ARES Equipment

Mobile Command Vehicle

This is also known as a Mobile Command Post and abbreviated as MCV or MCP. It is a 17 foot single axle trailer which has been modified from a camping trailer to now include a main operating position in the rear, DC power and an antenna port is also available at the front table. It will also be equipped with certain ARES equipment. There shall be a list of such equipment posted in the MCP; to include such things as computer programs available in the MCP computer, and where to find instructions for various equipment and programs.

Guidelines for the use of the MCP

1 LNL ARES will always have priority for the use of the Mobile Command Vehicle in an Emergency or Public Service event.

2 Before the use of the Mobile Command Unit the users should have a working knowledge of the vehicle and equipment.

3 Circle checks should be performed before leaving the compound and again upon return. This will ensure all lights and equipment are working and there is no prior damage. The operator should know how to operate the propane and electrical systems.

4 The operator of the tow vehicle should have experience in hauling and backing up the unit to ensure the utmost in safety.

5 The operator of the tow vehicle should have a second person acting as a spotter when reversing the unit into the desired location. (Under normal circumstances).

6 The key for the unit must always be returned to its proper location.

7 There should be two sets of keys and the EC and the resident DEC shall always be aware of their location.

8 Users of the mobile command vehicle should know how to run a generator, install a ground rod and understand the basic AC and DC powering arrangements. MCP Power In an emergency the MCP can operate with DC only. The battery will power the 2 m. rig at 10 W for about 24 hours or it and one DC light for 10 hours or more. AC Power The Mobile Command Vehicle can be powered from commercial power but would normally be powered from a generator. It requires one 120 VAC circuit, as a minimum. Use the 75 ft extension cord stored in the vehicle. Plug in the yellow plug. This will provide power to the outlets in the trailer, including lights and the DC power system. The adapter with a black plug (not presently used) powers two circuits from 230 VAC allowing simultaneous use of coffee pot, heater etc. A manual for the ARES generator is stored in the MCP. DC Power 12 VDC is available from a battery which will float at 13.8 V when the power rectifier/charger is receiving AC power. DC is available at both front and rear operating positions. Further information is available in the rectifier/battery cabinet. Grounding A ground is needed as a safety feature for protection against lightning and AC faults. This is in addition to any benefit it may provide for an HF setup. The ground rod should be driven into at least a foot of soil near the back of the MCP and connected to the ground stud provided just inside the conduit entrance.

Antennas

VHF - a 2 metre, ¼ wave antenna is permanently mounted on the roof of the MCP. HF field day antenna works on 80/75m., 40m., 20m. and 15m. HF Hustler antenna used on the MCP. HF Vertical is available at the 'Hunt Camp' for 80/40/20/15/10 metres.

CB: there is also a CB antenna on the MCP.

Radio equipment

Hand-held Radios The Radio Shack HTX-202 handheld is a versatile and simple-to-use radio. The following instructions are designed to facilitate its use by those who are not already familiar with its operation. This will also apply for the HTX-404. The Radio Shack HTX-202 - Operation Turn on the radio by rotating the VOLUME/OFF knob. Set initially to about half level. This can be readjusted to a more appropriate setting once communication has been set up. Adjust the SQUELCH knob until a hissing sound is heard, then re-adjust the squelch knob until the sound just disappears. Under certain conditions it may be necessary to readjust the squelch setting to eliminate or reduce interference from other radio or electronic equipment. The HTX-202 has two transmit power settings, selected by the LOW POWER button on the top of the unit. Press the button down to select low power. Press again to raise the button to the high power setting. To reduce battery drain, the low power setting should be used whenever possible

the Operating Frequency The Control Station will assign the frequency(ies) to be used during an operation. Whenever possible, these will be from set channels in the memory banks of the radio. The HTX-202 radio has three memory banks that can be used to store frequencies that are commonly or frequently used. The memories of the HTX-202 units held by the LNL ARES Group have been pre-programmed with the following frequencies: Calling Channel (CA) 146.520 MHz. Priority Channel 1 (P1) 146.580 MHz. Priority Channel 2 (P2) 146.640 MHz. Priority Channel 3 (P3) 146.955 MHz. Priority Channel 4 (P4) 145.230 MHz. Memory channels: 1 146.58 2 146.64 3 146.625 4 146.82 5 146.865 6 146.94 7 147.06 8 147.21 9 147.255 10 147.27 11 12

PLEASE NOTE: Do not rely on channels to be programmed as above. Check before an event starts as they may not be present due to recent battery problems. To Select a Channel from a Memory Bank: To select the Calling Channel, press the keypad button marked 'A'. The display will show the letter 'C' and the frequency of the Calling Channel, 146.520. To cancel this selection, press the 'A' button again To select one of the Priority Channels, press the keypad button marked 'B'. The display will show the number of the Priority Channel selected, say P1, and its frequency, in this case 146.580. To select the required Priority Channel, rotate the TUNE/M-CH knob until the desired channel, P1, P2 or P3 is shown. To select one of the Miscellaneous Channels, press the keypad button marked 'C'. The display will show the number of the Miscellaneous Channel selected and its frequency. To select the required Miscellaneous Channel, rotate the TUNE/M-CH knob until the desired channel is shown. To Select an Un-programmed Operating Frequency On the advice of the Control Station, it may be necessary to operate on a frequency not programmed into any of the memory banks. In this case the operator must use the keypad to input the required frequency and other operating parameters to the radio, as follows: 1. Turn on the radio 2. Press the keypad button marked "D" 3. Use the keypad numerical buttons to enter the last four digits of the required frequency NOTE: If an error is made, press the keypad button marked "D" and repeat step 3. If communication is to be in the Duplex mode, it will now be necessary to set the appropriate transmit frequency offset. The Control Station will indicate this by using the term 'Negative' or 'Minus', or 'Positive' or 'Plus', after giving the frequency. To set the offset, press and hold the function button 'F' which is the top button on the left side of the transceiver case and at the same time, press the keypad numerical button '3' until the required symbol, in this case + or - is seen above the frequency display. If communication is to be in the Simplex mode, no transmit frequency offset is required. In this case, press and hold the 'F' button and press the keypad numerical button '3' until no symbol is seen above the frequency display. Locking the Frequency Setting The transceiver's keypad can be locked to prevent the accidental change of settings. To LOCK the keypad, press and hold button 'F' and at the same time, press button 'A' on the keypad. The word LOCK will appear in the top right corner of the frequency display. If it becomes necessary to change any of the transceivers settings, before any changes can be made the keypad must be unlocked. To UNLOCK the keypad, press and hold button 'F' and at the same time, press button 'A' on the keypad. The word LOCK will disappear from the top right corner of the frequency display. The Radio Shack HTX-404 (see HTX-202) Base Station Radios

The Yaesu FT-225RD (2m All Mode) The Yaesu FT-225RD is a 30 W, 2 meter base unit designed to operate from a 120 VAC or a suitable 12 VDC source. This is an older all-mode transceiver that requires knowledge to operate. Although it operates on FM, SSB and AM it is recommended that it be used on FM only. It is best suited for operation indoors like the 'Hunt Camp'. The digital readout requires 10-20 minutes to warm up but analogue dial is accurate on turn-on.

The Kenwood TS-930S (HF Transceiver) This is a 200W all solid state transceiver covering 160 through 10 meters. It has a built in power supply for operation on 120 VAC and an automatic antenna tuner. The operating manual should be present in the MCP.

Mobile Radios Kenwood - 231A The Kenwood - 231A is a 50W, 2 meter FM mobile unit designed to operate from a 12 V battery or a suitable 12 V (nominal 13.8 V) power supply. A full description is not available at this time but operation is very similar to the Radio Shack HTX-242 described below.

Radio Shack - HTX-242 The Radio Shack HTX-242 is a mobile or base-station FM transceiver with a transmit frequency range of 144 to 148 MHz and a receive frequency range of 136 to 174 MHz. The LNL ARES Group has two units of this radio in its equipment inventory. The HTX-242 is a versatile and simple-to-use radio. The following instructions are designed to facilitate its use by those who are not already familiar with its operation. Connecting to a Power Source The HTX-242 requires an external power source of 13.8 volts with a current rating of not less than 8 amps. This may be supplied by a 12 volt (nominal) automobile or deep-cycle battery or a suitable power supply operating from a 120 VAC. Connect the power leads found at the rear of the radio to the power source. The RED lead must be connected to the POSITIVE terminal, and the BLACK lead to the NEGATIVE terminal. Connecting to an Antenna The HTX-242 requires an external antenna which is attached through a coaxial connector at the rear of the radio. The radio MUST NOT be operated without an antenna being connected. Turning the HTX-242 ON or OFF Turn the radio on by pressing the POWER button located at the top right of the front panel. The display will light and a series of tones will be heard. The display will indicate the last-used settings. Set the VOLUME knob initially to about half level. This can be readjusted to a more comfortable setting once communication has been set up. Adjust the SQUELCH knob until a hissing sound is heard, then re-adjust the squelch knob until the sound just disappears. Under certain conditions it may be necessary to readjust the squelch setting to eliminate or reduce interference from other radio or electronic equipment. To turn the radio off, press the POWER button. The display will go dark. Setting the Transmit Power Level The HTX-242 has two transmit power settings, selected by the button marked LOW located adjacent to the POWER button. Press the button to select the power level required, as indicated by the word HIGH or LOW at the bottom right corner of the display. To reduce battery drain, the low power setting should be used whenever possible.

Setting the Operating Frequency

The Control Station will assign the frequency (ies) that is (are) to be used during an operation. Whenever possible, these will be from set channels in the memory banks of the radio. Frequency selection on the HTX-242 may be made either from the keypad on the hand microphone or on the front panel of the radio. The following will describe both methods of operation. The HTX-242 radio has two memory banks that are used to store frequencies which are commonly or frequently used. The memories of the HTX-242 units held by the LNL ARES Group have been pre-programmed with the following frequencies: Calling Channel (CALL) 146.520 MHz Memory Channel 1 (M-CH1) 146.580 MHz Memory Channel 2 (M-CH2) 146.640 MHz Memory Channel 3 (M-CH3 - 40) Not assigned. To select the Calling Channel: If using the hand microphone, press the key-pad button marked CALL. The display will show: M-CH C and the frequency of the Calling Channel, 146.520. To cancel this selection, press the CALL button again. If using the front panel of the radio, press the button marked CALL. The display will show: M-CH C and the frequency of the Calling Channel, 146.520. To cancel this selection, press the CALL button again. To select one of the Memory Channels: If using the hand microphone, press the key-pad button marked MR. The display will show the number of the Memory Channel selected, say M-CH1 and its frequency, in this case 146.580. To select the required Memory Channel, press the UP or DOWN button, located on the top of the hand microphone, until the desired Memory Channel number and frequency is shown. If using the front panel of the radio, press the button marked MR, which is located at the top left-hand corner of the unit. The display will show the number of the Memory Channel selected and its frequency. To change the Memory Channel selection, rotate the TUNE/M-CH knob until the desired channel number and frequency is shown. To Select an Un-programmed Operating Frequency On the advice of the Control Station, it may be necessary to operate on a frequency not in memory. In this case the operator must input the required frequency and other operating parameters to the radio, as follows: Using the hand microphone, press the keypad button marked VFO. Use the keypad numerical buttons to enter the last five digits of the required frequency NOTE: If an error is made, press the keypad button marked VFO and re-enter the required frequency. The HTX-242 will automatically select the appropriate transmit offset required for duplex operation. However, under certain circumstances, the automatically-assigned offset may not be correct. In such a case the offset must be changed. To Change the Offset, press the SHIFT button on the front of the transceiver case until the required offset is indicated by the + or - sign at the top right of the display. If communication is to be in the Simplex mode, no transmit frequency offset is required. In this case, press the SHIFT button until no offset is shown on the display. Locking and Unlocking the Microphone and/or Transceiver Controls The microphone and/or the transceiver controls can be locked to prevent the settings from being changed accidentally. To lock the controls on the microphone (except the PUSH-TO-TALK button) slide the LOCK ON button on the microphone to the right. Reverse this action to unlock the microphone controls. To lock the controls on both the transceiver and the microphone, press the F and then the CALL buttons on the front panel. (Note that LOCK is a secondary function of the CALL button). The word LOCK will appear upper left of centre on the frequency display. This will lock all controls except the POWER, VOLUME, SQUELCH and the PUSH-TO-TALK button. If it becomes necessary to change any of the transceivers settings the keypad and other controls must be unlocked. To unlock the keypad and other controls, press F and then the CALL button. The word LOCK will disappear from the frequency display. Hospital Radios Power Supply Set-up · Ensure Power Supply unit switch is in 'OFF' position and that the voltage adjustment control - 'V.ADJ' - is set to mid-range - feel notch as control is rotated ; red line up. · Connect Red and Black radio power leads to Red and Black terminals designated 14A on front of power supply unit. · Plug power supply AC Line Cord into Uninterrupted - orange - wall power socket. · DO NOT switch on power supply at this point. KENWOOD TM-V7A Radio · Connect Antenna lead to Antenna Connector at rear of radio. · Plug Hand Microphone cable into modular Connector Socket at bottom right front corner of radio. · Ensure LOCK button on rear of microphone is not in the LOCK position. · Set each Volume Control to about half level. · Switch on Power Supply unit. Check that red warning lamp glows. · Press radio 'POWER' button at top right of the front panel to turn on the radio. Check that Display Panel on radio is illuminated. · Adjust each Squelch control until hissing sound just disappears. · VHF operation. Press in VHF Volume knob. 'PTT' will appear at top-left of the Display and operating frequency will appear in large characters. or · UHF operation. Press in UHF Volume knob. 'PTT' will appear at right-centre of the Display and the operating frequency will appear in large characters. Operation on VHF Memory Channel · Select VHF operation: · CALL channel: Press CALL button on front of radio. Display shows legend CALL and frequency 146.520 The top line of the Display will show the Transmit Offset - none in this case - and the Transmit Power level - Low - L; Medium - M; or High - no indicator. · Other Memory Channels: Press MR. Rotate Channel Select knob until required channel in shown on the Display, e.g. for Memory Channel 2 the Display will show LAV/KJG 2 above the frequency 146.640. The Transmit Offset and the Transmit Power levels will be shown in the same manner as for the Call channel described above. Operation on Un-programmed VHF Channel · Press 'VFO' button. Rotate the knob located at the bottom left of the front panel until the desired operating frequency is shown on the Display. Set transmit offset as advised by the Control station. To set the offset, press the front panel button under the letter 'F' on the Display and then press the button under the legend 'SHIFT'. A positive (+) or negative (-) symbol will appear on the top row of the display. Repeat the operation 'F'-'SHIFT' until the required symbol is seen. For Simplex operation, no offset is required. The 'F'-'SHIFT' operation should be repeated until no offset symbol is seen on the Display. Operation on UHF Memory Channel · Select UHF operation: · CALL channel: Press CALL button on front of radio. Display shows legend CALL and frequency 446.000. The top line of the Display will show the Transmit Offset - none in this case - and the Transmit Power level - Low - L; Medium - M; or High - no indicator. · Other Memory Channels: Press MR. Rotate Channel Select knob until required channel in shown on the Display, e.g. for Memory Channel 1 the Display will show ARES/SX 1 above the frequency 446.150. The Transmit Offset and the Transmit Power levels will be shown in the same manner as for the Call channel described above. Operation on Un-programmed UHF Channel · Press 'VFO' button. Rotate the knob located at the bottom left of the front panel until the desired operating frequency is shown on the Display. · Set transmit offset as advised by the Control station. To set the offset, press the front panel button under the letter 'F' on the Display and then press the button under the legend 'SHIFT'. A positive (+) or negative (-) symbol will appear on the top row of the display. Repeat the operation 'F'-'SHIFT' until the required symbol is seen. For Simplex operation, no offset is required. The 'F'-'SHIFT' operation should be repeated until no offset symbol is seen on the Display. To Adjust Transmit Power Level - VHF and UHF operation · Press Button B4 below legend LOW on the Display until required power level is shown at the top of Display. Levels are: Low - L; Medium - M; High - No indicator. Using the Microphone · Press the Transmit button on the side of the microphone and speak toward the front (button) face. The legend ONAIR will appear below the frequency on the Display while the button is pressed. Turning the Radio off · Press the POWER button at the top right of the radio front panel. The screen display will go dark. · Switch off Power Supply unit.