ARES
Delaware County ARES
Is we is, or is we ain’t? Well, that’s the situation for many of our regular activities in 2021. Of
most concern is the Ironman- always a big draw for competitors and fans, and a big project for
Delaware, Marion and other ARES volunteers.
The Ironman is set for July 25. Whether it will happen or not is up for grabs, but with an event
that size you just don’t get together a week beforehand and decide to let ‘r rip. You have to plan
now as if it’s a go. And that’s exactly what’s happening. ARES in Delaware and Marion counties
were part of a large Zoom conference with city, county, and race officials.
We can say that it looks like the main stuff will stay the main stuff…the swim segment will be in
Delaware Park (with major adjustments for crowds… or lack of… and with larger staging areas
for swimmers.) The bicycle course will be fairly close, running up 23 to 95 and around. They are
working to avoid using a lot of Rt. 42. The run course is fluid right now, but will be in the same
geographic area. A big change will be at the stadium and Ironman Village.
Race officials are really working on setting up safety and distancing. They’ve really thought this
out, and nobody questioned whether that would be an issue.
So, planning is underway, and we’ll keep meeting and developing stuff.
Be sure to note Sandy’s post earlier in the newsletter about the scheduled dates for severe
weather training. This is important! No matter how long and how frequently we’ve done this, we
all need refreshers. So make a date and participate.
Much applause and respect to the digital gang- you all are working diligently and Delaware EMA
and other agencies and you all shine! My thanks!
Ohio ARES ~ things are coming!
Things are rolling along with the Ohio ARES organization. We had a very successful VHF contest-
remember the main purpose is to plot your personal coverage pattern so if we have a “dark sky”
event with no power and no repeaters you’ll have a head start on relaying important
information. For many newer hams, it reinforces the need for a good outside antenna.
Speaking of… another important Ohio ARES event is NVIS Antenna Day. This year, NVIS Day is
set for April 24. NVIS involves “cloud burner” antennas- low to the ground, with RF radiation
going more or less straight up, bouncing down to areas within about 400 miles… just what we
need for emergency HF communications in Ohio and elsewhere! It’s a great time to get
together (yes! It’s outdoors!) and learn to build antennas, then try them out. Again, this is a fun
way to stay prepared with functional, portable antennas in our go-boxes. And for many it’s the
first time to actually solder together an antenna. Stay tuned for further details! We have been
asked to present NVIS on a national ARES forum in the near future.
We are also working on the annual ARES Spring Conference. This has been a great success over
the years, with well over 100 participants each year. The advent of Zoom leads us to consider
using video conferencing to bring in experts from anywhere, and present them to a much
greater number! We’re working on potential breakout sessions and outside speakers for the
session. We may be able to spread these out over a few weeknights. Easter is early (April 4) so
will have to consider the week of the 11th. More to come!
I would encourage you all to participate in the Red Cross “Winlink Thursdays” as we move
through Spring. The exercises are really easy, and the ability to quickly use Winlink to send
forms for any agency is really important! The exercise takes place on the second Thursdays
leading up to a large scale exercise May 8. Check ARC EmComm Training on groups.io.
Amateur Radio is more than
a hobby- it becomes an
important service when
other forms of
communication fail. It’s up
to all of us to stay ready,
stay trained, and stay
available. We could be
required on a moment’s
notice.
Delaware County ARES is part of the
national ARRL program. We rely on
our volunteers. We operate during
several large public events including
the national-level Ironman
competition.
We hold a radio net on the 145.19
repeater (no tone) on the first
Thursday of every month at 8PM.
We hold a training meeting on the
second Thursday of every month at
7:30 usually at the Red Cross building.
All amateurs are invited!
For information, contact Stan, N8BHL
the Delaware County Emergency
Coordinator, or Joe, K8MP or Craig,
W8CR.