[W1SMH] FW: Ten Kilometers in Boston - the BAA runs again

[bruce alexander]

  _____  

From: Bob Salow [mailto:wa1ida73 at gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2012 2:34 PM
To: wa1ida at arrl.net
Subject: Ten Kilometers in Boston - the BAA runs again


It's only the second time for this BAA race and already it is an
international championship event.  

 

The Boston Athletic Association (BAA), as you must know, is the world leader
in producing road running events.  There has been no question that our ham
radio communication support has been an integral part, and you can
contribute.  The Boston Amateur Radio Club has been asked to coordinate hams
for the safety and management of this race as we have performed so
effectively for other BAA events.  

 

The race course is out and back primarily on Commonwealth Ave, from the
Public Garden to Babcock St at Boston University.  This 10K race will be
held on SUNDAY, 24 JUNE 2012, with the hams reporting at 0700.  Our duties
should be over by 0930.  

 

Wait a minute!  For those of you who just consulted your sundial or your
Mayan calendar, this is the second day of Field Day.  Yes.  Although
advised, the BAA could not get the City to allow any other day.  So we hams
are squeezed into a public service conflict.  If you are intent on Field
Day, so be it.  But there are hams who are available.  We need you to be one
of them.  

 

Our ham radio team (including you) has been tasked to support communications
for this event doing our usual medical, water and administrative tasks.  We
definitely need your help - and more hams.  Time is short.  

 

The early morning weather is likely to be mild so the 6.2-mile course should
not be a strain on the athletes.  Water and medical stations are spaced
appropriately.  We also have assignments at several confusing street
locations.  Our duties on the course will be to support these locations, but
we also serve as observers of the runners, spectators and local residents
(some of their streets are to be closed).  Most stations serve both outbound
and inbound runners.  

 

As the event date gets closer, you will be sent further details and your
assignment.  Because the entire course is compact, one or two repeaters will
be used.  Our present plan is to use both 2-meters and 70-cm, both bands
with CTCSS.  

 

WE NEED YOU TO VOLUNTEER.  As in the past, we are committed to reliable,
professional performance, and the requirements below lead to this goal.
Please note them and sign up quickly.  Our duties at this event are straight
forward and are also well suited for hams who have little experience at
public service.  Each ham must have his or her own radio and accessories -
no sharing of equipment can be permitted during the event.  Each ham must be
self sufficient for the entire period, as we cannot assure partnered
assignments.  

 

1.   For the duration of this event you are considered a member of the
Boston Amateur Radio Club (BARC) and a BAA volunteer.  BARC carries a
liability insurance policy.  

 

2.   To assist in identification and security, you must wear a badge with
your name and call sign.  Your volunteer credential will be issued at the
beginning of the day.  Your bright orange "Emergency Communications" cap
(available for $5.00 - let me know if you need one) is assurance that you
are to be noticed.  

 

3.   Our communications support is provided only by licensed Amateur Radio
operators, Technician class or above.  Be sure to have a good photocopy of
your valid FCC license with you.  

 

4.   Because of the noise potential and possible radio traffic congestion,
you should have a full size antenna (that is, better than a minimal "rubber
duck") and a battery supply sufficient to run at your maximum power if
necessary.  While you will mostly listen and rarely transmit, the best guide
is for 4 hours of battery capability.  The ambient noise level may be high,
so an inexpensive headset (not just an ear plug) is strongly recommended.
VOX is not permitted.  

 

5.   To present ourselves as professional and proficient, you must be neatly
dressed.  The bright orange "Emergency Communications" cap is essential for
identification.  Local residents and the media will be watching.  

 

6.   Expect the media.  If you are interviewed, state that you are a ham
radio operator, and give only a very brief statement about what your
assignment is.  Then refer the interviewer to our public relations staff
(call Net Control for direction).  Please do not offer prolonged
descriptions of the joys of ham radio.  

 

NOTE: 

SUNDAY, 24 JUNE is soon approaching.  More hams are needed - including those
new to public service events.  Please spread the word in your local club and
to your on-the-air friends!  Anyone interested should contact me directly
ASAP.  We also need you to understand that although we must call for more
hams now, final staffing needs may not match the number of ham volunteers.
Therefore, a very small possibility exists that we still may not be able to
give everyone an assignment.  

 

We also need to know if your radio has 2-meters with CTCSS and if you have
the 70-cm band.  If you have any questions about equipment or participation,
do not hesitate to contact me.  

 

When you reply, please include the following information: 

    Postal mailing address.  

    Phone number(s) - home and cell

    Your best email address for last minute information.  

    Can you open an MS Word email attachment?  

    Are you available to drive, and, if assigned on the course, would you
drive there directly?  

    Your shirt size.  

 

If you have already informed me that you are available, please reply to this
message anyway.  

 

73,  

Bob Salow, WA1IDA 

wa1ida at arrl.net 

508.650.9440  (H) 

617.650.0062  (Cell)