This is just a suggestion but have you tried talking to company's
that sell FRS radios. Explaining what your doing asking for
suggestions and maybe a discount for buying their product. Maybe
pointing them to other web sites that carry links to your cause.
(this would show interest in your cause by others and growing
support) This may lower prices for you and you may get some
suggestion to some of your other problem as well. It certainly
wouldn't hurt to try. I know I have a link to your Citizen Radio
Network  page that is on angelfire.
Good luck on your endeavor

Rock
Radios & More
http://www.rocks.4w4.net

Dave Kleber, KB3FXI wrote:
<I'm just wondering if you've made any progress with your FRS project.>

Dave,

Well, sort of...

In St Pete for reasons I'm not going to get into, we've had three Chiefs of
Police in the last year which combined with other factors delayed our receipt of
the grant funds until last month. That's not all bad, for reasons which I'll
explain.

When we(the Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Association) put the grant
application together last fall, we had the goal of just a simple wireless
intercom. Since August, the RL Drake radios we had planned to purchase went off
the market, and the replacement radios(Motorola T-6220's) we've chosen have
decreased in price twice. That reduction in cost has allowed the number of
radios we're able to
purchase to increase, and has encouraged us to tread slowly.

In the interim, in response to conversations I've had regarding the network,
we've decided to look into the uses of the radios post-disaster. We're in St
Pete, FL, and our primary disaster concern is Tropical Storm/Hurricane events,
so some of the questions that arise are:
     What level of interest is there in City/County Gov't. in using our
neighborhood as a model to be emulated?
     In a power outage, how does the network charge batteries?
     Are second sets of batteries necessary, so that dead batteries can be
swapped for live?
     How does the network communicate with emergency services(Police/Fire/EMS)?
     How do we communicate with the nonradio neighbors, so that they know what to
do if they need to "call out".
     What other post-storm difficulties will arise? How do we provide
refrigeration of insulin and other medications?

So at this point, the Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Association is sitting on
$2,000 that needs to be spent on the radio network by February 2003. I'm looking
for means to use those funds as a match for a generator. In the meantime, the
radio costs drop, features rise, and a full "Neighborhood Disaster Plan"
develops.



Thanks for your ongoing interest,


Chris Kelly
Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Association

chris,

I'm just wondering if you've made any progress with your FRS project.

-Dave Kleber, KB3FXI
www.PA-SitRep.com


--- In citizenradionetwork@y..., "cpeterkelly2002" <cpeterkelly@e...>
wrote:
> Greetings All,
>
> My neighborhood was just awarded a police/public safety grant of
$2000
> to purchase FRS radios and establish a network. We're sort of a
test
> case to see if the idea flies, and to work out the bugs.
>
> We're planning at this point to purchase 28-30 of the Motorola
T6220
> radios with NOAA weather alert functions, NIMH batteries and
charging
> stands(the ida being that the radios will act as a wireless
intercom
> of sorts.
>
> So my query is, where do I go for ideas on how to instruct the rest
of
> the folks in communicating via radio? Are there any manuals you've
> seen that can be adapted to this use? Do you have any ideas on what
> pitfalls I may encounter?
>
> All suggestions will be greatly appreciated, we're looking for an
> April roll-out.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chris Kelly

EMCOM Emergency Preparedness FAMILY / NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

i. Purpose ii. Certification I. Introduction II. Present Situation III. Goals & Objectives IV. Considerations V. Basic Communications Design VI. Recommended Communications Equipment / Procedures i. Purpose The purpose of this document is to establish common guidelines for the planning, establishment, administration and operation of a nationally coordinated Neighborhood Emergency Radio Communications Service (NERCS) which provides a fast, efficient and economical means of fulfilling emergency communications requirements while decreasing frequency (channel) and message handling congestion. Standards, policies and procedures are strongly suggested to ensure commonality in purpose, operations and equipment allowing for simple interface and integration with other agencies and services including both local organizations/entities and those that may respond from other areas to aid in emergency / disaster situations. Such uniformity insures seemless, uninterrupted direct radio communications. This should be considered to be be a 'living' working document under constant refinement and update, and with appendices added as required to detail specific recommendations, policies and procedures. ii. Certification Specific requirements for certification as a NERCS program in compliance with the general tenants of this document are under review by the EMCOM communications committee and will be published when final recomendations are released. I. Introduction One of the most important, yet often overlooked facets of family and neighborhood Disaster Preparedness is that of Emergency Communications. In many/most cases, telephone and even cell phone communications may not be available after an emergency situation, and if they are, they are often congested or overloaded to the extent that the prospects of reaching required emergency responders are significantly reduced. Emergency responders such as fire/rescue and medical personnel are trained to respond immediately to emergency calls from the nearest available facility. Subsequent calls for help must then be dispatched from locations further and further from the disaster scene, causing precious minutes to be lost in situations where seconds may mean the difference between life and death for a loved one. Those who prepare best for such emergencies will often be those that receive the fastest response to emergency calls, while others must wait. Most recommendations for the preparation of a family disaster kit include acquiring back-up communications such as walkie-talkies; unfortunately though, they do not propose a methodology for their use, including the answers to the following questions: Who will you call? Will they be 'listening'? What frequency / channel should be used? How will they contact emergency help if phone/cell communications are overloaded due to the situation? If everyone in the neighborhood tries to transmit simultaneously, no one will get through... how will this be handled? The importance of well thought out, coordinated emergency communications cannot be over-stressed. Planners must take into account all possible scenarios and geographic considerations to prepare a comprehensive neighborhood plan, and insure that all individuals and families are trained in the necessary procedures if the plan is to be successful when it is needed. This paper will attempt to discuss many of the details to be considered, and propose a basic plan of implementation and procedures to be used as a starting point for designing communications for a neighborhood area. It must be stressed that the basic structure provided herein will most often be required to be modified to fit the needs of the individual region, and take into account the limitations of that region. II. Present Situation Even for professional emergency communications personnel who train and practice for emergency situations on a continuing basis, communications during an actual emergency can oftentimes be described as little more than controlled chaos. The key to maintaining any sort of effectiveness lies in maintaining discipline, and sticking as closely as possible to the policies and procedures implemented to maintain a useable communications structure. Unfortunately, little emphasis has been placed on emergency communications for family and neighborhood units. Often individuals and families are left to attempting their own communications, and in the case of radio communications, attempt to transmit their emergency message to anyone that they can contacts. This often leads to multiple persons attempting to simultaneously transmit on the same frequency or channel, making none of the transmissions 'readable'. Compounding the situation are multiple untrained persons hearing the transmissions, and each attempting to 'help' by trying to use telephone communications to call emergency responders. This simply adds to the congestion and overloading of these communications, and duplicate calls waste precious time for dispatching personnel. How would a 'do-gooder' feel if their duplicate call to emergency personnel actually pre-empted a call that could have saved someone else's life? The fact is, that uncoordinated, uncontrolled communications simply serve to increase communications congestion for everyone, and may actually be to blame for more lives being lost than saved. Radio networks do and have existed for many decades. Provided by amateur radio (ham) operators through organizations known as ARES and RACES, they provide emergency radio communications for both public and private emergency agencies including law enforcement, fire/rescue, hospitals, aid stations, and shelters. Additionally, a Citizens Band organization known as REACT also provides emergency communcations services for local agencies. These dedicated people train and practice year round to perform these duties. The key to creating a viable emergency communications plan for families and neighborhoods is to create an interface with these existing networks. They do not have to rely on relaying emergency messages to agencies via telephone since their own personnel are providing emergency radio services directly for and within these organizations, and have direct radio contact to them. III. Goals & Objectives The goal of each neighborhood should be to create an back-up emergency communications system that directly interfaces with the existing emergency radio communications infrastructure in such a manner as to be able to provide clear and concise emergency messages to the relay system without disrupting the existing system with compound and/or extraneous transmissions. The objectives to be achieved should include: A means and discipline by which individuals and families within the neighborhood can communicate directly with a neighborhood 'communicator', whose duty is to interface with and relay the information directly to the proper emergency radio network. Establish communications which do not interfere with those of adjacent neighborhoods; this will include choosing equipment and coordinating frequency / channel usage with nearby neighborhoods so that they do not conflict, yet be compatible and flexible enough to interface with the communications of adjacent neighborhoods should that need arise. Work with the individual(s) from the existing emergency communciations networks to establish the frequencies/channels that those persons will monitor during an emergency, and the communications protocols and message structures that will be used to pass messages as quickly, concisely, and with as little redundancy as possible. Provide Standardization of methodology, policies, procedures, administration, operation and equipment to insure efficient, effective integration and coordination of emergency communications. IV. Considerations The first consideration to take into account is where the neighborhood communications will be directed; i.e. to an amateur radion (ham) ARES/RACES operator, CB REACT operator, etc. Obviously, the best and fastest communications will come from having a ham operator in your own neighborhood. Unfortunately, the perpetuation of the inclusion of covenants and deed restrictions against outdoor antennas in recent years has caused many neighborhoods not to have this invaluable emergency resource available to them, since the operators cannot have the antennas needed to assure competent communications. Hams that do live in such neighborhoods are often the first to leave then neighborhood in advance of, or directly after an emergency to man a station with a local hospital, or other public or private agency so that their training and resources can be used effectively. Planners will have to determine where the closest emergency radio network is in relation to their neighborhood, and make the proper choice of equipment and communications arrangements. The next consideration will be the radio equipment to be used within the neighborhood itself. Emergency radios should be chosen based upon the function they are to perform. Radios should be chosen that provide clear communications, but, if used for intra/inter neighborhood communcations, should be of limited range so that they do not interfere with the communications of other, nearby communities. An example of bad planning can be the use of 5 watt Citizens Band (CB) radios for this purpose. Transmissions meant for within the neighborhood can be transmitted and disrupt communications for 20 miles or more. With possibly hundreds of persons attempting to communicate simultaneously, communications can quickly become unuseable for many miles, and can actually serve to disrupt the response of emergency personnel more than enhance it. When considering radio equipment, the make/model of the radios to be used may/should be taken into account, especially if key features provided on some units are to be incorporated into the system. This includes signaling capabilities between units, privacy codes or 'scrambling', etc. Having a network of incompatible equipment is a useless system. The next consideration will be towards the establishment of a frequency or channel plan for the neighborhood. It must not interfere with the communications of adjacent affected neighborhoods, but must take into account the various kinds of communcations that will be taking place during an emergency. This includes frequencies / channels used to/for: Communicating to neighborhood emergency coordinator Communications within/between families Communications relating to Search/Rescue efforts Communications relating to Evacuation/Relief & health/welfare efforts The next consideration is what the residents of the neighborhood can afford. If it is a neighborhood where not all residents can afford the cost of emergency radios, arrangements should be made for alternate means of checking on, and relaying emergency information to/from these residents. V. Basic Communications Design It is virtually impossible to create a "one size fits all" neighborhood emergency communications network. The one depicted below is proposed as an example system to use as a starting point for neighborhood emergency coordinators to modify as required for their particular circumstances. It supposes a typical urban/suburban neighborhood, with surrounding neighborhoods also setting up like communcations, and the existance of an amateur radio (ham) operator within 2 miles of the neighborhood. This system recommends Family Service Radio (FRS) walkie-talkies for each family in the neighborhood. These radios are relatively inexpensive, provide clear, crisp, static-free communications, and are limited in range (typically in an urban area) to 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile in range, and offer up to 14 channels upon which to communicate. This will serve to lessen the congestion that serves to criple communications. Additionally, these types of radios are already in wide usage for camping trips, boating, skiing, etc. for families to communicate between themselves.1 A "channel plan" is developed to limit the amount of communications for each purpose, based on using 3-4 channels, thus leaving (or coordinating) channels for use by adjacent neighborhoods for their own communications. Channel 2 - Emergency messages to be relayed to the neighborhood coordinator, or designated communications coordinators (there should always be a backup communicator designated in case the primary assignee is incapacitated. Channel 8 - Intra/Inter Family Communications Channel 9 - Neighborhood light search and rescue efforts Channel 10 - Evacuation/Relief/Health/Welfare efforts Channel 5 - Secondary Emergency Message Channel - Assigned to one side of the neighborhood that is close to another neighborhood using Channel 5 as their primary Emergency channel. This should only be used when one cannot reach their primary neighborhood coordinator(s). Channel 6 - Secondary Emergency Message Channel - Assigned to the other side of the neighborhood that is close to another neighborhood using Channel 6 as their primary Emergency channel. This should onl be used when one cannot reach their primary neighborhood coordinator(s). Note that whenever possible, channels 1-7 should be used for Emergency communications that are to be relayed. These channels are universally accessible by General Mobile Radio Service, so can be accessed by each. Channel 1 (FRS) should be further reserved as a 'General' emergency channel common to all areas such that coordinators and/or other emergency services, agencies or organizations entering a defined neighborhood area can receive information including the main frequency (channel) assignments for that area. Other internal neighborhood communications can be assigned channels 8-14. Neighborhood coordinators should be equipped with General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios when possible. As indicated, these radios can communicate on the first 7 channels of FRS radio, plus 8 additional frequencies. These radios have a farther effective range (typically reliable to 2 miles in urban areas, and farther using repeater systems). Use of these should be limited so as not to cause undue frequency congestion. Neighborhood coordinators will receive emergency messages on channel 2 of their radio, and communicate it to their assigned participating amateur radio operator. In this case it is assumed that the operator is an ARES/RACES operator with direct radio contact with law enforcement, fire/rescue, medical personnel, etc., and has agreed to monitor Channel 8 of GMRS radio as a primary channel, and Channel 2 (both FRS and GMRS) as a secondary frequency. Since the ham operator is already involved in emergency message relaying, he/she is most likely monitoring several other radios/frequencies, and will potenially be receiving messages from multiple neighborhood coordinators via the GMRS/FRS link. To insure quick, concise communications, a communications protocol has been established to standardize (and thus simplify) the message handling process. This protocol includes contacting the operator by using the appropriate call signs, and the channel and service being used for transmission, so that the ham operator will know which radio to use. (It can be confusing with several frequencies being monitored.) The above assumes a fairly typical scenario. Obviously it would be better to have an amateur radio operator in the neighborhood acting as the communications coordinator to provide faster, more direct access to emergency responders. A viable alternative which we fully support, is for the neighborhood emergency preparedness coordinator or communications coordinator themselves become 'ham' operators. Licensing is now easier than ever, and no longer requires knowledge of morse code to get a "technician" class license which has the priviledges of voice communcations on the frequencies used by emergency communications. These personnel could then utilize more powerful handi-talkies to communicate directly into the network. (They should also join, participate and train with the ARES/RACES organization.) While they would not have the range and versatility of base station ham radio equipment, using a handheld and/or mobile radio would not violate neighborhood restrictions on antennas. One final area in the realm of communications to be discussed is communicating with emergency responders once the arrive in the area. It is critical that they waste as little time as possible. Rather than having to implement a full house-to-house search for victims, they should be apprised of the current head-count by the neighborhood emergency coordinator. Additionally, a simple, yet very effective means of communication is for every family to have a sign, imprinted on one side as a red sign with the word HELP, and the other side green with the word 'OK'. This appropriate side should be displayed immediately after an emergency in an area easily visible from the street. Emergency personnel can then quicly assess where available resources need to be allocated without wasting critical time. VI. Recommended Communications Equipment & Procedures EMCOM has surveyed the marketplace of FRS and GMRS radios with an eye to recommending specific equipment to be used in terms of features, standardization and compatibility issues. While virtually all of the makes and models of radios offer basic compatibility and can be used for basic level communications, there is a wide variety of features available on various models; some helpful in an emergency situation, some not. We have reviewed these systems in terms of price, performance, reliability and features, as well as universal availability and manufacturer participation. We offer our recommendation in light of achieving the maximum possible standardization. In this way, useful features should be universally available, and persons that are in a neighborhood other than their own at the time of an emergency (i.e., at work, visiting, shopping, etc.) will have the best chance for compatibility of organized emergency communications in that area. Equally important is the ability for neighborhood radios to share charging facilities and interchange rechargeable battery packs when needed in an emergency. Normally different brands and even different models use different charger and/or battery pack configurations. For the same reasons that emergency agencies insist on single-source compatibility for their systems, we advise neighborhoods to do likewise. Key features we feel to be important considerations: Full 14 channels for FRS Radios, 15 for GMRS (1-7 shared with FRS) Water Resistant/Weatherproof Design (for adverse weather conditions) 38 CTCSS Codes Key Lock Selectable call tones Programmable Channel Scan so that multiple channels can be monitored Hands-Free (VOX) operation with selectable sensitivity NOAA Weather Alert Radio Rechargeable NiMH Battery operation Flexible or fold down antenna When discussing emergency communications with neighborhood families, the almost unanimous question seems to be "What do you recommend?". In light of the desire for compatibility and standardization and interms of price, performance, relieability and features, we have chosen to recommend the use of Motorola brand FRS and GMRS radios where neighborhood emergency communications networks are designed in an FRS/GMRS type model. Motorola is a name well known in communications, and their equipment is widely available. You can click on the model of the radio to read more/purchase it from amazon.com. Proceeds from sales help support EMCOM. We understand that despite our strong recommendation of the radios below, some persons may still desire another brand or model of radio. You can see/purchase other brands (i.e. Uniden, Audiovox, Cobra, Midland, Kenwood, Vtech, Unwired, GE, Panasonic, Coleman, GPX, Conair, Sony, Cherokee, TruTalk, Memorex, Gran Prix, Northwest Bell, Bell Sonocor, etc.) by Clicking Here, and still help our fundraising efforts. Family Radio Service (FRS) Radio systems (2 Mile max range 1/2 - 3/4 mi. typical) Manufacturer Model Avg. Price Description Motorola Talkabout T6320 $120.00 Above features Plus... 8 Weather Channels with Alert Clock w/Alarm & Stopwatch Digital Compass Altimeter Barometer Thermometer Talk Group Filter Virbra Alert Motorola Talkabout T6310 $115.00 Key Features above plus... FM Stereo w/8 selectable presets Clock w/Alarm & Stopwatch Vibra Alert Motorola Talkabout T6220 $50.00 Key Features above General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios (5 Mile max range, 2 mile typical) GMRS Radios Require FCC License Manufacturer Model Avg. Price Description Motorola TalkAbout T6400 $90.00 8 GMRS 1 watt Channels 7 GMRS/FRS 1 watt Channels 7 FRS 1/2 watt Channels 38 CTCSS Codes Talk Group Filter Keypad Lock 10 Selectable Call Tones Hands Free (VOX) Operation Clock w/Alarm & Stopwatch Low Battery Alert Vibra Alert 1In cases where individuals/families already own FRS type radios, and although they will normally be capable of basic communications, we suggest the acquisition of a recommended radio to assure full compatibility and use of features.

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Nice work on the grant, Chris. Congratulations.

I hope your group will monitor FRS-1, without tone, as its primary
frequency. Efforts are afoot to standardize emergency monitoring
internationally on this frequency since it is common to all FRS radios,
and that is an essential consideration. We hope FCC will soon mandate
FRS-1, without tone, as the call/distress frequency for that reason.
Meanwhile, the more firmly we can establish that role for FRS-1 in
practice, the easier it will be for FCC to come on board.

You can determine what secondary frequency/ies you wish to use, and for
those you would want tone. I expect your radios will have tone capability
since you also mention Weather Alert capability. Have you inquired of
other groups as to Motorola performance vs Midland, etc.? I would check
that angle out very carefully before you invest your grant. If you are
buying that many, you should be able to get some radios from prospective
dealers to conduct field tests before you decide.

The US Coast Guard may be your best help for an operating guide. Check
with them for publications they may have on VHF Marine Radio operation.
They use Channel 16 in the same way you plan to use FRS-1 so it would be
an ideal model. Channel 16 is a proven call/distress channel, so the more
closely we can model FRS-1 on it the more successful we will be in
securing FCC support for mandating it.

Our REACT Team has just purchased some Cobra 225's and will launch its
monitoring officially May 1 to mark REACT Month.We are already monitoring
unofficially to accustom ourselves to it. You will have a month under
your belt by then, so please do update us all here on how well things go.

One tip I've already discovered is that the radios perform best on a
window sill when indoors. The volume at a moderate setting easily alerts
you even if you are in another room. Their short range will mean that you
will need every FRS user in your area to monitor FRS-1 alongside you to
make it really effective. You want to bring them onside from the outset.
That means you will need to seek saturation media coverage of your plans
and the safety benefits involved before you launch. Police will likely
support you in that effort since they are keen to have the grant and
program succeed.

I will be waiting and watching to hear more from you. Our REACT Team sure
wishes you the very best.

Chris,

My suggestion would be to try to organize a regularly scheduled net
as a practice drill.  Even though FRS is extremely easy to use, for
someone who has never operated a radio before, it'd be easy to get
stuck on a wrong channel or wrong setting.

I might recommend having some basic wallet cards printed up that
would have a check list of what channel and settings that should be
used.  You could also have your communities operating protocol on
there, too.

Are you going to try to incorporate any Amateur Radio operators into
your plan?

I hope your project goes well.  I think it's fantastic that your
community sees the importance of alternative means of
communictions... some day it might wind up saving a life.

I'm working toward having an emergency communications protocol
utilizing FRS and Amateur Radio in my Community.  I have to wait
until our new Township Emergency Manager is selected and installed
before I can go ahead with my ideas.

Please keep us appraised on how things progress.  I'm VERY interested
to hear what works and what doesn't.

-Dave Kleber, KB3FXI
www.PA-SitRep.com


--- In citizenradionetwork@y..., "cpeterkelly2002" <cpeterkelly@e...>
wrote:
> Greetings All,
>
> My neighborhood was just awarded a police/public safety grant of
$2000
> to purchase FRS radios and establish a network. We're sort of a
test
> case to see if the idea flies, and to work out the bugs.
>
> We're planning at this point to purchase 28-30 of the Motorola
T6220
> radios with NOAA weather alert functions, NIMH batteries and
charging
> stands(the ida being that the radios will act as a wireless
intercom
> of sorts.
>
> So my query is, where do I go for ideas on how to instruct the rest
of
> the folks in communicating via radio? Are there any manuals you've
> seen that can be adapted to this use? Do you have any ideas on what
> pitfalls I may encounter?
>
> All suggestions will be greatly appreciated, we're looking for an
> April roll-out.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chris Kelly

NO BOOKS FOR FRS
-----Original Message-----
From: cpeterkelly2002 <cpeterkelly@...>
To: citizenradionetwork@yahoogroups.com
<citizenradionetwork@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Monday, January 28, 2002 11:35 AM
Subject: [citizenradionetwork] Neighborhood Radio Network


>Greetings All,
>
>My neighborhood was just awarded a police/public safety grant of $2000
>to purchase FRS radios and establish a network. We're sort of a test
>case to see if the idea flies, and to work out the bugs.
>
>We're planning at this point to purchase 28-30 of the Motorola T6220
>radios with NOAA weather alert functions, NIMH batteries and charging
>stands(the ida being that the radios will act as a wireless intercom
>of sorts.
>
>So my query is, where do I go for ideas on how to instruct the rest of
>the folks in communicating via radio? Are there any manuals you've
>seen that can be adapted to this use? Do you have any ideas on what
>pitfalls I may encounter?
>
>All suggestions will be greatly appreciated, we're looking for an
>April roll-out.
>
>
>Thanks,
>
>Chris Kelly
>
>
>
>Citizen Radio Network
>http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/citizenradionet/
>=================================================
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>citizenradionetwork-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>

Greetings All,

My neighborhood was just awarded a police/public safety grant of $2000
to purchase FRS radios and establish a network. We're sort of a test
case to see if the idea flies, and to work out the bugs.

We're planning at this point to purchase 28-30 of the Motorola T6220
radios with NOAA weather alert functions, NIMH batteries and charging
stands(the ida being that the radios will act as a wireless intercom
of sorts.

So my query is, where do I go for ideas on how to instruct the rest of
the folks in communicating via radio? Are there any manuals you've
seen that can be adapted to this use? Do you have any ideas on what
pitfalls I may encounter?

All suggestions will be greatly appreciated, we're looking for an
April roll-out.


Thanks,

Chris Kelly

http://comdinet.com/emcom/


From the top of the page:

####
Community Emergency Preparedness Coordinators Needed

     Facilitating Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness
with Advanced Technology

Preparation, Organization, Training, Coordination, and Communications
are the keys to effective Emergency Management
####

This site runs an Emergency Victim Locator service, too:
http://comdinet.com/emcom

It's pretty interesting.  I joined and will be taking some time to
learn their system.

-Dave
KB3FXI

Hermy, did you fail to read Keith's post concerning 'chain letters'? What
has this remotely to do with CB radio which is the interest of this
group? Please cease.

Thanks very much, Alan.

 

Maybe we'll cross paths on HF sometime?

 

-Dave

KB3FXI

----- Original Message -----

From: Alan Dixon

To: citizenradionetwork@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, November 11, 2001 10:55 AM

Subject: Re: [citizenradionetwork] spreading the word

Great looking site, Dave!

 

73,

Alan Dixon

N3HOE / KST8678

Melbourne, Florida

 

Amateur Extra Class, proudly monitoring CB Channel 9.

 

 

On Sun, 11 Nov 2001 15:22:08 -0000 kb3fxi@... writes:
> I just added some more prominent links to CRN and this forum from my
>
> page, www.PA-SitRep.com.  And sent some e-mails out asking some
> folks to join the forum here. 
>
> Hopefully we can get the ball rolling.
>
> -Dave
> KB3FXI
> http://www.PA-SitRep.com
>
>
> Citizen Radio Network
> http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/citizenradionet/
> =================================================

..

 

Check this out. We aren't the only ones thinking about this:


Monitoriting Times - Citizen Radio Corps
http://www.grove-ent.com/mtcrc.html

Bob

> However, before we get ahead of ourselves, I suggest we give some
more
> thought to the proposed frequency assignments.  (I assume they are
still
> tentative.)
>
> I have four main concerns.
>
> First, a lot of FRS radios do not have PL capability.  This
realization
> questions the need to =require= it for emergency commo.  I can -
maybe-
> see requiring it for one of the admin channels, but usually
emergency
> commo is by nature "lowest common denominator."  This suggests no
PL for
> the "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up" channel.

I agree.  I think if a PL is going to be used at all it should only
be on an adminstrative channel.

I have 2 cheapy FRS sets and neither have PL capabilities.

-Dave
KB3FXI
www.PA-SitRep.com

----- Original Message -----

From: Alan Dixon

To: citizenradionetwork@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, November 11, 2001 10:55 AM

Subject: Re: [citizenradionetwork] spreading the word

Great looking site, Dave!

 

73,

Alan Dixon

N3HOE / KST8678

Melbourne, Florida

 

Amateur Extra Class, proudly monitoring CB Channel 9.

 

 

On Sun, 11 Nov 2001 15:22:08 -0000 kb3fxi@... writes:
> I just added some more prominent links to CRN and this forum from my
>
> page, www.PA-SitRep.com.  And sent some e-mails out asking some
> folks to join the forum here. 
>
> Hopefully we can get the ball rolling.
>
> -Dave
> KB3FXI
> http://www.PA-SitRep.com
>
>
> Citizen Radio Network
> http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/citizenradionet/
> =================================================

..

 

Citizen Radio Network
http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/citizenradionet/
=================================================
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
citizenradionetwork-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

I just added some more prominent links to CRN and this forum from my
page, www.PA-SitRep.com.  And sent some e-mails out asking some folks
to join the forum here.

Hopefully we can get the ball rolling.

-Dave
KB3FXI
http://www.PA-SitRep.com

I'd like to suggest that every member on this list try to pull in
some additional members. We need to have a larger base from which to
make decisions on the CRN standards.

If you come across an appropriate online forum, please mention the
CRN website and this email list.

If you know other like-minded radio enthusiasts, tell them too.

Lets get the word out to as many as we can.

Website: http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/citizenradionet/

Email List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/citizenradionetwork/



On another note, there is talk that the civil defense may be
reorganized in the future. CRN should be open to that option in its
standard.

Bob, CRN

--- wrote:
> On Tue, 30 Oct 2001 15:14:26 -0000 kb3fxi@y... writes:
>
> > Maybe someone could design a trifold flyer that could be
> > printed up [...]


Yes! I think that that is an excellent idea! The groups mentioned
could be a rich source of participants.





> During elevated threat situations, maybe volunteers or officials
could
> run a voice beacon to periodically advise listeners about the
bandplan.
>

Good idea. That would help reach those who are actively searching
for CRN. It'll also be beneficial in recruiting locals as well.


>
> However, before we get ahead of ourselves, I suggest we give some
more
> thought to the proposed frequency assignments.  (I assume they are
still
> tentative.)
>
> I have four main concerns.
>
> First, a lot of FRS radios do not have PL capability.  This
realization
> questions the need to =require= it for emergency commo.  I can
-maybe-
> see requiring it for one of the admin channels, but usually
emergency
> commo is by nature "lowest common denominator."  This suggests no
PL for
> the "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up" channel.


FRS channel one in the "plan" states no PL or privacy tone zero
which in all FRS radios I've used is either off or tone zero. Many
of the single channel units are on channel 1 with no PL.



>
> And fourth, a single emergency calling channel may be
insufficient.  In
> the event of a massive Tango incident, there would be not only the
> immobilized victims on scene calling for help, but also the
ambulatory
> victims being shuffled off to triage centers, shelters or "nose
count"
> stations - not to mention worried family members seeking link-up.
Given
> the current threat scenario, it might be desirable to designate one
> frequency for "VICTIM CALLING / ON SCENE," and a second one for
> "ASSISTANCE REQUESTED / OFF SCENE."  (This approach is -similar-
to what
> Bob/CRN has already proposed.)  Flashing back to NYC after
collapse of
> TWC, can you imagine what it would be like to have hundreds of
people
> blind calling, "Have you heard or seen <whomever>?"

A secondary emergency channel in the standard would be prudent. We
just need to be careful not to make things too complicated for the
non-radio saavy participant.


>
> The FRS-GMRS relationship suggests the need to carefully specify
the
> frequencies of interest.  FRS could be the "close in" component,
and
> GMRS could be the "rear echelon" component.  Use the respective
> capabilities based on their strengths and weaknesses.
>

The issue with GMRS is that other than operation during an
emergency, you must be licensed. This would preclude someone from
operating during drills and practice nets.


Bob, CRN

On Tue, 30 Oct 2001 15:14:26 -0000 kb3fxi@... writes:

> Maybe someone could design a trifold flyer that could be
> printed up [...]

Yes.  (I don't have Adobe, though.)  Also wallet sized cards, maybe even
laminated.  You could allow a sponsor to put their advertising on one
side.  Look at all the American flag decals and bumperstickers that have
recently showed up at the checkouts of all kinds of stores.

Also, make the online version available in several different sizes and
formats.  For example, the "Viewable With Any Browser" campaign at URL
<http://www.anybrowser.org> has a huge collection of VWAB logos that can
be added to Web sites.  CRN could do something similar, except instead
of logos for Web sites you'd have the actual bandplan info suitable for
printout in several popular sizes.

> and distributed at [...]

Add to that: hospital reception areas, security agencies, trucking
terminals, community centers, government centers (e.g., ward or precinct
offices), business coaltions (especially if advertising is to be
permitted on the back side) and copy shops.

> The flyer could contain [...], and maybe a section where
> people could fill in the blanks for [...], the main AM and FM
> radio stations, [...]

EAS stations in particular.

During elevated threat situations, maybe volunteers or officials could
run a voice beacon to periodically advise listeners about the bandplan.

The above should be added to the Task List.  There =is= a Task List,
isn't there?

However, before we get ahead of ourselves, I suggest we give some more
thought to the proposed frequency assignments.  (I assume they are still
tentative.)

I have four main concerns.

First, a lot of FRS radios do not have PL capability.  This realization
questions the need to =require= it for emergency commo.  I can -maybe-
see requiring it for one of the admin channels, but usually emergency
commo is by nature "lowest common denominator."  This suggests no PL for
the "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up" channel.

Second, do GMRS radios have PL capability?  I seldom see them advertised
and haven't researched them, so offhand I don't know.  But since GMRS
and FRS share some of their frequencies, it would be prudent to ensure
that GMRS users are factored into the overall picture.

Third, some FRS radios handle only one to four frequencies.  It might be
worth discovering what this market share is before settling on frequency
assignments.

And fourth, a single emergency calling channel may be insufficient.  In
the event of a massive Tango incident, there would be not only the
immobilized victims on scene calling for help, but also the ambulatory
victims being shuffled off to triage centers, shelters or "nose count"
stations - not to mention worried family members seeking link-up.  Given
the current threat scenario, it might be desirable to designate one
frequency for "VICTIM CALLING / ON SCENE," and a second one for
"ASSISTANCE REQUESTED / OFF SCENE."  (This approach is -similar- to what
Bob/CRN has already proposed.)  Flashing back to NYC after collapse of
TWC, can you imagine what it would be like to have hundreds of people
blind calling, "Have you heard or seen <whomever>?"

The FRS-GMRS relationship suggests the need to carefully specify the
frequencies of interest.  FRS could be the "close in" component, and
GMRS could be the "rear echelon" component.  Use the respective
capabilities based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Just my 2.0E-02 BogoBux' worth.  The usual disclaimers apply.

Lee_K


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Maybe someone could design a trifold flyer on Adobe that could be
printed up and distributed at hamfests, gun shows, American Legions,
Fire Departments, Libraries, Police Departments etc.

The flyer could contain the statement of purpose, basic
communications guidelines for FRS, CB and GRMS, and maybe a section
where people could fill in the blanks for their local and regional
emergency phone numbers and monitoring frequencies such as their
local Amateur Radio 2 meter repeater that might be used for emergency
comm, the main AM and FM radio stations, local police and fire phone
numbers, etc.

We could make the copywrited flyer available online and encourage
anyone who wishes to do so to print and distribute it.

-Dave
KB3FXI

> We also need to spread the word about this list as well. The
> more input the better.

Perhaps an ANNOUNCE post to one or more of the following newsgroups
would help accomplish that:

rec.radio
rec.radio.amateur
rec.radio.amateur.misc
rec.radio.info
rec.radio.scanner

alt.radio
alt.radio.free
alt.radio.networks

(Looking at what just one ISP carries, and assuming the post would
be topical in each NG.)

Lee_K

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Yes, its easy to say "this is a standard, use it". But I feel that
by having a standard of some sort in place and publicizing it, it
just may be something that would get people interested when and if a
*situation* arises.

One thing I am experimenting with is getting a group of operators on
a channel interested in the cause and introducing them to the
practice of being available for an emergency. So far it seems to be
generating a lot of positive talk on the channel. Next step is
getting them to drill on a regular basis. All I really did was
mention the URL on the channel and got the ball rolling. I also said
"Hey you guys ought to start one of these CRN things in your town".
It worked rather well.

One thought is in order to publicize CRN, we ought to get some radio
dealers on board. It may even help them to sell a couple more radios
as a result. Once we get this ironed out some more, a volunteer
would be welcomed to ask the dealers if they'd like to help.

As for a mission statement, I'd like to see a simple understandable
statement. I've seen too many corporate mission statements and don't
want to see that! <grin> I'd also like it to be flexible enough to
allow for local customization, since CRN really benefits those on
that level. Having some standard structure that could be counted on
during an emergency is very much preferred.

We also need to spread the word about this list as well. The more
input the better. Again, dealers would be welcomed as well as
individuals who are interested.

One more point while I have the floor... My vision of CRN is a group
of local operators offering their communications services to the
community. Whether the operator is really a radio nut or not doesn't
matter. In fact, my hope is that many non-radio types would find
that participating in CRN would be exciting and fun. With literally
millions of CB and FRS radios in this country, it gives us a large
audience to bring on board.


- Bob, CRN



--- In citizenradionetwork@y..., kb3fxi@y... wrote:
> The subject of setting standards for emergency communications on
FRS
> and CB has been something I've been very interested in for a long
> time.
>
> Here's what I see as the two most obvious challenges to reaching
the
> goal of having accepted standards:
>
> 1) Getting a sufficient number of people involved and then coming
to
> a general concensus on the standards and protocols.
>
> 2) Getting the information communicated to enough people for the
> standards and protocols to be considered as the standards.
>
> So, where do we go from here?
>
> -Dave
> KB3FXI
> http://www.PA-SitRep.com

Yes, its easy to say "this is a standard, use it". But I feel that
by having a standard of some sort in place and publicizing it, it
just may be something that would get people interested when and if a
*situation* arises.

One thing I am experimenting with is getting a group of operators on
a channel interested in the cause and introducing them to the
practice of being available for an emergency. So far it seems to be
generating a lot of positive talk on the channel. Next step is
getting them to drill on a regular basis. All I really did was
mention the URL on the channel and got the ball rolling. I also said
"Hey you guys ought to start one of these CRN things in your town".
It worked rather well.

One thought is in order to publicize CRN, we ought to get some radio
dealers on board. It may even help them to sell a couple more radios
as a result. Once we get this ironed out some more, a volunteer
would be welcomed to ask the dealers if they'd like to help.

As for a mission statement, I'd like to see a simple understandable
statement. I've seen too many corporate mission statements and don't
want to see that! <grin> I'd also like it to be flexible enough to
allow for local customization, since CRN really benefits those on
that level. Having some standard structure that could be counted on
during an emergency is very much preferred.

We also need to spread the word about this list as well. The more
input the better. Again, dealers would be welcomed as well as
individuals who are interested.

One more point while I have the floor... My vision of CRN is a group
of local operators offering their communications services to the
community. Whether the operator is really a radio nut or not doesn't
matter. In fact, my hope is that many non-radio types would find
that participating in CRN would be exciting and fun. With literally
millions of CB and FRS radios in this country, it gives us a large
audience to bring on board.


- Bob, CRN



--- In citizenradionetwork@y..., kb3fxi@y... wrote:
> The subject of setting standards for emergency communications on
FRS
> and CB has been something I've been very interested in for a long
> time.
>
> Here's what I see as the two most obvious challenges to reaching
the
> goal of having accepted standards:
>
> 1) Getting a sufficient number of people involved and then coming
to
> a general concensus on the standards and protocols.
>
> 2) Getting the information communicated to enough people for the
> standards and protocols to be considered as the standards.
>
> So, where do we go from here?
>
> -Dave
> KB3FXI
> http://www.PA-SitRep.com

Moments ago I [twice] wrote:

> [...] to integrate commonly available, license free
> communication equipment (for example, CB, GMRS and FRS) [...]

Erratum: GMRS is not license free.  I must have run out of lucid moments
again.

Nutz.  I whiffed my first post to this forum.  I hate it when that
happens!

Lee_K


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On Fri, 26 Oct 2001 03:46:54 -0000 Dave Kleber <kb3fxi@...>, with
synapses crackling, wrote:

> So, where do we go from here?

Over the years I've been involved in a number of "online civic action
projects" (for lack of a better description).  A few of those have been
successful; unfortunately, most have fallen short of collective
expectations.  The successful projects were characterized by:

1) Meeting a perceived need or, alternatively, selling an idea.

2) Having an unambiguous statement of purpose.

3) Having an attainable goal and working consistently to achieve it.

4) Having a way to gauge accomplishment.

5) Accomplishing the main objective and gracefully effecting closure.

Item 1 arguably has been satisfied.  The events of 11 Sep and subsequent
reaction of public officials have unquestionably gotten the attention of
the general public.  Responsive risk management officials have already
initiated new threat and vulnerability assessments.  The CRN proposal
both sells an idea and meets a perceived need.  The timing is also very
good, because receptivity to new ideas is currently elevated.

Assume the above characterizations find collective approval in this
forum.  If so, then I wonder if we could generate a concise Mission
Statement.  For example:

"The purpose of the Citizen Radio Network (CRN) Project is to develop a
voluntary bandplan to integrate commonly available, license free
communication equipment (for example, CB, GMRS and FRS) into existing
hierarchical disaster response communication networks."

Or:

"The purpose of the Citizen Radio Network (CRN) Project is to develop a
voluntary bandplan for commonly available, license free communication
equipment (for example, CB, GMRS and FRS) to accomodate disaster
response communication by members of the general public."

Understandably, the above statements could be critiqued several ways
(e.g., too long, too segmented, etc.).  However, they are just trial
balloons.  (U-NII devices could be added to the above parenthetical list
when they finally appear on the market.)

I apologize in advance if the above approach is too structured for this
ad hoc conference.  One of my erstwhile occupations is technical writer.
Military and ANSI-like publications usually have a format that includes
elements near the beginning such as Objective, Scope, and Magnitude.
This approach tends to get attention in both the public and private
sectors.  Adopting this structure operationally is equally effective.

Deferring to the Founder/Moderator and collective wisdom, of course....

Lee_K


________________________________________________________________
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Join Juno today!  For your FREE software, visit:
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The subject of setting standards for emergency communications on FRS
and CB has been something I've been very interested in for a long
time.

Here's what I see as the two most obvious challenges to reaching the
goal of having accepted standards:

1) Getting a sufficient number of people involved and then coming to
a general concensus on the standards and protocols.

2) Getting the information communicated to enough people for the
standards and protocols to be considered as the standards.

So, where do we go from here?

-Dave
KB3FXI
http://www.PA-SitRep.com