Before a short training topic, we’ll start with a couple of announcements:
First, regarding the frequencies chosen for the net:
146.550 and 147.420 simplex frequencies were initially chosen for the net, mainly because the radio at the Newton EOC can only transmit in the 2 meter band. While that situation has not changed, K7ETM and I feel it would be good to add a simplex frequency in the 70 centimeter band to the list. The frequency selected for the 70 centimeter simplex is 466.300.
One possible use for this additional frequency would be a cross band repeater application, where a dual band radio with cross-band capability receives and transmits on two frequencies at the same time.
An example: Operators using simplex frequencies on handheld radios may not be able to talk to Benson from Clarkston, or Clarkston to Amalga, etc., but with a cross-band repeating radio somewhere in between, operators in the southern area of the net could select the 146.550 simplex frequency, while operators in the northern area could select 446.300 simplex. Through the cross-band repeat function of the dual band radio the reception across the geography of the net may improve.
This afternoon KE5HHW and I tested this scenario with good results. Granted, our stations are very close in proximity, therefore we intend to further test the function during the Storehouse net a little later this evening where net control is some distance away.
One factor is the elevation of the antenna connected to the repeating radio - even for our geographically close net operations. The cross-band repeat radio we used for our test has the capability of being moved to a higher elevation, say, the south end of Little Mountain, or even higher on the Long Divide road. With emergency power, and a portable antenna from a higher elevation, the cross band repeat function would improve communication across the communities represented by this net. In the future we may test this setup on a broader scale during one of our monthly net meetings.
Next, as mentioned in the invitation for tonight’s meeting, the Northwest Cache Valley Net has an online presence. On the blog you will be able to review the monthly training topics of previous net meetings, as well as other informational posts relative to the function of the net. The URL of the site is nwcvnet.blogspot.com.
On to a brief training topic:
September is National Preparedness Month. Ready.gov and BeReadyUtah.gov are great resources to use to gather preparedness information as you work towards your goals.
Key principles of preparedness include determining what hazards you may face, as well as what resources are available in your community - such as shelters, notification systems and disaster response agencies serving your community.
Next comes making a plan. Deciding how you will communicate with family
members who are away from home, as well as where you will gather if you need
to leave your home are components of this step.
Assembling and maintaining a disaster supply kit is another critical step. Start with a 3 day supply of food and water for each family member, taking into consideration the needs related to the seasons.
This only scratches the surface of preparedness. I encourage all of us to review and enhance our disaster preparedness capabilities.
Last but not least: Going back to the training topic for August, Tactical Call Signs: This coming weekend the 24th and 25th of September is another chance to hear tactical call signs in use during the Bear 100 Ultra Marathon. Due to the distances between checkpoints, communications may not be as frequent at times, but If you are interested in monitoring you will hear radio operations over the 146.720 and 146.800 amateur repeaters beginning early Friday morning continuing into the afternoon on Saturday.