Category Archives: ARES/RACES

General comments about ARES/RACES operations.

SEC John, N3SPW reports on WPA EC Meeting

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The below report of the 8/15 EC meeting was submitted by John Swarcz and posted with his permission.  Carmine, K3CWP

Everyone,

 I just wanted to say thank you to all who took the time to attend the WPA Section EC meeting in Brookville last Saturday.  We had a total attendance of 23 people representing ARES groups from all over the section.  There was good food and lots of conversation about issues we face as ARES organizations.  Also in attendance was our Section Manager John Rodgers N3MSE and the ARRL Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar N3LLR.  

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ARES Participation in 2009 MS-150 Successful

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The Nittany Amateur Radio Club and Centre County ARES in cooperation with the Horseshoe Amateur Radio Club and Blair County ARES and EMA provided communications for the annual Keystone Country Ride of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Keystone Division on Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26, 2009.  The bicycle ride is a fundraiser for the Society and covers a total of 150 miles over the two days.  This year 425 bicycle riders participated.

A total of 43 amateur radio operators participated over the two days of the event. Additionally, Blair County EMA provided its mobile communications van (essentially a full blown mobile dispatch center) COMM 1 as Net Control HQ. The van was operated by Scott Beveridge, the Blair County EMA director and Drew, KA3EJV, the Blair County ARES Emergency Coordinator, and provided a direct link into the appropriate 9-1-1 centers.

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RACES Radios Programmed

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Early this evening, Carmine, K3CWP and Ron, K3RON, completed firmware updates and programming of all of the Kenwood TM-D710 radios purchased under the two PEMA grants last year.  This includes:

  • Updating the firmware in the main radio, the display panel, and the TNC.
  • Wiring the power cable with Anderson Power Pole connectors according to ARES/RACES standards.
  • Loading the memory positions with frequencies releavant to operation in Centre County.
  • Programming the TNC to operate with the AVMAP GPS Units.

Amateur Radio ARES/RACES Blog Established

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Welcome:

I established this blog to record information relative to Amateur Radio emergency preparedness in Centre County. In addition to a “news” vehicle it will provide interested parties with a historical recording of the progress of Amateur Radio participation in Centre County’s emergency planning and preparation.

My name is Carmine W Prestia Jr. I currently hold Amateur Extra Class license K3CWP, having been licensed since 1972, and am the Emergency Coordinator for Centre County appointed by the American Radio Relay League. I am also the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) Radio Officer for Centre County appointed by the County Emergency Management Agency Director.

My background in emergency services includes:

  • 25 years as a police officer in State College, Pennsylvania
  • 35 years as a volunteer firefighter for the Alpha Fire Company, Inc. of State College
  • 25 years as a volunteer with Centre LifeLink EMS (nee Alpha Ambulance), 13 as an EMT and 12 as a board member.

Any interested amateur radio operator or emergency services worker is welcome to view the information here.

Thank you and 73
Carmine, K3CWP