Carmine, K3CWP, and Elaine, K3ERP, assisted amateur radio operators providing communications for the Ironstone 100K Ultramarathon race at Aid Station 3, Mt. Etna Station on the Lower Trail. Continue reading
Amateur Radio Operator Visibility and Safety
Centre County and the counties around us are well into the public service season. Though much of our service will place us on trails in unimproved areas we are often on roads where runners, bicyclists, and/or motor vehicles are operating. This places us at a risk of being struck by one or more of the above. As a First Responder I monitor a Facebook Group related to Traffic Incident Management. The number of first responders struck and killed on our highways is simply appalling. Continue reading
Unleashing the Power of Amateur Radio in Times of Emergency – Domestic Preparedness
Very good article from domesticpreparedness.com.
As advocates for amateur radio and firm believers in the importance of emergency preparedness, it is critical to raise public awareness and promote active engagement in emergency preparedness through the lens of amateur radio. In today’s unpredictable world, individuals must have the knowledge and tools to handle emergencies effectively. Amateur radio is vital in connecting communities and providing essential communication during crises. By sharing practical tips, resources, and success stories, individuals can explore amateur radio as a rewarding and empowering avenue to contribute to national safety. Embracing amateur radio as a tool for communication and community support fosters a culture of resilience and preparedness to overcome future challenges.
Amateur Radio Operators Provide Communications for Rothrock Grit Bicycle Race
Eight amateur radio operators provided communications assistance for the annual Rothrock Grit Gravel Grinder (what a name) bicycle race through the Rothrock State Forest on June 3, 2023. The race courses cover sixty-five miles over gravel roads and unimproved trails. Between 250 and 300 riders participated. Operations continued from 07:00 through 16:30 hours. Though most of these races are uneventful but this year’s was different, with one very serious crash requiring a lot of radio traffic between headquarters and the crash sites. Continue reading
Article in ‘The Guardian’ about amateur radio and emergency communications. No cellphone, no problem.
Internet Archive of Amateur Radio and Communications Added to the Link Library
The Internet Archive has just added a significant archive relative to Amateur Radio and Communications.
The Digital Library of Amateur Radio and Communications is a library of materials and collections related to amateur radio and early communications. The DLARC is funded by a significant grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications, a private foundation, to create a digital library that documents, preserves, and provides open access to the history of this community.
This free resource combines archived digitized print materials, born-digital content, websites, oral histories, personal collections, and other related records and publications. The goals of the DLARC are both to document the history of amateur radio and to provide freely available educational resources for researchers, students, and the general public.
To contribute content for this project, email kay@archive.org
Unpaved of the Susquehanna River Valley and Amateur Radio
On Sunday October 9th the Unpaved of the Susquehanna River Valley was held in the Bald Eagle State Forest. Eight hundred riders started from the Miller Center in Lewisburg, PA to ride several routes in the Forest, one of these was over one hundred twenty miles. The race is true to its name with very little of the courses being over anything that could be considered ‘paved’. The courses were all loops that ended at the Rusty Rail in Mifflinburg about ten miles south west of Lewisburg on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail. Ten amateur radio operators provided communications support between five aid stations and Incident Command at the Miller Center throughout the day. Continue reading
Centre County Amateurs Participate in ARRL SET on October 1, 2022
On Saturday October 2, 2022, five Centre County Amateurs participated in the Annual ARRL Simulated Emergency Test from 13:30 UTC (09:30 Local) to 14:30 UTC (11:30 Local). This year’s drill simulated a major snow and cold weather event over the Western Pennsylvania section:
“A massive snow event and below zero temperatures have blanketed the entire Western Pennsylvania Section, downing power lines, blocking traffic and necessitating the
evacuation of large numbers of people to shelters in every county in the the Section.”
Amateur Radio Operators Provide Communications for PATRA Dual Sport Motorcycle Ride
On September 10, 2022 the Pennsylvania Trail Riders Association conducted its annual Dual Sport Motorcycle Ride in the Bald Eagle State Forest. About 280 motorcyclists participated in the course covering various routes through the forest. The routes included everything from paved roads to trails that could only be traversed by hikers, mountain bikers, dirt bikes, or high clearance 4WD vehicles. The course also included many changes in elevation between mountains and valleys. It is a challenging all day course and there is no cell phone coverage on most of the route. Amateur radio provided communications throughout the day. Continue reading
ARRL WPA Section VHF Simplex and HF frequencies ICS-205s added
Joe, W3BC, Section Manager provided two ICS-205 forms with VHF simplex and HF frequencies recommended for use during public service events, drills, and disasters. You can find links below and can download and use them whenever and wherever you find it appropriate. Continue reading