More updates at firehall one
In the last update we talked about the ongoing work updating our radio room at Surrey Fire Hall #1. Again our amazing team has continued to work on small but important tasks. We have all of the VHF/UHF and 220 radios functional and reprogrammed. Our computer is updated and working. There are still a couple of remaining tasks. Our HF radio still needs the roof top antenna serviced. We have permission to go to the roof top to to make the necessary repairs. This does need to be done during business hours and we are waiting for some improvement in the weather to get this task completed.
The other large project is to get our Digital communications updated and working. Fire Hall #1, our SEPAR trailer and the Grab and Go Kits all have SCS Pactor modems installed. This part of our renewal will see the computers updated and our Winlink stations revitalized.
This will also lead to a training focus to ensure our members are able to work with Winlink and are confident in using the program to pass messages.
In SEPAR we also are part of the BC Wireless Amateur Radio Network -BCWARN (https://bcwarn.net/). Our primary repeater site hosts a link to form part of the regions network. This allows us to connect Fire Hall #1 and our trailer to this network. From this we have a phone system to other EOC’s and a connection to the internet outside of our local area. Again with the help of the BCWARN technical team and our SEPAR Team led by Reg VE7ZEB the switches for this system have been replaced and upgraded, our phone and the data via BCWARN network is once again tested and functional.
We have both primary and back up switches installed and tested. The Yeasu Fusion repeater with Wires-X is also now using the internet via BCWARN. We hopefully will see further expansion of our use of this system within Surrey and the surrounding areas.
BCWARN
“From the BCWARN website here is the description of what this network is designed for.
BCWARN is an association of amateur radio groups sharing the common goal of building a high-speed data network, capable of operating independent of commercial "internet" providers.
One of the goals of BCWARN participating groups is to assist in connecting Emergency Operations assets (EOC's, PEP HQ's, reception centers, etc) together with a common, independent network.
The BCWARN network allows its users to exchange information between the connected sites such as email, internet-chat, remote printing, VoIP telephone and fax calls, and virtually anything else that you would use the "internet" for, but without having to rely on commercial network infrastructure.
Note however, that during the majority of the time, there are gateways to the "internet" that allow traffic from BCWARN sites to communicate all over the world. However, should a major incident cause those gateways to fail, the BCWARN sites will still be able to communicate with each other and exchange their information.”
SARC VE7RSC Repeater Site
Next Steps
As the weather begins to improve we look forward to completing the rooftop antenna work. We will also continue on the SEPAR Trailer work we began last year. This will include updating the BCWARN equipment in the trailer, updating the radios and computers. This will also see the digital equipment upgraded.
Our weekly nets, and Saturday drop in sessions continue to be well attended. We continue to see membership growth and interest from our program volunteers.
Kjeld Frederiksen VE7GP SK
It is with sadness we mourn the passing of one of our oldest SEPAR and SARC members.
Kjeld Frederikson VE7GP joined SEPAR prior to Oct 2007. He was a very active participant and in earlier years hosted one of the original club repeaters at his home. He also helped with the build out of our SEPAR trailer. It was an honour to have him spend his time with us and to help build a safer community. He will be missed.
If you would like more information on the Surrey Emergency Program please reach out.
~ Gord Kirk VA7GK
SEPAR Coordinator.
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