Recently the AECs held a planning session for the coming months – training topics, nets, and focus on 2016’s idea of being aware of how the organizations we serve operate. The idea is if we know what they might be up to, ARES might be better prepared to help them communicate. So, some of our training this year will include attempts to include presentations on their operational procedures and structure. We might learn some of the key “vocabulary” words they use, and become more aware of how our abilities fit their needs.

This brought us to a discussion of some of our operating procedures and how they might need to be revised after we get reacquainted with our partners. That discussion brought us to our SKYWARN operations and how to include the new 440 repeater into the process. Now as you can imagine, with there being several hams in the room there were several ideas, and those ideas spawned more ideas, and soon we were moving off topic and the stories of past events came up. We finally regained our direction and focus on the better ideas. Several good ones were dissected, then reality hit and we realized we needed an economical solution using readily available equipment. Right now there is a plan to try out a cross-band repeat solution between the 147.00 and the new 442.875. That solution gives us coverage over the entire county and eliminates an issue of isolating ops on different frequencies and being unable to hear the entire set of communications. We have a radio available and Moe NT7C has built a power supply from a PC (remember Ben KF5OEB’s talk about converting PC power supplies for our use?). So it’s a plan. Of course there are always issues: keeping the cross-band repeat radio up and on line, and with the two repeaters tied together there is a delay time to be allowed between transmissions. Some preliminary testing has been done thanks to Moe, and it appears this solution may work out. Some radio configuration details are to be worked on, final equipment determined and discussion between the various parties involved need to be had. In the coming weeks we hope this solution can be finalized and we can train for our operations using this new tool. As a side note, this would also help with coverage for the Kiwanis bike rally the GCARC so faithfully supports.

So what does it take to get you stirred up to participate? Does it take a lively discussion with lots of ideas tossed up to see what sticks? Does it take using an idea discussed and stored away in the crevasses of gray matter that suddenly pops up as a solution to a problem? Is it an idea that gets you reignited about our diverse hobby and encourages you to try something out that feeds the inquiring soul in you? Does it take collusion with other like-minded operators to find a solution to a common problem?

Whatever it is that gets you going about our hobby, I hope in this new year that instead of wondering what to do, or sitting on the sidelines because you can’t find an interest, you will follow the thought of a solution, work with some like-minded ops to develop a plan and follow through on its development. What does it take? It takes you. Be involved, contribute your ideas, time and effort. I know with you involved we will find the right solutions. Enjoy our hobby and all the different ways you can contribute and ways you can learn.

Best wishes for the New Year!

73
Rick
K5ECX