Bicycle mobile amateur radio

2 meter end fed half wave antenna

AB 429 FACT SHEET

Jim Lackore, ARS AD9X, WI Section State Government Liaison Officer:

1. AB 429 relates to the use of  “wireless telecommunications devices” while driving.
2. AB 429 defines a “wireless telecommunication device” as “…any cellular telephone, two-way radio or citizens band radio, personal digital assistant, or other device being used by the device’s operator to transmit verbal communications, electronic mail, text messages, or any other electronic communication to one or more persons not physically present with the device’s operator, but does not include any global positioning system device installed in or on a vehicle.”
3. AB 429 exempts certain persons and uses — BUT DOES NOT EXEMPT THE MOBILE USE OF AMATEUR RADIO EQUIPMENT BY LICENSED AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS.AB 429 is sponsored by Representatives Smith, Black, Hubler and Van Roy and Senators Taylor and Risser.
4. AB 429 was introduced, read for the first time, and referred to the Assembly Transportation Committee on 9/22/09.
5. On 09/24/09, I met with Representative Smith and his Legislative Aide and urged them to modify AB 429 to exclude Amateur Radio operators from the intent of the Bill by adding the following wording”
6. a.    “4. The person is an Amateur Radio Operator who is: (a) holding a valid Federal Communications Commission Amateur Radio Operator’s license, (b) using dedicated Amateur Radio two-way radio communication equipment, and (c) observing proper Amateur Radio operating procedures.
7. As of 10/06/09 no further progress on the bill has been reported.  (I am on the legislation “watch list” and am notified whenever any action is pending or taken regarding legislation of interest to Wisconsin Amateur Radio Operators.) I will pass on any information I receive regarding the progress of AB 429 through the legislative process to Don Michalski for dissemination to the Wisconsin Amateur Radio operators as he deems appropriate.
8. AB 429 may be read by going to http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/AB-429.pdf
9. The contact information for all of the State of Wisconsin Legislature Representatives and Senators may be obtained from www.legis.state.wi.us.
10. In your written or verbal communication with your Legislator:

a.    Be calm and polite. Do not project a belligerent or demanding attitude. Express your willingness to work with him or her in making the changes you are requesting.
b.    Note that Amateur Radio communications conducted by licensed Amateur Radio operators comes under the authority and regulation of the FCC.
c.    Emphasize the important role in public service communications played by Amateur Radio mobile operators.

1. Navigation
2. Sun protection
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination
5. First-aid supplies
6. Fire
7. Repair kit and tools
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water)
10. Emergency shelter

I’ve been searching for a good list of essential items for Emcomm and ARES members to have as the foundation for their go bags or jump kits. Most go bag lists take the ‘kitchen sink’ approach with the expectation of a three day deployment. To carry this much equipment may be a good thing If you where traveling to a disaster area to provide communications as part of a recovery operation, but I think it actually creates a disservice to the average communicator. 

The 10 Essentials for an Emcomm operator should consist of:

1. Communication
2. Power
3. Sun Protection
4. Illumination
5. Insulation
6. First – Aid
7. Repair Kit - Tools
8. Hydration
9. Nutrition
10. Shelter

Communication: If you are an Emcomm operator, you should have appropriate communication gear to fulfill the mission. At the very least this would be a dual band HT, antenna and spare battery. Another option would be a mobile rig, antenna, and deep cycle battery. You should have the situational awareness to know what would work best for the type of incident you are responding to.

Power: What will you do when the batteries run out. You need some facility to recharge your batteries, connect to power mains, or supply power from batteries, solar, generator or other sources.

Sun Protection: Are you working outside? Pack a hat, long sleeve shirt and sunscreen.

Illumination: You may be called to work at night, carry a flashlight, or lantern. I prefer UHO candle lanterns as they don’t require batteries.

Insulation: Pack extra clothes and dress in layers so that you can stay warm or cool and be comfortable for a variety of weather conditions.

First Aid. Carry a small first aid kit for cuts and bruises. Carry pain reliever and any prescriptions that you may require.

Repair Kit and tools. Carry essential tools so that you can make adjustments in the field. A multi tool, pocket knife, and wire cutters may be sufficient. Duct and electrical tape also comes in handy.

Hydration: Carry one or two water bottles so you can stay hydrated. Bring along a water purification method If you are going into an area that may be flooded or have disrupted power.

Nutrition: Bring non perishable, shelf stable snacks or food items to keep you going for an 8 to 12 hour time frame.

Shelter: Is a pop up shelter to big to carry, maybe consider a lightweight nylon tarp and rope to erect a temporary shelter. A space blanket, emergency bivy or just a fleece blanket may be enough to get you out of the elements and keep you warm or out of the sun.

I think an effective go bag should be built on a foundation of gear that is suitable for an initial activation. This gear list should be sufficient for maybe an eight to 12 hour deployment. The operator should expect to be relieved and or resupplied at that time. 

What if the operation calls for a greater than 12 hour deployment? Then use the ten essentials as a foundation and add appropriate gear to fulfill the mission for the timeframe that is estimated. This gives the operator flexibility to carry the gear that is only necessary, yet the kit can be adapted for times when he or she will be in the field longer.

I believe that the actual items in the 10 essentials list would vary with the scope of the assignment. If I was typically assigned to provide hospital or EOC communications, my 10 essential items would look different than if I was to provide communications in a remote location. But even if I was going remote, I’d still try to be a light as possible.

Feel free to comment on this gear list. The ten essentials for Emcomm is currently a working document and I want to get a feeling of what works or doesn’t work for others. I’ll make improvements and updates based on the feedback I receive.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.