What We Do
History:
Organized in 1997, primarily to meet emergency communications
needs of Alcona County and immediate surrounding areas. Since its
inception, it has grown from 12 members to more than 50 active
amateurs – mostly new licensees. the group now includes all aspects
of emergency and community communication services including ARES,
RACES, and the National Weather Service (NWS) Skywarn Spotters. All
of our operating expenses are covered by community donations or
various county agencies.
We support many projects, events and emergency communications
call-ups. Our recent involvements include:
- Backup Communications for the County (inoperative systems due to power outages)
- National Weather Service Skywarn Spotter Network
- Special Population Notification (Emergency Event notification for Adult & Nursing Homes, Parks, Schools, etc.)
- Alcona County Fair Communications and Special Event Station
- Amateur Radio/Electronics Classes with testing for Alcona County School students
- Search & Rescue Assistance
- Coast Guard, Auxiliary Coast Guard, Sheriff’s Office Marine Division Assistance
- Alcona County Wide Cleanup Days
- Various Festivals with Special Event Stations
Our major project was the Emergency Communications and Command
Unit a 19 foot fully insulated, heated & A/C, tandem axle trailer
complete with generators, 13.8v DC, exterior awning, 5 operating
positions (all modes including public service bands with computer
systems for packet, etc.) and a separate conference/command room.
Click to view photos of the completed project.
The project was initiated in the spring of 1999 with Phase I
(Trailer & Related Basic Equipment) completed in August of 2000.
Phase II (Communications Equipment, Electrical Hardware and Interior
Furnishings) has begun by a group of volunteers under the direction
of a Project Manager with partial activation of the trailer in June
2001. The trailer has been used at various events and functional
tests (Harrisville Sunrise Side Festival, County Fair, Lighthouse
Days, FEMA Simulated Emergency Test, etc.) since its partial
activation.
An important aspect of a small community like ours is cooperation in
getting the job done. We all wear many hats from volunteer fire
fighters to the American Red Cross and understand the importance of
teamwork. We know our customers and their needs and they know
Amateur Radio and our capabilities.
When visiting the “Sunrise Side” be certain to check into our nets.
Use our open repeaters — (147.040 MHz, up 600 KHz, 123.0 Hz PL), or
Packet nodes on 145.090 MHz or stop by and join us at one of our
events.
Other amateur radio repeaters located in Alcona County include:
- 145.490 MHz, down 600 KHz, 100.0 Hz PL, WB8ZIR/R, located just south of Hubbard Lake; Also an Alpena receiver, use a 123.0 Hz PL
- 442.0125 MHz, up 5.0000 MHz, DMR system, W8JJR/R, located in Lost Lake Woods just north of Lincoln