ARES/RACES
ASHLAND COUNTY WISCONSIN
Jay Ferguson - EC - KC9GSK
KC9GSK@5050ranch.com

Please communicate with your members.  We will also announce it during the nets (if anyone can hear us)!

See you on the Net.

Bill
William M. Niemuth, KB9ENO
President, WECOMM, Ltd.
President, EC Resources, Ltd.
ARRL/ARES Section Emergency Coordinator, Wisconsin
RACES Chief Radio Officer, Wisconsin

Wisconsin ARES/RACES Announces New Leadership
Bill Niemuth retires following five years of exemplary service, paving the way for Gary Payne

Wisconsin Rapids, WI October 24, 2008: Bill Niemuth announced his retirement at the annual Amateur Radio Emergency Service/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (ARES/RACES) conference in Wisconsin Rapids. Bill served for five years as the Wisconsin Emergency Coordinator for Wisconsin ARES, and the Chief Radio Officer for Wisconsin RACES. In Wisconsin both groups combine to provide seamless support to served agencies in case of emergencies or disasters. The most recent need came with the late spring flooding that required historical communications support.

Bayfield County gets new EC

Oct. 11 2008

We would like to welcome  Joseph  Belany AI9Z to Wisconsin ARES/RACES as the new EC for Bayfield County.

Fourth Annual Amateur Radio BBQ
The Fourth Annual Amateur Radio BBQ was a big success this year. All had A good time and the food was great. We would like to thank all that participated and a extra large thanks to the XYLs that helped with the food.

    On 6 & 7 July 2008 area Hams assisted over 400 bikers that participated in the BIKE NORTHWOODS TOUR with communications support for their cycling tour of northern Wisconsin.

    I would like to thank AL WB9CAP, Tim KB9TJI, Dave KC9LJO, and Gerald N9IG for providing relay and 911 support while the tour was in our area. Also the LSAC 1 Repeater Sys. and the High Bridge Repeater for the use of their repeaters.

WB9CAP MCCP

     With great pleasure I’m writing this article about our new (1982) Mobile Communications Command Post (MCCP). Last March a good friend of our family spotted a Transit Bus for sale about 100 miles from our home. So after racking up about 1000 miles on the pickup, I purchased it. The Van/Bus is a 30,000 lb., 31ft. 1982 TMC (Thomas Motor Coach) and has air conditioning, air brakes, air ride, power steering, automatic Allison Transmission, a very good heater and a V692 Detroit Diesel with 77,000 original miles. ( and gets about 6 mpg. )

     I decided on this type of vehicle for a variety of reasons. First of all the visibility is great with the huge windows that are handy when doing comms for the dog sled races, bike tours and races, snowmobile events and our Civil Air Patrol missions. Other CCPs I’ve seen always have either no windows or very small ones. (I have always believed that the weatherman should always have a window in his weather studio.) Next important thing for me was to have good access and love the large doors. It’s much easier on my 340 lb. “6”. Don’t want to be late for lunch! Comm. Van # 1 just ran out of room. Our new one now is much easier to “move around in” and has ample room while working with non-hams (staff) without interfering with the dispatcher/hams. This was accomplished by arranging the radio benches to face forward instead of to the side. The HF gear is purposely placed in the rear where the minimum of traffic will be for security as well as logistics. No carpets on the floor, just the factory rubberized material found in most public busses, which makes cleaning a snap. Each station is powered by 12 volts DC through #1 cable having access to 6000 amps from the bus batteries (4000 amps) and the separate 12 volt system (2000 amps) with a battery switch in the middle. Also 120 volts are supplied to all radio benches and can be supplied by the onboard 2000-watt inverter, 1850-watt generator, 4200-watt generator, engine alternator or house currant. During normal operations the 10-amp battery charger maintains the entire VAN DC. The main 14 transmitters all have roof mounted antenna enabling us to be “on the air” while moving. When stationary, up goes the 30 ft. mast with the Diamond V2000 tri-bander for the VHF base and the Yagi Beam for the APRS digi. A 4-position antenna switch gives all four benches access to the “big gun” if needed.

     Being in emergency services i.e.: US Navy Air for 4 years, fire dept., police dept, EMT, Civil Air Patrol, US Coast Guard Aux. most of my adult life I have seen the need for a “central location” for emergency comms that could be centrally located where needed. The Storms, Flooding and other events seem to be getting more frequent and closer to home. It’s comforting to know that you are equipped to help out when people have no one else prepared to respond efficiently. I know lots of folks may disagree with my concept but I’m always open to new ideas, so lets discuss it. My wish is for this unit to be involved in as many communication events as possible and am extending a very large WELCOME for Hams wishing to enjoy this facility with me. “The porch light is on and the coffee pot plugged in”.

73 AL WB9CAP

Additional information may also be found on <aprs.5050ranch.com> on Jay’s (KC9GSK) web site. He also has a GREAT B-B-Q.

February 3 2008

The Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race Communications support for their checkpoints was a huge success do to the hard work and dedication of, Dave W9DJE, Chuck N9CZM, Tim KB9TJI, Dave KC9LJO, and AJ KC9LPO.

Amateur Radio Operator Chuck Perry, call sign N9CZM, uses his radio to report positions of sled dog teams as they pass check points durning the Apostle Island Sled Dog Race, near Bayfield Wis., on Saturday February 2, 2008. In the background is the sled dog team of Tim Chisholm of North Branch, Minn., passes by the checkpoint. After this team passed the checkpoint the next time, the lead dog was having a seisure, and the veterinarian was contacted by amateur radio, and dog rode in the sled, and veterinarian was waiting to treat the dog. The dog sled was able to travel faster for medical help, than for help to come to the dog. The race is near the shores of Lake Superior, and 80 miles are covered over a two day period. (AP PHOTO/The Country Today/Paul M. Walsh)