On 24 Sep 2006 at 16:31, Dave Guimont wrote:

It is quite apparent that some on here have never been on either end of a need for communications, either in the form of a drill for training, or more importantly on the receiving end in an ACTUAL emergency...

Some of us have been on both ends. And, PARTCULARLY, when you need an assist, ANY method of communications, no matter how brief, may be the one you need...

Jungle drums, smoke signals, a five minute satellite pass, cell phone, indian code talkers, I'll take anything I can get!!

AND lets put in space a satellite where users can at a minimum TALK between themselves and if a side effect of this GOOD communicating is making it available for emergencies communication go ahead.

AMATEUR RADIO is no more ahead of any other technology AMATEUR RADIO is no more a leader in the communication world AMATEUR RADIO is like hunting and fishing not COOL just an old folks affair for the RAVE generation AMATEUR RADIO is not a major commination asset in case of emergency situation.

AMATEUR RADIO for those who remains active ON THE AIR is a communication tool period.

If you read any actual ham publication you will see near the same topics that we can read 20 years ago. But there is still a bunch of folks who still believe they are living in the past and who refuse to see the actual reality. They bulls... all of us with false pretensions regarding technological breakthrough who are in the commercial market since near a decade.

Those visionaries are still unable to design a single simple HEO satellite to achieve the needs of the users who only wants a simple linear transponder PERIOD

Why going toward exotic mode CC rider laser gps and so on experiments? to please the builders? OF COURSE as if they don't want to do what theses "teckies babies" yell and cry for they will not going to build it at all.

Lets going out this teckies baby cry syndrome and just go for the simplest HEO possible this time and who will not sleep well tonight thinking the new Eagle will not be as cool as the last technology is actually? no one aside of some who still think amateur radio will make this incredible new communication breakthrough as amateur radio was in 1920.

On paper amateur radio is an experimenting hobby but replicating what it is available on the shelve just leave an after taste of "déja vue" Is it really experimenting or duplicating in pale colour?

Suggestion:

A HEO with a proven communicating platform where users can use their actual equipment. An experimental platform where those who want to use and play exotic mode can use it without disturbing the first platform.

Forget theses emergency new mode focusing only and go for a real KISS communication HEO.

"-" The medium is the message...The content is the audience...;)

Luc Leblanc VE2DWE WAC basic,CW,Phone,Satellite Skype VE2DWE www.qsl.net/ve2dwe