SPARCS Ham Radio Emergency Communication

JUMP TEAM BOOT CAMP 2009

The Bexar Operators Group (W5BOG) located in San Antonio, Texas, will again sponsor “Jump Team Boot Camp” in 2009, commencing on October 23 rd (Friday morning) and running through the 25th (Sunday evening). Unlike last year’s MARS orientated session, this year’s “Boot Camp” will concentrate on amateur radio and the ways and means to get a “Jump Team” operational should there be a need to deploy some distance from your home and communicate in the aftermath of a disaster. Just like last year’s session, this will be an actual drive-and-operate operation and NOT a desktop drill. Participants for this session will meet at a central staging area. Pre-deployment maps will be given out at this time, although due to the nature of real emergencies along any caravan route, driving directions may change due to “flooding” and other concerns so each vehicle must be equipped with 2 meter capabilities. When the destination has been reached, all participants will assist in the construction of shelters and operating areas. We will be teaching the proper way to do a site evaluation before any structure is erected in order to avoid problems which could be encountered should weather take a turn for the worse (additional rains and/or high winds). Unlike last year, we will be supplying energy to operate using three types of power: gas generation, solar generation and wind turbine generation with instruction on the set up and operation each system. Since it is important that every Jump Team member have a firm grasp of all aspects of setting up and operating during an emergency, special emphasis will be placed on the logical sequence of setting up (structures, power and antennas), meeting nutritional requirements (basic cooking and meal planning), station operation and message logging/handling and band propagation. Along with instructions during each phase of setting up and operation, there will be short lectures and discussions. The true test of communicating during less than favorable conditions will be done on this weekend as this session coincides with the “CQ WW SSB” contest. This weekend was chosen because it will help “train your ear” to listen for information you will need to “report” amid interference. We will also check in to various HF nets during our operation and pass mock traffic to stations who will be awaiting our messages. All communications gear, antennas, shelters, instructional booklets and food will be provided. Participants will be given a short list of what they need to bring (personal items).

If any amateur radio operator, with a sincere interest in emergency communications, wishes to sign up for this 2009 “Jump Team Boot Camp”, please email me at Alonestaryank@aol.com with the subject: “Boot Camp”. This event will be limited in the number of attendees. Please be sure to read the section on “Creating A Viable Jump Team” located at: WWW.W2IK.COM so you will have a basic understanding of jump team operation. Also be aware that the actual destination will not be a local park so like an actual emergency communications deployment we will have to bring everything that we need. This will be more rustic in nature than last year’s boot camp. Cell phones, again this year, will NOT be allowed.
 
Bob  W2IK - NNN0KSI - Navy Marine Corps MARS