Hi Everybody:
"When all else fails..."

… IT IS A DISASTER.

In “a disaster”, we cannot assume that our favorite repeaters will still be operational.
- Some repeaters do not have a generator and only have limited duration battery back-up,
- Some might have antennas ripped off or bent into pretzels,
- Some might have their towers destroyed.

When any one of those events happen, then our happy “blue sky” world of easy repeater communications goes down the toilet. It is at that point, we need to go to SIMPLEX operations on 144 & 440 MHz.

REALITY CHECK
First, we need to recognize that our Handy-Talkie (HT) radios (and their rubber duck antennas) will now be of limited local usefulness given topography and distances in Region 2.
When that happens, you will need:
- More Power (Tx @ 25 watts min - mobile radio or HT + amplifier)
- Proper Coax
- Portable Dual Band Gain Antenna mounted at least 20’ above ground level.
- Deep cycle battery to support your operations (you may not be at a site with electricity)

Second, when the Internet and FAX lines (i.e. telephone lines) go down, your Amateur Radio can fill that Data Communications gap with Packet Radio (and its higher level programs).
This requires:
- Laptop computer,
- TNC (Terminal Node Connector)
- Connecting cables
- 2m radio
- 2m antenna
- Proper coax

Third, General/Advanced/Extra Class operators have 75m and 40m Phone privileges. By utilizing a portable NVIS antenna these operators are able to service Region 2 on HF.

Good News
Our next 3 workshops (Feb, March, April) are designed to help ARES members who are serious about advancing their radio skills and capabilities… and having FUN!

The February and March workshops will be devoted to Data Communications, and the April workshop will be dedicated to a “Go Box” Build Session.

Nota Bene!
These are practical, hands-on workshops.
- Each participant is expected to provide their own equipment and/or join the Group Purchase for the Go Box Components (excluding radio).
- Each participant is expected to come prepared to assemble their gear and operate.

At a later date, we will schedule a group Portable NVIS Antenna Build workshop.