Kentucky
"The Blue Grass State"
Tom Writes: The Kentucky DR communications team started with an empty box trailer. The unit has rolled on every callout since 1996. We had some very good basic gear for 151 mHz, 47.42 and the amateur bands. Problem was it took a day to get it out of the boxes, connect it all up and get operational when deployed. As of 6-20-06, Kentucky's communication unit K4KBC is in the final stages of modifications to enhance and improve service ability. Tom reports the unit is now in the shop having roof top racks installed to house ladders and an Aluma Tower that can be pulled vertical once on site. With careful measurements, we've prepared a 5 cable color coded coaxial harness that quickly attaches to the respective antenna and to the tower before erection. We've contructed and installed a 7 connection thru/wall coaxial panel at the roofline on the rear side of the trailer near the erected tower. The coax fittings are attached to the appropriate terminal. The guy ropes are attached to the tower top and we're ready to go vertical.
Inside the trailer, all of the communication gear is in place, strapped down to
the equipment shelf. The power lines are connected to the appropriate
power strip and the coax is already connected to the appropriate color coded
terminal on the inside of the
panel. So....once the tower goes
up, come into the trailer turn on the power supply and your ready to go.
The trailer has always had a 110 panel and a few outlets. We installed a
couple of the commercial multi-plug strips where they would be accessible.
Additionally we have a new Icom HF rig, and Icom 2m/440 rig, a power
supply, tuner and necessary coax, etc. The goal for the
Kentucky DR communicators is to be the first unit operational once on scene. Tom
reported their moto is "On The Air in An Hour". An 8kw generator has
found a home within the unit and backup battery power is available through a
fledgling 12v backup power system in the unit as well. A deep cycle battery
with a tickle charger is present. A switch will connect the 12v power
strip to the battery instead of the power supply.. Also aboard
is a TV, a WINLINK Pactor III TNC. AIRMAIL is installed on the
computer so we're ready to send and receive email via WL2K as soon as we're on
the air. On the computer we also have an current mapping
program that will allow us to call up and print out maps and directions from the
service site to remote work sites in minutes. All we'll lack there is
information from local authorities regarding blockages/obstructions, etc. A trunking scanner, WX radio
and even a few GMRS radios on board rounds out the unit.
CLICK THUMBNAILS FOR LARGER VIEW
Outside view of the KY CC 001 unit
Radios, power supplies and TNC all wired up and ready
White Hat desk area
Looking toward the rear of the trailer
View of the new ladder racks. Wanted to make sure that they would
hold a good load. They are 2 inch square, 1/4 wall aluminum tubing.
They are bolted through the side wall, and the vertical metal tubing structure
of the trailer.
A Tarheel Screwdriver antenna. Finished the installation today. The
controller, mounted on the inside wall at the operator station, works fine.
Made a contact today on 20 meters from inside the barn where I've been working
on the unit. I'm going to get one of the little plug in modules for the
ICOM 706 that lets you tune on low power and use the SWR metering in the rig to
make sure we are flat. Can also use the SWR meter in the tuner.
This photo shows the battery installation for the emergency 12 volt system.
A trickle charger mounted inside connects to this battery. (A deep cycle one).
The voltage is connected to the 12 V power strip behind the equipment shelf.
A switch connects either the 12 V power supply to the power strip or the
battery. Plan to put a 12 volt light over the White Hat's desk, but
haven't done that yet.
This photo shows a new set of portable steps that we built. Its a pretty
good step to the ground without them.
One
of our goals, for safety if nothing else, was to arrange the trailer
contents so their would be a clear path through the trailer with two exits.
I've labeled the left rear (standing behind the trailer) door as an EXIT, placed
an handle on it on the inside. Have also attached a spring (which can be
disconnected when you're wanting to move things in and out) to keep it closed.
Have installed a foot bolt on the other rear door. When operating.
The tower will be sitting vertically in front of that door so we don't want any
collisions.
7-14-06>> Just finished the tower job and wanted to see if it would work.
It does....and
well. The tower rolls to the rear of the trailer on a dolly within the
rails. Latches in place, pivots, and you crank it up. Takes about 5
minutes.
Tom also writes: We've built this
little display and are making hamfests around
the state. It is interesting how many Baptist hams don't know that there
is a disaster relief program let alone a communication subset. Prior
to
our efforts we had fewer than 10 active. Now we are nearing 30.
Thanks Tom for sharing the photos & info. You guys have reduced setup time significantly.