E.Shell
Ultimate Member
I hope some other knowledgeable operators will help flush this out, but this is a start....
VHF radio is used quite a bit among amateur radio operators (hams) for local commo, and because it is so popular, and because most of the cheap hand helds ("HTs") only operate on VHF and UHF, it is worth learning something about. It is also used a lot for other close range applications, such as air traffic control and public services, like fire, police and EMS.
VHF radio can be used as 'simplex' (among several users on the same frequency), or it can be used 'duplex' with a repeater (the repeater hears you on one frequency and simulcasts your transmission on another frequency over a wider area than you can reach alone).
As we briefly discussed in the HF thread, it is best to get licensed if the equipment use requires a license. Some licensing, like GMRS, is simply a form and a fee and the use is mainly private within your own contact group. Other radios services, like ham radio, require a minimal knowledge of theory, operation and legal constraints. This is because the service is publicly used and improper usage can cause interference at distances well beyond the effective use - much like a bullet will travel far beyond the point at which it can be effectively placed.
One thing to consider is that during a real emergency, one is usually far better off listening than talking...
There is a lot of talk among those who do not understand the rules/laws that "during an emergency, I can transmit anywhere I want" and this is simply NOT true. The only 'emergency' that will allow an unlicensed or unauthorized individual to transmit where they are not normally allowed is one in which imminent loss of life or grave injury is involved, not just a declared national or local 'state of emergency'.
There are several systems already in place for emergency communication.
The public services typically used an automated "trunked" repeater systems to control a vast fleet of radios.
the National Weather Service maintains VHF transmitters all over the country, and you can find one close to you at their site: https://www.weather.gov/nwr/station_listing
Ham radio uses local repeaters extensively for routine 'traffic' nets, and one can listen to such nets on inexpensive equipment without being licensed. Listening to such nets will allow one to understand the procedures and protocols used, which could/should prevent one from disrupting such emergency commo and allow the individual to get a feel for the way it flows.
In your area, there are usually repeaters that are owned and maintained by local clubs. One can find these repeaters/clubs by searching at https://www.repeaterbook.com/ for repeaters in your proximity.
Those in central MD can check out the Columbia, Laurel, Glen Burnie, Millersville, Davidsonville repeaters, among others. Know that most of the time, the repeaters are idle and sporadically used, but there are dedicated days/times for nets. Some nets are routine 'roundtable' discussions of anything/everything, others are strictly controlled emergency nets in which there is no chatter,
ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) had a net every Sunday evening at 8pm on the Millersville (W3CU) repeater at 146.805 mHz.
The Millersville club also has a roundtable net on Monday nights at 7:30pm on 146.805 mHz.
The AA County Radio Club (W3VPR) club has a net every Wednesday night at 8pm on the 147.075 and the 147.105 repeaters, which are linked together to expand coverage area.
Some repeaters will be dedicated to weather emergencies and used by 'SkyWarn' personnel, a program that is an extension of the National Weather Service. The W3VPR is one such repeater where one can monitor real time weather info during an event.
I'd encourage anyone else with more to add to please post...
VHF radio is used quite a bit among amateur radio operators (hams) for local commo, and because it is so popular, and because most of the cheap hand helds ("HTs") only operate on VHF and UHF, it is worth learning something about. It is also used a lot for other close range applications, such as air traffic control and public services, like fire, police and EMS.
VHF radio can be used as 'simplex' (among several users on the same frequency), or it can be used 'duplex' with a repeater (the repeater hears you on one frequency and simulcasts your transmission on another frequency over a wider area than you can reach alone).
As we briefly discussed in the HF thread, it is best to get licensed if the equipment use requires a license. Some licensing, like GMRS, is simply a form and a fee and the use is mainly private within your own contact group. Other radios services, like ham radio, require a minimal knowledge of theory, operation and legal constraints. This is because the service is publicly used and improper usage can cause interference at distances well beyond the effective use - much like a bullet will travel far beyond the point at which it can be effectively placed.
One thing to consider is that during a real emergency, one is usually far better off listening than talking...
There is a lot of talk among those who do not understand the rules/laws that "during an emergency, I can transmit anywhere I want" and this is simply NOT true. The only 'emergency' that will allow an unlicensed or unauthorized individual to transmit where they are not normally allowed is one in which imminent loss of life or grave injury is involved, not just a declared national or local 'state of emergency'.
There are several systems already in place for emergency communication.
The public services typically used an automated "trunked" repeater systems to control a vast fleet of radios.
the National Weather Service maintains VHF transmitters all over the country, and you can find one close to you at their site: https://www.weather.gov/nwr/station_listing
Ham radio uses local repeaters extensively for routine 'traffic' nets, and one can listen to such nets on inexpensive equipment without being licensed. Listening to such nets will allow one to understand the procedures and protocols used, which could/should prevent one from disrupting such emergency commo and allow the individual to get a feel for the way it flows.
In your area, there are usually repeaters that are owned and maintained by local clubs. One can find these repeaters/clubs by searching at https://www.repeaterbook.com/ for repeaters in your proximity.
Those in central MD can check out the Columbia, Laurel, Glen Burnie, Millersville, Davidsonville repeaters, among others. Know that most of the time, the repeaters are idle and sporadically used, but there are dedicated days/times for nets. Some nets are routine 'roundtable' discussions of anything/everything, others are strictly controlled emergency nets in which there is no chatter,
ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) had a net every Sunday evening at 8pm on the Millersville (W3CU) repeater at 146.805 mHz.
The Millersville club also has a roundtable net on Monday nights at 7:30pm on 146.805 mHz.
The AA County Radio Club (W3VPR) club has a net every Wednesday night at 8pm on the 147.075 and the 147.105 repeaters, which are linked together to expand coverage area.
Some repeaters will be dedicated to weather emergencies and used by 'SkyWarn' personnel, a program that is an extension of the National Weather Service. The W3VPR is one such repeater where one can monitor real time weather info during an event.
I'd encourage anyone else with more to add to please post...