Thanks Clinto, I think
Last year there were several instances when we really needed good communications... but nothing worked, not even cell phones. The goal, of course, is to avoid that problem this year.
We have abundant resources within our ranks. Many have mentioned CB, GMRS/FRS, Amateur radio, and, most importantly, military/green radios. All those radios work within their design parameters. Our comm plan will use various types radios to meet specific needs.
Several ham operators volunteered for comm service last year, and the critical comm channels will be handled by ham radio.
The basic plan I proposed to Clinto will rely on 6 meter Amateur band communications for the longer hauls around Durhamtown, and convoy leader's choice of radios and frequency between trucks for the trail rides, or around camp.
We will plan a ham operator and backup within each of the convoys to act as a relay station back to camp. In camp we'll have a good omni-directional antenna at a height to cover the area. (also planning to monitor CB and GMRS/FRS).
I considered HF operation for the long hauls but antennas are the limiting factor. A large HF antenna on a truck running around in the piney woods is not a happy antenna!
Most of our VHF military radios will operate on the 6 meter band in FM mode, as will newer ham HF/VHF transceivers. Only ham operators can transmit in a ham band. It's too bad that there really is no way to legally operate our green radios unless it's done on a ham band. As you all know, our green VHF radios usually operate from about 30 MHz to 70-80 MHz depending on the model, but actual operation within that range is not legal unless the operator is licensed. That range covers the 6 meter ham band.
Anyone can listen to those frequencies, and any frequency can be used for transmitting in an actual life-threatening situation, so tune up those green radios and antennas! We can also use unlicensed 'third party' operators within the ham band as long as the station is under the immediate control of the licensed ham. If you have an urge to help with the communications, but have no license yet, you won't be left out.
I'd like a list of the hams who plan to attend and want to assist. Please PM to me your SS name, call sign, real name, (as listed on your ham license), vehicle (if any), your license grade, and what radio and antenna you can have available (and working!) on 6 meters at the GA Rally. We're going to use 52.300 MHz as our net frequency so tune your radio and antenna for that freq.
Later on I'll ask for a list of the non-hams who have functional green radios. There's a good chance we'll have members who are hams but don't have 6 meter capabilities. A functional radio plus an operator equals a comm team!
The backup long haul frequency will be 146.550 MHz on the 2 meter band. If you have 2 meter equipment, bring it along.
Once we have our comm team coordinated, we should plan a radio checkout station in camp. If you have a green radio and antenna but don't know if it works, or know it needs tuning, etc, maybe we can help.
Bob/tennmogger
Ok guys, I am happy to announce that we have a commo director the the 10SSGR. Please put your hands together for tennmogger!
...chop....
I'll let him take it from here, carry on gentlemen.
!
