” that’s someone who guides you through the process, like a mentor.”
Though his friend and mentor has since passed away, Bailey credits his friend for helping him. Bailey has been involved in amateur radio since 1994.
In his experiences through amateur radio, Bailey shared some of his more unique or memorable moments. Communication through amateur radio is documented by QSL Cards. The cards verify communication between operators around the world or in Bailey’s case out of this world. One memorable communication Bailey had was about two years ago when he had the privilege to communicate with an astronaut in space through the International Space Station.
“We only had five minutes, that’s all they have as far as time. It was still pretty cool,” said Bailey.
His communication with space was made possible by amateur radios ability to access satellite radio, which can be of great significance in time of emergency.
Bailey also collected a QSL Card on communications he had with fellow HAM operators, Eagles Band Member Joe Walsh and actor Tim Allen of the television sitcom Last Man Standing.
Other program options available to amateur radio operators include digital modes. This involves hooking up a lap top to a HAM radio enabling the operator to communicate via computer keyboard.
“It’s like texting through the radio,” said Bailey. He added,”It’s been referred to as the first cell phone.”
Radios are manned 24/7 and operators also regularly incorporate the use of scanners into their pool of communication.
As with most amateur radio operators, Bailey hopes to continue serving people at times of need and also collecting QSL Cards from all over. He enjoys communicating with other operators and encourages those interested to pursue their interests. The world may just be one radio frequency away.
Meetings for COARES members are held the first Friday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Peoples Community Center in Mansfield and are open to the public.
For more information about amateur radios visit www.coares.org.
“It’s like texting through the radio,” said Danny Bailey.”It’s been referred to as the first cell phone.”
To become a certified amateur radio operator says Bailey is really quite simple. The opportunity is open to people of all walks of life and ages. There are three classes or levels in becoming an amateur radio operator. The first level is called Technician, the second is General and the third is ranked Extra.
The differences between the classes is the speed of typing communication language: five minutes for the first level, 13 for the second and though it used to be a criteria, Morse Code is no longer needed for the third class. The cost is $15 and tests are provided through the FCC, all study material is available online. Test sessions are available every three months by a volunteer examiner and within two weeks of testing you may be assigned your Call Sign or also known as Handle.
All amateur radios are members of the Central Ohio Amateur Radio Emergency Service or COARES. Licensed members must re-certify every ten years through the FCC with no continued education necessary.
To keep skills sharp, members can participate in Simulation Drills that are scheduled through the site.
