MCACS Volunteers Demo Capabilities at CERTCON 2022
On Saturday, Nov 19, MCACS members took the MAIPN van to CERTCON 2022, an annual multi-day conference of CERT volunteers in the National Capital Region. We demonstrated Winlink messaging on HF and VHF frequencies, making contact on multiple occasions with RMS Gateway stations in eastern Pennsylvania and New York to pass email traffic via HF. We also streamed HD video from a remote IP camera set up on site to the van using a point-to-point microwave link, and we exhibited our portable 70 cm repeater. Although the weather was chilly, it was sunny.
The van was fully operational on HF, VHF/UHF, and 5.8 GHz within one hour of arrival. We strung our terminated folded dipole between two trees that were conveniently located on either side of the driveway. Due to a leaking fuel filter supplying the on-board generator, we used an outboard portable generator, primarily so we would have heat in the van (there was plenty of battery capacity to power the comm equipment).
This photo shows how the terminated folded dipole was strung between trees, with the feedpoint supported by the telescoping mast. The SWR is below 2:1 on all frequencies between 3 and 30 MHz. A 2m/1.25m/70cm antenna is barely visible at the top of the mast. Right-click for enlarged photo.
We had a substantial number of visitors, including at least two CERT members who expressed an interest in obtaining a ham license and were referred to local resources.
Participants included KC3MIX, KC3MDX, and KN3U. Two MCACS board members, Jennifer KC3HEC and Joe KB3JG, are active in Montgomery County CERT. Jennifer was one of the conference organizers.
MCACS Volunteers Demo Capabilities at CARA Hamfest
On October 2, MCACS members demonstrated our disaster communications capabilities at the Columbia Amateur Radio Association hamfest, CARAfest. Operating in the MAIPN van, we demonstrated Winlink messaging on HF and VHF frequencies, and streamed HD video from a remote IP camera set up on site to the van using a point-to-point microwave link. WA3UHZ, N3DDS, WA3UEA, and KN3U participated.
MCACS Demonstrates Amateur Radio at Emergency Preparedness Fair
On August 17, MCACS members exhibited at the National Cancer Institute’s annual Emergency Preparedness Fair. We displayed the MAIPN van and demonstrated the capability to send email messages via HF and VHF radio. We also demonstrated the capability of streaming live HD video from a battery-powered camera over a microwave radio link, using the van’s microwave equipment.
I’m embarrassed that I (KN3U) misplaced the list of MCACS participants. From memory, they included: K3MRI, KB3FKH, AC3CJ, KC3MIX, K3XIT, WA3LTJ, AC3N, WN3R, and W3TDH. I’m sure I left someone out. Let me know and I’ll correct the omission.
