Radio amateurs recently demonstrated their readiness to augment the nation’s communication system with portable equipment whenever the usual channels are disabled. Two methods of erecting emergency antennas for short-wave radio transmitters were shown. From an automobile wheel hub a large kite carrying the antenna takes off at the end of 500 feet of chalk line with breaking strength of 130 pounds. The line is fed from a special reel fastened with the wheel's lug bolts, using engine power while the car is jacked up. A four-foot balloon inflated with hydrogen was also used. Having a lifting power of five pounds, the balloon can hoist an antenna several hundred feet into the air.