The Public Service Event (PSE)
- A Low Stress Radio Exercise that benefits YOU, ARES, and the Community.

The Public Service Event (PSE) can take several forms, with most supporting a Charitable Fund Raising event.
These include such things as: Walks, Runs, Bike Rides, Swims.

In addition, there are:
- American Red Cross (ARC) Exercises that take place to ensure, maintain and practice Regional communications.
- Boy Scout Events like the annual Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) held on the 3rd weekend in October.
- Town Parades, July 4th Fireworks, First Night Events
- And more...

Why are PSEs important to YOU?
Let’s talk about why participating in Public Service Events (PSEs) is so valuable to you as an ARES member and the community.

Volunteering to participate in a PSE helps in at least 7 ways:
a) Provides a LOW STRESS opportunity to practice for Real World Events.

b) Helps “prove” and “test” the effectiveness of your equipment in the Field.

c) Encourages you to organize your “Grab ‘n Go” Gear for rapid deployment, or portable radio Fun Time.

d) Acts as a reminder to check the charge on your Batteries.

e) Allows you to meet and work with other volunteers (Hams and Non Hams).

f) Your Yellow ARES Safety Vest and Cap proivde increased personal safety, and makes you readily identifyable to the Event Organizers, Event Staff, the Public, and Government Officials.

g) Helps the Community and contributes to the success of a worthy cause.

Minimum Radio Requirements
- A Mobile VHF/UHF radio capable of 5 to 50 watts (with Anderson Powerpole connectors)

- Headset (with or without attached microphone)

- Mobile VHF/UHF Antenna (with Mag Mount)

- A portable 12 volt Battery (with Anderson Powerpole connectors) as follows:

Rest Stop Batteries
Expect to be operational for about 4 hours (+/-), and will need
EITHER…
9 aHr LiFePO4 battery, or a heavier 12 aHr SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) Battery

SAG Wagon Batteries
Expect to operate for up to 7 hours (+/-), and need
EITHER…
20 aHr LiFePO4 battery, or a heavier 30 aHr SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) Battery

And, For Real World / Black Sky Events…
- I recommend the 20 aHr LiFePO4 battery as a minimum.
Go to this link for recommended deployment battery sizing
www.ctaresregion2.org/forum/the-go-box/1...ning-your-go-box#116

Why can’t I just bring an HT?
Unfortunately, the HT is of very little practical use at typical PSEs, and less in Real World Events. The distances involved and our topography of Hills, Ridges and Valleys hinder the effective communications with low power radios with rubber duck antennas.
- When it comes to a PSE, the HT can only be relied upon for close-in communications (e.g. Simplex On-Site).
- Real World Experience shows that…
HT’s are only useful if you have a 25-50 watt amplifier between it and mobile (or better) antenna.

I hope that this will be helpful as you prepare to volunteer to support upcoming PSEs.
- Don't miss the opportunities when they present themselves.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

73, Douglas - WA1SFH
District Emergency Coordinator, Region 2
Connecticut Amateur Radio Emergency Service (CT ARES)
[Cell] 203-494-3885
WA1SFH "aT" optonline "dit" net