We are now well into a new decade coming closer to the end of January 2020. I think back to those who spread the ideas of RaDAR internationally through the sharing of You Tube video content showing the excitement of practicing the game of RaDAR. Lucy M6ECG, Tom G0SBW, Bob KK4DIV, Greg N4KGL and amongst many others, Julian OH8STN.
RaDAR itself is little more than a decade old now and has been recognised officially by the SARL and through very special awards. It is here to stay and it is time now to take it another step forward. Look out for SARAH the brainchild of Dave ZS2DH. There are some exciting times ahead!
The official RaDAR website administered and funded by Eddie ZS6BNE can be found at www.radarops.co.za It will be updated within a week together with all the relative links. New initiatives like SARAH will also be accessible here soon.
Many challenges face South Africans now. We rely very heavily on a constant supply of electricity. Are our backup systems in place and will you be able to communicate with anyone during the darker periods? Quite frightening too is our reliance on Internet facilities like Internet banking and being able to do transactions anywhere, any time. All too often lately I’ve seen these facilities becoming non operational which can only create chaos.
Are you taking your regular walks around the block or the local dam just to keep a basic level of fitness? Are you able to defend yourself and your family. What has this to do with RaDAR you may ask? Well you and your family may find yourselves providing a much needed service in times of emergency. Of course we hope the need never arises but we must be ready and we must have practised. That’s RaDAR, all about practising being communicators in difficult conditions. It’s not easy, it’s not supposed to be.
My friend Julian OH8STN made a very interesting statement in one of his numerous and very interesting You Tube videos, “We practice as we fight”. It may sound militaristic, maybe it is but it certainly knocks the point home. As we will handle situations that may arise, so must we practice being in those situations. While we practice these things we do it in a fun way. When it’s fun we see a lot more positivity in doing these things. The fun part may one day not be the major driving force but you will be ready!
While out playing RaDAR, be vigilant as it is too easy to land up in a dangerous life threatening situation. Always play safe and don’t take chances. Do regular kit checks that you know exactly where everything is and of course be forever ready. Keep those batteries charged! See you on the RaDAR!
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