3/25/2014
From: Betsey K1EIC (CT Section Manager)

Thanks to my twin Barb K1EIR for pointing out this resource.

Listen to Mitch Stern’s (W1SJ) presentation at Dayton 2013 about operating at public service events. It’s this week’s RAIN report (Radio Amateur Information Network) at:
www.therainreport.com/rainreport_archive...report-3-22-2014.mp3

It’s quite good! Mitch was formerly Section manager in Vermont some years ago.
- I used to see him and his wife at the Division cabinet meetings.

73,
Betsey K1EIC

Hi Everybody,
I've been through that audio file and have come up with 19 of specific suggestions.

The 19 Do’s and Don’ts of PSEs
Please note that PSE’s are not just the Walk/Bike/Swim -A-Thons.
- They also include REAL WORLD EVENTS.

1. Your #1 Job is TALKING to Net Control (not doing parking, etc).

2. You need to be able to LISTEN and RESPOND QUICKLY to Net Control.
- EARPHONES ON!

3. Perform the complex Task of GATHERING & ORGANIZE INFO QUICKLY, TAKING NOTES, and Send Traffic BACK to Net Control in a way the is quick and efficient.

4) THINK BEFORE SPEAKING
– Be thrifty with words - Every word Costs $10

5) ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS of the Supervisor
– Inform if it puts you in danger or of other mitigating issues.

6) Use TACTICAL callsigns with proper Amateur Radio ID (as directed by Net Control).

7) A DEAD RADIO IS USELESS

8.) Bring a Spare Battery for your HT, and/or bring a Backup RADIO.

9) Properly Cycle Your Batteries (Charge/Discharge/Charge) before the Event.

10) Know how to Fully Operate your Equipment.

11) Run Full Power on HTs for Reliability

12) Use the Best Antenna Possible
- Hint: Your HT’s stock Factory Rubber Duck antenna is a Dummy Load. It is insufficient for ARES field use.

13) Do Not Use VOX. PERIOD!

14) Must Have Headphones – not optional
- Lightweight (double can) headphones for walking around,
- Full Muffs for high noise/indoor/Center use.

15) If something happened, and I called you to deploy RIGHT NOW,
Is Your Radio Ready To Go with Charged Batteries?
- You do have a AA Battery Case (aka "clamshell") and batteries for your HT, don't you?
- Put another way:
Is your “Go Box”, “Go Kit” and “Go Bag” all ready to “Grab ‘N GO?

16) Does your Repeater have a back-up Generator to stay on the air?

17) How Will You Recharge your Batteries Without Commercial Power?

18) Realize that hams in the affected area will be too busy taking care of themselves, their family, and their homes BEFORE they can come out to play radio.

19) ARES is geared to Send Teams of Hams into the affected area.

and, I will add TWO more....

20) Always wear your ARES Deployment Vest and Cap* when volunteering at a Public Service Event (PSE).
- The vests go over your regular clothing and readily identify you as being part of the ARES Team – not to mention the adding to your personal safety when on assignment.

This is a one-time $31 – $45 (depending on type of vest selected) purchase that should last you a lifetime.


21) If you have a radio that can only be programmed using a computer, then ALWAYS BRING THE COMPUTER and PROGRAMMING CABLE WITH YOU.
Why?
If you don’t, then when you have to make a frequency change, modification, or addition to participate, you will be unable to do.
- Be Prepared!


* Source:
ARES Deployment Hat
www.arrl.org/shop/ARES-Deployment-Hat

ARES Deployment Vest (Mesh):
www.arrl.org/shop/ARES-Deployment-Vest-Mesh/

or

ARES Deployment Vest (Solid with Pockets):
www.arrl.org/shop/ARES-Deployment-Vest-with-Pockets-Solid/