With digital technology becoming an integral part of Amateur Radio, hams interested in Emergency Communications now have a new tool to help them take advantage of emerging modes such as Packet Radio APRS, Winlink 2000, IRLP, EchoLink and WIRES-II, D-STAR, APCO25, HF sound card modes and Automatic Link Establishment (ALE). The ARRL Digital Technology for Emergency Communications Course will introduce hams to all of the ways Amateur Radio operators are using digital technology as a valuable emergency communications tool.

Written by ARRL Publications Manager and QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, this self-study CD-ROM will answer such questions as:
 

• Can you transfer supply lists or personnel assignments between emergency operations sites?
  

• Can you get critical e-mails to the Internet if a connection goes down?
  

• Can you relay digital images of damage at specific locations?
  

• Can you track the locations of emergency personnel and display them on computer maps?
  

• …and more!
  

Illustrations, screenshots, Internet links and audio files are used to demonstrate transmission modes and equipment configurations. Bite-sized learning units and interactive knowledge checks make learning interesting and fun!

"This course is a great starting point for anyone interested in the public service applications of digital communications technology," said Ford. The ARRL Digital Technology for Emergency Communications Course is available from the ARRL for only $49.95.

Minimum System Requirements for CD-ROM -- Microsoft Windows Vista/XP/2000/NT/98/95 or Apple OS X; 200 MHz processor; 32 MB RAM; sound card and speakers; 4-speed CD-ROM drive or higher. Requires Web browser -- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, Mozilla Firefox 2.0, Apple Safari 3.0 or later versions. Some documents require Adobe Reader.