When cell phones, regular phones, the internet and other
systems are down or overloaded, Amateur Radio still gets the message
through. Radio amateurs, often called
“hams,” enjoy radio technology as a hobby. But it's also a service –a vital
service that has saved lives when regular communication systems failed. Most of
the major hospitals have an Amateur Radio in their communications room. It is
put to use when major accidents and disasters happen. Ham Radio is the ability
to communicate -- across the street, around the world, or even with people and
satellites in space! Even when the
power's out, and the land lines and cell phones don't work, with a battery, a
radio, and a wire, ham radio is there. This painting is inspired by local
Amateur Radio Operators setting up an antenna for communications. The ability
to get an antenna high enough to get the signal out there is made easy with the
air cannon you see the subject using. It fires the weight above the tree line
and enables the antenna to be lifted to the required height with ease. In
2005's Hurricane Katrina, radio operators were functioning three days before
landfall. At the request of the American Red Cross, radio operators then
supplemented communications at 200 shelters. Seven-hundred private radio operators
were working by Sept. 6. In New York City, a loosely organized national group
called "Amateur Radio Emergency Service" (ARES) was activated within
five minutes of American Flight 11 crashing into the north tower, the first
attack. Private, non-government radio operators, called "Hams" or
"Amateur Radio Operators" worked in shifts for two weeks. I am a
licensed Amateur Radio Operator and I hope you enjoy my impression of this
awesome hobby. This is 16x20 oil on canvas panel. KG5LOJ-Nina Stephens
16x20 Oil
Can you hear me now?
