[MRIC] Recommended RACES Capabilities and Equipment document
wb0egr
wb0egr at comcast.net
Fri Apr 25 20:53:13 EDT 2008
Brett,
Would you please refresh us before the meeting tomorrow as to who
comprises the MRIC Winlink Technical Committee?
73,
Pat Scolla, wb0egr
brettham at aol.com wrote:
> 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
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ---
>
> 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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> Managers. Only email related to the Maryland RACES Interoperability
> Committee (MRIC) of the Maryland Emergency Management Association
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