SATERN did a fine job, working 12 hours a day, for 19 days, to provide communicaton for the Hurricane Mitch disaster. The 20 meter net has been commended in the amateur radio press for its work and brought many new members into SATERN. The FCC issued an unusual mandatory frequency protection order to keep the frequency clear. Ham radio, telephones and the internet were used in tandem to assist the relief effort.
The next hurricane season is predicted to be at least as dangerous as this one was. Now is the time to prepare.
If you can participate on the Internet:
We have been using ICQ (free software: www.icq.com) for instant messaging on the internet while the HF net is taking place. This offers the opportunity to check in when HF is not possible but internet access is available. My ICQ # is 8097618.
Looking forward to meeting you.
73, Tony Dacres, AA8EI
Eastern Territory SATERN Coordinator