February / March 2022 Newsletter
The purpose of Georgia AUXCOMM is to promote, support, and lead emergency communications activities that support community needs. This is our monthly newsletter and here's what we have for you in this edition:
- Training Meeting - CradlePoint Equipment/System Overview (3/3/22)
- Georgia AuxComm supports the Publix Atlanta Marathon
- 2022 Dalton Hamfest
- Georgia 2022 MCV Exercise the week of 3/14-3/18
- Communications Support for Gwinnett Mass Vaccination Day
- SKYWARN Training in March 2022
- Georgia AUXC Monthly 60m Net - 3/13/22
- Georgia AUXC Monthly D-Star Net on REF030B - 3/21/22
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Georgia AuxComm Training Meeting - CradlePoint Equipment/System Overview (3/3/22, 8pm)
Please join us this Thursday, March 3, 2022 from 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EST) for our monthly Georgia AuxComm Online Training Meeting (usually the last Thursday of each month, but delayed one week).
Once again our guest speaker will be Jeff Watson, K5JCW, our new Georgia AuxComm Training Manager. Jeff will speaking about CradlePoint technology.
This class will be a high-level overview of the various CradlePoint devices, what they are used for, how they are used with GEMA and most public safety agencies. We will also spend time talking through the NetCloud service and how group configurations are managed. Lastly, we will introduce the CradlePoint University, how to access it, and why you should be certified!
Jeff Watson is a disaster response incident commander for a multinational telecom provider with over 27 years of experience in the telecommunications, radio frequency technologies, and information technology fields. As a volunteer, Jeff has served 20+ years in various public safety roles, including Search & Rescue, Incident Command, and Communications. Jeff currently serves as a responder for the Forsyth County EMA, Forsyth County ARES, and Forsyth County CERT teams, when not responding for his regular job.
Jeff is a Georgia Certified Emergency Manager, COML, COMT, ITSL, AUXC and is certified to teach COML, COMT, and AUXC.
Jeff recently accepted the role of Georgia AuxComm Training Manager. He is looking forward to providing a robust training environment that covers many areas to further the response capabilities of the GA AuxComm members
Meeting link:
https://meet.goto.com/761842189
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 761-842-189
All are welcome to attend this free presentation. You do NOT have to be a member of AuxComm, ARES, or any particular organization.
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Georgia AuxComm supports the Publix Atlanta Marathon
Atlanta, February 27, 2022
Georgia AuxComm joined Atlanta area ARES groups and clubs to support the Atlanta Track Club Publix Atlanta Marathon / Half-marathon on Sunday, February 27th.
Picture by Bob Herrin, KE4JLL at the start of the race at Centennial Olympic Park.
AuxComm team leader Bob Herrin, KE4JLL, serving as Event Director Shadow.
Tools used included: Atlanta Radio Club 146.820 MHz repeater (race net), Georgia Tech 145.150 MHz repeater (sag net), and APRS for station tracking.
Event participant Alex Domaleski pictured here after the race with her father Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK, AUXCOMM PIO and Mile 6 communications station.
Overall, the AuxComm participation in the event not only helped our served agency, the Atlanta Track Club, but also served as a great training opportunity for both AuxComm and ARES to work together to support a great community event.
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Georgia AuxComm at the 2022 Dalton Hamfest
Dalton, GA -- Feb. 26, 2022
Members of Georgia AuxComm attended the 40th Dalton Hamfest on Saturday, February 26. This is always one of the largest hamfests in Georgia and this year did not disappoint. The vendor hall was full of activity as was the boneyard outside. This hamfest also features an indoor boneyard. Although there were no forums this year due to COVID, there was plenty to do and see. Here are some pictures from the event.
ARRL officials (LR) - Dr. Gene Clark (W4AYK), Technical Coordinator Larry Whited (AB4NX), Southeast Division Director Mickey Baker (N4MB), Section Manager David Benoist (AG4ZR), Judith Baker, Mary Catherine Domaleski (KI4HHI), and Asst. Section Manager / AUXC PIO Joe Domaleski (KI4ASK).
Georgia AuxComm team (LR) - Greg Smith (WX4AUX) GEMA/HS, Joe Domaleski (KI4ASK) AUXC PIO, David Benoist (AG4ZR) Section Manager & AUXC, Jim Hadder (KE4ZX) SHARES Manager. Not pictured: Anthony Brown (KJ4JJX) AUXC MCV Manager.
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Georgia 2022 MCV Exercise the week of 3/14-3/18
Lake Blackshear, Cordele, GA
Source - GEMA/HS Public Relations
Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security is hosting a field training exercise March 14th – March 18th, 2022 to evaluate the capabilities of Mobile Communication Vehicles (MCV) and the personnel responsible for those assets. The exercise will take place at Lake Blackshear in Cordell, Ga. Georgia AuxComm will be present to conduct training, support operations, and assist with Position Task Book (PTB) sign-offs.
The exercise is designed to be a task based event and will not include a scenario. Through previous exercises we have found that by taking the emergency response scenario out of the exercise, it enables us to keep the direction of the participants focused on attempting or executing each specific communication tasks without having to worry about the typical emergency response mechanisms that are traditionally found with scenario based exercises.
This exercise is also an excellent opportunity to get COML, COMT, AUXC and ARES task books signed off. County EMSAs typically invite their Auxiliary/ARES resources to attend alongside. If you have not heard of this exercise, its time to start building the relationship with your supported EMA or agency. Contact your local EMA or AUXC coordinator for more information.
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Georgia AuxComm Provides Communications Support for Gwinnett Mass Vaccination Day
Snellville, February 26, 2022
Gwinnett County Commissioner Jasper Watkins organized a Mass Vaccination Day at Lenora Park Gymnasium near Snellville on Saturday, February 26th. The event enlisted Gwinnett Newton Rockdale Public Health, Gwinnett County Department of Community Services, and Gwinnett Emergency Management Agency to organize and staff the event. Gwinnett EMA learned that cellular coverage at the site and in the Gym was extremely weak and would not support the computer connectivity to verify and record vaccination status and vaccine distribution.
Gwinnett Emergency Management Director, Greg Swanson, contacted Gwinnett’s Mobile Communications supervisor and Georgia AuxComm Manager, John Davis (WB4QDX), to provide the data communications to support the event. Davis contacted FirstNet/AT&T requesting a Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) unit to provide the necessary cellular coverage using the exclusive Band 14 in 700 MHz for First Responders and critical personnel.
FirstNet/AT&T rolled out the CRD to the site and tasked AT&T Disaster Response and Georgia AuxComm Training Manager, Jeff Watson (K5JCW) to setup and operate the satellite-based unit for cellular data communications.
The FirstNet CRD provided the reliable data communications necessary to keep the event running and service around 500 residents.
Utilizing AuxComm trained personnel to support this event provided the knowledge and experience to determine the best communications resources to support the mission.
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SKYWARN Training in March 2022
Members of Georgia AuxComm attended the two-hour March 1, 2022 SKYWARN® Spotter Training held virtually and conducted by NWS Atlanta Warning Coordinator David Nadler. Mr. Nadler has spoken to Georgia AuxComm previously about weather statistics.
Georgia AuxComm encourages all of it's members to go through the free SKYWARN Spotter Training. Many of our missions are weather-related incidents. There are two more online virtual classes being held in March.
For more information about the SKYWARN classes, please visit this link to sign-up.. You do NOT have to be a member of AuxComm, ARES, or even an amateur radio operator to participate. The spotter class is appropriate for all members of the general public who have an interest in the weather.
Additionally, here are some online resources of interest to spotters.
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REMINDER - Georgia AUXC Monthly 60m Net - March 13th, 2022 (always the second Sunday at 1400 Local)
Georgia AUXCOMM has been conducting a monthly net on 60m Channel 5 on the second Sunday of each month at 1400 local. Recognizing the growing importance of 60m as an interoperability band, we've been practicing our own skills and testing our gear to ensure we can effectively communicate on 60m. We'd like to invite each of you to participate in the net. Please ensure that you have the proper radio licensure to participate. Amateur radio operators that are General class or higher are authorized to use the band. Please note that amateur radio is a secondary service on the band and must not interfere with other services such as government agencies.
Our net takes check-ins via 60m Channel 5 Phone (5.403.5 MHz, USB) and Winlink to the tactical address GAAUXC. Most of our operators check-in using both SSB and Winlink. Winlink check-ins should include your location, power level, and equipment used. The net starts with a preamble, roll call of AUXC leaders, and then open check-ins. If Channel 5 is not available, the backup is 60m Channel 4.
Want to know more about the 60m band?
We hope you'll join us for the next net, scheduled for Sunday, March 13th, 2022 at 2pm (local) on 5.403.5 MHz, USB (Channel 5).
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NEW D-STAR NET! - Georgia AUXC Holds Monthly D-Star Net on REF030B (Third Monday of each Month)
Georgia AuxComm recognizes the utility of leveraging the Georgia D-Star Network, which links repeaters and hotspots all across the state using REF030B. Georgia AuxComm also uses REF030A as a backup. During the Winter Storm Izzy incident, it became apparent that AuxComm and ARES could work together using the network for statewide coverage.
Want to know more about D-Star? Check out https://dstarinfo.com
We hope you'll join us for the next net, scheduled for Monday, March 21, 2022 at 8:30pm (local) on REF030B. In the event that reflector is not available, please use REF030A as a backup. If you have D-Star picture capability, be ready for a special image transmission at the conclusion of the net!
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GaAUXCOMM needs your support!
We have established a non-profit membership organization to support our mission. Consider becoming an early bird member with a $30 donation. We need your support so we can continue serving the community. Here's a link you can use to apply for membership and make a donation.
https://gaauxcomm.org/membership
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FAQ and Social Media
Keep in touch with Georgia AUXCOMM! We've prepared a handy FAQ about the organization and will regularly communicate updates from this monthly newsletter and via social media outlets.
This newsletter is our primary official communication outlet. If you're getting this newsletter, then "you're on the list". Feel free to share this newsletter.
Other information sources include:
Website
https://gaauxcomm.org
FAQ
https://www.gaauxcomm.org/media/GaAUXCOMM-FAQ-Version12-2020-April.pdf
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/georgiaauxcomm
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwtgAs5ps7IZI-zSRPMZqiA
Twitter
https://twitter.com/gaauxcomm
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/georgiaauxcomm
Please direct all general questions and press inquiries to Georgia AUXCOMM PIO Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK, at joe.domaleski@gaauxcomm.org.
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