April SEPAR - ESS Exercise Report

On Saturday April 5, 2008, ten members of SEPAR provided communications for the ESS exercise using our newly completed grab and go kit (see photos below).  

• We achieved all on the list with the exception of the CW message handling mainly due to lack of CW operators.  CW was sent from the mock reception center but we lacked message handlers for formal traffic.  All messages sent via voice and Airmail in standard NTS format and were all passed successfully. In the evening I further sent formal messages to the RAC Section Manager, the Section Emergency Coordinator and the District Emergency coordinator using the BC/Yukon traffic net on 3.716 mhz.  
• Antenna setup went very well with the HF, VHF/UHF antennas ready for use in just over 30 mins.  We were delayed in setting up the radios as ESS required the space while we were setting up.  Once we had access to the tables we were able to set the radios up in about 15 mins.  It took a little longer to get the Airmail working as finding a node from out location was difficult.  In the end we were able to connect with VE7SWF at the PREOC and this worked well.

Objective # 2

• The radio room and hall #1 was operational and received good voice communication via VHF simplex and the SARC repeater but failed to make any contact on the HF bands.  This is a concern and it is most likely the antenna at the radio room that has failed again.  APRS was operational from the radio room and they were able to monitor all the vehicles equipped with APRS.

Objective # 3

• We were able to liaise with several of the ESS coordinators as well as with John Evanochko the ESS director. ESS provided us with some messages although we were prepared to handle much larger volumes.  ESS volunteers were able to see the communications setup and our ability to provide communications in the field.  

Objective # 4

• We do not yet have the kit setup manuals and this exercise will give us some ideas as to what is needed in the setup manual.
• We used both the PEP and the RAC incoming and outgoing message logs and there was virtually not difference in the recorded information. 
• We did not log each formal message contact however each message delivery information was noted in the operators note area.
• We need
• Kit setup manuals
• Kit operating manuals
• Emergency coordinators guidelines.
• Antenna setup procedures.

Objective # 5

• We did not receive too many questions however we had a lot of very interested ESS volunteers and I assume the questions will come next time.  I received a copy of the communications check list which was given to each volunteer and I will go over it so we can ensure that we meet their expectations.
• Our communications ability was easily an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10 and I and the operators were very comfortable that we could have handled any amount of message traffic they had.
• We did identify a couple of obvious areas that need to be attended to but they were not serious concerns.

Objective # 6

• We handed out the new SEPAR brochure
• We did not get into any discussions on the Red Cross or RAC
• SEPAR did handle health and welfare messages without any noticeable problems.

Objective # 7

• Take down of the antennas and packing the gear went exactly as we had visualized and all the components for kit # 1 are now back at John Brodie’s.

• We have not confirmed a date for the post exercise meeting however it will be very soon.  Training ideas are welcome.

We are now working on kits 2 & 3 and putting together the power box for kit #1.  This box will hold the battery, coax and likely the VHF/UHF antennas.

Briefly, this exercise was to test our ability to setup the portable station and provide communications for ESS, and it was a huge success.  It is now time to get all SEPAR volunteers involved with this project for hands on training.  I will be scheduling at least 2 days of training later this month and the grab and go kits will be on site.  I will send out training details as soon as we have the documentation and dates in place.

We would have liked to have had a larger group participating in this exercise but it was not practical and there were too many unknowns going into the very first outing however we will make sure all SEPAR volunteers are involved.  We have Canada Day and CN Family Days coming up, as well as other exercises, so there will be plenty of opportunity for ALL SEPAR volunteers to become familiar with this new equipment.

Guildford Rec Centre - ESS Reception Centre	ESS Reception Centre Radio Station	SEPAR/EOC Radio Room - Firehall #1

January 2008 Meeting Report

Here is a brief report on the January 2008 SEPAR meeting in .PDF format. Included is a calendar of known events for 2008; it looks like an exciting year ahead. (155Kb file).

(posted 08-01-28)

Grab & Go Kit Production

2008 First Quarter SEPAR Report

SEPAR Participation in SET 2007

An update on the grab and go kits for SEPAR Operators at Guildford Rec Centre

The kit contents are ready. We plan to meet each Sunday morning at 0800 to work on this and we should have something by the middle to end of January.

A Busy Time

SEPAR CN Day Display -  September 9, 2007

CN Day is a community event staged by Canadian National Railways and their employees at the Thornton Yards near the Port Mann Bridge in Surrey. Although primarily for the families of the employees, the public is also welcome to attend. Many displays are set-up and include emergency services, community groups and model railroad clubs. SEPAR participated in a display with the Surrey Emergency Program. SEPAR volunteers demonstrated various modes of the hobby and passed greetings via radio through the National Traffic System on behalf of participants who filled out a formal ARES message form.

(posted 07-09-10)

SEPAR Barbeque - August 26, 2007

The BBQ held Sunday, August 26th was a huge success, and the weather cooperated with a sunny, warm afternoon.  The day started at 10:00am with a bunny hunt held at Crescent Park under the guidance of Jim Hurrell, VE7HUR.  The bunny was found in 1 hour and 18 minutes by Anton, VE7SSD, well done Jim and Anton.

The funding for our BBQ was provided by the City of Surrey through the Surrey Fire Services - Thank you. The food was outstanding.  In all there were 33 SEPAR, SARC members and spouses attending to make the day a fun event.  To those who could not make it this year we hope to repeat this again next year. 

(posted 07-08-29)

SEPAR Canada Day Display - July 1, 2007

Below are photos of the SEPAR display as part of the City of Surrey Canada Day events at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.  SEPAR members sent messages to friends and relatives via the National Traffic System on behalf of interested spectators.

(posted 07-07-07)

© 2008 SEPAR
Questions or comments, you can send us e-mail: SEPAR.mail@gmail.com