Porcupine Emergency Broadcast Network

[Nat F]

I don't think I'm going to make PorcFest at all, and even if I could I wouldn't be able to be there on Thursday.  Count me as an interested party and let me know what comes of it.

I'd suggest three alternatives that each participant could choose from on their own.
1) Anyone willing to get licensed as an ham radio operator do so and purchase a radio that operates on the 2 meter frequency.  This will allow those people to make use of the network of 2M repeaters that span NH.  Better yet they can invest in a selection of radios that allow them to tie into both the other FSP radio groups and the existing Ham radio groups.  Most Hams will be glad to pass along information in traditional emergency scenarios.

2) Anyone who wishes can buy a CB radio and either install it in a vehicle or home with a good antenna.  This will eventually create a mesh of users who can pass along messages from region to region.

3) People with a large local network (Keene, Manchester) can purchase FRS/GMRS handhelds so they can communicate with their local group, especially in a crowd or event.  Hopefully a local will also have a CB radio or Ham radio so they can relay messages from the local radios that should be passed along to the long distance networks.

Things like frequency selections, squelch tones and other details can be worked out if enough people agree on equipment to make it worthwhile.

At some point in the future we can begin to discuss long distance wireless data networks ala the now defunct guerilla.net.  As a short term solution to gaps in state wide coverage we could utilize software such as echolink (at least for licensed hams) or have one of our VOIP wizards devise an alternative.

And yes I realize there people unwilling to get ham licenses.  I understand their reasoning but it is the easiest and safest way to ensure you can communicate undisturbed in traditional emergencies such as the ice storm this past December.  Any path is open to them, but the ham bands are self policed stringently, especially when you are making use of other peoples equipment such as a repeater.

-Nat

[Russell Kanning]

I'm thinking that PorcFest would be a good time and place to get together face to face to discuss this and hopefully come to a consensus re: format(s)/frequencies.  How does Thursday 4:00ish work for people? 

i won't be available at that time

[jaqeboy]

I'm thinking that PorcFest would be a good time and place to get together face to face to discuss this and hopefully come to a consensus re: format(s)/frequencies.  How does Thursday 4:00ish work for people? 

i won't be available at that time

AltExpo has a 1.5 hour session tentatively scheduled for 1 on Saturday, complete with hardware demonstrations.

[Friday]

I'm thinking that PorcFest would be a good time and place to get together face to face to discuss this and hopefully come to a consensus re: format(s)/frequencies.  How does Thursday 4:00ish work for people? 

i won't be available at that time

AltExpo has a 1.5 hour session tentatively scheduled for 1 on Saturday, complete with hardware demonstrations.

A 1.5 hour session on what?

[jaqeboy]

Emergency Radio Networks - schedule just went down on the site, but it'll be at: http://altexpo.org/AltExpo4

[Friday]

Emergency Radio Networks - schedule just went down on the site, but it'll be at: http://altexpo.org/AltExpo4

Who all is leading the session and demo?  Thanks for the info.

[jaqeboy]

Emergency Radio Networks - schedule just went down on the site, but it'll be at: http://altexpo.org/AltExpo4

Who all is leading the session and demo?  Thanks for the info.

Bill Domenico

[thinkliberty]

Did anything happen with this at porcfest?

[jaqeboy]

Did anything happen with this at porcfest?

Yeah, Bill gave his talk with a lot of good info (and with gusto!) and did a demonstration. We're setting up a page for him to upload his talk and his ideas to, which will be at http://altexpo.org/radio (not set up yet). He's on this forum, but doesn't post often.

PS: He set up the antenna for everyone to see how that's done, went over the costs, talked about the range, the frequency he recommends, the type of radio, etc. Several people are going to get set up in their areas, including the 2 couples from New York.