Amateur Radio -- Aa brother Technology -- Be there [aloha]

["Robert G. Brown" <bob@xxxxxxx>]

Fellow KLUG members -

As you may have seen in the notes from the last meeting (Thanks to Brenda
Williams for getting them out so fast!), there is an event this weekend, and
our presence there will be an interesting example of what Linux can do.

The event is a gathering of "hams" -- amateur radio operators, mostly from
this area but also from this whole region.  This is a chance for all of these
people who talk to meet one another, swap stories and equipment, buy and sell
items of common interest. This event, called a "hamfest" takes place about
once a year here in Kalamazoo, and others occur in cities nearby at other 
times.

Hams provide a critical communications during emergencies, and have been 
chatting across continents decades before there ever was an Internet. They
continue to push the envelope on several fronts of electronic technology,
including the integration of computers into radio station operations. Some 
applications include design of electronic equipment (yes, hams build their
own hardware), tracking satelites (yes, hams have their OWN satelites!), even
converting data into International Radiotelegraph (commonly but inaccurately 
called "Morse" code). There are even Internet links that are run over ham
radio stations!

Want to talk -- direct -- to someone on the Space Shuttle? Become a ham.
Want to figure out when to try? Get Linux!

Linux is a NATURAL system for hams, and there is a fair amount of software
out there for ham radio. Imagine people who build their own transmitters 
trusting proprietary, closed software!

We are going to have a presence this Sunday at the Kalamazoo County Fair-
grounds. We'll have at least one Linux machine there, with ham radio related 
software and a table with KLUG members who are current or former hams.

I invite you to come on out and take a look at how Linux and ham radio, 
really brother technologies under the skin, can support and enhance each
other.

We'll report on our reception after the hamfest, but we're also looking 
forward to seeing you there.

                                                      Regards,
                                                       ---> RGB <---