The Centre County ARES needs a liaison station(s) to check in to the Western Pennsylvania Phone and Traffic Net and handle traffic (messages) in and out of Centre County. We haven’t had such a station for years and it really is part of the Amateur Radio Emergency Services system. I plan to use this station(s) during the SET on October 31, 2009 to handle some drill traffic.
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Category Archives: ARES/RACES
Recommended EmComm Training for Amateur Radio Operators
One of the purposes of amateur radio is to provide a cadre of trained communicators in times of disaster or emergency. Most of our drills and contests serve as training for emergencies. Yes, contests too. Contests, like most skill competitions, train us on how to exchange information in a fast moving pressurized environment. That is what a disaster is. But that isn’t the only thing we need.
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SEC John, N3SPW reports on WPA EC Meeting
The below report of the 8/15 EC meeting was submitted by John Swarcz and posted with his permission. Carmine, K3CWP
Everyone,
I just wanted to say thank you to all who took the time to attend the WPA Section EC meeting in Brookville last Saturday. We had a total attendance of 23 people representing ARES groups from all over the section. There was good food and lots of conversation about issues we face as ARES organizations. Also in attendance was our Section Manager John Rodgers N3MSE and the ARRL Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar N3LLR.
ARES Participation in 2009 MS-150 Successful
The Nittany Amateur Radio Club and Centre County ARES in cooperation with the Horseshoe Amateur Radio Club and Blair County ARES and EMA provided communications for the annual Keystone Country Ride of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Keystone Division on Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26, 2009. The bicycle ride is a fundraiser for the Society and covers a total of 150 miles over the two days. This year 425 bicycle riders participated.
A total of 43 amateur radio operators participated over the two days of the event. Additionally, Blair County EMA provided its mobile communications van (essentially a full blown mobile dispatch center) COMM 1 as Net Control HQ. The van was operated by Scott Beveridge, the Blair County EMA director and Drew, KA3EJV, the Blair County ARES Emergency Coordinator, and provided a direct link into the appropriate 9-1-1 centers.
RACES Radios Programmed
Early this evening, Carmine, K3CWP and Ron, K3RON, completed firmware updates and programming of all of the Kenwood TM-D710 radios purchased under the two PEMA grants last year. This includes:
- Updating the firmware in the main radio, the display panel, and the TNC.
- Wiring the power cable with Anderson Power Pole connectors according to ARES/RACES standards.
- Loading the memory positions with frequencies releavant to operation in Centre County.
- Programming the TNC to operate with the AVMAP GPS Units.
Amateurs interested in assisting MS-150 July 25 & 26
The following amateurs have indicated they will be able to assist with the MS-150 on July 25 and 26 and the days they can help:
N3LI – Mike – Both Days
K3OOL- Criag – Both Days
KB3HQN – Don – Both Days
K3ARL – Karl – Both Days
K3YV – Woody – Both Days
K3BOB – Bob – Both days
WA3IBO – Jim – Sunday
N3EWR – Paul – Both Days
WA3WAB – Wayne – Saturday
K3CWP – Carmine
K3ERP – Elaine – Limited
W3EDP – Eric – Both Days
KR3ORY – Rory – Saturday
W3JXP – John – Both Days
MS-150 Keystone Country Ride Amateur Radio Staffing Sheet
The MS Word file linked below is the staffing plan for the MS-150 on July 25 and 26. As of June 11th ARES/NARC should provide amateur radio operators for five (5) positions on Saturday and eleven (11) on Sunday. Some operators have already signed up. More information will be published soon.
Attendees at 6/11/2009 ARES organizational meeting
The following attended the ARES Organizational Meeting held on June 11, 2009 at the Centre Region COG offices in State College:
K3CWP, Carmine Prestia
K3ERP, Elaine Prestia
KA3EJV, Drew McGhee, Blair County EC
N3LI, Mike Coslo
W3WAB, Wayne Bicehouse
KB3PIQ, James Craig Wingate
K3OOL, Craig S Miller
K3ARL, Karl Hosterman
K3YV, Woody Brem
N3CRM, Chuck Maggi
K3JWH, John Hawkins
KB3HQN, Donald Novak
KR3ORY, Rory Stenerson
W3TNE, Thomas N Eby
K3CM, Chuck McMullen
W3EDP, Eric Prescott
MS Keystone Country Ride Volunteer Release Form
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has added a new requirement for volunteers this year.
The Society’s risk management arm has advised the Society to require ALL volunteers to complete a Volunteer Consent Form. Based on the information received during our meeting on May 21st, the requirement extends to any volunteer who volunteers for ANY assistance with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, not just amateur radio operators. You can click on the form name above to see the form.
While the local branch views our participation as extremely valuable and vital to the safety of the riders, their hands are tied by the national requirement. They, like the amateur participants in the meeting realize that some amateurs may decide NOT to participate simply because of the form.
This is one of the largest public service events we do and is a showcase for our abilities. Indeed, our presence has in several cases helped get emergency medical assistance to injured riders. It is unfortunate that such requirements are becoming a necessity in many volunteer efforts.
NARC President, Woody, K3YV; Treasurer, Elaine, K3ERP; Centre County EC, Carmine, K3CWP; and Blair County EC, Drew, KA3EJF discussed this at some length after the meeting. While we don’t think the form is really necessary and we note that we do want to provide the service, there isn’t any real way around the requirement. It is the MS Society’s requirement.
As Centre County EC I plan to participate and Elaine and I will complete the forms. The forms will be available at the June 11 ARES meeting and I can try to answer further questions there. Please consider participating in the event and completing the form as required by MS.
Thank you for your interest and participation. You can also contact me at K3CWP@ARRL.NET.
Carmine Prestia, K3CWP
Centre County ARRL EC
Amateurs meet with Multiple Sclerosis Society to plan MS-150
Amateur radio operators from Centre and Blair Counties have provided communications assistance for the MS-150 Bike Ride of The Hollidaysburg Branch of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for several years. This ride is a major fundraiser for the group and involves hundreds of bicyclists riding from Hollidaysburg to State College on Saturday, July 25 and then returning to Hollidaysburg on Sunday, July 26. Ride planners are asking for our assistance again this year.
Amateur participation involves communications along the route and among the rest stops and ride organizers. ARES and NARC will be asking amateurs to sign up and help. This is an interesting and challenging public service. We have on several occasions over the years been the prime contact for alerting EMS when a rider is injured or ill along the course.
More information will be provided soon. Please try to reserve the dates in your calendars to help out.
Thank you.
Carmine Prestia, K3CWP