Life Story: Ham radio was former rural Fall Creek pastor’s passion. The Rev. Paul Bittner developed his love for ham radios at a young age, friends say. “It was a lifelong passion,” said the Rev. Carlton Kangas. “He did that since he was in grade school. He’s appeared on magazine covers for ham radio (enthusiasts) a couple of times.” Bittner, 84, died Wednesday after falling about 70 feet from an antenna on his farm at 10009 Sell Road near Fall Creek, according to Fall Creek fire Chief Jamie Kaeding. Bittner had more than 40 radio towers on his 120-acre farm, where he would communicate with people from across the world, Kangas said. “He really established a lot of contacts with Russian ministries over there,” Kangas said. Bittner was known on the radio by his call sign of “W0AIH.”
Amateur radio operators ready to respond in Alaska. ANCHORAGE (KTUU) – A hobby that helped save Alaskans during the 1964 earthquake is still keeping communications online when natural disasters shut them down. Ham amateur radio operators function as first responders relaying crucial information to emergency management officials in disaster situations.
Joe Phillips: Antennae tree. Ham radio operators have never been more diverse, nor more of them.The branches of ham radio spread like an ever-growing tree. The newest is digital communications. Some use ham radio satellites via antennas made of PVC pipe and steel measuring tape. Operators bounce signals off the moon or meteors.A dedicated group strives to contact others using the smallest amount of power possible, as in a fraction of a watt.Others just like to turn on the radio and chat.
Dave New, N8SBE says
Later information on W0AIH indicates that a block and tackle in use failed. I have no other firm information, but it seems that he may not have been attached properly to the tower when the failure occurred, essentially knocking him off the tower. This is all conjecture, mind you.
If nothing else, this should serve as a reminder that all work above the ground is dangerous and any slip-up could be your last.