[MRIC] Recommended RACES Capabilities and Equipment document
brettham at aol.com
brettham at aol.com
Mon Apr 21 18:21:59 EDT 2008
All Maryland RACES Officers,
I took the information that the MRIC Winlink Technical Committee
compiled regarding recommended equipment, and put it into a document
that covers all recommended equipment and procedures required for
Maryland RACES Interoperable communications (VHF, HF voice, data).
Please review it sometime in the next few days. If you think we should
recommend a different piece of equipment than is in the document,
please provide manufacturer name, model, price and rational and I will
incorporate it into the document for discussion. Please save any minor
corrections, rewording or typos for the meeting, and I will be happy to
correct them then. All expert advise is much appreciated, so feel free
to start technical discussions via email.
If you take issue with a major premise, or section, please say so now
so we can resolve it before the MRIC meeting Saturday. I would like to
approve this document, or modification thereof, on Saturday. I think
this is pretty much in line with what we have been discussing, and
don't think any of this should come as a suprise to anyone (I just put
it all in one document), so I'm hoping it goes smoothly.
I did not incorporate a section on what equipment already exists,
because I did not receive any feedback, save one or two.
Please remember to bring with you to the meeting a plan on how you will
be expanding the winlink network in your jurisdiction, if you plan to
set up more than just the EOC station at this time.
Thank you for your diligent review of the document below.
Brett Hammond
Chairman, MRIC
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D R A F T
Recommended Amateur Radio Capabilities for Maryland Jurisdictions
by the
Maryland RACES Interoperability Committee (MRIC)
of the Maryland Emergency Management Association
on
April 26, 2008
Table of Contents
Purpose 1
Overview 1
Maryland RACES VHF Voice Nets 2
Maryland RACES HF Voice Net 2
Maryland RACES Data Network (Winlink2000 Email) 3
Appendix A – Equipment Recommended for EOC RACES Operations 4
Equipment for Local VHF Voice Net 4
Equipment for MEMA VHF Voice Net 5
Equipment for Maryland RACES HF Voice Net 5
Equipment for Maryland RACES Data Net (Winlink2000 email) 6
Appendix B – Maryland RACES Winlink2000 Tactical Email Addresses 9
Purpose
In an effort to resolve interoperability issues between Maryland
jurisdictions, the Maryland Emergency Management Association (i.e. the
Association) created the Maryland RACES Interoperability Committee
(MRIC). MRIC consists of the Maryland RACES Officers and meets several
times per year, one vote per jurisdiction, to make interoperability
recommendations subject to approval of the Association. The purpose of
this document is to compile those recommendations and to advise what
equipment is necessary to implement those recommendations.
Overview
To date, MRIC has made recommendations regarding three modes of
inter-jurisdictional communications: VHF Voice; HF Voice; and Data
communications. To resolve interoperability issues regarding these
three modes of communications, MRIC has coordinated VHF frequencies and
Maryland RACES nets; created a Maryland RACES HF Voice Net and
operational procedures; and created the Maryland RACES Data Network
(MRDN) standardizing on Winlink2000 Email for data communications
statewide.
Maryland RACES VHF Voice Nets
To facilitate inter-jurisdictional voice communications, the Maryland
Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) RACES operates three statewide VHF
FM Voice Nets:
1. Maryland RACES Western Region Net (WRN)
2. Maryland RACES Central Region Net (CRN)
3. Maryland RACES Eastern Region Net (ERN)
The frequencies and CTCSS (PL/CG) are specified in the Maryland RACES
Interoperability Frequency List created and maintained by MRIC.
Every EOC should have the capability to participate in one of the MEMA
nets using the MRIC approved ICS-213 form for passing traffic between
jurisdictions.
Additionally, most jurisdictions operate their own local
(intra-jurisdictional) voice network on either VHF or UHF FM.
Therefore, an EOC should have a second radio for operating on their
local net for local operations.
Maryland RACES HF Voice Net
MRIC has established the Maryland RACES HF Voice Net for communications
between jurisdictions when the Maryland RACES VHF Voice Nets are not
operational, due to tower outage or VHF repeater malfunctions.
The net may operate on the following frequencies:
80 meters 3.950 MHz LSB (tune 3.9515)
40 meters 7.250 MHz LSB (tune 7.2515)
If there is conflict on the MRIC HF frequencies, net control will
attempt to find an available frequency by going up 3 KHz, if still not
available then down 3 KHz, if not available then down 6 KHz, if not
available then up 6 KHz from the original frequency. If none are
available, Net control will find an available frequency. Net control
will move the net to the available frequency. Also, MRIC members should
report any nets found on the MRIC frequencies and the day-of-the-week,
time, and frequency, be compiled by MRIC and posted on the web site for
future reference.
Also, MRIC agreed to use channel 1 on the 60-meter band for Maryland
RACES HF communications, in addition to the 40 and 80 meter MRIC
frequencies. If channel 1 is busy, net control will move to successive
channels on 60-meters in ascending order until an available frequency
is found.
Maryland RACES Data Network (Winlink2000 Email)
MRIC standardized on using Winlink2000 Email for data communications.
Winlink2000 Email provides the following advantages over other digital
modes:
1. Ease of operation – Once configured, everyone knows how to use email.
2. Automatically locally saves of copy of every message sent and
received.
3. Automatically saves time and date message sent and recieved.
4. Can use spell checkers and other tools with email.
5. Provides ability to attach documents of any type (pictures,
drawings, etc.).
6. Messages can be received and stored without an operator present.
7. Can be used over UHF, VHF or HF.
8. Utilizes a format (SMTP) that can be used to communicate directly
with anyone around the world with email access.
9. Ability to send a single message to multiple (or all) Maryland
jurisdictions.
MRIC recommends that every Maryland EOC be equipped with, as a minimum,
an HF Winlink2000 email client station. Jurisdictions may additionally
utilize UHF or VHF for local Winlink2000 email communications, or
establish a local email server (RMS) at their discretion. Each
jurisdiction has tremendous flexibility in how simple or complex they
build-out their network.
Some advantages of having each EOC establish their own HF link via
Winlink using Airmail software:
1. If one site goes down, it has no affect on the operation of any
other site.
2. Airmail software is simpler and more user friendly than PacLink when
using HF (all available PMBOs/RMSs are listed in Airmail).
3. A single link (HF) is simpler to manage and maintain than an HF and
VHF link to a site.
4. If each site connects to a different PMBO or TelPac station outside
the affected area, the effective bandwidth into the emergency area is
maximized (i.e. there are no bottlenecks).
5. Pactor III modems (TNCs) operate at 3600 baud (5000 baud max with
compression) and are comparable to VHF speeds.
6. Each jurisdiction is free to expand and customize their Winlink
network in the future.
7. Tech support is simple since we are only dealing with a single HF
link per site.
8. Training, configuration, and equipment purchases are kept simple
since each site is just a computer, printer, HF rig, modem and antenna
system.
9. All sites can be configured identically, except for tactical email
address.
Once EOCs are equipped with HF Airmail station as a first phase, the
MRDN can be expanded as resources become available and expertise is
gained.
MRIC agreed to create the MRIC Winlink Tech Support group to assist
jurisdictions that have no Winlink experience, with their technical
Winlink problems. The tech support group only commits to support those
jurisdictions that purchased the recommended equipment and are using it
in the recommended configurations. MRIC will also assist by providing
common configuration files, training videos and recommended settings.
The tactical names for Maryland RACES Winlink2000 stations will be of
the form: MDjjjxxx at winlink.org where jjj is the jurisdiction, and xxx
is a specific site. For example, the Talbot County EOC is
MDTALEOC at winlink.org. See Appendix B for a list of all Maryland RACES
stations.
Appendix A – Equipment Recommended for EOC RACES Operations
The following is guidance material for equipping an EOC in order to
provide the RACES capabilities mentioned above. Note that many
jurisdictions find it convenient to use a single model of VHF/UHF radio
for all applications (UHF, VHF, voice, data, APRS, packet, etc.) to
ease radio programming, and training of operators.
Total Estimated Cost to equip an EOC for Maryland RACES operation is
approximately $10,000, but will vary from site to site depending on
installation costs.
Equipment for Local VHF Voice Net
Total Estimated Cost for a UHF/VHF Voice station: $1000 excluding
feedline and installation.
1. Kenwood TM-D710A – Dual band (UHF/VHF) and two channel mobile radio.
If you want to standardize all operations on a single rig, this is a
good choice as it also provides built-in TNC, APRS, digi-peater, packet
and Winlink2000 capable without requiring an external TNC. Also
provides capability to listen to two different frequencies
simultaneously.
Approximate price: $600
or
???? (please make other recommendations)
2. Alinco DM-330MVT Switching Power Supply – Provides 30 amps
continuous 12VDC from 115VAC. Output adjustable from 5 to 15 VDC;
Volt/Amp meter.
Approximate price: $150
3. Comet GP-3 UHF/VHF 6-foot Antenna
Approximate price: $100
or
Diamond X-50A UHF/VHF 6-foot Antenna
Approximate price: $110
4. PolyPhaser IS-B50 LN-C2 Bulkhead Mount Lightening Suppressor w/
N-connectors for 125 to 1000 MHz operation.
Approximate price: $65
5. Feedline and connectors as required.
Equipment for MEMA VHF Voice Net
MRIC recommends the same equipment purchased for local VHF Voice
communications, also be purchased to support MEMA VHF Voice Net
operations for a second operator station.
Equipment for Maryland RACES HF Voice Net
Since the Maryland HF Voice Net operates best using a Near-Vertical
Incidence Skywave antenna, the antenna recommended for this application
are horizontal wires (dipole and folded dipoles) capable of operating
on 40 and 80 meters.
Total Estimated Cost for a HF Voice station: $1500 excluding feedline
and installation.
1. ICOM IC-718 All-band HF Transceiver – This is a low cost, very
reliable, simple to
use transceiver with limited feature set. Recommend you also purchase
the optional high precision oscillator option.
Approximate price: $700
2. Samlex America SEC1235M, 30 Amp (continuous) switching DC power
supply (115VAC to 12VDC). Includes both Volt and Amp meters built-in.
Approximate price: $140
or
ICOM PS-125, 25 Amp (continuous) DC switching power supply (115VAC to
12VDC). No meters or controls.
Approximate price: $300
3. Alpha Delta DX-CC Single Wire Dipole Antenna for 80, 40, 20, 15, 10
meters – Center fed 82-foot wire.
Approximate price: $160
or
Alpha Delta DX-B Single Wire Dipole Antenna for 160, 80, 40, 30 meters
– Center fed 60-foot wire with RF choke coils.
Approximate price: $110
or
B&W BWD-90 Folded Dipole Antenna – Center fed 90-foot long.
Approximate price: $300
4. PolyPhaser IS-B50 LU-CO Bulkhead Mount Lightening Suppressor for 1.5
to 400 MHz operation.
Approximate price: $65
5. Feedline and connectors as required.
6. LDG AT-7000 Tuner – Supports 100 Watts on all bands. Remote control
and DC power from ICOM rigs.
Approximate price: $170
or
LDG Z-100 Tuner – Supports 100 Watts on all bands except 6-meter (50
Watts). Requires no power once tuned. Remote control and DC power from
ICOM rigs.
Approximate price: $150
Equipment for Maryland RACES Data Net (Winlink2000 email)
Unlike the Maryland RACES HF Voice Net, the HF station for Winlink
should be equipped with an antenna for distant (not-NVIS) operations in
order to be able to connect to a distant RMS with Internet connectivity
outside the affected area in the event of catastrophic emergencies.
Winlink2000 RMSs operate on 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15 and a very few on 12
and 10 meters. You can successfully operate a HF Winlink client on just
80, 40 and 20 meters if necessary.
Total Estimated cost for an HF Winlink station: $4000 excluding
feedline and installation.
1. ICOM IC-718 All-band HF Transceiver – This is a low cost, very
reliable, simple to use transceiver with limited feature set. Recommend
you also purchase the optional high precision oscillator option,
especially for Pactor-III operations. This rig is commonly used by
Winlink2000 RMS for 24x7 continuous operation.
Approximate price: $650
2. Samlex America SEC1235M, 30 Amp (continuous) switching DC power
supply (115VAC to 12VDC). Includes both Volt and Amp meters built-in.
Approximate price: $140
or
ICOM PS-125, 25 Amp (continuous) DC switching power supply (115VAC to
12VDC). No meters or controls.
Approximate price: $300
3. BWD-90 - 90-foot center fed (coax) folded dipole for 1.8 to 30 MHz.
Mount 30 to 40 feet above ground ($280)
or
BWD-65 - 65-foot center fed (coax) folded dipole for 4 to 30 MHz. Mount
30 to 40 feet above ground. Requires antenna tuner ($280)
or
6-BTV - Hustler 24-foot vertical. Requires very good ground (radials).
10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 75/80 meters. ($220)
or
HF6V - Butternut 26-foot vertical, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 80 meters.
Requires good ground plane. ($350), Also requires STR-II resonant
radial kit for above ground mounting ($130).
or
Outbacker or Perth Plus??? - Outback 6 or 7-foot vertical for fixed,
mobile or portable installations. Covers 10-80 meters plus 2 and 6
meters. Requires good ground plane. ($330)
or
9140 - Ham Stick, 7-foot long, 40 meter ($27)
or
9175 - Ham Stick, 7-foot long, 75 meter ($30)
or
HS-1800pro - High Sierra, 9-foot verticle, 3.5 to 30 MHz, includes
20-feet of motor wires, ($546)
or
Sidekick - High Sierra, 4-foot, 3.7 to 60 MHz, vertical for fixed,
mobile or portable. ($396)
or
Challenger - GAP 32-foot verticle, 2, 6,10, 12, 15, 20, 40, 80 meters.
Ground or elevated mount (requires 3 25-foot insulated radial wires).
($300)
4. PolyPhaser IS-B50 LU-CO Bulkhead Mount Lightening Suppressor for 1.5
to 400 MHz operation.
Approximate price: $65
5. Feedline and connectors as required.
6. LDG AT-7000 Tuner – Supports 100 Watts on all bands. Remote control
and DC power from ICOM rigs.
Approximate price: $170
or
LDG Z-100 Tuner – Supports 100 Watts on all bands except 6-meter (50
Watts). Requires no power once tuned. Remote control and DC power from
ICOM rigs.
Approximate price: $150
7. SCS PTC-IIex Pactor III modem with USB interface. Be sure to specify
you want the Pactor III option. The USB (as opposed to the serial
version) allows you to remotely control the tuner and transceiver
frequency via the single USB computer connection.
Approximate price: $1000
8. Dell latitude laptop - 2 GB memory, XP pro, 60 GB HD
Approximate price: $1000
9. Any 3-in-1 HP or Brother printer/copier/fax, possibly HL2070N
brother laser or brother 2040 color fax/printer/copier.
Approximate price: $100
Appendix B – Maryland RACES Winlink2000 Tactical Email Addresses
MDALEEOC at winlink.org = Allegany EOC
MDAACEOC at winlink.org = Anne Arundel EOC
MDBCOEOC at winlink.org = Baltimore County EOC
MDBCIEOC at winlink.org = Baltimore City EOC
MDCAREOC at winlink.org = Caroline EOC
MDCRLEOC at winlink.org = Carroll EOC
MDCALEOC at winlink.org = Calvert EOC
MDCECEOC at winlink.org = Cecil EOC
MDCHAEOC at winlink.org = Charles EOC
MDDOREOC at winlink.org = Dorchester EOC
MDFREEOC at winlink.org = Fredrick EOC
MDGAREOC at winlink.org = Garrett EOC
MDHAREOC at winlink.org = Harford EOC
MDHOWEOC at winlink.org = Howard EOC
MDKENEOC at winlink.org = Kent EOC
MDMEMEOC at winlink.org = MEMA EOC
MDMONEOC at winlink.org = Montgomery EOC
MDOCCEOC at winlink.org = Ocean City EOC
MDPRGEOC at winlink.org = Prince George’s EOC
MDQANEOC at winlink.org = Queen Anne’s EOC
MDSOMEOC at winlink.org = Somerset EOC
MDSTMEOC at winlink.org = St. Mary’s EOC
MDTALEOC at winlink.org = Talbot EOC
MDWASEOC at winlink.org = Washington EOC
MDWICEOC at winlink.org = Wicomico EOC
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