Author: Web Manager

  • Digital Modes Training Net

    A new recurring net has been created with the goal of exploring some digital modes that should be useful for emergency communications. We’re using UHF and we’re initially focusing on SSTV (slow scan television) for image transfer and Fldigi for keyboard-to-keyboard text-based conversation. The net meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 8:00pm on the 443.300 MHz repeater, which requires a 100.0 Hz tone.

    A deluxe rig for both SSTV and Fldigi would include a laptop with an external sound card (such as the popular SignaLink USB sound card) cabled to your 70cm radio, but simpler setups can also work. For instance, there’s an SSTV program for the iPhone that can produce the right tones from the speaker, which you could hold close to your radio’s microphone. SSTV transmissions can then be decoded by holding your phone’s microphone close to your radio’s speaker. There are Fldigi apps available for Android, but we haven’t seen one for iOS.

    This net is totally about troubleshooting and practice, so feel free to join even if you’ve never used these modes before and you aren’t sure whether your rig will work. Matthew AF7PV is the net manager, and questions about the net may be directed to him at digitalnetmanager [at] multnomahares [dot] org. Links to useful software can be found on the Digital Net page.

  • Multnomah County ARES Communications Trailer Project

    It’s hard to believe that a year has already passed since we began our campaign to build an emergency communications trailer. Last October, in partnership with the Portland Amateur Radio Club, Multnomah County ARES launched a fundraising campaign to raise $20,000 to buy a cargo trailer and convert it into a mobile radio station that would be used for disaster relief, drills, education, and public outreach. Through a combination of an Indiegogo campaign, raffles, generous individuals and organizations – and a lot of gumption – we were able to purchase a 7×14-foot trailer that is quickly becoming an incredible communications and education asset.

    We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has donated both financially and with their talents to help make this project become a reality. Thanks to the craftsmanship of our members we’ve completed the flooring, walls and insulation, electrical wiring, and the cabinetry and work surfaces. And as of this writing, the AC and DC infrastructure is at 80% and getting dialed in. Lighting, ceiling, and graphics are in the near future.

    We were awarded a grant from the state which will fund much of the radio equipment, including three VHF/UHF radios for voice and digital communications, an HF radio, generators, and more. In addition to this generous grant, we have also received donations from several corporations whom we would like to thank, including Repeaterbook.com, Tigertronics, Kantronics, DX Engineering, RIGOL, Home Depot, Ubiquity, Cisco, and Cradlepoint. That list is still growing every day.

    Throughout its construction, the trailer has been constantly field tested through drills and public events including Walk MS, the Spring SET, and most recently, the Disaster Relief Trials. For this event, we utilized the trailer for net control and digital operations to provide race participant updates for the DRT staff. We were able to refine the trailer’s design from what we learned. Its most interesting test was an outing to a campground in the Mount Hood Wilderness to practice HF operation as well as analyze how best to operate remotely and independently from luxuries such as electricity and running water.

    We’re hoping to have phase one of the trailer project complete in the first part of 2016. We also have a few “Phase 2” goals, including solar capabilities, which will be useful in making the trailer more resilient and functional, but we’ll need the continued support of the community to achieve these goals.

    Please stay tuned for further updates on this project, and feel free to contact us with any questions and comments you have.

  • OTVARC Scholarship

    OTVARC has a scholarship, awarded at Sea-Pac each year, that goes to a high school senior or college student, licensed amateur, preference to STEM degree program. Its $1,000. Last year there were NO applicants.

    If you know of a student who qualifies, please refer them to the Sea-Pac website where the qualifications are listed. They can contact Everett Curry W6ABM at 503-522-7142 or w6abm [at] arrl [dot] org and he will point them in the right direction. The application deadline has been extended to April 30, 2015.

  • Online Repeater Book

    Local ham Garrett Dow KD6KPC has recently completed a new online repeater book. He was frustrated by the ARRL Repeater Book being out of date before it was even published.

    This is a living document and he has recruited hams throughout the country to insure that the information is kept up to date. You can access it at www.repeaterbook.com. The site has many really cool features including an app for your phone or tablet. Registration is free and gives you access to even more features.

  • MCARES Members Help out in December 11 Storm

    PGE operated a net at 8 and 10 PM on 444.675 (PL 100) for checkins and to gather information on weather conditions, power outages, and down power lines. Nate informed us all of this via email. John KG7JKN gave us this: “Glad I saw this update. I was able to check in and actually get some useful information while I was deployed as a NET to keep folks away from a downed power line. Thanks for keeping the information flowing!”

    Michael AE7XP also had a downed power line in his neighborhood and could not get through to PGE as their phones were overloaded. And he learned first-hand the limitations of HTs. He couldn’t hit the PGE net. So he called Deb KK7DEB who relayed his info to PGE on the net and arranged for PGE to call Michael for details. ARES, NETs and PGE all working together to get things done. Way to Go!

  • Multnomah County ARES Communications Trailer Project

    finished trailer example

    The Multnomah County Amateur Radio Service, in partnership with the Portland Amateur Radio Club (PARC) has kicked off a two month fundraising campaign to build a communications trailer to be used for neighborhood-level communications in the event of a major regional incident.

    Please visit the fundraiser website to learn more about the project and see how you can help!

  • Leadership Meeting Recap

    The new Multnomah County ARES ID card has final approval from Joe Rizzi, Emergency Manager. Cards will be issued at this month’s meeting by Garrett AF7RF and background check forms and pictures will be obtained where needed.

    Garrett reports that the state “Red Card” system may be operational again and he will be working with them regarding the Multnomah County data base.

  • Leadership Meeting Recap

    Garrett and the folks at the BOEC 911 Call Center have finalized a Life Safety Traffic Form which will be distributed at the March ARES meeting.

    Multnomah County ARES ID cards will be printed March 30. These new cards will certify completion of the ICS 100, 200 and 700 classes and passage of the background check. They will bear the signature of the County Emergency Manager and will be accepted in lieu of the state red card within Multnomah County. These cards should be ready for distribution at the April ARES meeting.

  • Leadership Meeting Recap

    Garret has been working with the state to get the Red Card issues resolved. As of right now, there is no way to do that. So, we are working with Joe Rizzi, Multnomah County Emergency Manager, to come up with our own credentialing cards. These will be recognized in Multnomah County and reflect completion of ICS 100, 200 and 700, and a background check. We will keep you informed of progress in this endeavor.

  • Served Agency Committee and Leadership Meetings Recap

    Most of the leadership meeting was focused on the upcoming drill. Robert WX5TEX was promoted from Deputy AEC to AEC. Congratulations, Robert!

    Garrett AF7RF reported at the SAC meeting that the Oregon Food Bank radio equipment has been installed and tested, and is fully functional. Nice work, Garrett. Kudos to Dean Alby for making this happen. Our OFB Team will be operating there for the January 25 drill.

    Kent Powloski N7KPN, of Portland Fire & Rescue, is working on a new regional frequency template.