Pursuant to the request of the FARA Board of Directors, a committee was formed to investigate the possibly of putting together a mobile communications trailer to be used by FARA for Field Day, Public Service Events, Emergency Response and to support the community at large.
A volunteer committee was formed by several members of FARA to identify the objectives of the trailer, equipment needed, its ability to be deployed and the estimated monies needed to purchase and outfit the trailer.
After careful consideration, and review of similar trailers developed by other amateur groups, the size of the trailer was identified, along with the equipment most members felt would be needed to properly outfit it. With these ideas in mind, a list of equipment and related costs were put together, to put a professional mobile communications platform together. It would support not only FARA’s needs and the local community, but also play a role in regional communications support as well.
It would be the intent that the trailer could be readily towed by a suitable pick-up truck or comparable SUV when requested. Once on scene, the trailer could be deployed into full service in about 30- 45 minutes. This would include HF and VHF/UHF capabilities.
The on-board radio equipment would be self-powered through a trailer generator and/or on-board batteries, or through a shore power connection when available. Air-conditioning and heating would be included, to allow comfortable, year-round operation in the field.
Radio equipment would include HF, VHF, UHF, DMR, D-Star, Fusion, Digital Operation (Packet, PSK, FT8, Etc.), Public Safety (VHF and 800 Trunked), operated from 3 – 4 operator positions.
Funding was raised through donations from local businesses and organizations, FARA membership and club funds. Once funds were in place, a new 16 Ft enclosed trailer was ordered in late 2019. based on the specifications set forth by the Committee. This included full insulation, walk-on roof, plywood interior, finished floor and a heating/air-conditioning system.
Timing could not have been worse. COVID hit our nation within weeks of receiving the trailer in 2020. With the trailer being graciously stored inside the JBCC Fire Station on Joint Base Cape Cod, which provided us a heated building to work in, access into the building was closed down only to authorized personnel, due to the strict COVID restrictions. We unfortunately had no other place at the time to store the trailer inside, so we were locked into this spot.
Because of COVID regulations, it wasn’t until that Fall, that we were able to have access to the building and begin work. There was only a handful of people from FARA (because of their positions on the Military Installation) that were allowed into the building to work on the trailer. With this opportunity at hand, they went right to work, and started the demanding task of putting the trailer together. With all of the collective ideas in hand, materials were secured to begin the carpentry, equipment rack installations, wiring, antenna installations, electrical power work and painting. Much of the hardware, antennas wiring and electronic supplies were secured through donations and surplus sources, which helped greatly to keep the costs down. Many of the control panels in the equipment racks, for AC and DC power distribution, antenna patching, etc. were all custom made to support the unique needs of the trailer.
The goal was to have the trailer done for Field Day 2021, and we were able meet that goal after about 6 months of dedicated work building the 3 operating positions, electronics racks and storage.
Field Day 2021 was the maiden voyage for the trailer, and it was a great success! We operated on a 7500 watt generator for the event, and had two positions operating on HF with no interference problems. Plans for 2022, will include final lettering of the trailer, addition of more cabinets and shelving. Events will include Field Day, the Falmouth Road Race and the Cape Cod Marathon, as well as various drills and exercises.
Special thanks to all those involved with the project, the support of FARA, SEMARA, Falmouth Masons Lodge, the Joint Base Cape Cod Fire Department and other local organizations.
The trailer is equipped as follows:
Radios:
3 - 2M/440 Radios (includes Fusion, DMR and D-Star)
3 - Marine Radios
3 - Scanners
1 - GMRS Radio
1 - 900 MHz Radio
1 - Dual Band Public Safety 800
Trunked/VHF Radio
2 - HF Radios
15 External Roof Mounted Antennas
(VHF/UHF 700-800 Wideband, 900,
UHF, VHF, 6M, Marine and Scanner)
HF 10/15/20 M Beam
Fully Wired Computer Data Network at each position
12 VDC Power Distribution at each position, with USB Charger Ports
WX Station
GPS Netclock
30 Ft Portable Telescoping Military Tower
External RF, Data, Telco and DC Power Connector Panel
PA Audio System
2 Ea 200 A/Hr 12 VDC Battery Systems W/Chargers
AC Power Distribution Panel
RF Distribution Panel
Tables, Chairs
External DC Scene Lighting
Internal AC and DC Lighting
2 Ea Rechargeable Flashlights
Custom Radio/Headphone Interface System
Tools, Hardware, Spare Parts and Supplies
Numerous Coax Cable Assemblies
Shore Line Power Cables and Extension Cords
  
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