Metro/Douglas ARES

Metro ARES

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APRS Using Your Smart Phone

It is now possible to "get on"  APRS without having to invest in extra radio equipment.  If you have an iPhone or Android phone there are some great applications that make this possible.

APRSdroid and iAPRS both allows reporting of your position to the APRS-IS network and displays nearby stations as a list or on a map.  With local "iGates", stations that port APRS information to and from the APRS-IS network, APRSdroid and iAPRS users appear both on online APRS Service such as FINDU.com, aprs.fi and OpenAprs.net Both apps require an Amateur Radio License for this feature or to send messages via the APRS network.

APRSdroid is open source and available for you to download and compile to upload to your Droid, or you can purchase the application from the Android Market (now Google Play). The Market Version is less than $5 and many local amateurs are using it.  Plus the developer offers a money back guarantee, no questions asked.

iAPRS is available free at the App Store.  Many local iPhone have downloaded this app as well.

Since both of these applications use cell phones and the internet, and therefore they should not be counted on during a disaster.   But having access to the APRS helps during events like SKYWARN activations and community service events.   Please consider downloading these apps and trying out a new mode!

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EMA Training Requirements

In order to stay in compliance with State and Federal regulations,  Douglas County Emergency Management has established the following training requirements for Storm Spotters in Douglas County. EMA and OMMRS officials have recommended for many years that amateur radio opeartors complete these courses.    All of the courses are free of charge and only take a couple of hours to complete.

These requirements are in compliance with the requirements of the Department of Homeland Security and of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and apply to all potential disaster responders, professional and volunteer.  It is exciting news that amateur radio operators are such a part of any disaster response that we are included in these requirements.

Read more: EMA Training Requirements

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KB0ZZT on the Air

March 21st, during WOWT's 10:00 p.m. Newscast, Local Amateur and dedicated weather spotter, George Bellairs, KB0ZZT was interviewed as part of a report of technology and storm spotting.    If you missed the broadcast, you can see it at the WOWT Web Site.

 

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Current Weather Activity

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Civic-minded East Contra Costa amateur radio club operators ham it up

By Tammy Hansen
For the Contra Costa Timesmercurynews.com

Posted:   03/21/2012 02:42:05 PM PDT
March 21, 2012 9:44 PM GMT Updated:   03/21/2012 02:44:13 PM PDT

They don't play Words With Friends, but some have friends across the world.

Their electronic accessories don't begin with "i."

In the event of an actual emergency, you would be glad to have one for a neighbor.

Ham radio operators have always been a subset of society, but with digital devices making everyone a communications guru of sorts, it's easy to forget this small segment of the population. Yet, for the civic-minded sort with a hankering to connect and serve, there's a local source for would-be radio folk.

East County has an enclave of hams with a vivid social life. Delta Amateur Radio Club members meet in person at 7 p.m. the last Thursday of every month at the Pittsburg Environmental Center, 2581 Harbor St. They come together to swap stories and equipment and technical tips. Newcomers are welcome.

"If you think you might like to become a ham, come to a meeting!" club president Mary-Jane Walker insisted.

Or maybe take in a breakfast with members of the larger county club, club treasurer Drew Hanson said.

The perception that amateur radio operators are shut-ins is untrue. Walker started hamming it up 30 years ago. Newly widowed, her daughter and son-in-law encouraged her to join them in their hobby.

"I joined to meet people," Walker said. "I've made a lot of friends over the years."

Read the entire story here....

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