[KYHAM] KEN Training for Dec. 2005: What's in YOUR "Go-Kit"?

[Ron Dodson]

What’s in YOUR “Go-Kit”?
By KA4MAP

The hurricanes of 2005 caused many amateurs to take to the roads and skies going great distances to offer their time, equipment and skills to provide communications in affected areas. Closer to home, many amateurs have been kept busy enough working severe weather events such as the major outbreak in mid November. Little can be accomplished if you are caught unawares, struggling to get your family some food, water and other necessities together while also trying to gather up amateur radio gear and accessories for a deployment. A faster response and a more prepared responder can result if time is taken before hand in some pre-planning and creation of a “Go-Kit” well before the next disaster. 

I have already made you aware several times this year of the things you can do to make sure that the family is ready to stand on their own in a major event so that you can devote your concentration on the disaster and emergency communications efforts.  This month, we will look at some issues to help you build a packaged arrangement for almost a “grab and go” ease in deployment. 

No, one does not have to spend a fortune, nor cause a major hardship to have a “Go-Kit”. If you can afford to go whole hog right off, fine.  Many amateurs (and their families) will be better served to take the building block approach that I am about to show you. 

First, examine your needs and available supplies and equipment you would be able to use in a deployment.  Are they “committed” or better to say, easily relocatable? I always loved the look of those beautiful, home stations in those slant faced consoles with all of the gear inlaid and skillfully mounted in a flair that would shame NASA.  Gear placed in such an arrangement, while a real breath taker, is not practical for quick removal for use at City Hall or in a van or tent. If you have a limited amount of gear, use of quick connections like Power Poles can make it a snap to disconnect and slide into prepared carry cases for a fast move. 

For those with several sets of HF, VHF and UHF gear, assembling a pre-packaged arrangement will be a timelier means of deploying it quickly. 

Start with a 12 hour kit and then work your way into longer periods of readiness. Many public service events and even severe weather operations etc. can last for short periods and a 12 hour pack makes good sense. Once you are ready to step up to a bigger kit, create a 24/36 hour kit that can be used along with the 12 hour pack to extend your operations and personal self sufficiency. Later, you can assemble an even longer period pack if you see the need. By using the building block method, you can tailor your supplies to fit the needs of yourself or as a part of a team response while managing costs.

Let’s look at some personal items that you will need. 

	Hat or Helmet, Gloves, Ear, and Eye Protection, Medications, Spare clothing, Money etc.

	Non-perishable, high energy foods and water

	Other clothing items such as rain gear or winter needs

	Pencils, pens, paper, log, reference materials like frequency lists and emergency plans

	A means to monitor broadcast media, (radio or mini TV). This fills a recreational need as well as a possible need to hear media information or wrong information being put out.


Power!

Never assume that commercial power will be there for you.  Likewise, never rely on others to supply you with generators, fuel or other means for powering equipment. Consider having gel cells or sealed lead acid batteries to support your needs and never depend on using your auto battery as you may not be in or near the vehicle or you may need the auto for a quick escape or move.  Have a means to recharge batteries and the ability to make use of any AC power that becomes available to you.


Gear

	Never depend solely on an HT! While they are convenient, if repeaters are down or you are in a bad area, simplex op’s will likely need more output.

	A 50 watt (or a minimum 25 watt radio) is essential for reliable operation under emergency conditions

	FM mode 2 meters is the proven lowest common denominator for operations in any response. Other bands and modes can be useful and even beneficial, but 2 meter FM is available to nearly all amateur radio license classes.

	Have some type of gain antennas, even for HT’s, that factory duck is good only for real close in communications. Super ducks, telescopics, J-Poles etc. can make an HT much more reliable and useful.

	Adding a pair of those inexpensive FRS radios can be helpful to allow you to not only interface with others using them, but can also allow you to have a means to contact any non-hams you may need a fast means to communicate with. Some of those as cheap as under $20 a pair can have ranges up to nearly 2 miles

	Have plenty of coax and patch cords, adaptors etc, for your gear. You never know what may become the difference between operating and not! Also, remember your RF Safety when placing antennas to protect anyone who may come in range of them.


A general checklist for any kit might include: 

	Amateur Radio License, ID credentials, hat or helmet, safety vest
	extension cord(s)
	headphones
	paper, pencils, log sheets or notebook, message forms
	flashlight w/extra batteries
	sunscreen
	folding chair
	Extra Clothing, Sanitation supplies
	Food, water and utensils, can opener, etc.
	Storm suit

For longer term deployments of 24 hours or more:

	Sleeping Bag,, Tent and related items
	Relaxation items: books, music, portable broadcast receiver


What do I carry it in???

Kits can be created using any container that will hold and protect the items within.  Many, including myself have used those nifty aluminum briefcases with padded interiors to hold HF and VHF/UHF gear for transport but, really anything configured properly can work.


	Backpacks
	Duffle bags
	Rubbermaid Containers
	Transportable roll along tool carts
	Tool Boxes (Metal and Plastic)
	Aluminum briefcases
	Military Storage Cans (Wood boxes and ammo cans)
	Five gallon buckets cam even be used for some items

Whatever you do, keep an inventory list and rotate out any items nearing expiration such as food and water. Periodically test all equipment and make sure to use batteries and recharge them in accordance with their recommended maintenance instructions.