The "Secondary Room" has radio, computer and antenna controls to operate a second station at the same time as the Main Room. This room is used for operating events and emergency communications that require multiple operating positions. It is also used when multiple members are available and want to operate. A separate room allows simultaneous operation without "room noise".

The "MARS Room" is used by the Air Force licensed MARS station and contains Air Force issued equipment for handling communications and phone calls for military personnel, mainly from the Pacific Region. Radios, amplifiers and phone hookups are included. Since the Vietnam war the station has handled over 510,000 completed phone patches from servicemen to their families or significant others. This activity has slowed down with the lower phone rates and more outlets for servicemen to communicate with family. It is also authorized by FEMA as an emergency communications facility.

I have concluded that the "Secondary" and "MARS" operating rooms could be combined into one without greatly affecting the ability of each of these functions.

The current area is used for various maintenance and repair operations at any time. We use a workbench that is 3 feet wide and about 15 feet long with a shelf above for test equipment. This are can be reduced to about half this size and be useable.

Currently 3 space savers, 2 large wall shelves holding an extensive library of reference materials, about a dozen shelves of about 3 x 3 feet each, a desk, two 4-drawer file cabinets, a 3 x 8 ft. table, and various boxes are used for storage and other "paperwork" type activities. This will require brutal reductions to fit into a smaller space, but after 25 years it is probably needed. A decent closet, or some additional wall space for storage units may be able to replace the existing storage. A separate location to store some stuff that doesn’t need quick retrieval can also be used.

The 10kW diesel motor generator currently is stored in the small fenced area around one of the towers. The power cables, etc. are stored in a space saver in the room for quick hookup.

Currently we mainly have what is listed in the requirements. Our MARS station has amplifiers that I think require 3 phase 440v, but these may have to be given up and turned back in to the Air Force. We would then need to purchase (or look in the Air Force surplus) a physically smaller amplifier that runs off 220v.

With the equipment generating heat and for physical comfort, the current facility is cooled and heated.

Currently we have 2 company phone lines. Just a few years back, we had 3 phone lines and 2 WATS lines. With the cost reductions in long distance rates and the reduction in the amount of MARS station activity, this has been reduced and can be reduced to one line. One line should be sufficient for most emergency activities.

Currently we have three main towers with various antennas, and some wire antennas off these towers. In addition, the rooftop sports additional antenna supports. The physically largest antenna tower (big Log Periodic) that is located out near Miraloma Ave. just will not be able to be kept. It needs too much real estate. Two towers of yet to be determined construction and yet to be determined antenna layout would be needed to maintain capabilities. Various combinations and types of towers and antennas are available to keep the capabilities.

Currently anyone with access to the recreation center (or special arrangements) can get permission to checkout the key to the Radio Room and have access. In addition, we have a lock-box outside with keys for access by a select few when the recreation center is closed.

Currently, deadbolt locks and limited access to the recreation center facility is key to the security of the equipment. We did lose some equipment due to a break in many years ago before the uniquely keyed deadbolt was added.

Repeater: Repeater for "repeating" hand held radios that use low power for greater area coverage and for connecting to the phone system with these radios. The radios and emergency power systems are located in the pagoda on top of B/202.

Control Center/EOC: Support amateur radio equipment at these locations.

Autonetics Volunteer Emergency Response Team (AVERT): Key part of this function.

Please contact me with any questions. Hope this helps in the decisions needed to accommodate the Autonetics Radio Club.