Equipment selection for emergency service can be viewed from many angles, but in general:, goals need to be defined so selections can be made to fit the goals:
- Minimum amount to carry that does the most in the fewest packages using the least power that does the tasks needed to be done. - Maximum flexibility with redundancy, so if part of the system goes down, the whole system is not lost. - Expectations of a single operator user, or multiple operator users at the same time or over time. A subset of the goals needs to handle challenges of availability due to cost constraints, and what kind of time period is available to meet the goals: - Cost no object, equipment is locally available in a short period of time. - Limited resources due to funds, availability and or time constraints. At the EOC, the options can allow for redundancy and over lap of selections, even spares and separate power supplies for all pieces of equipment. Personal selection can be as varied as the individuals that make the choices, but if choices / requirements are set, the options can be reduced. In all the above, lack of simple interface cables, spare cables, fuses, tools etc etc can bring any selection to its knees. Assumption: Individual selection and purchases over time. Can make choices that will be implemented over time, probably several years as money becomes available. Scenario 1: Early choices would be to get the most at the least possible cost. Then to expand and improve selection of gear to round out the system over time. This could be as simple as a hf/vhf/uhf combination radio and a walkie talkie covering at least two bands. Likely two walkie talkies should be considered with at least one over lapping band to allow for inter-communications and coverage of more than two bands. These choices will have compromises / limitations, but can be highly effective for most circumstances and basic requirements. Many such systems will be common in real emergencies. Scenario 2: Make purchases with a plan over time, but strive to maintain integration of the gear for compatibility / interfacing and spare part support (same power cables, mikes etc etc). This could be individual selections of gear to allow for performance and flexibility, with not only redundancy in mind, but the system as a whole eventually being more capable than stand alone components. In all cases, it would be hoped that all gear is automotive power compatible with out the requirement for AC sources of power to operate over long periods of time. AC would be an option, not a requirement. In general HF radios that Do Not have vhf and uhf bands have better performing HF receivers due to front end designs. HF radios, even those that include six meters, can have tighter filter front ends that have to be given up to support the higher bands. (http://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html download the TS-480HX/SAT In Depth Manual ) It is also more convenient to have separate HF Vhf/Uhf equipment so multi operations can be parallel with out compromising either. No matter what choices are made, compromises are always going to abound. However it is important to make a package purchase over a short enough period of time to allow for compatibility between them. New models come and go so quickly, and changes in standards, interfacability and accessories happen so quickly, compatibility could get complicated. On the other hand, buying just released new models is not a good idea either. You dont want to be field testing a new model for a manufacture at your expense, especially where intended for emergency support applications. ======================== Note that the items listed below are not all that I have. Like most hams with some years behind them, I have acquired a variety of gear that had no goals set to them other than having fun, or meeting certain personal expectations. The list below is a result of a planned purchase of equipment to meet my personal expectations and fill in for emergency service. Purchase was done over about a two year period. TS-480HX, Six Meters through 160 Meters, 200 Watts, remotable head, stand alone package for base, mobile or portable operations to cover voice and cw needs. Sky Command Compatible, meaning no computer required to interface to other compatible gear. Unique power requirement of this radio easily met by a power supply package (detailed in part II email). Additional applications of this radio include the ability to access / use it over remotable control head from a few feet to several hundred feet by cable. Computer accessible locally or remotely for full operation of the radio for voice and digital modes, using local area lan, the internet or direct plug in of computer / laptop. Access and control of the radio over radio links using compatible dual band mobile and dual band walkie talkie. Excellent cooling package for hot mobile and summer environments when air conditioning is not available. TS-480HX 200 watt radio can be operated at 100 watts or less at near full duty cycle for long periods of time (hours, not minutes) due to extra cooling fan and design not available in most 100 watt radios. TM-D700 / D710 Two meter and 440 FM mobile. 50 Watts with APRS and Sky Command Compatible. Easy interface to the AvMap G5 for GPS and Navigation Displays that includes APRS display / tracking. No Computer required to interface these two items. TH-D7AG Two meter and 440 FM Walkie Talkie. Data communicator is equipped with a built-in TNC and APRS. Sky Command Compatible. AvMap G5 Navigator has built-in highly sensitive 20 channel Sirf 3 GPS engine, has a ultra bright, non-glaring, 5 inch, TFT Touch Screen, and comes with cable to interface to the Kenwood D700 / D710. ======================== End result is a selection of individual gear that operate totally as separate units, Base, Mobile or Portable. However they can be configured to give the HT remote control access to the dual band mobile leaving the HF rig alone, or using the dual band mobile as an interface to the HF radio, the HT has remote control and transmit / receive access. Due to Katrina, the FCC granted legality for using Sky Command for such HT to HF operation. As a bonus, APRS is supported in this system, and in combination with the AvMap G5 Navigator, GPS information can be fed to the D700 / D710 or the HT as needed. APRS info is sent to and from the G5 making for a seamless interface that doesnt require a computer. Under the right interfacing and some limitations, packet radio can be supported. Using digital protocols, digital modes on a computer provide emergency texting / email until local systems improve. The navigation / gps functions of the G5 are a must in emergency situations where knowing where you are and how to get to where you need to go can other wise be a challenge. Universal flexible powering of he above equipment, with some antenna / atu suggestions are in Emergency power digital station options for Field Day ? Links: ==== TS-480HX http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/hamhf/0480.html TM-D700 / D710 http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/fm_txvrs/0710.html TH-D7AG http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/ht/4211.html Sky Command System: http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/ht/4211sky2.html AvMap G5 Navigator http://www.universal-radio.com/CATALOG/fm_txvrs/50630710.html To get maximum capability from your equipment, know how to use it throughly and have copies of your manuals with the gear! 73 from Bill - WD8ARZ http://hflink.net/qso/
