PURPOSE: The intended purpose would be to assist any agency in the state of Alabama that was in a communications emergency, due to hurricane, tornadoes, floods, or a man made diaster.

VEHICLE TYPES:

• A - Trailer. Cheap. Would need to be towed.
• B - Van. More expensive. Readily available. Could seat 3 operators and a driver. Driver would not need special training.
• C - Ambulance. More expensive than van. Less readily available. Can seat at least 3 operators in back d another in front excluding driver. Driver may need special training.
• D - Panel Van. Largest vehicle. Can seat several operators in back. May have trouble gaining access to tough areas. Driver will probably need special training.

TRANSMIT FREQUENCIES:

• HF -
  • 3.965MHz is used for the state wide emergency frequency.
  • 14.300MHz is the hurricane frequency.
• CB - I think that this band could be useful. There are over 40 Million CB users in the U.S.A. During a diaster, this may be the only way that some people may be able to communicate.
• VHF -
  • 6 Meters. I don't think it is needed here.
  • 2 Meters. Definately needed. May in fact want 2 radios. Possibly may need a repeater.
  • 1.25 Meters. Ron N4PHP has a repeater on this frequency that links Birmingham to Montgomery.
• UHF -
  • 70 CentiMeters. Used in Birmingham as the qrimary frequency for linking 2 Meter repeaters in the state.
  • 33 CentiMeters. Not used here.
  • 23 CentiMeters. Not used here.
• Packet - This could be used to relay accurate text messages across the state.
• Cell-Phone - May be needed for routine messages and communication with the general public.
• Lined Phone - Could be connected to near by phone lines with long extension cords. Uses could include communicating with non-ham's, or accessing other services.

RECEIVE FREQUENCIES:

• TV - There is a need to keep informated from the news media.
• NOAA - It is important to keep abreast of changing weather conditions.
• EMA - If we are in support of them, we need to know what they are doing.
• POLICE - They do not always inform the public on changing conditions.
• FIRE -
• AMBULANCE -

POWER: Should be able to tow a generator as well as use commercial power and use self contained batteries for a limited time.

COSTS:

• Insurance - ???????
• Gas - ?????????
• Maintenance - ???????????

SUPPORT: Amateur Radio Operators in the Jefferson County and the Shelby County area would be the primary operators of this vehicle. Any Amateur Operator could be used to help operate the equipment. Non-Amateur Volunteers could be used to monitor the receivers, and transmit on the CB. For operation of the Amateur radios, an operator of the proper class would be required. Volunteers could operate amateur radios with supervision.

COMMENTS: All comments must be directly related to this Communications Vehicle. Other comments will not be accepted and will be deleted. Comments may be made by anyone. Use of profanity or other objectional material will not be accepted.

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