Clay Bartholow's (W0LED) Question for the Net
Radio Operators needed for Twin Cities Marathon - Oct.7th
- Details
- Last Updated on Monday, October 08 2018 12:45
It appears to be down today, so if you find that true as well, check back later.
The Marathon (Twin Cities in Motion) also has a mobile app, which supports live updates and push weather bulletins.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mylaps.eventapp.medtronictwincitiesmarathonweekend&hl=en_US
The main net will be on 444.425 pl 114.8, with back up on 145.4300- pl 127.3
If you have not already, go to aresmn.org, sign up for the 2017 Net 1 email list and register.
If you haven't already, please fill out your profile (register by clicking the Sign Up! button on top) on ARESMN.org and let us know your details: your Ham call, your cellphone number, verify you have a dual band HT, your T-shirt size and any preferences you may have. I can accommodate later starts, and early leaving. If you have a 2m HT only, let me know. Let me know if you've worked an event like this before or would like to be assigned with an experienced volunteer. Let me know of any requests you may have.
Communications Tips
The full manual will follow just before the Marathon.
A gain HT antenna is the minimum choice you can make. The standard issue stubby duck that came with your radio will not work. You also will need at least 5 watts. If you can bring a mobile radio a power source (your car) and an antenna for it, do so. If you don't have a gain HT antenna, please get one. If you don't have a 5 watt HT, you will need more of an antenna.
The best choice is to bring a gain base antenna with a way to put it up. All the medical locations have trees overhead. Other locations should have enough flexibility in location to find a tree. Radio City may have options for you as well.
If you don't have this sort of antenna and have a mobile radio with mounted antenna on your car, that should work too. Cross band repeat should work, but you will need to have your car close so that if the squelch opens, you can adjust it or you will jam the net! If you can't have your car close, don't use crossband repeat because you could end up jamming the net!
Work with your assigned partner as needed. Assignments will come out as soon as I can, starting in a week or so. T-shirt info will follow as well.
If you don't think you can get together what you need, let me know. At least one of you need a good antenna. If you and your partner can't bring a good antenna, then I will try to reassign you.
Also, the Marathon Ham Radio manual will come out as soon as I get it.
Roads close as early as 6am. Scout out your location ahead of time, to make sure you have a place to park near by. If you can get there before the road closes, all the better. You need to be on location at 7am. We'll have check in's starting at that time. The race starts at 7:55 with the wheel chair participants, 8am for the marathon.
Your actual location may be if assigned the location of a TCM crew, medical, or fluid station. You are their communications staff. Get to know them, they are your key to a good time! Bring some snacks to get you through the day and water in case you don't have a near by source. Bring a chair. Here is a good article about a "go-kit" http://www.bay-net.org/docs/personal_go_kit.pdf
If you don't have a dual band solution, let me know.
The wheel chair racers begin at 7:50 and the runners at 8:00 AM. We want you to report the first wheelchair and number. The first male and female runner and their number. This is for every check point so we can plot the progress of the race.
Please report drop outs so we can report that info to the race as well as people at your location whom will need to find the race buses. Buses only leave from certain points and not all points of the race. You need the runner's bib number to report in.
Emergency:
In the case of an emergency, usually a fallen runner who doesn't immediately get up, call 911 and the ambulance services are prepared for fast dispatch for the Marathon. Then let net control know what happened. You will need your closest street address for the closest house or business for the dispatcher to find you.
We want to know where the tail end of the race is so let us know, also when your check point no longer has any runners being treated or waiting for SAG. You are to stay with runners waiting for SAG. When the tail vehicle passes, and you have no more runners with you, then you can ask for permission to secure and you are free to go.
Remember that you identify with your Mile number and your call. Check in with your tactical call, "Mile 11" We will answer as Net Control #1, N0KBD! Please do not make a report till we tell you to go ahead with your report. It can get very busy and most doubling is avoidable in this manner. Always end every transmission with your call.
Dress for the weather, it could be hot or cool and it may rain. Please dress appropriately! Bring your rain gear. Nothing wrong with a pair of mitts in you pocket on standby!
Bring an extra battery pack for your radio or extra radios.
Most important, HAVE FUN!
Dave Johnson N0KBD
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ARES Metro District, ADEC, PIO
20 Sunset Dr E
Champlin, MN 55316
612-207-9501
http://www.aresmn.org
