Transcript Discussion Points for Block Watch Presentation

Block Watch & Amateur Radio
Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society
Les Dawes
Block Watch Captain, McKean Rd
VA7CBN
Why are we involved in Block Watch?
• Concern for safety in our neighbourhood
• Concern for the welfare of our neighbours
• Expectation of assistance from our
neighbours
• Insurance discounts
• Get to know the neighbours better
• Communication is Key to bringing this
together
What is Amateur Radio
• Amateur radio encompasses a wide variety of
activities all of which are centred around an interest
in radio and communications.
• Amateur radio is ...
a form of communication; a hobby; a community
service.
• Radio Amateurs help save lives as part of an
emergency & disaster communications network, the
most important aspect of Amateur Radio.
• Licensed Amateurs can apply to become part of the
CVRD’s Emergency Communications Team (ECT)
What is Amateur Radio
• A unique mix of fun, convenience and public
service
• People get involved for many reasons, but
they all have in common a basic knowledge
of radio technology, regulations and
operating principles
• All have received an authorization to operate
on the "Amateur Bands.“
What is Amateur Radio
The appeal of Amateur Radio
• The ability to communicate across the country, around the globe,
and even with astronauts on space missions.
• Some Radio Amateurs build and experiment with radio.
• Computer hobbyists find digital modes to be a low-cost way to
expand their ability to communicate.
• Those with a competitive streak enjoy "DX contests" where the
object is to see how many distant Radio Amateurs they can
contact.
• Some like the convenience of a technology giving them portable
communication.
• Others use it to open the door to new friendships over the air, or
through participation in an Amateur Radio club.
• Many combine Amateur Radio with the internet in various ways.
What is Amateur Radio
• Typical Radio Amateurs come from all walks of life lawyers, entertainers, missionaries, doctors,
ministers, politicians, students, workers, shut-ins and
retired folks - all ages, sexes, income levels and
nationalities.
• Some like voice communication on a hand-held radio.
Others prefer Morse code through a low-power
transmitter. Many transmit computer messages
through amateur radio satellites or repeater systems.
• They all use radio to communicate with their fellow
Radio Amateurs.
Industry Canada
• Federal agency responsible for Licensing and
regulations governing radio communication
in Canada
• How are Amateur Radio operators
“authorized” in Canada?
• There is only one authorization to transmit an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with
the Basic Qualification and Call Sign.
Frequency Bands
• There are frequency bands reserved for use by
Radio Amateurs at intervals from just above the
AM broadcast band all the way up through the
microwave frequencies.
• Although Amateur Radio conversations may be
heard around the world by anyone with a
suitable radio receiver, and propagation
conditions, Amateur Radio is basically two-way
communications between Radio Amateurs.
Types of Communication
Phone – Voice communications
Types of Communication
APRS - Real time tracking
Types of Communication
Packet – RMS Express (email) on radios
Types of Communication
Easypal – Photos and documents
Equipment
Handheld Radios
Equipment
Mobile Radios
Equipment
Mobile Radios
Equipment
Home Station
Equipment
Portable Field Station
Equipment
Mobile Communications Centres
Equipment
Mobile Communications Centres
What are the Benefits to Block Watch
• First action is to call Police
• Another tool to communicate with
• Back up communications when phones and
email are down
• Increased awareness of what is going on in
the community
• Opportunity to get to know others who can
communicate in your area
How can the Hams help L.E.R.N.
(Local Emergency Response
Neighbourhoods)
• Backup communications in the
neighbourhood
• Communications between the community
and CVRD
• Passing of reports such as Rapid Damage
Assessment information
• Full communications to the outside world
How to get Licensed
• Pass the Industry Canada Exam
• Study online and write the exam or
• Take training from CVARS or equivalent
Next Course March 13-15, 2014
Contact Tim Mitchell @ 250-746-4532 or Email
[email protected]
Questions
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• Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society
www.cvars.com
Contact me
Les Dawes
Cell: 250-510-6305
Email: [email protected]
VA7CBN on 145.470 Mhz