Livingstone residents tour The Hub and learn how to Get Ready. Click below to view their Facebook Post/Video
A very successful day at the LDCC hub. Great exposure for CQARA EmComms group.
David giving a demo of the LDCC systems and pointing out all the backups they have in place. Then the last line if all else fails CQARA, or as David calls use the Armageddon crew.
We had a few volunteers testing the Mesh Net phone setup.
Frank VK4FLR work station.
Don VK4BY did a great job informing the tour groups, who we are and what we do. Plus a bit of an overview of the three systems we bring to the table IE: voice communications, data (email/winlink) and easy to use no licence required phone system. No internet or grid required.
On Tuesday the 10/11 Jeff Brett VK4NJB and Leigh Wilson VK4YLW attended a simulated major event exercise at the LDCC hub Yeppoon. The exercise was code named BULI and involved all emergence services.
One of or our roles was to provide off grid communications between the Hub and Townhall buildings. This was accomplished using and HamMesh network and IP phone system. The HamMesh setup included multiple self-contained solar/battery repeater units as well as two self-contained battery powered IP phone router units. One placed in the comms room of the Hub and the second placed in the Townhall building (Simulated evacuation centre). A number of calls were made using HamMesh phones which operated faultlessly.
We were also tasked with emailing Kedron Disaster Control Centre updates of ongoing operational status and any requirements for further resources. Using VK4LM Winlink base located in Bouldercombe. (Winlink Global Radio Email is a network of amateur radio and authorized government-licensed stations that provides worldwide radio email using radio pathways where the internet is not present. The system is built, operated and administered entirely by licensed "Ham" volunteers.) Also worked faultlessly.
The day of training was very successful and further thanks must go to VK4FLR and VK4KWS for the assistance in setting up the links for the day and operational support on the day when required. And a very big thank you must go to VK4LM for his foresight, knowhow and investment (money and time) for supplying such a wonderful asset that is VK4LM Winlink Base. It’s not only there for Armageddon events, it is also used by sailors on a daily basis to receive weather forecasts, report their positions and to keep in contact with loved ones. I must also mention Dave VK4FAAW for the trust he has placed in our group and the opportunity to show the value of Amateur radio in this modern day world of the internet.
Jeff Brett VK4NJB
EmComs Coordinator
Another very successful Display at this year (2019) Talisman Sabre at the Rockhampton Show Grounds. Thank you all involved in putting our hobby in front of the public once more.
Another successful Winlink training day. David Mazzaferri gave those present and run down of Guardian IMS and how CQARA fits into the system. There was also a hint of a challenge to try and break the Guardian IMS training environment. Not really but basically use it and get familiar with using it. Although we CQARA won’t be entering requests ect we can and will receive tasks from Guardian.
A meshnet phone system was deployed and tested with great results. Our task in the upcoming exercise will be to provide a phone/communication connection between LDCC and Yeppoon Town Hall. The test proved we have the equipment required to get the job down.
There was a quick demo of a Winlink form template under development which worked well.
Those present sent and received several Winlink emails via Jacks VK4LM portable Winlink post office. I think hands on use teaches more in a few hours than days for training.
All in all great day and everyone left with an improved skill set.
Thank you to David Mazzaferri VK4FAAW for the use of the facilities and over Jack VK4LM for the portable Winlink setup. Not forgetting Jeff VK4NJB for all the work behind the scenes and Frank VK4FLR for his expertise in all things digital.
Another very successful Display. A steady flow of foot traffic and some interested people stopped for a chat. Despite being a little noisy on VHF we were still able to get some pictures on slow scan TV. There was a few email going back and forward via VK4LM winlink node on 7.041MHz as well as ZL1SEA on 10.1455Mhz.
ABC Radio interview on the day. Broadcast on Monday 29/07/2019
