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:
-
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
