177,000+ Dead - HAM RADIO INTERFERENCE - STOP NOW!

[NW7US]

CQ Communications, Inc. - 25 Newbridge Rd. - Hicksville, NY 11801
Phone: 516-681-2922 / Fax: 516-681-2926 / Web: www.cq-amateur-radio.com

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12-31-04

For more information, contact:
Rich Moseson, W2VU, Editor

CQ URGES HAMS TO AVOID INTERFERING WITH ASIAN DISASTER EMERGENCY NETS

(Hicksville, New York) -- In light of the ongoing disaster in Southern Asia, CQ magazine is urging all amateurs -- and particularly those participating in its 60th anniversary on-air activity -- to be particularly aware of, and avoid interfering with, disaster-related communications on the HF bands. Emergency nets have been reported operating on various frequencies and modes in the 40-meter, 20-meter and 15-meter bands, including on some of the most popular DX calling frequencies, such as 14.195 and 21.295 MHz.

"First of all, if you can use your radio to be of assistance, do that and forget about our anniversary or whatever else you were planning to do on the air," says CQ Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU. "Secondly, if you are not in a position to provide direct help -- as most of us are not -- be very careful not to interfere with disaster related nets and similar communications."

"It's always good practice to listen before transmitting, and that's never been more important than it is right now," Moseson continued. "If someone tells you you're near or on top of an emergency net, don't argue. Move. And remember, our event lasts for 60 days so there is no rush to get on and make contacts right away."

Moseson added that as the magnitude of the disaster in South Asia became apparent, CQ management had discussed postponing or cancelling the CQ/60 event, but determined that with just hours to go before its start time, there would be no practical way to reach everyone planning to participate. In addition, it was felt that having more stations on the air would create more opportunities for people in the affected areas to make contact with the outside world even if they are not in an organized net.

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