Radio Operators needed for Twin Cities Marathon - Oct.7th


  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
  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.&su=%5BPress%20Reply%5D" target="_blank">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  ARES Metro District, ADEC, PIO
  20 Sunset Dr E
  Champlin, MN 55316
  612-207-9501
  http://www.aresmn.org
   

   
Remember registering   at the ARESMN.org site is ensuring your participation   in future fun, training and disaster operations. It also serves as your   registration for ARES MN Section, Metro District. Your profile from   registering on the site serves as your resume for past experience and your   future interests. It also should showcase your equipment for future   assignments. The profile will change and improve in the future. Keep it up to   date.
 
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