Re: [californiadisasters] Possible new Radio - help needed

Good morning, John:

It's nice to see enthusiasm and dedication is alive and well inside the
DCS. However, I hope you will take a moment and review what you've
written and what you are suggesting.

I cannot comment on the FCC. It's true many manufacturers are now
encroaching on some of the banded allocated to amateur radio by the FCC.
However, I hope even you are willing to admit the vast majority of
amateur radio (both simplex and repeater) frequencies are suffering from
non-use. VHF and UHF are the most popular bands in amateur radio, and
even there, we are "secondary users" on UHF.

The vast infrastructure across the United States is primarily VHF and
secondarily UHF, although this is not true in all areas. VHF is
generally preferred because of the long distance capability using
relatively low power. During Hurricane Charley (Port Charlotte, Florida
2004) VHF was preferred because the closest operating repeater was
almost 50 miles away in Tampa (I know, I was there!). We did use UHF
for local (tactical) operations, but even there we were limited because
many volunteer radio responders only had a VHF handheld or mobile.

220 MHz is very interesting because communications is possible over long
distances with relatively low power. I have talked on low power from
Anaheim to Long Beach many times. Now, from Los Alamitos, the same 220
MHz simplex frequency is not viable because the hills block my access to
downtown Long Beach.

700 MHz is questionable in a disaster because the band will likely
require heavy infrastructure investment before it becomes a viable
option, especially in large metropolitan areas such as Long Angeles. If
the repeaters are already quiet now, how many owners are willing to
invest in (yet) another repeater system when only one radio fits the
criteria for use?

Unfortunately, despite the growth in amateur radio, emergency
communications lacks cross-organizational standards. True, many
organizations develop their OWN standards, but it generally applies only
to THEM! Look at almost any amateur radio web site where the group is
focused on emergency communications (including your own DCS site), and
you will see a distinct absence of performance-based training, such as
fire, law, health and emergency management are required to successfully
demonstrate.

If you look at your "Training Opportunities" page, the only items
available are EVOC and the Monday Night Net Quiz. While this may be
great for entertainment, what about individual radio operator
proficiency? What about standardized training and proficiency
qualifications?

I would submit to you the reason amateur radio is not being mobilized
very often is because we have not taken the time to develop and
implement our own set of standards that applies cross-organizationally.
The foundation of any mutual aid capability is standards. Fire, law
and health have them. So do plumbers, taxi and tow truck drivers. Why
not amateur radio operators?

-- What should every field radio operator "have, know and do" both
before and after mobilization?
-- What qualifications should every EOC radio room operator have?
-- How many radio operators can change the frequency of the radio THEY
bring to an incident? (How many will be using commercial radios that
can't be changed quickly?)

Sorry this is so long...I guess I got up on the wrong side of the bed
this morning?

Good luck...

Be safe. Get prepared. Stay ready.

-- Wb sends.

____________________

Wayne Barringer KB6UJW
InternetEM: KB6UJW(at)Gmail.com
562.608-8624: Voice & Messages

Volunteer Communications Network
Internet: http://www.V-C-N.org or
Internet: http://www.ZRICS.org
Skype: "V-C-N.org" (appointment)

###

On 2013-04-02 07:16 AM, johngermaine2002 wrote:
> Hi All
> I hope this does not violate any Group Rule. I think a Radio suac as
> described could be an asset to Disaster Communication. If you agree,
> please send supporting emails to Sam - KJ6QFS. He will compile them and
> send to his contact at Alinco. Also if you agree, please pass it on to
> others, I am sending it to many Ham's all over America, especially
> Disaster type volunteers and workers.
>
> This is a good thing for Ham Radio
> Sam is one of our newer volunteers in Topanga and really smart. The FCC
> and Radio Mfgrs are having their way with us Ham's and we need to
> encourage them to do more for us to expand our abilities instead of
> shrinking them.
> Pass this on if you feel so inclined.
> Thanks & 73
> John Stevens
> KI6FKP
> Logistics - Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness
> Volunteer DCS 22 under Los Angeles County Sheriff
>
> From: Sam Skolfield <kj6qfs@gmail.com <mailto:kj6qfs%40gmail.com>>
> Date: Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 10:46 PM
> Subject: My email campaign to Alinco
> To:
>
> Hello Everyone,
> I thought it would be in the best interest of the group to share this.
>
> I write to inform that very soon, Alinco Electronics will make its final
> decision as to whether or not it will be a worthy business venture to
> produce a dual-band 220Mhz/900Mhz 50/35 watt mobile radio that they have
> been working on for years. Obviously, this radio would be very desirable
> and exciting for several reasons, most obviously because this would be
> the very first "off-the shelf" 900Mhz mobile ham radio in the history of
> the hobby. Frequency agility is obviously a huge plus, too...
>
> A couple months ago, I spoke to a representative at Alinco over the
> phone regarding this radio. He told me that if I can get enough people
> to express interest in this radio, it will make a HUGE difference in the
> outcome of the decision.
>
> A simple, short letter expressing your interest in the release of this
> radio can be sent to my email, kj6qfs@gmail.com
> <mailto:kj6qfs%40gmail.com> . I will compile all emails and forward them
> to the representative, as requested.
>
> Many thanks to the group for sharing all the knowledge and enthusiasm!
>
> 73 de Sam
> KJ6QFS
>
>


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