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Emergency Radio
Manos Manoli (5B4AFQ)
on
October 22, 2007
View comments about this article!
Recently I decided to build an emergency radio setup for portable/mobile situations. First I thought that I did not had to re-invent the wheel so I decided to go through some Google image search and find out what fellow hams have created. I was disappointed as most of the setups where either in containers that would not 100% protect the contents from the elements , ( toolboxes , marine battery housings etc etc ) and then the majority where only using a single source of power. I decided to set some minimum requirements before starting gathering the equipment those are:
A. the setup should be protected at least during transportation from vibration , impact , humidity and rain.
B. It should be possible to operate on at least three different power sources 1. stand alone scenario ( internal batteries ) 2. Mains 240V or 3. External Car - Lead/acid battery.
C. The unit should be possible to charge its internal batteries whenever 240V or 13.8V are externally supplied.
D. The unit should be equipped with voice comms and capable of simultaneously sending APRS beacons.
E. All above features should be automatically available without any manual or on the spot reconfiguration that could lead to confusion. ( no exposed wires , plugs etc etc ).
Having set this as minimum criteria I started gathering the components. I love kenwood D700 primary for its APRS capabilities and dual band features . For housing I Selected a 1600 Pelican case ( http://www.peli.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1600 ) proven to be a life saver for many sensitive equipment. A small reliable 10amp psu is connected to a PowerGate/backup power system / charger. ( http://www.westmountainradio.com/SuperPWRgate.htm ) . This unit charges the internal batteries when external power is provided . It also automatically switches to the internal batteries once power is lost. As everything was coming into life I decided to add a digital watt/amp meter , this has a minimum power consumption and it could give me a prediction on how much “juice” is left in the internal batteries. Finally a 3euro voltage regulator that will change 12v to 5v for powering the GPS.
Someone had commented that this is an overkill expensive emergency setup but then again why use it only for emergencies ?
PowerGate
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All components are now laying my bench , I added a power ... Very satisfied... I sent the case to the "blacksmith" Hi hi for measuring aluminum sheets that will be used for creating the compartments after that the aluminum sheets will be heading for anodizing.
I wanted to give the final product to the boy scouts on JOTA . If they can figure out how to turn the unit on and operate without any instructions for the whole day then I have succeeded to my bulletproof emergency radio project.
P.S. A second version of this article will follow with picture of the final setup.
This article has expired. No more comments may be added.
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Emergency Radio
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by NXET on October 22, 2007
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Ya and I am building a rockship to go to the moon and set up a ESR. I am going to use a old water heater, some old tires (ground up for powder) and following the instructions taken on a knapkin it should get off the ground shortly. When done I plan on giving it to NASA if they can figure out how to light the fuse.
Really, what ever happened to the articles which have finished products? All I see here are a bunch of pieces and adds for items. (oh ya a drawing that is on the back of a paper plate)
Nice try for a first article, but really you need to use some others for expamples of "How I did this" before you start writing again. "Future articles" on the same subject matter, should not be part of the current posting.
Wait till you get it all done and then post please.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KB1IIX on October 22, 2007
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Yes, it would have been nice to wait until this project was complete, but still a nice article. With over $250 going for the case alone, this promises to be a fairly expensive project. I'm looking for designs similar but the ability to flip open the case, power up, hook up an antenna and transmit. I love the Pelican cases, but they are overkill for this application.
Bruce
KB1IIX
capvan@comcast.net
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Emergency Radio
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by K1CJS on October 22, 2007
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It may have been better if the person who is designing this setup had waited and included some pictures of the completed unit--in other words did the whole article at once, but there is no need of the sarcasm and calling down of the ideas expressed here.
It is a common understanding that most hams look for the inexpensive and easiest way of doing things, but some look for the best and sturdiest way--as the writer said, bulletproof. Just because some would rather go cheap is no reason to criticise those who do not. If people start writing their responces as if they were talking to the person they were responding to IN PERSON, a lot of posts wouldn't be written--and the responding posts would be worth something.
The person who wrote this is looking to put together a unit that will take some abuse--that much is evident from the article. It is also plain that the author doesn't want to have to worry about switching power or keeping the internal batteries charged. The other nice point to this project is the APRS tracker. A lot of thought seems to have gone into this setup, a point that cannot be said about other do-it-yourself projects that appear here.
I look forward to seeing the completed setup.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KC9ATJ on October 22, 2007
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A few problems that I can see with this design:
1. Weight. It's cool that you want to have everything in a single box, but if it ends up weighing 50+ lbs (mostly depending on the internal battery that you decide to use), it's not practicle to carry around. (I just did some math, and with just the box, the radio, and the PWRGate, this thing is weighing in at about 27 lbs) This is especially true if you are going to give this to scouts to use. I'm not sure what the average age and size of a scout is where your from, but at least here in the US, your average Boy Scout is 12-14 and weighs somewhere in the vicinity of 125-150 lbs. That's a lot of weight for a single person of that size to be moving around.
2. Battery. Depending on the battery that you choose, you need to take into consderation any kind of maintance that might need to done. Also remember that some batteries will develop hydrogen gas the more that it's used. You really need a way to ventallate in the battery compartment so that you don't have hydrogen building up.
3. Weatherproofing. I highly doubt that anyone will be using their radios in a downpour with out at least something overhead to keep the both the radio and the operator somewhat dry (I do know of some HT that can be submerged in water for a period of time and still be fine, but those are kind of the exception). Humidity should not be a problem. If you don't believe me on this, come to Indiana during Field Day. On a "dry" day in the summer, we have at least 60% humidity and an average of 80%-90% when it's not raining. We will still have our radios going at full power without any harm to the radios.
I'm not trying to say that your design is bad, but you need to think through all the practical aspects of this project before you make something that you will never be able to use in the way you are intending it to be used. I would suggest that you reevaluate everything for this project before you continue on and make sure it is everything you desire. But at least you have a year to get this thing together before you hand it off for your fool proof test of JOTA.
73's and Yours in Scouting
Joel
KC9ATJ
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by W6TH on October 22, 2007
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.
I like my setup for emergencies, no matter what. Getting away from my regular ham station I have an emergency set up which consists of the following:
A separate station consisting of a Icom IC 718, a home brew "L" network for tuning a random or single fed wire, a 12 volt battery with solar charging, complete with microphone and a straight key. Also a Icom IC V8000 2 meter band coverage to cover a band with repeaters that can be adjusted for a continuous string that can cover the entire United States of America. Lastly a complete set of tools contained in a tool box with a 12 volt soldering iron and its compliments.
I could substitute an Icom 703 or the Yaesu 817 for the IC 718 which would also be possibly a better radio to get up and run and hide. Generators in this country of ours are plentiful so I don't think power would be a problem.
Then as I write this memo, just what kind of emergency are we talking about? Different strokes for different folks, or is it , different jokes for different folks; to each his own.
W6TH
.:
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Emergency Radio
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by KB4QAA on October 22, 2007
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Thanks Manos!
I tend to agree with you that an emergency kit should be complete for all power situations.
I'm looking forward to seeing how you mount the radio and equipment and wondering what size battery (AmpHour) you will be able to fit in.
73, Bill
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by LNXAUTHOR on October 22, 2007
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- emergency kits are not only fun to assemble, but if you live in a coastal area prone to hurricanes, just make sense to have on hand...
- my kit consists of:
(1) W3FF buddipole (w/tripod in case)
(1) 20Ah 'starter' battery w/cables, DC12V cigarette lighter outputs
(1) 7Ah gel cell w/powerpole connectors
(1) 5W solar panel w/charge controller
(1) SGC SG-2020 w/mic, MC-43s
(1) FT-817 w/miracle whip
(2) spare coax
(1) code warrior key
(1) LDG Z-11 tuner w/4:1 balun
(1) wire dipole, cut for 20M, rolled up /ladder line
(1) paper, pencil pack, misc items (instant coffee, canteen, etc.)
- everything fits into a $6 plastic storage box from Wally World, and sits on a roll-about dolly...
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by W6TH on October 22, 2007
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.
LNXAUTHOR
Looks to be more of a fixed station operation to me. Your setup is not much for quick maneuverability (navigation) to navigate.
FIRE IN THE HOLE.
W6TH
.:
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by W6TH on October 22, 2007
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.
Hey, why not a mobile with just a 2 meter radio and a weeks supply of "K" rations. What could be better.
.:
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Emergency Radio
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by G6XCJ on October 22, 2007
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As a couple who are in dire need of a medic from time to time both at home and abroad and using -9 i decided on a very simple setup using packet. My SOS is sent and within minutes doctors of medecine are phoning to help and advise!
When mobile my vehicle can be tracked to within a few feet as the GPS/aerial is on roof of car and my path is via ARISS. Thank you, but no thanks:)
May i take this opportunity to thank ALL Medics for helping us to date. 73.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by N6AJR on October 22, 2007
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I agree on the use of the power gate, I use one on my fixed packet station with three 33AH sla batteries.
But I disagrree on the radio. for about $650 or so you could grt a nice 7yaesu ft 857d and have 2m, 440, 6 m , and 160 to 10 m all modes, digital psk, cw, fm, am, ssb, etc. a much better choice for a raadio, and you could do a series of dipoles or add a small tuner for the antenna work.
other wise I have an 857d in the car and a ft-847 in the truck, and 7 or8 hf rigs in the house, so I really don't use a mobile kit.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by W4VR on October 22, 2007
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Manos: before you sit down to write another article regarding your emergency radio please make sure you have all your ducks lined up and a completed, functioning system.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by N4PIQ on October 22, 2007
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After all this, why should anyone write a article.
GIVE THE GUY A BREAK.
In other words all u naysayers out there, get a life...
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KC0UKR on October 22, 2007
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I too think this idea is good but there needs to be more thought as to what is practical to tote as needed.
I decided that battery power should be entirely seperate as it not practical to carry any meaningful capacity for anything but Ht's or QRP very far when combined with the gear.
I use a Pelican 1430 case with an Icom 7000 mounted as well as a Yeasu FT8800 and an MFJ 4125 Switching power supply.
The radios are mounted backwards in the case to a board attached to the bottem of the case. This enable connections to be made without having the radios loose in the box.
The control heads are remoted to the lid of the box and when oped the controls are at the very front where they are convenient.
The 1430 was chosen as it is opened from the top not the side like all other Pelican cases.
Look it up and you will see what I mean. It is also under $100.00 new and very rugged and lightweight.
I then have several battery solutions in different capacities and with different methods of transport.
I use a 45 watt solar panel to try to keep the battery/ies topped up
when needed.
Most of my battery boxes have wheels(big ones) and can cart themselves and the Pelican and they can mount antenna masts supported by the weight of the batteries.
I can set a station up in 5 minutes including the time it takes to assemble the Buddipole and/or Arrow J-Pole(homemade) and be transmitting without much effort.
I like the D700 and would have one in my case but it is in my truck instead and I have not found another one at the right price yet.
Everything is powerpoled for compatability with other peoples stuff but I do not love the Power Poles as they come apart too easily.When Wire Tied together they loose the speedy teardown that makes them worthwhile in the first place.
They work but could be improved as far as I am concerned.
The other thing about the Pelican case is you need to be careful if they are used outside and get wet inside and then closed up!!!!!!
I did this just last weekend and you need to open them back up so the moisture can dry up and not hurt anything inside.
Overall I have fun building Portable stations and have built several and I think they should be simple and sturdy or they will not hold up when called on.
Good Luck
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KC0UKR on October 22, 2007
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Oh and I forgot.....Pelican makes a "Panel Kit" for most of the cases. This is a Plastic ring that installs on the little "Nibs" inside the case and allows for custom panels to be made and secured inside the case.The kits are inexpensive and have O-ring gaskets to keep the stuff under the panel watertight.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by N6AJR on October 22, 2007
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power poles sell little clip on gizmos to keep the connectors together for 1X1, 2 XX 2 etc.. lots of interesting PP stuff. this is a site with all the stuff at connex-electronics , lots of goodies here besides PP'S
http://www.connex-electronics.com/?url=/html/products/anderson/powerpole/pp_powerpole_accessories.html
( that is all 1 url in a line)
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by N6AJR on October 22, 2007
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http://www.connex-electronics.com/?url=/html/products/anderson/powerpole/pp_powerpole_accessories.html
no break in this URL should all run together, the url= follows the ? with no break, the eham splits it up weird
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KC0UKR on October 22, 2007
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Having to use some extra part to perform such a basic function just does not appeal to me.
There a are a lot of connectors out there that either incorporate a locking mechanism or have a higher contact pressure that stay together until you try to pull them apart.
I don't think Anderson ever intended them to be used as we Hams seem to have decided to use them.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by W6TH on October 22, 2007
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.
N6AJR
But I disagrree on the radio. for about $650 or so you could grt a nice 7yaesu ft 857d and have 2m, 440, 6 m , and 160 to 10 m all modes, digital psk, cw, fm, am, ssb, etc. a much better choice for a raadio, and you could do a series of dipoles or add a small tuner for the antenna work.
Not a very good idea Tom, as it is better to have separate radios so that there can be other bands operated at the same time, you know , multiple station operation, multiple operators, which can cover more and greater disaster areas. An HF rig and two meters should be adequate; Sufficient to satisfy a requirement or meet a need.
.:
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Emergency Radio
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by W6AAV on October 22, 2007
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Grow up kids. I think it was a nice article and at least he had the guts to do so. It seems to be the same folks making the smart remarks.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by W7ETA on October 22, 2007
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If you don't like the article, maybe you need to express that to whomever selects articles for eHam?
Bob
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Emergency Radio
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by W2CDC on October 22, 2007
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I was told at a young age that if you don't have something good and constructive to say then don' say anything at all. That advice has served me well. Some of the commentators on this article as well as others would be well served to heed that advice.
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Emergency Radio
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by N9CYS on October 22, 2007
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What a tough crowd!!!
Some of you guys will wonder why he's skipping you when he works a run of W's & K's!
I sure won't...lighten up, Francis!
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by NXET on October 22, 2007
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Well talk about trolls. From the responses that some of you have posted it is clear that you have never setup or used equipment in the field.
First off where are you bozo going to put the box on? Oh gee your lap? Are you relying on someone else to bring the table and chair? Only one of you said something constructive by suggesting that a cover shield be over the top of the radio and the operator.
Ya that works not only for the rain but also for the sun and heat.
But the rest of you all seem to enjoy the all in one box concept. The only thing that should be in the box is the radio and the antenna. One of you hit the nail on the head when they said that the rig will have to be taken out of the box or it will over heat. Then why not use a box that opens from both sides (front and back) so the flow through can be achieved without removing the radios?
What power source? With that in mind if they have a genarator do you have a power supply that will run off of it? long enough cords to get to it? If they have batteries do you have a distrubution regulated fused protection source? While solar is nice, it don't work at night and anyone who has worked field day off of batteries knows when the sun goes down or the rain clouds show up (such as in a storm) so also goes the power.
No instead the author has it right. He is adaptable for any power source provided. (oh ya and you dings which think that you will use the lawn mower to run a car alternator best think again in terms of how much fuel your using. Them things are not very effecent)
You all may be their a long time without good gas. Oh you say your going to STEAL it from your neighbors car. Great we will probably not be hearing from you after the event is over. Stealing stuff during a disaster is a BIG Felony CRIME even if your are a HAM. (you have no right to take your neighbors stuff so get over it)
Now while its nice to think your radio is going to save the day for the poor.. it ain't. The radio is just one part. Your environmental shelter should be your second most important consern. After all if your out in the cold, wet, sunburned and exposed elements just how long do you think your going to last.
Most hams have not got a clue as to what its going to take. They read the tales of the great and think, I can do that. But, can they? How many lasted 24 hours at field day? (how many even showed up for field day) I put my money on .. not many. Most think that because they have the radio they are the gifted ones to the human race. Aaaaa NOT.
So what you need is a field station that is self contained and self supporting. It needs to come in two boxes about the size of footlockers. (yep the military had them too) one that you can set up, free standing (its own legs--the front opens to form the work table the back opens to allow maintenance and/or ventalation and/or set on a couple of saw horses to the provided table top. The other footlocker that has the accessories ( Antennas' (more than one type) , coax, lights, tent, cot, blankets, pencil and paper, spare parts, multimeter, maintenance/soldering equipment/tools etc..) in it. When its all set up and the equipment removed you can use the second footlocker for a seat to sit on and operate the station which is located in the first. (check out both the German and US field radio stations from WWII)
As to power, any port in the storm. From 220 non frequency regulated (switching power supplys work good here to 110,) 24, 12 volts DC from batts, solar, or what ever you can find and improvise. Your power souces should also be metered so you don't have to go rummageing around looking for the multimeter.
The 2,220,440,etc ground plane antenna could be attached to the field station box and/or again with the extra coax put up in some place higher, time permitting. HF would use either a long wire or a multi band vert ground mounted with radials.
next comes how much power to run? To little and they won't hear you. Too much and your going to be short a few KW real soon.
Now what about outside the ham bands. You know their are a lot of CB's out their. What about the Aircraft band are we going to just wave our hands at 'em as they circle or can we get licensed with something to talk to 'em. What about a extra space/speaker/headphones for one of their radios. Do you have a place for that?
Come on guys the gent is asking for some GOOD advise on what to put into his kit. Get off the ME thing and get with the--- here is what works and doesn't. Speak from experance and not guessing what you think is right.
Oh and don't you think that two ops would be better than just one? What about a ops manual for the dummy who doesn't know what all the knobs are for. What about runners. Do we just want to talk about equipment or the whole system?
Quit messing around and get serious here. I know you can do it.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by ONAIR on October 23, 2007
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Any serious emergency set up must consider an extreme emergency possibility, and must include solar, wind, water and/or a human power generating apparatus. A nuclear war could wipe out the power grid and cloud the skies for an extended period of time. Wind and water power would still be available, but human power (a bicycle attached to a generator sending power to charge a battery) would probably be the most convenient, least complicated and most reliable and cost effective way to go. Not that hard or expensive to hook up a bicycle to a car alternator and go at it. Simplicity will have a great advantage in an extreme emergency situation.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by K1CJS on October 23, 2007
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"After all this, why should anyone write a article."
Exactly. Because of the reception here, there are a lot of us who just won't bother anymore, myself included. Of course, there are those who still will, but will probably change their minds after getting the shellacking some malcontents hand out here.
Why do you think the site admins have been re-running some articles? Because there's nothing of worth coming thru the pipe--thats why, and that's a direct result of the derogatory comments posted.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KC0UKR on October 23, 2007
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I would like to know what EXACTLY is wrong with making a station portable and trying to be ready to move it if needed?
Is it somehow better to not be ready to go than to be ready?
It seems some of you also either did not even read the article before making comment or you can not read and absorb the information and comment on the actual content of the article.
An important point made by the author is that this station can also serve as a home station.
This will be cheaper(great appeal to many Hams)and imply a good working knowledge of the gear and its capabilities and challenges.
I for one would want someone like this next to me in an emergency situation more than I would want those critical abd too lazy and smart to even try.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KI4WAF on October 23, 2007
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I have to wonder if this article was written a while ago. He talks about looking forward to JOTA, which happened two days before this article was posted. Maybe he has written the follow up and it just hasn't been posted yet.
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Emergency Radio
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by AC7ZL on October 23, 2007
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Pelican cases are great, but they are expensive.
An alternative is something from military surplus. You'd be amazed at the range of watertight and water-resistant containers you can buy in different sizes and shapes.
I'm building some accessories for a "green" (military) radio right now that will be housed in re-purposed ammo containers--- tough as nails and waterproof.
Pete
AC7ZL
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by K1CJS on October 23, 2007
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"I have to wonder if this article was written a while ago. He talks about looking forward to JOTA, which happened two days before this article was posted. Maybe he has written the follow up and it just hasn't been posted yet."
Yep. Thats how it is--depending on the wants of the staff, an article may be put up right away, held back one or more weeks--or never be put up at all.
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Emergency Radio
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by KC9MAV on October 23, 2007
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no offense just get a mobile rig with an amplifier with a mag mount.You could one of yaesu's compact rigs that does 100watts hf vhf uhf and a antenna. TO MUCH WORK I SAY! but thats in my opinion.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KC9MAV on October 23, 2007
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See W6TH is very familiar with it. I think as much as i love building things with a soldering iron i think thats a little to far. that would be very very heavy im thinkin about 40 pounds. But it sound like a fun project if you ave the $$$ for it.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by WA8MEA on October 23, 2007
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I wish this forum would allow photos when replying to an article. But thank you Manos for the FB article.
I, too, like to be prepared in the event of an emergency. In watching the California fires tonight, I see most women would grab baby stuff, family photos, and things of sentimental value.
Men are different creatures. I asked myself, what would I grab besides the wife, kids and pets? The first thought was my VERY compact set-up of an Icom IC-718 and Pyramid PS-26 power supply. Both are EXACTLY the same size and thus, look like they are suppose to be paired together.
In my portable station, I have the Icom on the bottom, and the power supply above it....stuck to the 718 with two sided 3-M tape. Bolted to the side of the 718 is a high performance mobile speaker.
Again, the photo would do it better justice. The unit is so compact; you just grab it and go! OK, it's AC. But you can use the inverter trick, a generator or go to an evacuation area that has ample AC power.
73, Bill - WA8MEA
wa8mea@hotmail.com
http://HamRadioFun.com
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Emergency Radio
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by NH7YS on October 23, 2007
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Manos, good luck with your project. I find it interesting and your article has generated a lot of informative comments.
N6AJR, thanks for the connex link. It looks as if the company has good prices on powerpoles as well.
KC0UKR, your Pelican case station sounds like a neat setup. Can you post a photo of it?
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KC0UKR on October 24, 2007
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"KC0UKR, your Pelican case station sounds like a neat setup. Can you post a photo of it?"
If I can I do not know how?
What I really like about the 1430 case is its size and that there are O-rings on the sides large enough for a shoulder strap for easy carry.
The original poster's Pelican 1600 can be made somewhat portable too as there are backpack straps available that turn it into sort of a hard sided pack.
Not real comfortable I would guess but portable nonetheless.
I have several Pelican 1610's which are a little deeper and have wheels and pull-up handles.
They can be easily dragged on smooth ground even with 80AH Gel Cells and radio inside but grassy terrain is a different story.
The 1600 mentioned is a little too big for easy carry even empty I think but with a dolly of some kind it is a lot more portable.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by TOYBOX on October 24, 2007
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Notice most of the negative comments come from old, antique farts who gripe and bitch at just about everything? Seems like the same bunch whining about every article. Old, dryed up antiques looking for an argument.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by WI7B on October 24, 2007
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What if you were a well-equipped ARES volunteer in the LARGEST PEACE-TIME EVACUATION in the US and no- one needed you????
"Amateur Radio Assistance Not Currently Needed for California Wildfires (Oct 24, 2007) -- At this time, ARRL HQ staff knows of no calls or activations for ARES units due to the wildfires in Southern California. While many areas of the country are on standby status, ready and able to send aid as needed, there have been no official requests for Amateur Radio Emergency Services aid as normal communications methods appear to be holding. Telecommunications providers have increased telephone capacity for use by the evacuees. There were fragmented reports of amateur operators initially shadowing public safety officials if needed, but thus far they seem to have not been used. As in any emergency situation, information can quickly change and the ARRL will continue to monitor the situation and inform members if the situation changes."
73,
---* Ken
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KA4CKR on October 24, 2007
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Here is a link to pictures of my go-box station. I use it as my home station, but need only to disconnect power and feedline to make it portable. I have set it up for VHF/UHF operations within 5 minutes of arrival and 15 minutes for HF ops (mainly because it took me ten minutes to get the dipole in the trees).
http://www.wb0eoc.org/Emerg%20Prep/Tim's%20Jump%20Radio.htm
The go-box holds the Yaesu FT-857D, a MFJ 4125 Mighty Lite 25A switching power supply, an LDG Z100 auto tuner, and (not shown in the pictures) an external speaker mounted inside as well as an MFJ 561 miniature travel iambic paddle mounted to a thin wooden base.
An accessory bag (not shown) holds a 2m/70cm mag-mount antenna with 17 feet of attached feedline, a 40 meter wire dipole, two rolls (1 50-ft, 1 20-ft) of RG8X coax, twine, rope, clamps, tools, tape, barrel connectors, etc.
I've used this box during field day as a demo station (not for points) and during our two-day SET exercise. This setup works for me. Your mileage may vary.
Tim Newman - KA4CKR
Asst Director
Reno County Emergency Management
Hutchinson, KS
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by NXET on October 24, 2007
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What if you were a well-equipped ARES volunteer in the LARGEST PEACE-TIME EVACUATION in the US and no- one needed you????
"Amateur Radio Assistance Not Currently Needed for California Wildfires (Oct 24, 2007) -- At this time, ARRL HQ staff knows of no calls or activations for ARES units due to the wildfires in Southern California. While many areas of the country are on standby status, ready and able to send aid as needed, there have been no official requests for Amateur Radio Emergency Services aid as normal communications methods appear to be holding. Telecommunications providers have increased telephone capacity for use by the evacuees. There were fragmented reports of amateur operators initially shadowing public safety officials if needed, but thus far they seem to have not been used. As in any emergency situation, information can quickly change and the ARRL will continue to monitor the situation and inform members if the situation changes."
Well by the time the ARRL gets into it-- its over -- except for the ARRL holding their hand out, getting more equipment donated to their group.
Now what if the person who set up in the evac campground, who is handling Health and welfare messages for the families in castaic was not a ARRL member. Think they would acknowledge him? NOT!! Your right--members only so ARRL gets credit. gee go figure.
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KC8VWM on October 24, 2007
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What if you were a well-equipped ARES volunteer in the LARGEST PEACE-TIME EVACUATION in the US and no- one needed you????
"The ARRL has learned that ARES groups in San Diego were activated on Monday, October 22 and continued to assist their served agencies until 2 AM (PDT) Wednesday, October 24. Sixty hams were called to service by the County of San Diego's Emergency Medical Service. According to ARRL San Diego Section Emergency Coordinator James J. Cammarano II, KG6R, hams assisted at the San Diego Medical Operations Center, six trauma centers and 16 community hospitals."
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by WA6L on October 25, 2007
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Thanks for the article, Manos! I appreciate your contribution.
Please ignore the "Old Ladies of eHam." They don't contribute anything positive. Instead, they look for attention by making negative comments about every article written. Most of them are old and useless, and can only look good by trying to make others look bad. I am still waiting for any of them to write an article.
At any rate, I enjoyed reading your article!
John, WA6L
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by AC7ZL on October 25, 2007
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KA4CKR said:
>Here is a link to pictures of my go-box station. I use
> it as my home station, but need only to disconnect
>power and feedline to make it portable. I have set it
>up for VHF/UHF operations within 5 minutes of arrival
>and 15 minutes for HF ops (mainly because it took me ten minutes to get the dipole in the trees).
>
>http://www.wb0eoc.org/Emerg%20Prep/Tim's%20Jump%20Radio.htm
Neat setup and neat idea. What kind/brand of container did you use? I looks like it would be reasonably light, and reasonably resistant to damage.
My one item of *constructive* criticism has to do with your decision to mount connectors through the wall of the container. If your case spends any time being banged around in the trunk of a car, especially if there is other emergency gear or luggage in there with it, those banana jacks are going to get knocked off. Your RF feedthroughs are probably a little more stout, but they too, may become damaged.
I think a better solution would have been to mount those connectors on an L-shaped plate, attached to an interior wall, so that the connectors are *inside* the box, but accessible when the lid is opened.
The upside to my proposal is that all connectors remain clean and undamaged. I can't think of a downside... I can't imagine a scenario where you'd want to run the rig with the lid closed.
If you see an advantage to having your connectors mounted in the container's wall, let me suggest this. Consider mounting a couple of D-shaped drawer pulls or rack handles adjacent to the connectors. As "guard rails," these may offer some projection to your connectors if the case is ever overturned or bangs up against another case or piece of equipment.
Overall, a very nice setup.
Pete
AC7ZL
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by WI7B on October 25, 2007
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KC8VWM,
Thanks for the update on the California fires and the effective use of sixty hams. I was just quoting directly from the front page of the ARRL website.
It orignally sounded as negative as an eHAM post. Sorta took me by surprise in its bluntness.
73,
---* Ken
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by RADIOGUYR2 on October 25, 2007
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Most of the time anything that has to do with the ARRL is negative. And rightfully so.
They showed on the news the guy who was operating out of his motorhome in the encampment up by some resevor. He had people who's cell phones would not work, lined up trying to get radiograms out to family and friends. Makes you proud to be a ham.
No where did I see any mention of the ARRL. He had a banner along side the MH which was the "ham radio works..." but it appeared that the ARRL logo was missing from it. Could be that is why the ARRL is ignoring him.
for members only!!!
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RE: Emergency Radio
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by KA4CKR on October 25, 2007
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AC7ZL Said>
<<<Neat setup and neat idea. What kind/brand of container did you use? It looks like it would be reasonably light, and reasonably resistant to damage.
My one item of *constructive* criticism has to do with your decision to mount connectors through the wall of the container. If your case spends any time being banged around in the trunk of a car, especially if there is other emergency gear or luggage in there with it, those banana jacks are going to get knocked off. Your RF feedthroughs are probably a little more stout, but they too, may become damaged.
I think a better solution would have been to mount those connectors on an L-shaped plate, attached to an interior wall, so that the connectors are *inside* the box, but accessible when the lid is opened.>>>
Thank you for the compliments and the constructive criticism. I like the idea of the "guard rails".
The banana jacks are a secondary power source. They are mounted on the box and inside; they are connected to a short set of fused wires terminated with Anderson Powerpoles. In fact, everything in the box is terminated with Powerpoles. I have a Red-Dee-2-Connect power distribution splitter that is connected to the power supply and the radio. In the lid compartment, I have a cigarette adapter plug with powerpoles that I can connect to this splitter if not near AC power or a generator and am near or in a vehicle. If all I have were a car battery or other source of DC, only then would I use the banana jacks. Of course, when using the alternate power sources, the MFJ power supply would be disconnected.
The case is a SPUD-7 dry box from MTM Case Gard. They are sold at Sportsman's Warehouse, Gander Mountain, Cabela's, etc. The whole thing (box, radio, PS, tuner, paddles and speaker, plus the extra wires and connectors) weighs about 12 pounds. It is very lightweight for a fully functional HF/VHF/UHF station in a box. The accessory bag I mentioned weighs about the same, and it contains a lot of wire. I don't have this box bouncing around in a trunk. I did have it packed in the back of a pickup truck when I was preparing to respond to Greensburg. I am very mindful of the protrusions when I carry it around. But once again, I like your idea of guardrails.
One project left to finish is to mount an AC outlet on the box and use a computer-type power cord on the outside of the box. Then, I would plug the power cord from the power supply to the outlet and use the detachable power cord from the box to the wall outlet or generator. This would make one less wire running out the front of the box while set up to operate. I also plan to seal all of the screws and other holes in the side of the box, put caps on the outlets, barrel connectors, etc.
Thanks again for the feedback. I don't belong to ARES or RACES, but we did form an Emergency Radio Club for our own area. And since I and the director are both in it, I'm pretty sure they will be called if needed for a disaster. If anyone is interested, our club website is www.wb0eoc.org and you are welcome to visit.
73
Tim Newman
Assistant Director
Reno County Emergency Management
Hutchinson, KS
KA4CKR
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