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Field Day -- The Real Deal
david ball (NR1SS)
on
August 29, 2003
View comments about this article!
If you were in the 'black zone' during the recent "Blackout 2003", was your station capable of operating throughout the period? Why or why not? Any plans to re-think your station power sources?
This article has expired. No more comments may be added.
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by CRAZYCBER on August 29, 2003
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my station would have been able to go at least a week! too bad it isn't ham yet!
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KB9YUR on August 29, 2003
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We've been ready to go since the Y2K non-event with APC UPS battery backup units,
solar panels and several generators.
George :)
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by WV8HAM on August 29, 2003
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Batteries with solar charger and a generator standing by for any blackouts. Looking into possible wind generated power for battery charging for the future.
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KG4RUL on August 29, 2003
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I have batteries for the first 24-36 hours. After that, the generator has fuel for 6-7 days of continuous operation. I have a portable, base station antenna setup, to maximize range.
Dennis - KG4RUL
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by N8AUC on August 29, 2003
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It was, indeed, just like Field Day. Except the sleeping accomodations were better, and I could use my home antennas.
Batteries here are kept charged at all times, and a small inverter (400w) for AC if necessary, but all the rigs can run directly on 12v. So does the backup lighting - which came from our camping equipment.
Our house was the only one on the block with lights, and thanks to the radios we knew what was going on. The neighbors all wanted to know how I knew what to do. Then they heard about ham radio and Field Day, and how we prepare for this kind of thing.
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by N8IWK on August 29, 2003
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Battery back-up, and an inverter to run a battery charger is all I need.
Should be able to run forever on battery power using this set-up.
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by 2INTEREST on August 29, 2003
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Even though I was not in the "black" area, I have backup for just about everything I require. Backup battery on a continuous trickle charger and a generator to keep the essentials going. I mean the refrigerator, water pump, and a couple of lights, all that is really needed. It really does pay to be prepared, as many found out a few weeks ago.
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KC2IXE on August 29, 2003
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No Problem - barely dented the battery supply - could have gone another week or so, and I was out working the 'event' - ARES assigned to a Red Cross ERV
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by AG4RQ on August 29, 2003
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Only a fool doesn't prepare for emergencies, disasters and power outages. I've been through Hurricane Andrew. I am watching Fabian closely. The similarities between Andrew and Fabian are striking. If Fabian remains on its current course, it should ram South Florida the same way Andrew did. Andrew never made the typical turn that storms usually make. Andrew just came straight in.
I have an 80 Ah deep cycle marine battery, 2 car batteries, 3 17 Ah gel cells, 2 8 Ah gel cells, 2 4 Ah gel cells, a 12 Ah gel cell, a 3.5 Ah gel cell, 24 AA NiMh batteries, 26 AA NiCd batteries, 20 alkaline D batteries, 34 alkaline C batteries, 40 AA alkaline batteries, 9 AAA alkaline batteries, 12 9V alkaline batteries, two twin-tube flourescent lanterns, two 4-D-cell lanterns, 2 2-D-cell flashlights, 3 AA flashlights, four oil lamps, loads of candles, sterno, two propane cooking burners, six propane tanks, always at least 15 gallons of fresh drinking water, loads of non-perishable food, four portable AM/FM broadcast radios, a 2m HT, a 440 HT, a dual-band 50W mobile rig, my 160-10m IC-718 HF rig, my cell phone always charged, all rechargable batteries freshly charged and the two cars' gas tanks topped off. If a hurricane watch is declared, I have plans to get another deep cycle marine battery. At that point, I should have enough time to charge the new battery up, finish my preparations and just wait.
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by N1RWC on August 29, 2003
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I fall into the MacGuyver catagory, when it happens, Improvise.
The last time I had to get ready for an event, I grabbedd the closest radio, a battery pack and an antenna with some random coax. I worked two stations within three minutes of setup, and took a whole 5 minutes from nothing to operating.
That's what I call operating.
Just remeber, IMPROVISE.
In an emergency, a running car, a car battery, or even a lawn mower with a v belt and a car alternator can put out power for most radios. On a camping trip one year, I had to pull the battery out of a diesel truck to operate because someone forgot to bring a power supply. Good thing the truck wasn't going to be used that week, otherwise the driver would have been upset, missing the starting batteries.
More Improvising:
I was talking to a Ham, WA1DRZ on the local 2 Meter Repeater when he dropped out of the machine. I met him in the parking lot of the Amateur Radio Club Meeting we were going to. His radio had a fuse blow out, and he didn't have a spare. I took some Desoldering Braid and wrapped it from one end to the other on the fuse, then reinserted it in the radio. He ran LOW Power from that point until he got home and replaced the fuse. If I hadn't suggested wrapping the Fuse, he wouldn't have been able to talk to the rest of us on the trip home.
By the way with gas prices climbing over $2.00 a gallon, and the XYL needed gas, I had to do some improvising, pulling the fuel filter and running a hose from the fuel line to her gas tank filler tube to fill the family roadster up for the weekend. Knew there was a reason I kept the seldom used car full of gas.
I do have one thing to say about all those Overpaid, Do Nothing, City folk who were on the TV and Radio describing how a tragedy it was to be without power,
The higher the education, the more incompetent you become when reality hits. keep It Simple Stupid, also known as KISS.
"If the professor on Gilligan's Island was so smart, building stuff out of coconuts and bamboo, why couldn't he find a way to fix the boat and get off the Island?"
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KE4ZHN on August 29, 2003
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I love my little 4 kw generator with its 5 gallon tank and long run time. The little Briggs 8 horse burns little fuel and makes 120 and 220 volts AC. I can run the fridge, my station, several lights and even a TV and radio at the same time without even straining the genny. Only drawback is, you must keep some fuel around or its pretty much useless. You can always siphon some from any car available. You can also improvise with garden tractor batteries, and car batteries and make due with low power DC devices. All it takes is imagination. Sad to see alot of folks lost in the dark with no clue how to survive without public utilities. Sure, Id hate to be dependent on a genny for days and days, but it can be done if need be. Just feed it some gas and keep it happy. Its also bad news to have your food ruined because your fridge is dead with no power. Youll be the most popular guy in your neighborhood when everything else is dark and you have lights, TV, a cold fridge (well stocked with cold ones of course!) and communication with the world. No excuse for not being prepared.
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KG4NEL on August 29, 2003
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We're ham radio operators - by definition, we should be better prepared than the vast majority of the population, because we need to be.
Personally, that's why I spent a lot of time building a good mobile station in my van, so I'm assured of communications capability wherever I happen to end up. During the last big ice storm here in NC, I felt really unprepared to only be in contact with the emergency nets from home, and not while en route to the EOC or wherever I needed to be. Not anymore.
At home, a 10kW generator supplies basic backup power off of a 500-gallon buried LP tank. Three more gas generators (2kW and 2 5kW's) are available for spares or loaner units to neighbors, but considering how precious gas gets during a crisis, they're only there if they're really needed. Of course, I have plenty of AA, D, and sealed gel cells lying around to run the small stuff like lights and handheld radios.
If it hasn't happened to you, don't sit around for it. Emergency preparedness is a very good idea for everybody, but for ham radio operators, it's almost a necessity for us to be useful at all.
73,
Jim
KG4NEL
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by N2MWE on August 29, 2003
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My older car is a "mobile command post." I have an Alinco DX70TH, in addition to a Yaesu FT90 inside it. For listening to what's going on, I have my Uniden BC250 Digital Scanner. It was through the digital scanner I found out just how widespread the blackout was when the lights went out. Two minutes later, I heard Connecticut State Police on their statewide channels talking about the entire state being blacked out.
Since I'm in law enforcement, I would not be home for something like this, therefore, my emergency radios stay in the car.
73 de Kieran
N2MWE
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by WA1RKA on August 29, 2003
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I live up near Bangor Maine and we never lost power. Has to do with how the grid is setup in this corner of the country.
I do have a 5kw generator,available. When I first bought the house I took the time to run some number 4 wire from a junction box in the garage to the changeover switch in the basement. I used the type where you can individually turn the circuits you want on or off. During one outage about 18 months ago I went from commercial power to generator for the whole house in less than 90 seconds. As winter approaches I will fill my 4 five gallon cans.Dont like to keep that much around during the summer. At the end of the winter I just dump it in the car to get rid of it.
Living in a rural area and having a well as the only source of water does make one think ahead. I wasnt here for the ice storm of 98,but got plenty of insight from my Aunt as to how long some areas were without power.
73
John
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by NN7B on August 29, 2003
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IMPROVISE is the key word. I like to quote Clint Eastwood who played Gunnery Sergeant Highway in Heartbreak Ridge: "Improvide, adapt and overcome". That's the motto our ARES group uses. Out here near the 'left coast' we were mostly listening and watching to see how things worked out. It sure was a wake-up call for those who weren't prepared. You just can't be over-prepared for these things.
73, Paul Cavnar - NN7B
Cold Springs, NV.
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KE4DRN on August 29, 2003
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After every ice storm or hurricane, I always think about a generator but after power is restored easy to forget about the generator.
We lasted five days when Fran hit NC in 1996.
I had experienced storms before but not like this one.
Plenty of spaghetti and jar/can sauce that needs no refrigeration, easy to boil water on the grill. We have city water and gas appliances.
Got a few fluorescent camp lights and added a cable to run them off a 12v sla battery, it will run for days.
Small battery tv to keep the kids happy.
And a classic 9 volt transistor am radio from the 1960's in easy reach should the power go out.
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by NS1Z on August 30, 2003
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Yep and sure. I recently acquired a Coleman AC (220/110) generator for the house for creature comfort. Additionally, I have built the "Lawnmower Generator" that is a 12 VDC charging/power system. About 20 gals of fuel in the garage on the ready. I think I am ready...
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by WD8JMM on August 30, 2003
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WD8JMM is prepared for short-term events, but I now know my long-term plans need some modification. By the time I got home at 5:15 EDT, my wife had retrieved the oil lamps from storage and placed them in the appropriate locations in the house. I got my backup battery out of storage, hooked it up to the home rig (12v supplies make this easy) and was on the air within minutes.
Our 'duration of darkness' was just over 13 hours, and, having been through such things in the past, we knew enough NOT to open the freezer door, so we lost nothing there, but I can see a generator in my future, if for nothing else than to keep the food cold.
Kerosene heater for if it's wintertime, and make sure the vehicle has fuel, and we're good to go.
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by CASPER669 on August 30, 2003
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Absolutely! I have 4 completely charged batteries and a battery case with 5 spare packs of AA's, and a gel cell for my HT alone. For my base, I have to large (at least 20 ah) gel cells and one car battery, all of which I constantly charge. On my HT, I'm good for about a week. My base, about 4 days - which can be streched longer if I keep moderate power settings.
In my eyes, it still isn't enough... I will soon be purchasing more - just in case!
BTW... I, too, was sent via ARES with a Red Cross ERV and did a little "cooling center" work, as well. I though it was all a great test to see how prepared I was - at least. I must say I faired pretty well. But there is always room for improvement!
Chris KC2KFW
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KD5IR on August 30, 2003
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There is a slight problem with alot of these generators!!They are designed such that when the load reaches their Maximum rated capacity the voltage will be somewhere around 115 to 120 vac. What this means is that when they are running with alight load or No load their voltage output can be as high as 265 vac. , or around 132vac. on each side of the neutral. Most house appliances will accept this higher voltage but some sensitive computers and\or ham equipment may not care for a voltage that high. kd5ir
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KC2HWA on August 30, 2003
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We live in a rural area where the power goes out for ice storms alot. We have a small generator for the sump pump and fridge, camping equipment and lots of batteries. My husband talked me home using the 8800 on cross band repeat while sitting on the neighbor's porch. They wanted to hear the scanner to hear what was happening. In the winter we also have a wood stove if the heat goes out. This was easier than Field Day!
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KC8VWM on September 1, 2003
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Did you ask.. "Would I be ready if a blackout occured?"
HA!, bring it on!
Some of you guys need to visit my webpage for my free online plans to build a solar powered generator.
Detailed photographs and construction plans for hams like you!
Free Information!
No, this is not a commercial, this is a hobby!
http://www.angelfire.com/on/cbushell/index.html
73 and Enjoy!
Charles Bushell
KC8VWM
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by WA4FOM on September 1, 2003
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In fact, I wa in the blackout area since I live just
outside NYC. My solar panel and battery charger
kept me on the air during that time. I mostly
listened, as there did not seem to be any definitive
emergency traffic, and I had nothing really
constructive to offer. It was somehow satisfying
to know that I was ready in the event of a complete
power loss.
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by W4LGH on September 1, 2003
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I was not in the "Blackout Zone" however, my station would be able to operate at full power for several days, and if needed ,longer by cutting back power requirements. My entire shack is fully backed up via 2 12volt car batteries and a float charger, which keeps then @ peak charge. This backup system will automatically cut in should the AC power fail. I also have an AC generator, that also makes 12vdc to keep the batteries charged. This along with the fact that ALL of my antennas (HF inclulded) are in my attic, I can operate under extreme weather conditions! So I think I am about as ready as I can be. I amight also ad that I am the EC for St. Johns County, Florida.
For more info on my setup, check out my website..
http://www.w4lgh.com
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KB2FCV on September 2, 2003
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My QTH was affected by the outage (NJ). I would have been able to operate QRP indefinitely from my home QTH. I have an extra car that I could use to charge a car battery or if worse came to worse, our firehouse is a stones throw away with a natural gas generator backup. Thankfully our power was restored before I made it home from NYC (took 9 hours to get home!).
73s James, KB2FCV
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by CW559 on September 2, 2003
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My power went off 2 nights ago. After finding a flashlight and going to the bathroom, we went to bed. If it hadn't been raining, we would have gone outside for awhile and enjoyed the stars.
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by K2GW on September 3, 2003
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The answer to your question is yes, my home station is automatically battery capable for 24 hours with generator capability after that.
But the reality is that we need very few home-based ham stations in an emergency. Four even better questions to ask are:
1) Are you capable of being deployed to a shelter, EOC or hospital with only a half hours notice, and once there, be able to operate within a half hour of arrival for 72 hours on power, equipment and antennas you brought yourself.
2) Are the repeaters in your area capable of automatically operating 72 hours without AC power? 90% of all ham disaster relief operations are on VHF-FM.
3) Do you have ave an adequate home disaster supply kit with food rotated evey year so your family can exist for 72 hours without you?
4) Have you registered with your local Amateur Radio Emergency Communications group and completed the Amateur Radio Emergency Communication Certification Course?
Having home station emergency power is useful, but it's just a small part of being prepared to help in an emergency. But it's a good place to start.
73
Gary Wilson, K2GW
Section Emergency Coordinator
Southern New Jersey Section, ARRL
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KC2HZW on September 4, 2003
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I lost power for 24 hours but was on the air within 5 minutes of the power loss. We have a gas generator and when that fails we have battery back up. I think we could last a while. I was actually on the ECARS net on 40M about an hour after the power failure started, handling traffic with K1LRB. I was not prepared prior to September 11th, but we can be on the air in almost any conditions now.
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KG4WTL on September 5, 2003
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I have 2 125 AH Lead Acid batteries that will run my HF station for 2 days +. Looking into some solar panels for charging. Been a dream of mine to tell the Electric Company to *&%$ off anyways.
In the market for Inverters, Batteries, Solar panels & a backup generator with 12V dc.
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KC8VWM on September 7, 2003
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Gary Wilson Wrote:
"Having home station emergency power is useful, but it's just a small part of being prepared to help in an emergency. But it's a good place to start."
Excellent point Gary!
1.)It is always a good idea to anticipate the worst case scenerio and then prepare for it.
2.)Don't only prepare to operate your radio equipment during a disaster, but be prepared FOR the disaster itself.
3.) Training, Training, Training... After working in a busy ER for over 10 years, nothing prepares you better than experience. That experience is acquired with time, training and practice.
4.) We used to have a saying, "Take your own pulse, before taking the patients pulse." Always take the time to properly asses a situation before acting. Sometimes, taking a step back reveals more about the situation than you might think.
5.) Anyone involved in any kind of emergency relief should at least have the following basic skills
a) CPR Certification
b) First Aid Training
c) Common Sense
Lastly, If you have emergency power, you should at least take the time to take courses related to emergency communications.
73,
KC8VWM
Charles Bushell
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by N8TGQ on September 7, 2003
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I run on battery power all the time with my QRP setup. I figure I'm good for a month before needing a recharge. I was amazed at all the nieghbors who were not prepared for a power outage at all. No flashlights, candles or lanterns. Many couldn't even make phone calls- all they had were cordless phones. Battery powered radios? Forget it! The kids were most amusing. No radio, TV, or computer. I thought my daughter was gonna go bananas!
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by W9SZ on September 8, 2003
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I wasn't in the blackout area but I have a marine deep-cycle battery that I use for portable VHF+ operations and when I'm not doing that I keep it charged at home. Running my rig barefoot at 100W it would probably last a few days at least and if I crank down the power output to a few watts it may last weeks.
I've been interested in building the generator that uses a lawnmower motor and automobile generator that appeared in Ham Radio or Comm Quarterly magazine some years ago. If I had a supply of gasoline, it would probably keep me on the air as long as the gas supply held out.
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by KC8VWM on September 23, 2003
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Dear Fellow Amateurs,
Looking for plans for building your own "portable" or fixed emergency power?
Want to use a lawnmower engine and alternator?
Just want solar panel type?
or how about a 2 in one comination solar and gas?
Visit my webpage here. Free plans, parts lists, schematics and advice.
http://qsy.to/kc8vwm -Recently Updated
73 and enjoy,
KC8VWM
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by N0RTU on November 22, 2003
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Hello David
The "blackout" was a sobering event for many all across the US.
I work in the electrical power industry every day and that event did not surprise me.
My home is ready for an extended "outage".
6.5 kw generator(serviced and test operated and a regular basis)with enough fuel for 21 days at 50% capacity of the generator.
Several(6 at last count) large RV-Marine deep cycle batteries kept on a "float" charger.
Vacuum sealed small hf rig as well as 2 mtr and 440 radio with portable antenna for each.(Rigs removed and tested periodically, then resealed)
A tool kit with basic hand tools and electrical tools that floats and is water proof.
First Aid kit that is more than band-aids and neo-sporin(and a regular first aid class/cpr class that makes sure that I know how and when to use the first aid kit!
Sealed water and food packs(rotated out on a regular basis)
Lastly, (and I hope I never have to use it) means for protection for myself and my family.
(Funny, when you are the only one around with food, water, and power, others who are without tend to want to take these things away from you........)
Best wishes to all, and may all of your "outages" be short!
Mike
N0RTU
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Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by NY2LJ on December 8, 2003
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I missed this as we were away from our dark home and on vacation. We would have done pretty well, I think.
Probably could have been on the air for at least a week or more. We have generators for general purposes. That would include battery charging and QRO when needed. There is also a small solar power system that would keep the station up and runnig at qrp levels for a long time (especially in Summer). The computers are on UPS sytems, but they would end up on the generators.
VHF/UHF FM would have used the most power at the station, since most local communications would be handled this way. Other modes at VHF/UHF would probably not be of much use.
HF SSB would be next in power consumption. Hopefully, the amp would not get a lot of use. Pactor would get email up for us and PSK31 might also prove useful.
HF CW at QRP levels is the most stingy with power, but has fallen out of favor for emergency communicatons. It's too bad. It uses the least power (no PC as for PSK) and requires very little bandwidth. I have yet to be refused by any ham operator to relay a message by phone to a recipient. A handfull of batteries thrown in a bag with a K1 or a KX1 would provide days of operation if we had to be on he move. The KX1 has additional receive ability for SW news.
So all in all I think we're ready. My Field Day kit is ready to go. It seems that there are lots of other hams in the same situation.
Good for us!
73,
Lonnie
NY2LJ
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RE: Field Day -- The Real Deal
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by VE2AMT on July 2, 2004
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Sounds like perpetual motion and enough left over to run the rig.
73 Al
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