Wiedemeier to conduct research on amateur radio’s uses in emergencies



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February 5, 2010

From: Laura Woodard, Director of Media Relations
(318) 342-5447, woodard@ulm.edu

Wiedemeier

Dr. Paul D. Wiedemeier, assistant professor of computer science in the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s College of Business Administration, has begun a research project involving amateur radio use during disasters and emergencies. ULM mounted two new amateur radio antennas on the Administration Building in December for this project.

Wiedemeier, a licensed amateur radio operator, will use the antennas to conduct research on how best to transmit digital data over two meter and 70 centimeter amateur packet radio networks during disasters and emergencies.

Wiedemeier and his students are currently developing software tools for amateur radio operators who provide digital communication during emergencies. The Amateur Radio Relay League and the Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Corporation have published their previous research.

“As a society, we depend greatly on communication infrastructures to be able to contact family, friends, and business associates at a moment’s notice,” Wiedemeier said.

“However, as was demonstrated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and most recently by the Haiti earthquake, our communication infrastructures are fragile and can be easily destroyed.”

“When all else fails, amateur radio will get the message through to your family and community,” he added.

Photo by ULM's Office of University Relations

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