Listen To Radio On Computer

Amateur Radio Field Day

This weekend is the annual amateur radio Field Day, sponsored in the United States by the American Radio Relay League ( http://www.arrl.org ). And thus it’s time to update the reflections this writer offers each year. During Field Day, amateur operators will go on the air to show their capabilities in settings that resemble emergency conditions. People who don’t have a license can try out a “GOTA” (Get On The Air) station supervised by a licensed operator – and, of course, obtain information about obtaining a license.

As long as there have been radios, there have been radio hobbyists, or “Hams.” Once the domain of “geeks” and techno-wizards, amateur radio has recently become better-known as a community resource. In a spring of record storms, Indianapolis-area operators who are also trained as weather spotters spent hours watching the skies, giving on-the-ground weather information to supplement NOAA radar. Local media listen in to share information. At events such as the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, operators watch for runners who need assistance and call to obtain whatever further aid is needed.

For people with disabilities, amateur radio has a lot to offer. “Going out” means turning on a switch, not calling and waiting for paratransit or hassling with accessibility problems. Off-the-shelf equipment offers computer control (and thus access to screen readers or magnifiers), radios with verbal indicators, and so on. Passing a Morse code exam is no longer a license requirement — although if you like Morse, it’s flourishing. One can go in the field to work, or accomplish a lot at home.

In the last year, there have been several advances that assist people with disabilities. The first Amateur Radio Direction Finding World Championships for the Blind (anticipated to become an annual event) took place in Croatia last September (to see a video from the event, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyLuCwS_GCo ).

A hand-held radio out of China, bearing the name Wouxon, created a stir among blind operators with its ability to talk (and, we should note, it created a stir among all operators for its price). Speech modules have been part of larger radios in the past, but availability in a portable radio is new. Many “apps” for smart phones are now available that assist operators with their radios, along with speech devices for the phone.

Handi-Hams, based in Minnesota, is an organization specifically devoted to assisting amateur radio operators (and those who want to be operators) who live with disabilities. Although the budget has suffered cuts in the last year due to economic conditions, the organization has a summer camp devoted to license exam preparation. This year, anyone who passes the first-level Technician exam at the camp will receive a Wouxon radio. The group also started a club that exchanges information through e-mail. Year-round, it provides materials in accessible formats and information about equipment adaptation. Handi-Hams also offers a remote-control station and meetings on the air. The director, Pat Tice, says “one can participate these days without huge antennas . . . . I’m always encountering folks who think monster antennas and Morse code define ham radio, but of course we know better!” For more information, see http://www.handiham.org/ .

Did you Know? Your Favorite Talk Radio Shows Can be Heard on Your ...

If you hate missing Rush, or want to listen to Glenn or Laura while you’re at work, then you’re in luck.  If you have access to a computer – you can listen to all your favorite big-time radio shows from your computer.  A new friend the Compendium, Patrick Jackson of TalkRadioInsiders, has just published a free video explaining how anyone can get access to talk radio on the internet.  In the video, he:

You can watch this video for free right now by just visiting the link below: http://talkradioinsiders.com/TalkR/?utm_source=consercomp&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=post

The video breaks down the various ways of getting talk radio on your computer, from the do-it-yourself approach all the way to a new, super-simple system designed for those new to the internet (does your dad complain about having trouble finding his favorite shows on the air?) or just those who are really busy and have little time to spare.

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