Emergency Communications

 

Importance of emergency Communications

Our entire lives revolve around communications systems.  If those grid communication systems go down for extended periods, quality of life is drastically altered.  Communications systems that aren’t grid reliant serve as a backup to pass information and accomplish the following. 

  •          Saving lives during disasters.
  •         Coordination of supplies, security, and disaster relief.
  •         Coordinating with civil service operations.
  •          Coordination of search and rescue teams. 
  •          Communication with field teams.
  •          Communication with homes.
  •          News and large scale situational awareness around the region, country, or world.

 

Communications Standards

  • If grid-based communications (internet, cell phone etc.) are working, use those since they’re most familiar.
    • The Signal Private Messenger is an app for Android and iPhones that allows relatively secure communications.  This program is highly recommended for all members.  It replaces your phone’s default texting program, and can send texts to people that don’t have it just like normal texting, but automatically encrypts text messages to Signal users.  It also works for making encrypted voice calls to other Signal users, and can do all of this over a Wi-Fi connection instead of just using your phone’s data.
    • Ham Radio is the standard platform for emergency radio communications if grid communications are not working. 
    • Ham radio does require licensing, but it is very easy to get.  Contact us if you are interested and we can get you trained and licensed for free.
    • 146.52 MHz is the national "2 meter" VHF ham radio calling channel.  It should be the common channel to monitor if you are not monitoring on a local repeater station. 
    • Tune your radio to a local repeater if one is operational in order to extend your range much further than a typical handheld or mobile radio can do by itself.  If repeaters are not operating, then use the national 2 meter calling channel unless directed otherwise.
  • FRS/GMRS radios will be used for those who are not ham radio licensed.  These are the very common handheld radios that can be found at places like Wal-Mart, and sporting goods stores.  They are very short range and aren't as good as handheld ham radios, but they still work.  They have 22 channels, but we will only focus on using the first 10.  FRS/GMRS Channel 3 is the channel to monitor unless directed otherwise.
  • CB Radios can still be found in vehicles, and are also short range like FRS/GMRS radios.  We don't plan on using them for operations, but as another backup, we may have a system setup for interoperability purposes.  We still recommend upgrading to ham radio or FRS/GMRS radios.

 

Radio Hardware Standards

Handheld Radio: The Baofeng UV-82 is the recommended handheld radio for the Western PA CERT.  This is a far better choice than the many UV-5R variants for several reasons, but especially the dual-receive and split transmit button capability.  In training exercises, the dual transmit button is a significant asset when communicating to multiple teams, or in dual receive mode.

This radio is technically a ham radio, but if needed, it can also transmit on several other frequencies, such as FRS/GMRS, MURS, etc.  Keep in mind, it’s against FCC rules to use the radio for anything other than ham radio, but during major emergencies, or if life or property is in danger, then this doesn’t apply.

Mobile or VHF/UHF Base Radio: The recommended radio setup to use for mobile or VHF/UHF ham radio base operations is to use a Baofeng UV-82 with a Mirage BD-35 Amplifier and external antenna.  This is a ham radio amplifier and allows for the user to have 45 watts of power on VHF and 35 watts of power on UHF.  This is a significant amount of power over the 5 watts that the handheld radios have.  Combined with a good external mobile or base antenna, this will greatly increase the user’s radio range.

Base Station or Mobile HF Radio: The recommended radio for long range ham radio HF capability is the Yaesu FT857D.  This radio was selected because it’s cheapest good quality ham radio that has HF capability, as well as VHF and UHF.  There are nicer radios, and at this point, a licensed ham radio should select the radio they want to get, but if someone isn’t sure what to get, this is a good radio for short and long range disaster comms.  The radio is also CHIRP programmable, just like the handheld radios.

VHF/UHF Ham Radio Antennas: Other than specialized directional antennas, almost all VHF or UHF ham radio antennas are vertical antennas.  A good vertical mobile dipole antenna or large base station antenna are the best antennas to use for VHF/UHF ham radio.  A great mobile antenna to use is the Browning BR-180 antenna, combined with an NMO base for your vehicle.  The same antenna can work for a base system, but a large base antenna will work much better.  Two antennas that work very well for large base station antennas for VHF/UHF ham radio are the Workman UVS-300, or the Diamond X510HDM.  These antennas can typically also work with FRS/GMRS frequencies.

 

Digital Modes & Standards

Digital communications are a major asset for emergency radio communications, especially on the HF bands.  Digital modes can work in conditions that voice is completely unusable. 

FLDIGI and the associated suite of software that works with it is the standard program recommended for the Western PA CERT.  It works on Windows and Linux computers.  Most work can be done completely on the FLDIGI software itself, but the associated programs such as FLARQ, FLAMP, FLWRAP and FLMSG, can greatly increase the capabilities of emergency communications.  Try to keep the program up to date, and practice with it often. 

Avoid digital modes that are too obscure and uncommon when you are trying to communicate with new contacts or people outside the Western PA CERT.  Using common modes will make digital comms far more reliable with those for whom modes weren’t already decided. 

 

Power Systems

Power Sources

  • All members are encouraged to setup at least a small and simple solar power system to run devices they consider critical during short or long term disasters.  This could be as simple as a 12-volt battery, charger controller, and solar panel.  A bigger system is better, but at least this is something.
  • Ham radio operators, especially HF capable operators, are highly encouraged to power their system on solar/battery power.  When we really need those comms systems, chances are the power will be out.
  • Solar battery systems other than the most basic setup, should be sized based on the 5 Day Rule.  This means that if there was no power input at all, then you can run that system as you normally would for 5 days, and only discharge 50% of the power.  So, you would be able to run for 10 days until it runs completely out of power.  This is sometimes needed during winter, but it is mainly to keep from cycling the batteries too much and destroying them in only a couple years.  This should give you 10-20 years out of your batteries.
  • Flood deep cycle batteries are recommended for off grid power systems, not sealed “maintenance free” batteries.  Sealed batteries can’t do equalization charges to make them last longer.
  • Avoid car batteries, they don’t last long off grid power systems.  Marine deep cycle batteries are better, but the best is a true deep cycle battery designed for off grid operation.  6 volt golf cart batteries are a good option.
  • Lead acid batteries with lower voltages (2, 4, 6) wired in series to achieve 12 or 24 volts are far better than 12 volt batteries.  These batteries will last longer than 12 volt batteries.
  • Avoid cheap Chinese charge controllers that don’t have good detailed specs, and it’s better if it has an LCD screen to give you info on the system.
  • Xantrex C60 controllers are very good for off grid operations.
  • Do not run devices on a 12 volt battery that doesn’t have a controller with low voltage disconnect.  You can destroy your batteries if the voltage is too low.
  • Ham radios, especially HF radios, typically can’t deliver full power when wired directly to a battery.  The only way to get max power is to use a step-up converter, or use a 24 volt system, and SAFELY regulate it down to 14-15 volts.
  • Generators should not be considered a reliable source of emergency power, especially for any extended period.  They burn too much fuel, even when they aren’t powering much, and almost no one stores enough fuel to run them for a week or more.  A solar power or other off grid power system is much better in the long run and could run years without extensive maintenance. 

 

Power Connectors

  • Anderson Power Poles in the 30 amp version are the most popular DC connector in ham radio, and they are the standard 12 volt connector recommended for the Western PA CERT.powerpoles.gif
  • The image to the right shows the standard way to wire powerpoles.
  • It’s better to solder the wires in the connectors rather than crimping.  Soldering is far stronger, and they can be unsoldered if needed.
  • If a larger connector is needed, you can stack 2 red/black pairs on top of each other in a 2x2 pattern.  This allows them to still be compatible with the normal setup, but carry twice the power if needed. 
  • Some adapters still may be needed for things like cigarette lighter plugs, etc. 

 

Radio Band Guide

 

HF
(High Frequency)

VHF
(Very High Frequency)

UHF
(Ultra High Frequency)

Frequency Range

3 - 30 MHz

30 - 300 MHz

300 - 3000 MHz

Other Names

Commonly referred to as "shortwave"

"2 meter" in ham radio
(144 - 148 MHz)

"70 centimeter" in ham radio
(430 - 450 MHz)

Typical Max Range

Worldwide and everywhere in between if conditions are good.

1 - 5 miles for handheld radios
4 - 7 miles for handheld radio with good car antenna
(varies a lot depending on terrain and antenna)

1 - 4 miles for handheld radios
3 - 5 miles for handheld radio with good car antenna
(varies a lot depending on terrain and antenna)

Ham Radio Bands

80m, 60m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m

6m, 2m, 1.25m

70cm

Notes

CB radios are at the top of the HF band (~27 MHz).
Used by shortwave broadcast stations worldwide.

Some TV broadcast is here (lower channels).
Best band for maximizing your range
without an expensive HF radio

Most TV broadcast is here (higher channels)
Wi-Fi is in the UHF band. 
FRS/GMRS "walkie talkie" radios are here.

 

Best Practices

  • Usage and Care
  • On Baofeng radios, at any point in the menu, you can get back to the main screen just by tapping the Exit button, or the transmit button. 
  • NEVER store your radios on the charger.  This will overcharge the batteries and wear them out sooner.  Just charge the radios until the charger light turns green, then remove it.  If it is already green when you put it on the charger, then it is already full and won’t need charged.  Remove it from the charger.
  • If security is a high concern, you can use various forms of security to solve this. 

 

Maximizing Radio Range

  • Weather can affect your signal.  Some frequency ranges are affected more than others. 
  • VHF bands work best in the country and open areas, where UHF works a bit better in big cities and around buildings. 
  • If possible, try to transmit from a hill top rather than from a valley.  This can have a huge affect on signal range. 
  • “Full length” handheld antennas help the efficiency of the antenna.
  • Using a handheld radio in a car severely reduces their range.  Plug it into a roof mounted antenna.

Good Radio Practices

  • Only transmit when you have something to say.
  • Be brief in your transmissions.  Don’t hit the transmit button while you are thinking of what to say.  This prevents the transmitting of anyone else on the channel that may need to say something.  It also makes it easier for someone that may be trying to locate you.  This makes it better for communication, but also the more you transmit the easier it would be for a threat to detect your transmission and triangulate your position. Antennas

 

Emergency Procedures

During a grid down disaster, the following overview should be considered for emergency communications in the Western PA CERT.  This our emergency communications plan.

Communications Hierarchy, Order of Operations

1.       Neighborhood & Local Area: Your first step is to try and communicate in your own neighborhood or local area.  This could include your own neighbors and friends, or the county you are in.  This is most important since it affects you directly.  This could be done with FRS/GMRS or MURS frequencies out to a few miles, but for any further than that, VHF or HF ham radio will be needed.  Repeaters are a good asset if they are operating. 

2.       County or local counties: Next step is to be able to contact people in your own county, or the counties right around you, depending on the size of your counties.  Given the range to do so, you will need a VHF ham radio system to do this.  Roughly 50 watts is a good power output, and preferably a base station antenna.  A vehicle antenna with 50+ watt radio may work for this, but it depends on your area. 

3.       State/Region: After being able to communicate to your immediate local or county area, you need to be able to talk to people in the rest of your state, or the surrounding states.  This will also include the nearest major cities, if you're not already in one.  For this situation, hopefully you aren't.  HF Ham radio is the only practical option that will work for regional emergency communications.  The other forms of radio available to us just don't work. 

4.       National: When you can reliably communication to people in your own state, then you can worry about being able to talk to those in the rest of the country

5.       World: Lastly, it's important to be able to know what is going on in the rest of the world. 

 

Radio Networks to Monitor

Western PA CERT  Frequencies: Depending on your capabilities, this could include:

  • FRS/GMRS Channel 3
  • Public HF & VHF calling frequencies listed in the Unified Preparedness Frequency System (UPFS).  The main ones are highlighted in green.
  • Private frequencies from the Unified Preparedness Frequency System if they have been given to you.