Bay County ARES
Pass-On / Information Blog
August 15th, 2024, meeting topics;
ARRL has created a new task book for ARES members.
ARES members now need to transfer their training information to the newest ARRL/ARES Task Performance PDF. It was suggested that members print out the new Task Book packet (approx 19 pages) and bring it (and your previous editions) to the next in-person meeting [September 19th at the Main BayCo EOC] so that we can get everyone close to being on the same page, and get any "open" items signed off on.
https://www.arrl.org/files/file/ARES%20Taskbook%20July%202024.pdf
It was noted that the previous ARRL "Intro to EmComm" (001)
course is no longer being offered. EmComm-001 has apparently been replaced by the ARRL/ARES BASIC EmComm online course.
The following link should take you to the overview, but you may have to use your ARRL login in order to register and complete the course. It is requested that BayCo ARES Team members complete the new BASIC EmComm course by the end of this year (2024).
https://learn.arrl.org/courses?pathPage=%2Farrl%2Fcourses%2F67044
A renewed interest was presented for the CISA/SHARES HF Network. Licensing coordination is being explored now that Bay County has a dedicated HF radio with which to participate.
ShAred RESources (SHARES) High Frequency (HF) Radio Program | CISA
July 29th, 2024, pass-on;
Bay County ARES In-person meeting location has been resumed to be at the primary Bay County Emer. Ops. Center;
Room #102 at the GCSC North Bay Campus.
The next In-person meeting is 7pm, Thursday, August 15th, 2024
July 18th, 2024, meeting topics;
Annual CJIS expiration reminders are presently being emailed out to various Team Members. This is in reference to the 2024 expiration of the CJIS Security Awareness and compliance training, required by the Bay Co. Sheriff's Office. Members are reminded that, although it's important to NOT let your certification expire, it is ALSO important NOT to renew too far in advance of the present expiration date. (Your certification resets to the latest date of qualification, so if you renew your certification too far in advance, your expiration date will change to reflect the new schedule.)
Winlink Net Monthly Participation was highlighted. Gary/AJ4KY is currently the top participant.
ARRL and LOTW appear to be restored to functionality.
Members were reminded that the ARRL catalog of ARES training courses cover many useful subjects. Members were encouraged to take additional courses that they might find beneficial. (No known changes have been made to the list of basic course items.)
(Members were urged to inventory and update their ARES/NFL Task Books for potential sign-off for qualifying tasks.)
Per David/KM4HOL;
A dedicated laptop is in the process of being procured for potential ARES/EmComm Winlink use.
June 26th, 2024, pass-on;
Per David/KM4HOL;
The .880 dual purpose repeater has been reinstalled with it's own power supply and has been tested and determined to be functional.
Settings remain at -0.6 offset & PL/CTCSS Tone 100 (for Analog FM).
D*Star .880 (DV) requires Offset Only (No Tone).
June 20th, 2024, meeting topics;
The Net Control Roster form has been revised to provide a "Reference Page". The Reference Page is not meant to be part of the Roster Roll Call, but merely to provide Call Sign assistance for Controllers to look to, for clarification on the Call Signs for stations that have recently been checking in.
The bottom of the actual Roster Page now provides for Non-ARES stations to be recorded, and blanks have been created with which to log their station location, as well.
FIELD DAY coordination was also conducted.
Three HF and One UHF/VHF station were ultimately plotted for Digital FT4, FT8 and Phone modes. The .210 Repeater and TAC 3 frequencies were selected for Talk-In and local coordination.
As of April 18th, 2024;
A.R.E.S. analog/FM Radio Nets are now being conducted on the W4RYZ repeater:
fx: 145.210 -0.6 Offset PL/CTCSS Tone: 100