Basic EmCOMM Gear

[KC0UTE]

Hello all..I just recently sent in My app for ARES also am taking training classes this month for Skywarn..I have a Mobile IcomV8000 in the truck..an FT 2800M in the house..a vertex std vx-110 HT and a Yaesu FT470 Dual Band HT with a high gain Ant..what other "gear" is recommended for Skywar or ARES to keep close at hand...I have started to put together a 24/72 Hr pack but was wondering what everyone carries on a minimal basis. Thanks in advance

                            KCØUTE

[W3JKS]

You might want to look to your fellow ARES members for some guidance.  What frequencies are in their plans?  Are you operating portable, mobile, temporary base ...

A lot of ARES groups are very organized and have SOPs which will recommend equipment.  The Virginia RACES folks have an outstanding website which may give you some food for thought: http://www.varaces.org

73, john W3JKS/AAT3BF/AAM3O/AAA9AC

[WA4MJF]

Just a note, VA RACES is NOT ARES*, it is
RACES.  I've also noted that VA RACES does
not use the standard FEMA title of Radio Officer,
but rather Emergency Radio Officer, so I
don't know whether they have Radio Officers,
too.  I'm a soreback and much has changed since
I left the Commonwealth in 1973.  

For an ARES* web site, try www.wakeares.org

In the NC Section ARES* and RACES are one
organization with leaders the same, as in
SEC=State Radio Officer, DEC=District
Radio Officer and County EC=County
Radio Officer.

73 de Ronnie
OES

*ARES is a registered Service Mark
of the American Radio Relay League,
Inc and is used with permission.

[WA4MJF]

Correction:

We're in such a habit of putting Radio
Officer for short. I shoulda put the
entire title which is
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
Officer, but that is a mouthful.
Anyway, there is no Emergency in front of it.

73 de Ronnie

[K7VO]

2m and 440 aren't enough.  How far do you think your little HT will go with no repeaters up?  You want HF, my friend.  A little Yaesu FT-817ND and a few dozen AA batteries are worth more than everything you have put together, plus a nice tripod and portable antenna setup.  That way you have 2m for local stuff and HF when needed.

If you're a tech you need to upgrade.  You definitely need to know some CW.  It gets through when nothing else will.

73,
Caity
K7VO

[K7VO]

One clarification:  I am not saying techs can't help.  Talk to your local emergency communication.  Any licensed ham who gets trained can help.

I lived in a county where most of the volunteers, including the EC, were techs.  I ended up having to relay communications between the regional nets on 40/80 meters to and from the EC because he lacked the necessary license to do his job to the fullest.  A General class or Extra class license in invaluable.  With the code requirement down to 5 WPM (one character every couple of seconds) it is incredibly easy to upgrade.  Make the effort and you'll be worlds more useful.  That does NOT mean you aren't useful now.

73,
Caity
K7VO

[KC8VWM]

Your best emcomm gear is the piece of equipment that is located and functioning between your ears.


(Well someone eventually had to say it, I know I heard it enough already...)

[W9WHE-II]

1) CB radio;
2) FRS radio;
3) 2 week pack;
4) orange vest, shiney tin badge, revolving blue light for dash; and
5) official "Emcom" tee shirt.