Hams Respond to Tragedy In Chilean Andes

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An annual occasion that celebrates strength, courage and pride in a free homeland ended in tragedy in the Andes Mountains, even as amateur radio operators mobilised to help with their best efforts. 

Riding horseback across the mountains each year recalls a defining moment of independence for South American nations. This year's 209th anniversary ride of the Crossing of the Andes under Jose de San Martin and the Army of the Andes, led to an emergency evacuation of one rider in early February. As the mounted expedition began its return trip home through Chile in the early evening, the woman suffered a serious fall from her horse.

Writing in the Forums section of QRZ.com, Carlos Almirón, LU7DSY, said that the San Felipe Provincial Radio Club, CE2REU, sent out a call for emergency assistance through the Chilean ham radio network. The Los Molinos Radio Club of Villa Alemana, CE2CQ, provided GPS coordinates for the mountains' La Vega section. As ground resources and a helicopter were dispatched, the Los Molinos hams continued their coordination with the expeditioners through a link with the San Felipe Provincial Radio Club. The rescue teams arrived, performed CPR followed by an evacuation. It was later reported that the rider had died from her injuries while being treated at the hospital.

Indiana BMV Unveils New Amateur Radio License Plate

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Indiana BMV Unveils New Amateur Radio License Plate

The new plate design will honour Indiana's amateur radio operators and their public service contributions.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has announced the launch of a new license plate design for amateur radio operators in the state. The Amateur Radio License Plate will feature the operator's assigned callsign and be available for passenger vehicles and trucks. The plate is intended to recognise the important role amateur radio operators play in emergency response and disaster communications in Indiana.

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HAM Radio Operators Bridge UP200 Communications

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HAM Radio Operators Bridge UP200 Communications

Communication is key when UP200 mushers race along a 228-mile track through the Upper Peninsula’s winter wilderness.

Their safety is in the hands of volunteers managing HAM radios to create a greater network for this weekend’s sledge dog races. About 60 operators, such as Steve Gingras, monitor about 15 road crossings across the rural U.P. He says a HAM radio hitting a repeater works best when dealing with poor cell service.

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