Subtitle: More Weaknesses
A common problem that both conventional and trunking radios have is the programming software. Almost all radio models, even those made by the same manufacturer, require individual programming software. Few agencies own or have all the needed software access readily available.
A common problem that both conventional and trunking radios have is the programming software. Almost all radio models, even those made by the same manufacturer, require individual programming software. Few agencies own or have all the needed software access readily available.
I have experienced or know of jurisdictions that have had at least one of the "weaknesses" mentioned above. Amateur Radio can strengthen a jurisdiction's or agency's communications systems. Unit leadership must seek out these weaknesses by talking to the communications agency or point of contact (not a commercial contractor whose livelihood depends, at least in part, on that jurisdiction or agency). The law and fire dispatch centers are a great place to find the weak spots. Bring radio communications experts from your organization and meet with the jurisdiction or agency and formulate a plan. You may have to demonstrate their own weaknesses as they may not have ever experienced any problems or even had a large scale incident or emergency. ("Remember folks, if the phones fail there are always the faxes." Extreme but true example.)
Also, there is a report made on each incident or emergency and it will probably contain a critique. Usually communications problems are mentioned. Obtain these reports, they are public property, and use them in your presentation. Possibly a demonstration on how your repeaters or a well placed crossband mobile set up as a repeater can be used to enhance any response that they may have to make.
The most important thing for unit leadership to remember is the importance of being an active part of the government. You must become a part of the jurisdiction or agency that you wish to assist in time of emergency. The best way is through either the Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) or the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), both of which are an integral part of the government they support. It is the only way a volunteer organization can gain legitimacy. Train and exercise with them. The unit must be trained and in place when the agency's system fails. Showing up an hour later may be too late. Demonstrate how you can strengthen that communications weakness, even if it is preparing and installing a high gain, directional cell antenna on that ridge so that the cell phone will 'see' only one cell site for your public safety or public service agency. But, again, and even more important, be there during the quiet times for other things, administrative and otherwise as well. Or, you may be forgotten altogether.
It may be hard to some communications volunteers to accept the fact that if you are not called out several times every month (and who are?) you are going to be of little use to the majority of local governments today. Times have changed and we must change with them.
(series end)
Also, there is a report made on each incident or emergency and it will probably contain a critique. Usually communications problems are mentioned. Obtain these reports, they are public property, and use them in your presentation. Possibly a demonstration on how your repeaters or a well placed crossband mobile set up as a repeater can be used to enhance any response that they may have to make.
The most important thing for unit leadership to remember is the importance of being an active part of the government. You must become a part of the jurisdiction or agency that you wish to assist in time of emergency. The best way is through either the Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) or the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), both of which are an integral part of the government they support. It is the only way a volunteer organization can gain legitimacy. Train and exercise with them. The unit must be trained and in place when the agency's system fails. Showing up an hour later may be too late. Demonstrate how you can strengthen that communications weakness, even if it is preparing and installing a high gain, directional cell antenna on that ridge so that the cell phone will 'see' only one cell site for your public safety or public service agency. But, again, and even more important, be there during the quiet times for other things, administrative and otherwise as well. Or, you may be forgotten altogether.
It may be hard to some communications volunteers to accept the fact that if you are not called out several times every month (and who are?) you are going to be of little use to the majority of local governments today. Times have changed and we must change with them.
(series end)
RSS Feed
