MS150 Bike Tour July 14 & 15, 2001
To fill out required survey now! Click here.
Photo of the Livingston County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), MS
Staff, and Net Control Operators taken last year.
Click on each picture to see enlarged photo. (Photos
by K1DE)
MS-150 Right, front to back: Susan Kossik,
MS-Route Manager; Mark, KC8GRQ;`
Scott, `KB8ZRC.
Left: Tom, N8HCC`
``MS-150 Front to
back: Kate Johnson, MS-150`
PR, Neil, WA2WIM; Scott, KB8ZRC
2001 MS 150 BIKE TOUR
JULY 15 & 16, 2001
During each MS 150 we continue to develop our Amateur Radio skills. Last year we added Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS) to our "traditional" voice communication support. With APRS it was possible to look at computer monitors at Net Control and laptops in the field and know exactly where APRS-equipped Staff and SAG vehicles were at any given moment.
We thank everyone for the tremendous support of last year’s and previous year’s MS 150 events.
This year we would like to further expand the role of APRS, digital and voice communications, but we need your support. Last year taught us several important lessons in planning and operating during such an event. The lesson we learned is that we need a database of individual amateur’s capabilities, resources and commitment to be able to plan well. For 2001 we need capability and resource data. We therefore are sending a brief overview of what we see for the 2001 event. For those who have helped before, the assignments will seem familiar, but with some interesting additions. Please pass this letter to any Amateur that you think might be interested!
Please fill out the survey, no later than March 31, 2001.
To fill out required
survey now! Click here.
Our goals are to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art amateur radio communications to support the MS Society, and at the same time to encourage as many amateurs as possible to participate in what has become the largest Public Service Event in Southeastern Michigan. We need your continued support to expand the role of APRS, digital and voice communications.
Overview of Amateur Radio assignments and requirements:
These positions are limited and will be appointed by the EC of Livingston County. We would like as many amateurs as possible from different counties to participate. Minimum requirements consist of net control experience, possession of a valid RACES identification card, and willingness to run a logistical net. If interested, please attach a copy of your Michigan Driver’s License, Amateur Radio License, and a copy of your RACES ID card, and return with this form. All Net Control Operations will take place at the Livingston County EOC located in Howell, Michigan.
STAFF VEHICLE (Two-day assignment)
MS will supply the vehicle, and MS personnel will drive. We will need about 12 amateurs for this mobile assignment, which includes an overnight stay at Michigan State University. Dinner, lodging and breakfast will be provided. This is a high-visibility assignment that requires you to have excellent people and communications skills, including the ability to monitor several conversations, track dynamic situations and convey summary information to MS Staff personnel. Equipment requirements are a 2m, 50W transceiver with magnetic-mount antenna and power cable suitable to attach quickly to any vehicle. APRS tracking equipment is desired.
This year, each Rest Stop Operator will work with an APRS Digipeater & Digital Messaging Operator. The Rest Stop Operator will provide voice communications. In-service times vary throughout the day depending on location on the course. Plan on being there from the time the Rest Stop opens until relieved by Net Control, usually when the supply trucks pick up the remaining supplies.
Our goal is to have APRS tracking equipment in each SAG & Supply Vehicle. We are trying to find equipment for those who may not have their own tracker for the event.
Our Digital Operations Team leader TBD, welcomes any questions. To ask for assistance, or to become our Digital Operations Team Leader, please email: [email protected]
*** ANNOUNCING NEW AMATEUR RADIO POSITIONS FOR 2001 ***
APRS DIGIPEATER & DIGITAL MESSAGING (One-day assignment)
WE REALLY, REALLY, REALLY NEED DIGIPEATERS ("DIGI’S") WEST OF THE LUNCH REST STOP, ROUGHLY HOWELL AND POINTS WEST. You don’t need to drive if you live near the area and can dedicate the use of your fixed station. You provide a TNC, 50W 2m rig, power supply and antenna and we promise to help you get set up.
A laptop computer adds digital messaging capability. If you don’t have a laptop computer we may be able to loan one for you to use. Please contact Neil WA2WIM.
APRS DigiPeat & Digital Messaging Operators will work together with a Rest Stop Operator. You will gather and transmit status reports digitally, such as the status of leading cyclists, rider number of cyclists wanting to be "sagged," rider number of bicycles needing pickup, status of rest stop food, etc. In-service times vary throughout the day depending on location on the course. Plan on being there from the time the Rest Stop opens until relieved by Net Control, usually when the supply trucks pick up the remaining supplies.
The team will provide its own transportation. This is a roving assignment, and there may be more than one vehicle needed. The team will loosely follow the course and be available for dispatch as needed.
The team members must have technical knowledge to solve APRS and Digital Operation and Messaging problems, such as installation and setup of APRS tracking equipment, and locating and eliminating radio interference due to "stuck" radios or TNC’s. The team will also assist operators with other technical problems related to the event. We expect an equipment list for this team would resemble a "Radios & Computers" mobile store.
N8QMD Jim Heyl MS150 Amateur Radio Team Leader [email protected]
K8GEO George Schutte Volunteer Committee [email protected]
WA2WIM Neil Sablatzky Net Control Operations [email protected]
TBD Digital Operations [email protected]
K1DE John Moore Technical Consultant [email protected] .
More Info
The MS150 event is the largest Amateur Radio public service event in South East Michigan. It requires a minimum of 75+ amateurs, to cover some 200+ miles of route, plus rest stops, and some 20+ mobile units each day. Each amateur that participates in the two day event supplies his or her own equipment, mainly consisting of a 25 Watt or greater 2 meter FM radio, Magnet Mount antenna, cigarette lighter socket Y adapter, and power cords. Food and lodging for Saturday night are provided for by the MS organization. The event starts promptly at 7am Saturday and concludes late Sunday afternoon after the last rider arrives back. The Saturday night entertainment at MSU is a fun time for all.
This year's event promises new ventures, as we plan to move the net control operations into the new Livingston County Communication Center and EOC facility. This will greatly increase our capabilities and enable us to perform some net control training. Any station wishing to 'apply' for net control station training please contact Neil, WA2WIM for additional information.
Another new venture this year will include the use of the APRS mapping system. Tracking devices will be placed into selected mobile vehicles, and possibly the last rider's bike, to allow for route mapping. Plans are still being developed at this time.
The Amateur Radio Communications Team for the MS150 event is looking for donations or loans of GPS units to assist with bringing APRS tracking to the MS150 event. This technology will make this event one of the safest event's in the country... Please contact wa2wim for further information.
If you are interested in participating or need any questions answered, please email Neil, WA2WIM . We curently have many open assignments for either Saturday, Sunday, or both days. We have some limited rest stop assignments left, and many mobile assignments.
73, Neil - WA2WIM, MS-150 Amateur Radio Communications Net Manager (ARCNM)