Radio Communications during storms

[knotimpaired]

I am trying to find out how many of you have family and friends in the Caribbean either on land or boat that you may have concerns about during our tropical season.

If possible I would like to see if we can get a network of Ham/SSB operators to pass information on as to the status of the islands, friends, family, property damage, etc.

I would be willing to take over the SSB communications to relay messages to/from mariners but we would also need those willing to relay via Ham.

Based on your replies I will ask Marshall to decide if he feels there is enough to start a group and we can begin compiling the contact information needed.

[caribepr]

A great idea...it's done in the VI's, why *knot* spread communications farther? Will PM you any contact names I can confirm.

[mf_dolphin]

Do either of you participate in the current hurricane net? I listened in some last year and it was facinating! We have quite a few members scattered across the Bahamas and Caribbean. It would be super to have a radio link down there during the season. Hopefully we have some HAM radio operation here in the states that can reach you.

[caribepr]

I don't participate in any sort of formal hurricane net here on Culebra. I've been checking with some friends in the VI's to see what is going on with that, as I know there are people who do have SSB & ham radio communications used during hurricanes. Since living down here I pretty much rely on the *coconut telegraph* which is relying on people who are boaters and/or land living friends scattered throughout the Caribbean who keep in touch with each other throughout the year, and especially during hurricane season.
Hoping to get word back soon on anything more formalized. The telegraph is in motion and something will come back soon, no doubt, which I'll share here.

[DROliver]

We are working on establishing A HAM Radio network for broadcast on the Radio NHCWX network.We are looking for people to be part of a Caribbean/Tropical network.Please contact me via PM or at nhcwx@cfl.rr.com

Steve

[dolebot_Broward_NW]

KB8UFP here. Name is Robert. I am semi-active on 20/40 and sometimes 15 meters. I regularly hear maritime mobiles and various islands from South Florida. I've not participated in any formal nets however. At least nothing storm related. This will be my first hurricane season with a working HF rig and privileges I'm in South Florida, which makes the Bahamas a no go (its too close), but for some reason cuba and points south from there are very loud all the way to aruba.

[Terry]

Doc,

You ought to make a post on the Abaco Messsage Board regarding your interest in starting up the Ham connection to the nhcwx radio.

http://coconuttelegraph.net/forums/

There are quite a few of us on there that are second homeowners in the Abacos. We have depended on ham operators for information during the hurricanes.

Terry