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2008 September 19 - 21, 2008 Communications Support Information Updated July 21, 2008 |
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General Description Plano Amateur Radio Klub and other
amateurs from the area have been providing communication support for this
event for over 20 years. The primary reason for this support is
to provide support to the balloonists and organizers of this event.
With this event spanning three days it requires a rather significant effort
to coordinate and administer. Operators are required in two
general categories. Field operations and recovery. We also
provide weather monitoring support and liaison to many of the Public Safety
agencies supporting the event. In the past we have also used this event
to deploy new technology and techniques to validate their operational
capabilities.
Recent Information A training session was held at the
Training
Presentation (Updated!)
Ham Radio Volunteer
Shuttle Information
Volunteer Signup and Waiver for Minor Release Purpose
Safety
Basic Operations
Operator Assignments and Work Shifts Operators may request a specific
assignments and times by entering their preferences on the webpage noted
below. There will be 9 shifts
total for this event, 3 shifts per day. 1. Morning shift - Volunteers are needed
to cover the morning balloon flight and should expect to be on site from 7am
to 11am 2. Afternoon shift - The afternoon shift
will consist of net talk-in duty only and will be held on the launch field. 3. Evening shift - Volunteers are needed
to cover the evening balloon flight from 4:00 pm to approximately 8pm. Volunteers covering the balloon flights
may work either the launch field or the recovery crew. Operator Requirements The following are the general requirements
of the operator positions.
Field Operations Guidelines Rev C Recovery Operator Guidelines 2008 Recovery Operator Training Video Clink
on the link below to view a training video for recovery operations.
This video can also be downloaded. The file is about 6 mb so a
broadband connection is recommended for on-line viewing. Event Details Please refer to the following website for
general event information: Operational Frequencies The communication plan for the event has
been finalized at this time. Most routine operations will take place on
2 meters. Field Operations
Recovery Operations
APRS I hope to use APRS extensively for this
event. We will attempt to equip a majority of the recovery vehicles
with trackers. If you don't have this capability at this time, no need
to worry, we will have loaner equipment available. The coverage in this
area is very good, but one or two portable digipeaters may be required.
We will also be attempting to equip several balloons with APRS
trackers. Maps for APRS mapping programs will be made available. APRS Frequency
APRS Overlays and Maps The following is a map that can be used with
many APRS tracking programs. If you are using UI-View, the various
mapping files are also included. You should consider utilizing the
Underlay function of UI-View if you are using Precision Mapping Streets and
Travels. The Underlay feature of UI-View and Precision Mapping Streets
and Travels allows you to have complete street level accuracy.
Instructions are included to aid you with the setup of this. If you are using another APRS mapping
program the standard map format files may also be usable. The locations
below are in decimal degrees. The corners of the map are as follows:
NIMS National Incident Management System (NIMS)
is generally required to be used by almost all emergency management
organizations. While the structure and operations under this system can
be quite complex for a major incident, a small event like this can be easily
managed under this system. As an operator in the field you will see
little or no difference in the management of the event. It is used
primarily as a tracking and management tool. All of the forms and plans
will be posted here as they become available. You will also hear this
referred to as the Incident Command System (ICS).
Below is a link to an excellent site with general
information on NIMS and ICS. HSMM We are planning on deploying a portable
satellite communications system that will provide internet connectivity at
the launch field. This system will also be provided with a 802.11
access point to support HSMM. We are also planning on deploying at
least one camera on the field to monitor movement of balloons and vehicles. Special Thanks to the Following Plano
Amateur Radio Klub for the use of their Repeater McKinney
Amateur Radio Club for the use of their Repeater North
Texas Repeater Association for the use of their Repeater KD5UMO
Chad for the generation of the maps and training video. Please remember that our primary reason for being at this
event is to improve the safety for the balloonists. Please be very
careful when driving and providing communications support. |
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Copyright © 2008 Anthony
Campbell (W5ADC). All the information, trademarks, and symbols on this site
belongs to the respective owners. Any information that is unaffiliated with
Anthony Campbell (W5ADC) belongs to their respective owners. |