Garmin outage / When all else fails
by Levi C. Maaia - K6LCM
After the General Club Meeting this month, I decided to reevaluate my
emergency plans, particularly in preparation for an earthquake. The
pandemic and related shortages early on also pointed out some weaknesses
in my preparations and now seemed like a good time to addresses all of
this.
Garmin makes a fairly inexpensive satellite communication device called the
InReach Mini that uses the Iridium constellation to connect users to text
messaging around the world. This seemed like a good way to augment amateur
radio, particularly for establishing reliable communications with non-hams
outside of a disaster area.
I purchased the device early last week and it arrived on Friday. However, I
have been unable to activate it because Garmin was hit with a Ransomware
attack last week. Hackers have encrypted nearly all of the GPS giant's
computer systems and are demanding payment for the keys.
Garmin's entire ecosystem (aviation, marine and arguably the largest and
most consumer-facing smart watch system) has been affected since July 23!
As a result, satellite communications in ma y sectors have been crippled.
Pilots have been unable to file flight plans or update navigation
databases, mariners have lost access to chart updates, and runners are
losing their minds in online forums as they are not able to track their
daily workouts through their smart watches.
Again, new technologies may offer easy, pushbutton solutions but no
communication system is more reliable and more resilient than amateur
radio. Truly, ham radio works when all else fails 😉.
LCM
2 years, 8 months
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Fwd: LAST PUSH: Appointments still Available for Vintage Radio/HAM Radio Equipment (Sample pictures included)
by Levi C. Maaia, K6LCM
From: Teressa Johnes <trjtwo(a)gmail.com>
Reply: Teressa Johnes <trjtwo(a)gmail.com>
Date: July 3, 2020 at 09:48:40
To: Teressa Johnes <trjtwo(a)gmail.com>
Subject: LAST PUSH: Appointments still Available for Vintage Radio/HAM Radio Equipment (Sample pictures included)
Good morning,
Final push, for the HAM radio Sale, that will start next Friday July 10, 2020. We still have appointments available Saturday July 11, 2020 through Thursday July 16, 2020. I have attached a flyer and some sample pictures of some of the equipment available.
If you have a confirmed appointment, I will be in contact with you the day prior to your appointment to confirm and send location.
Asking kindly to share with your networks. ALL EQUIPMENT MUST GO!
If you are interested in coming to the sale, send me the following information:
Name:
Date you want to attend: 7/11, 7/12, 7/13,7/14, 7/15 or 7/16
Time you want to attend: 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. or we can make special arrangements for after 3:30 if needed.
Email: For each person attending
Cell phone number: Include area code for each person attending.
NO HOLDS OR DELIVERY, CASH PREFERRED
FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR FAMILY AND ATTENDEES WE ASK YOU AND EVERYONE IN YOUR PARTY WEAR A FACE MASK.
Questions, contact:
Teressa/Chuck Johnes W6GNR
805-87-1691
2 years, 8 months
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