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Post by scottbritt on Jul 28, 2015 11:28:46 GMT -5
I have two questions;
First, what frequencies are used by the police in Knoxville? Got a scanner, but not sure what to set it to; could not find anything online.
Second, what frequency would be good for "KnoxCERT" to use to contact each other during an emergency? A standard walkie-talkie channel or a more specific band? Perhaps operators know of something already set up from previous classes? I have a Baofeng 4W UV-5R handset, 136-174MHz & 400-480MHz.
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Post by RickS on Jul 28, 2015 21:12:07 GMT -5
Hi, Scott. Well, I can give you a link to the frequencies used, but you will need a Trunking Scanner to be able to follow all the call groups on their system. One link that details the frequencies used is: www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=964As to the best frequency for CERT, for Ham Radio operators I would recommend one of the local repeater systems here that is used for many types of emergencies. That frequency is 146.940 (WB4GBI Repeater) and is somewhat of a meeting place where you can find someone then move to another frequency for specific needs. It is also extremely active with Skywarn when the weather becomes threatening. For other non-Ham types of frequencies, many recommend the GMRS or FRS frequencies. However, it is illegal to use the Baofeng radio on the FRS or GMRS frequencies due to it not being Part 95 compliant (as specified by the FCC), which is a shame because they are such inexpensive radios. But an FRS/GMRS radio is comparable in price, can be bought at most sporting goods or department stores either singly or in pairs, and keeps you legal. GMRS differs from FRS in that it does require a license to operate. No exam, just a fee. I am adding a document under another thread so I can post a file called CERT Radio Operations that gives a great explanation of the use of CERT for emergencies, using the FRS and GMRS frequencies. I am open to others suggestions on frequencies to use, especially in surrounding areas. If there is enough interest, maybe we could set up our own CERT Communications Plan?
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Post by scottbritt on Jul 29, 2015 12:06:46 GMT -5
Great information! Here, and the other post as well. So perhapps set up a default and backup FRS channel for short range communication, and for those with the capabilities (about half the class) a HAM go-to frequency? A communications plan sounds like a great idea, good way to access how widespread damage is, ask for additional resourses, etc.
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Post by RickS on Aug 24, 2015 9:33:35 GMT -5
Attached is a good article about CERT Communications from FEMA. Pages 16 through 23 talk about the different radio ranges available for CERT operations. Joe asked me at the meeting about using MURS for CERT. While it is possible, I am not sure how many would have radios for that range. I checked online and they are around $89.00 or so. Either that or FRS would be a good prospect for short-range CERT comms, and FRS is more readily available to most people due to the large number of those available at many stores like Walmart and Sporting good stores. It would only be good for short range, and most would opt for ham radio to allow for long range communications. I have one of the FRS radios, but haven't spent a long time checking out what channels most use. We would probably need to choose the most unused channel for testing. Will let you know here what I find out.
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