Licking County ARES/CERT LIAISON PAGE

 

We provide backup communications support and training to Licking CERT our newest served agency.


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09/12/2013   Latest Update

On the air Training

ARES usually has training nets on the first and third Wednesday of each month.  You CERT members that are now licensed are always welcome to check into those nets at 9:00 PM local time even without ARES membership. They are held on the local Horns Hill VHF repeater which is 146.880 RX  ( -.600 MHz TX ) and no tones. If you are too shy to check in, just listen in to become familiar with the procedures used.  This net also activates during any severe weather event and check ins with bad weather reports are always welcome.

W5UHQ will also be starting a CERT on the Air Training net on the second and third Wednesday at the same time. We will run this net via the UHF local repeater which is 444.500 RX ( + 5.00 MHz TX  ) and it needs a CTSS tone of 141.3 Hz to key up the repeater.  This tone can be easily programmed into the standard CERT radio described above. T We will also monitor the CERT Tac1 frequency to check out and compare simplex coverage to various localities in Licking County.  The primary purpose of this net is to get beyond being mike shy and learn some practical operational skills with the radios as well as check out coverage.

All ARES and CERT members are  welcome to join these training nets.

 

The September training sessions will use this material.

Phonetics and Prowords

Prowords Exercise

Break Tags

 

In October, we will move on to  ICS-213  message formats and practice sending, relaying, an delivering ICS messages.

 

 


09/01/2013

A draft copy of our new Licking County CERT Radio Plan is available for review.

Please forward comments to W5UHQ or KD8TNS.

LICKING COUNTY CERT RADIO PROCEDURES

 


9/12/2013

http://www.licking-ares.org/repeaters.htm
 
 
has been updated to show currently  used frequencies in our and surrounding counties and to add new UHF frequency  channels proposed for Licking Community Emergency Response Team (CERT.)
 
Of course this is not mandatory, but provides a framework for coordinating operations and sharing radios when necessary. There were several requests for additional frequencies but I had to limit the list and leave some channels at the end of the list for individual channels.
 
There is also a pdf file link http://www.licking-ares.org/LC-ARES EMCOM FREQUENCIES REV C.pdf   on that page where you can print out a copy for your Go Kit.
 
Thanks to all who contributed inputs to this new list. Hopefully, I got everything incorporated.
 
I have created  a dat file for uploading this list to Bao Feng transceivers.  After I fully check it out, I will post it here or email it to you . I will upload your radio with it, or you can do it from your PC if you download the BaoFeng VIP programming software. 
 
If you need help uploading to other transceivers, contact me and I will find someone with upload capability.

 


Hints and Kinks for Programming the UV5-R  + and a   revisions.  Nov 27, 2012

The + and a  and e models appear to be the same electrically with only a slightly different case.

The version of firmware is critical to determine which programming software to use.Click Communications Tab.  To check what version of firmware you have by holding down 3 button while powering up unit. The firmware version will flash by fast BFB xxx so watch for it carefully. XXX was 293 for both the a and + units we recently purchased. There was a major firmware change at 291 so look for units greater or equal than 291 on used market.

I have been having some problems getting the Baofeng USB interfaces to work with Windows 7 64 bit machines.  They seem to work fine with XP and Vista but several of us continue to have problems despite following all the work arounds on the internet.  If someone has success let me know the driver link and process for Windows 7. For now I am sticking with good old XP solid as a rock  ( even with proflific cloned chips)

I found this link the best starting point for answering general questions about the radios and programming. 

 http://www.miklor.com/uv5r/   read through this site including all their links and attachments. The one on blind ham use is especially interesting since it contains a lots of hints that apply to sighted persons as well.

I found some advantages to using VIP Program.  Steve Katz had good luck with Chirp which is a general purpose software which changes almost every day so I am somewhat reluctant to use it until a stable version supports the new Baofeng firmware revs. Both use the same driver so that problem has to be solved on your computer before either one works. VIP does have a few Radio specific programming options that the current Chirp version does not support.

The other irritation is that windows decides to change com ports at times when you unplug the USB plug and then plug it back in ( even to the same slot) . This can happen when you unplug the radio to test it as well since you can not hear the speaker when programming cable is inserted.

In programming multiple units or the same one after testing it, I found the following steps insure reliable communications and stable com port assignments when doing a batch of radios which requires unplugging the USB cable. Some may not be required, but at this stage at least this sequence worked for me.

  • Keep the radio(s) on the charger ( AC or 12v) while programming.  Even when full bars are shown on the battery monitor, the interface may not reliably communicate with less than full voltage.  Never try programming unless the ac charger LED is green ( radio fully charged).
  • When finished programming one unit, Exit VIP. Don't try a new radio during same session.
  • Turn power off on both last and next radios.
  • Remove radio end of cable from old  unit and plug it into new.  Make sure plug  it seats fully and you are still on charger.
  • Remove the USB cable from PC.  You should hear a beep when Windows recognizes it has been removed. This step ( which should not be needed) must clears the interface from last use which may still have data in it's buffers from last radio.
  • Turn on next radio to be be programmed. Keep the Volume control fully CCW ( but still on ) so no audio is output. Also keep it on an inactive RX channel.
  • Now plug the USB end of cable into same slot of PC.  You should hear a beep as port is re-enabled.
  • Launch the VIP program ( make sure it is a version that supports your firmware REV)
  • Click Communications Tab on VIP
  • Set COM port to the assigned default port.  Click confirm.  You will either get a  confirm ( no response) or an I/O error.
    • If you get an I/O error . First determine COM port currently assigned to the cable if problems are encountered by:.
      • Going to Start | Computer | Right click | Properties | Hardware| Device Manager.
      • You should see the com channel assigned to the Proflic USB interface and also make sure a yellow triangle is not showing on that device indicating a driver related problem.
  • else you have correct port and the window will close.
  • Go to File | Open | and select the <filename>.dat file to program to that radio.
    • If you are using a freq file from external source.  Place the programming file *.dat into the

            C:\Program Files\UV_SR_VIP\   directory   before you run VIP ( no need to repeat this each time)

     

    • It seems like the data in Edit | Optional Features tab is stored from the .dat file so no need to change that from last radio unless it needs to be changed. Review one of the tutorials on the Optional Features tab if you change anything in that tab from the default from the .dat file and you will have to restore those changes to the .dat file you started with if you want it to apply from then on.
    • The Data from the |  Other tab must be re-entered  each time the program is run.  This includes a power on message where you can set the call sign of user or other unique information to the splash screen in lieu of the Baofeng Model number.  You must use the Write ICON on the | Other tab to upload this message. Do not change any of the other defaults on this screen.

     

  • Click the Write ICON on top of window.  This will transfer all the data from the <filename>.dat file to the radio.  It should echo as each block is uploaded and radio will reboot with the power on message when completed successfully.

Radio Shack Carries external SMA  to SO-239  adapters with short jumper of RG-316 cable.

  11-26-2012


 

1.64-Ft. (0.5M) SMA Female to SO239 Female RG-316  Cable

Model: 278-012  |  Catalog #: 278-012

1.64-Ft. (0.5M) SMA Female to SO239 Female RG-316 Cable

Price:

$18.29

Read 8 Reviews

 
 

You may have to order it, but this kind of adapter makes it easier to attach a mobile antenna.  Note the UV5-R will not mate with male SMA connectors without a female to female adatper.

 

 


 

Starter Radios for CERT  - Revised 11/23/2012

Assuming that most of the new CERT licensees are primarily interested in CERT communications,  your first radio may be different than the average hobbyist.   Our CERT communication objectives are fairly straight forward and would be met by any FM HT radio that has UHF ( 70cm or 400-450 MHz ) coverage.  Once we pick our standard CERT simplex frequencies or channels ( we will be announcing them soon) you will be able to inter- communicate tactically  with your CERT team on your missions with very little chance for interference ( 2-5 mile range ) and for the most part be able to contact the EOC radio desk which will have a radio on those  UHF  channels as well as VHF and other EMCOM frequencies.   A VHF two meter capable radio is also nice to have but it should be secondary to the primary UHF capability and will allow you to train and chit chat with all the 2 meter local hams.  The reason for this is that eventually we want to set up a cross band repeater link from a pod of UHF CERT radios to a cross band repeater ( in the EMA mobile command post or the new CERT trailer). It will  allow a capability to talk both within the pod of UHF radios on the scene and back to HQ via a cross band link on 2 meters only when necessary.  In addition, UHF is highly under utilized here in Licking County including a repeater on 444.500 - 449.500 that is hardly ever used.  That band may be in danger someday of loss to other services if we do not find ways to utilize it better..

The arrival of low cost VHF/UHF dual band radios from our friends in China has made the choice easy.  Up until the past year or so, these dual band radios have been very expensive. Even if you already have a VHF only HT, we urge you to get  UHF capability with these dual band radios.  This is the radio I am recommending.  Your mentor may have additional ideas but you really should have UHF capability first and foremost for your CERT assignments. And due to the price, you might as well go with dual band instead of UHF only.

The BaoFeng *UV-5R Plus* UV 5R+ Dual-Band 136-174/400-480 MHz FM Ham Two-way Radio, More Stubborn Case, More Rich and Enhanced Features (2013 is the Latest Version)

Make sure you get the plus or a model which is the most value for your money and it has many features the UV-5R basic does not have. We already have several CERT members that purchased the UV-5R Plus* UV 5R

You also may wish to purchase some key accessories:

  • A speaker mike is optional. The  radio itself comes with built in speaker and ear buds but many people prefer using the Push to talk mike which doubles as a speaker in noisy locations.
  • A spare battery will double your talk time and receive time on a mission.
  • A DC cable to operate and charge radio from a cigarette lighter.  The basic radio comes with an AC charger base.
  • A programming cable and programming software.  Some of the features of the BaoFeng can only be set with a PC.  I have the programming kit and can program it for you or you may want to purchase one yourself since they are relatively inexpensive. One of the key features that the plus model has is two VFO frequencies which will allow you to add special frequencies and tones to the set of fixed channels when necessary.
  • If you intend to use the radio in your home or car, you will want a 12v  adapter/charger to connect to the radio.

I purchased all the above for around $40.00  ( as of 9/1/2013) from Amazon.

At some point you may want to be able to increase the range of your HT beyond what can be done with the built in rubber duck antenna. HTs are great out in the open, but need to have an external antenna for better range when inside a building or a vehicle.

This requires an  antenna connection adapter from many places including Universal Radio in Reynoldsburg

0856 SMA-SO239 SMA F-SO239 SMA female to SO-239 (UHF) adapter V Z-1586   $4.69

 Be careful when plugging a stiff cable into the radio.  Some hams choose to make a short jumper out of flexible coax instead of the rigid adapter shown above.  They both do the same thing electrically, but the flexible jumper would be better if you intend to use it a lot in a vehicle where it would be easy to over stress the antenna / radio interface driving down the road.

 

 

You will also need an external antenna of your choice that will plug into the SO-239.

 This is the small Dual band Magnetic Mount Antenna demonstrated by K8NQ in class.  He uses it both to augment indoor communications and putting it on the roof of a vehicle and has found it works well on both bands.  Note:  The Diamond antenna is available also with a SMA connector, but that will limit your ability to use many other antennas that  will only mate with the SO-239.  The Diamond MR77  2M/440 Mobile Antenna  Magnetic Mount PL259 ( mates to SO-239) is  available from Universal for $34.95.

You might also have to invest in a short piece of low loss extension coax cable if you intend to mount your antenna much further than 8 feet from the radio.  Contact your Elmer or sales rep at Universal, they may be able to help you rig up another type of antenna/ adapter using parts out of their junk boxes.

Again, these are only suggestions not requirements.  The only requirement I see is the ability of the radio you choose to operate on UHF 70 cm band and these external antennas are usually not required at the short ranges you would need on a tactical exercise.  Hams always have them in their Go-Kits since you never know when you will need the extra range.


Programming your UV-5R Plus* UV 5R Radios

For those of you that already have your UV-5R+ radios.  I will have my PC and remote programming cable at the next COOKEN meeting ( Dec 8 or  Dec 15 has not been nailed down yet).  We can program your radios for you or show you how to do it on your own PC. We will program in all the key local frequencies  and standardize on channel numbers to make them most useful during a CERT mission.

For those with other kinds of radios that may need  help setting them up for the local frequencies and tones,  bring them to meeting ( with your manuals)  and hopefully we will have experts there that can help you setting up the critical channels.

W5UHQ will also be happy to program your UV5_R radios, just contact him at eldon@softpro.cc


On the air Training

ARES usually has training nets on the first and third Wednesday of each month.  You CERT members that are now licensed are always welcome to check into those nets at 9:00 PM local time even without ARES membership. They are held on the local Horns Hill VHF repeater which is 146.880 RX  ( -.600 MHz TX ) and no tones. If you are too shy to check in, just listen in to become familiar with the procedures used.  This net also activates during any severe weather event and check ins with bad weather reports are always welcome.

W5UHQ will also be starting a CERT on the Air Training net on the second and third Wednesday in January at the same time. We will run this net via the UHF local repeater which is 444.500 RX ( + 5.00 MHz TX  ) and it needs a CTSS tone of 141.3 Hz to key up the repeater.  This tone can be easily programmed into the standard CERT radio described above. This repeater is located east of Hebron and is a little harder to hit here in Newark but easier from some locations. We will also monitor the CERT TAC1 frequency to check out and compare simplex coverage to various localities in Licking County.  The primary purpose of this net is to get beyond being mike shy and learn some practical operational skills with the radios as well as check out coverage.


Advanced training for EMCOM. 

See the training tab on this ARES website for more advanced communications training also applicable to ( but not required )of CERT members.


General and Extra Upgrade Elmering

As stated in the Technician class. Your Technician license gives you the FCC ticket to perform almost all of any EMCOM assignments expected of you in CERT.  However several of you have asked for assistance in training for the General and Extra Class licenses.  This would  allow you full High Frequency Band privileges and ability to communicate around the world. Those of you that took the test for General should recognize that the technical level of those exams requires much more in-depth understanding of electronics and radio technology.  COOKEN per it's by-laws already has a group of volunteers that will stick around after monthly meetings and go over questions you may have as you study for FCC upgrades.  This is typically done on meeting days when we do not have that long a program.  Another approach is getting with your Elmer and working out some kind of tutoring schedule or studying with a buddy.  Going to the General and beyond also requires some hands on experience and should be spread out over several months while you are already enjoying your Technician privileges. This is why we recommend COOKEN membership so you can participate in all the on the air activities we have each year.

 


New CERT Hams Now have their call signs.

We have eleven CERT members who earned their Technician Amateur License on November 16th.  Congratulations to the following new CERT hams and we at Cooken look forward to working closely with them as CERT members and also as members of this club. This brings to fifteen the total hams that are Licking County CERT members. 

NAME CALL SIGN
Anderson, Todd KD8TNR
Dixon, Lori KD8OLM
Eichar, Charity KD8TNJ
Eichas, Lucas KD8PPJ
Haynes, Tim KD8TNM
Henning, Christine KD8TNU
Keck, Teresa KD8TNK
Lane, Bruce KD8TNO
Mayo, Jeremy KD8TNQ
Milkos, Elinor KD8OLN
Neal, Mike WD8JLP
Peterson, Eldon W5UHQ
Pugh, Laura KD8TNI
Rothweiler, Alan KD8TNS
Wolf, Jeff KD8TNH

ARES EMCOM Presentation by Weldon Mathews

The Power Point File we used in class can be downloaded or viewed from.

http://www.cooken.org/cert/powerpoint.pps


Text used in FCC Class : ARRL License Manual,  Second Edition

http://www.amazon.com/Ham-Radio-License-Manual-Arrl/dp/0872590976/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349321774&sr=1-1&keywords=ARRL+License+Manual+Second+Edition


VEC Exam Sessions:

Nationwide Exam Schedules are available from this link

 http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session


Take a look around some of the local and national ham radio websites to gain more familiarity with the fraternity.

www.cooken.org                  Cooken Ham Club ( Licking County)

http://nara.eqth.info/             Newark Amateur Radio Association ( Manages the Horn's Hill VHF/UHF repeater system )

www.arrl.org                       The National Organization which most hams belong to

www.licking-ares.org           Webpage of the Licking County Amateur Radio Emergency Service.

RF Safety Calculator:  http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=11352

Calculate the safety of your antenna.

http://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/    This site selects random questions from each section of the pool for practice exam study.  Use this to augment a study schedule , not as the only source.


Ham Radio and CERT working together as a team.

http://www.naem.com/connection/4/washington4.html

http://www.naem.com/connection/4/seminole4.html

http://n5fdl.com/davids-blog/2011/4/20/is-cert-the-future-of-ares-qst-article.html


CERT Communications Options   A comparative study.

http://www.naem.com/connection/6/communications42.html


 

http://www.licking-ares.org/repeaters.htm
 
 
has been updated to show currently  used frequencies in our and surrounding counties and to add new UHF frequency  channels proposed for Licking Community Emergency Response Team (CERT.)
 
Of course this is not mandatory, but provides a framework for coordinating operations and sharing radios when necessary. There were several requests for additional frequencies but I had to limit the list and leave some channels at the end of the list for individual channels.
 
There is also a pdf file link http://www.licking-ares.org/LC-ARES%20EMCOM%20FREQUENCIES%20REV%20B.pdf   on that page where you can print out a copy for your Go Kit.
 
Thanks to all who contributed inputs to this new list. Hopefully, I got everything incorporated.
 
I have created  a dat file for uploading this list to Bao Feng transceivers. I will upload them for you or you can do it from your PC if you download the BaoFeng programming software. 
 
If you need help uploading to other transceivers, contact me and I will find someone with upload capability.

 


Hints and Kinks for Programming the UV5-R  + and a   revisions.  Nov 27, 2012

The + and a models appear to be the same electrically only a slightly different case.

The version of firmware is critical to determine which programming software to use.Click Communications Tab.

 

We are having some problems getting the Baofeng USB interfaces to work with Windows 7 64 bit machines.  They seem to work fine with XP and Vista but several of us continue to have problems despite following all the work arounds on the internet.  If someone has success let me know. For now I am sticking with good old XP solid as a rock  ( even with proflific cloned chips)

I found this link the best starting point for answering general questions about the radios. 

 http://www.miklor.com/uv5r/

I found some advantages to using VIP including easier setup of cross banding and dual watch.  Steve Katz had good luck with Chirp which is a general purpose software which changes almost every day so I am somewhat reluctant to use it until a stable version supports the new firmware revs. Both use the same driver so that problem has to be solved on your computer before either one works.

The other irritation is that windows decides to change com ports at times when you unplug the USB plug and then plug it back in ( even to the same slot) . This can happen when you unplug the radio to test it as well since you can not hear the speaker when programming cable is inserted.

In programming multiple units or the same after testing it, I found the following steps insure reliable communications and stable com port assignments when doing a batch of radios.

  • Keep the radio on the charger ( AC or 12v) while programming.  Even when full bars are shown on the battery monitor the interface may not reliably communicate with less than full voltage.  Never try programming unless the charger LED is green.
  • When finished programming one unit, Exit VIP. Don't try a new radio during same session.
  • Turn power off on both last and next radios.
  • Remove radio end of cable from old  unit and plug it into new.  Make sure it seats fully.
  • Remove the USB cable from PC.  You should hear a beep when windows recognizes it has been removed. This step must clear the interface from last use which may still have data in it's buffers.
  • Turn on radio to be be programmed. Keep the Volume control fully CCW so no audio is output.
  • Now plug the USB end of cable into same slot of PC.  You should hear a beep as port is re-enabled.
  • Launch the VIP program ( make sure it is a version that supports your firmware REV)
  • Go to File | Open | and select the .dat file to program.
    • If you are using a freq file from external source.  Place the programming file *.dat into the

            C:\Program Files\UV_SR_VIP\   directory

  • On the VIP Software, the parameters in the Edit Configura
  • Click Communications Tab.
  • Set COM port to the assigned com port. This version of software must be reset each time it is run.
  • If you follow this procedure the com port should remain the same.  To determine COM port assigned to the cable if problems are encountered.
    • Go to Start | Computer | Right click | Properties | Device Manager.
    • You should see the com channel assigned to the Proflic USB interface.
  • Click Confirm on the communications tab.  If you have correct port the window will close.
  • Click the Write ICON on top of window.  It should echo as each block is uploaded.

     

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have also found that it is very critical to follow this sequence when programming multiple units.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starter Radios for CERT  - Revised 11/23/2012

Assuming that most of the new CERT licensees are primarily interested in CERT communications,  your first radio may be different than the average hobbyist.   Our CERT communication objectives are fairly straight forward and would be met by any FM HT radio that has UHF ( 70cm or 400-450 MHz ) coverage.  Once we pick our standard CERT simplex frequencies or channels ( we will be announcing them soon) you will be able to inter- communicate tactically  with your CERT team on your missions with very little chance for interference ( 2-5 mile range ) and for the most part be able to contact the EOC radio desk which will have a radio on those  UHF  channels as well as VHF and other EMCOM frequencies.   A VHF two meter capable radio is also nice to have but it should be secondary to the primary UHF capability and will allow you to train and chit chat with all the 2 meter local hams.  The reason for this is that eventually we want to set up a cross band repeater link from a pod of UHF CERT radios to a cross band repeater ( in the EMA mobile command post or the new CERT trailer). It will  allow a capability to talk both within the pod of UHF radios on the scene and back to HQ via a cross band link on 2 meters only when necessary.  In addition, UHF is highly under utilized here in Licking County including a repeater on 444.500 - 449.500 that is hardly ever used.  That band may be in danger someday of loss to other services if we do not find ways to utilize it better..

The arrival of low cost VHF/UHF dual band radios from our friends in China has made the choice easy.  Up until the past year or so, these dual band radios have been very expensive. Even if you already have a VHF only HT, we urge you to get  UHF capability with these dual band radios.  This is the radio I am recommending.  Your mentor may have additional ideas but you really should have UHF capability first and foremost for your CERT assignments. And due to the price, you might as well go with dual band instead of UHF only.

The BaoFeng *UV-5R Plus* UV 5R+ Dual-Band 136-174/400-480 MHz FM Ham Two-way Radio, More Stubborn Case, More Rich and Enhanced Features (2013 is the Latest Version)

Make sure you get the plus model which is the most value for your money and it has many features the UV-5R basic does not have. We already have several CERT members that purchased the UV-5R Plus* UV 5R

You also may wish to purchase some key accessories:

  • A speaker mike is optional. The  radio itself comes with built in speaker and ear buds but many people prefer using the Push to talk mike which doubles as a speaker in noisy locations.
  • A spare battery will double your talk time and receive time on a mission.
  • A DC cable to operate and charge radio from a cigarette lighter.  The basic radio comes with an AC charger base.
  • A programming cable and programming software.  Some of the features of the BaoFeng can only be set with a PC.  I have the programming kit and can program it for you or you may want to purchase one yourself since they are relatively inexpensive. One of the key features that the plus model has is two VFO frequencies which will allow you to add special frequencies and tones to the set of fixed channels when necessary.
  • If you intend to use the radio in your home or car, you will want a 12v  adapter/charger to connect to the radio.

I purchased all the above for around $90.00 from Amazon.

At some point you may want to be able to increase the range of your HT beyond what can be done with the built in rubber duck antenna. HTs are great out in the open, but need to have an external antenna for better range when inside a building or a vehicle.

This requires an  antenna connection adapter from many places including Universal Radio in Reynoldsburg

0856 SMA-SO239 SMA F-SO239 SMA female to SO-239 (UHF) adapter V Z-1586   $4.69

 Be careful when plugging a stiff cable into the radio.  Some hams choose to make a short jumper out of flexible coax instead of the rigid adapter shown above.  They both do the same thing electrically, but the flexible jumper would be better if you intend to use it a lot in a vehicle where it would be easy to over stress the antenna / radio interface driving down the road.

You will also need an external antenna of your choice that will plug into the SO-239.

 This is the small Dual band Magnetic Mount Antenna demonstrated by K8NQ in class.  He uses it both to augment indoor communications and putting it on the roof of a vehicle and has found it works well on both bands.  Note:  The Diamond antenna is available also with a SMA connector, but that will limit your ability to use many other antennas that  will only mate with the SO-239.  The Diamond MR77  2M/440 Mobile Antenna  Magnetic Mount PL259 ( mates to SO-239) is  available from Universal for $34.95.

You might also have to invest in a short piece of low loss extension coax cable if you intend to mount your antenna much further than 8 feet from the radio.  Contact your Elmer or sales rep at Universal, they may be able to help you rig up another type of antenna/ adapter using parts out of their junk boxes.

Again, these are only suggestions not requirements.  The only requirement I see is the ability of the radio you choose to operate on UHF 70 cm band and these external antennas are usually not required at the short ranges you would need on a tactical exercise.  Hams always have them in their Go-Kits since you never know when you will need the extra range.


Programming your UV-5R Plus* UV 5R Radios

For those of you that already have your UV-5R+ radios.  I will have my PC and remote programming cable at the next COOKEN meeting ( Dec 8 or  Dec 15 has not been nailed down yet).  We can program your radios for you or show you how to do it on your own PC. We will program in all the key local frequencies  and standardize on channel numbers to make them most useful during a CERT mission.

For those with other kinds of radios that may need  help setting them up for the local frequencies and tones,  bring them to meeting ( with your manuals)  and hopefully we will have experts there that can help you setting up the critical channels.


EMCOM Training Coming to Licking County Soon

If you are anxious to get a head start.  ARRL has the book we will be using for the CORE subjects on their website. http://www.arrl.org/shop/Amateur-Radio-Public-Service-Handbook/ or you could sign up for the on-line version ( acceptable but not recommended).


General and Extra Upgrade Elmering

As stated in the Technician class. Your Technician license gives you the FCC ticket to perform almost all of any EMCOM assignments expected of you in CERT.  However several of you have asked for assistance in training for the General and Extra Class licenses.  This would  allow you full High Frequency Band privileges and ability to communicate around the world. Those of you that took the test for General should recognize that the technical level of those exams requires much more in-depth understanding of electronics and radio technology.  COOKEN per it's by-laws already has a group of volunteers that will stick around after monthly meetings and go over questions you may have as you study for FCC upgrades.  This is typically done on meeting days when we do not have that long a program.  Another approach is getting with your Elmer and working out some kind of tutoring schedule or studying with a buddy.  Going to the General and beyond also requires some hands on experience and should be spread out over several months while you are already enjoying your Technician privileges. This is why we recommend COOKEN membership so you can participate in all the on the air activities we have each year.

 


 


ARES EMCOM Presentation by Weldon Mathews

The Power Point File we used in class can be downloaded or viewed from.

http://www.cooken.org/cert/powerpoint.pps


Text used in FCC Class : ARRL License Manual,  Second Edition

http://www.amazon.com/Ham-Radio-License-Manual-Arrl/dp/0872590976/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349321774&sr=1-1&keywords=ARRL+License+Manual+Second+Edition


VEC Exam Sessions:

Nationwide Exam Schedules are available from this link

 http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session


Take a look around some of the local and national ham radio websites to gain more familiarity with the fraternity.

www.cooken.org                  Cooken Ham Club ( Licking County)

http://nara.eqth.info/             Newark Amateur Radio Association ( Manages the Horn's Hill VHF/UHF repeater system )

www.arrl.org                       The National Organization which most hams belong to

www.licking-ares.org           Webpage of the Licking County Amateur Radio Emergency Service.

RF Safety Calculator:  http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=11352

Calculate the safety of your antenna.

http://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/    This site selects random questions from each section of the pool for practice exam study.  Use this to augment a study schedule , not as the only source.


Ham Radio and CERT working together as a team.

http://www.naem.com/connection/4/washington4.html

http://www.naem.com/connection/4/seminole4.html

http://n5fdl.com/davids-blog/2011/4/20/is-cert-the-future-of-ares-qst-article.html


CERT Communications Options   A comparative study.

http://www.naem.com/connection/6/communications42.html


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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