ARES-RACES – WB3GCK QRP Amateur Radio

A Weekend of ARES-RACES Activities

I haven’t had much time for ham radio in the past couple of weeks. Life-in-general ‌just seems to get in the way sometimes. This past weekend was not without some form of “radioactivity,” since I took part in two ARES-RACES events.

“Townships on the Air”

On Saturday, my local ARES-RACES group conducted a “Townships on the Air (TOTA)” exercise. The aim of the exercise was for members to operate off-grid from locations around the county. While a few members checked in by voice only, the focus was on sending message traffic to the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) using the Narrowband Emergency Messaging System (NBEMS) over our 70cm repeater system and Winlink over our VARA-FM network.

For my part of the drill, I drove to a community park a mile or two from home. The park has a really nice pavilion, but it has a metal roof. Being unsure of the effect that would have on my VHF and UHF communications, I parked under a shady tree and operated from the truck.

My little Evolve netbook handling NBEMS traffic during the drill

For voice, an HT was sufficient to access our county-wide linked repeater system. On the data side, I used my old, reliable IC-207H with a mag-mount antenna. The 207H is about 23 years old and still going strong. I used my Evolve netbook on a steering wheel tray and a Signalink interface to round out my setup.

My NBEMS/Winlink setup for our ARES-RACES Drill

I powered the IC–207H with a recently purchased 20Ah LiFePO4 battery. This was my first opportunity to use it for its intended purpose: powering the 207H in the field. Another new piece of gear I used was a rechargeable fan. Although the morning temperatures were still fairly moderate, I hung it from a grab handle on the passenger side to get some air moving.

The drill itself went well. I successfully transmitted three required NBEMS messages and one Winlink message. Our net control operators at the EOC kept things moving efficiently, so the drill wrapped up in about an hour.

French Creek Iron Tour

On Sunday, our ARES-RACES group provided communications support for the French Creek Iron Tour. This popular bicycle event benefits the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, which supports the preservation of natural resources and green spaces in our region.

This event is one of my favorites. This year was the 24th running of this annual event; and I think I have volunteered for most, if not all, of them. With course options ranging from 11 to 100 miles, the participants usually range from serious long-distance riders to families with young kids in bike trailers.

Some of the riders taking a break at the rest stop

Our ARES-RACES team staffed the Net Control location, five rest stops, and about a half-dozen support vehicles. Using APRS, the net control operators tracked each of the support vehicles so that they could be efficiently dispatched to problem areas.

As in recent years, I was stationed at one of the early rest stops. This year, my rest stop was located at a beautiful private residence in a rural area. Since we were on the tail end of a heatwave, I found a nice shady spot to operate from. I have to say, this was the nicest location I’ve had for this event. Jokingly, I told one of my colleagues that I was sorry I didn’t bring a hammock.

My cozy location in the shade of a tree for the FrencH Creek Iron Tour bike event — My cozy location in the shade of a tree for the French Creek Iron Tour bike event

From my location, it was an easy shot into our repeater system, so an HT was all I needed for solid communications. Thankfully, there were no major issues during my five-hour stint. At my location, rider issues were limited to a few minor mechanical problems. Overall, our group did a great job, and I was happy to be a small part of it.

I’m hoping to get out for a POTA/WWFF activation somewhere this week—if life-in-general doesn’t get in the way again.

73, Craig WB3GCK

Public Service at the French Creek Iron Tour

Yesterday, I took part in one of my favorite public service events, the French Creek Iron Tour. Chester County ARES/RACES (CCAR) has been supporting this cycling event for more than 20 years. The French Creek Iron Tour benefits the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust.

This is a large event, with distance options ranging from 11 to 100 miles. Because the event covers such a wide area, CCAR needed to provide radio operators at five rest stops and aboard eight support vehicles. The support vehicles are equipped with APRS trackers, allowing the net control operators to track their locations around the course.

French Creek Iron Tour participants taking a break at the Yellow Springs rest stop

My part in the event was pretty straight-forward. I was once again stationed at a rest stop in historic Yellow Springs, Pennsylvania. Because CCAR has an extensive linked repeater infrastructure, an HT was all I needed for communications.

My minimalist setup for the French Creek Iron Tour cycling event

Fortunately, there were no serious issues to handle. A few riders rolled into the rest stop needing bicycle repairs, and some riders required transportation back to the start/finish line at the Kimberton Fairgrounds.

This is always a fun event, and the folks from the sponsoring organization are always a pleasure to work with.

73, Craig WB3GCK

Another Mixed Bag Weekend

This was another of those weekends that involved different aspects of ham radio. I was involved in a public service event on Saturday, and I got my QRP-portable fix on Sunday morning.

Northbrook Canoe Challenge

The public service event was the annual Northbrook Canoe Challenge. This event has participants traveling 9.5 miles down the Brandywine River by canoe. The event, which benefits the Cerebral Palsy Association of Chester County, Pennsylvania, is always one of my favorites.

Once again, I served as the net control operator for the event. Chester County ARES-RACES (CCAR) had 13 operators at nine locations along the course. Several local dive teams also took up positions along the course, to ensure the safety of the participants.

This year, I was set up at the Northbrook Canoe Company, which is the end point for the course. The weather was less than stellar, with on and off drizzle throughout the event. The CCAR team, along with a paramedic, hunkered down under a large overhang off of one of the buildings. Communications-wise, this is a straightforward event. CCAR’s repeater system provides excellent coverage in the area, so the entire course can be covered using HTs. I was able to run the net from my camp chair with my AnyTone HT.

The WB3GCKmobile parked along the Brandywine River for the Northbrook Canoe Challenge — I neglected to take pictures of the Canoe Challenge, but I did snap this one of the WB3GCKmobile next to the Brandywine River.

Fortunately, there were no serious issues to be dealt with, and judging by the cheers at the finish line, the participants had a great time, despite the weather.

Evansburg State Park (US-1351, KFF-1351)

On Sunday morning, I wanted to get in a quick POTA activation. The weather was worse than the day before, with chillier temperatures and a more steady rainfall.

I rolled into Evansburg State Park and found the park completely empty—except for one crazy old ham. After setting up my 12-foot loaded whip, I draped a plastic bag over the loading coil to give it some protection from the elements. I used my trusty TR-35 (5 watts, CW) up in the cab.

My antenna and I sporting our raingear in Evansburg State Park (US-1351, KFF-1351)

For as early as it was (0900 EDT), the number of callers surprised me on 40M. I had my first 10 contacts in about 13 minutes. I operated for exactly an hour and spent most of my time on 40M. Moving up to 30M, I picked up three contacts there before shutting down.

I ended up with 31 contacts, including one park-to-park contact that I’m aware of. No DX today, but the Canadian stations were really booming in.

Towards the end of my activation, I had some rain coming in the passenger-side window where I bring the coax in. Normally, I use a piece of pipe insulation to help seal things up a bit, but I couldn’t find it in the truck. I have some more in the basement, so I’ll have to cut a new piece to fit the window.

Now it’s time to dry off my antenna parts before putting them back in the truck for next time.

73, Craig WB3GCK

Marshalton Triathlon 2023

I was out yesterday with my local ARES-RACES group providing communications support for the Marshalton Triathlon, here in Chester County, Pennsylvania. This popular event combines cycling, canoeing, and fast walking. I always look forward to volunteering for this event each year.

Once again, I was at the end of the 2.3-mile canoeing segment, known as “Canoe Out.” This is my favorite assignment and one that I request each year. The folks working at this location help the participants out of their canoes and retrieve the canoes for transport back to the starting point. I was situated on a bridge with a superb view of the Brandywine River. Compared to the rainy weather we had last year, the weather this year was just about perfect for this time of year.

A selfie taken from my vantage point on the bridge during the Marshalton Triathlon
Canoeists waiting to exit their canoes
The boat handlers getting a load of canoes ready to go back upriver. They use a system of rollers to help move the canoes up from the river.
My truck parked on the bridge across the Brandywine River

From a communications standpoint, this event is pretty simple. An HT was the only equipment I needed. Most of my communications involved coordinating with the folks at the “Canoe In” location upriver, letting them know when a load of canoes was headed back to them.

I didn’t hear of any serious incidents on the course, so that’s good news. There was a report of an overturned canoe, but the participants were able to get back in their boat and continue downriver.

This is our group’s last public service event for the year. We’ll be back out on the Brandywine River in the Spring supporting the Northbrook Canoe Challenge.

73, Craig WB3GCK

Northbrook Canoe Challenge 2023

Yesterday, my local ARES-RACES group provided communications support for the Northbrook Canoe Challenge. This fun event benefits the Cerebral Palsy Association of Chester County (PA). Despite some equipment issues on my part, the event went off without a hitch.

Like last year, I was located near a dam along the Brandywine River with my ARES-RACES colleague, Tim KB3FCJ. I once again served as the net control operator for the event.

I initially set up my trusty old Icom IC-207H dual band mobile rig, and it seemed to work fine. However, I ran into an issue where it wouldn’t un-key when I released the push-to-talk button. Fortunately, Tim had his rig nearby, and we were back on the air in short order. (I have some troubleshooting to do this week.)

My old Icom 207H. It was replaced shortly after taking this picture, due to an issue with the push-to-talk button.
The dam on the Brandywine River. Members of a water rescue team were in the water directing canoeists around the dam.
The water rescue team directing a canoeist around the dam

The perfect weather made for a great day to sit along the river, watching the canoes and observing the wildlife in the area. We had a water rescue team on hand in the river to make sure canoeists avoided the dam and portaged safely around it.

After the final “sweep canoe” or “drag boat” passed our location, I packed up and relocated to the finish line at the Northbrook Canoe Company to run the rest of the net. I met up with Rich KE3HG, who served as our liaison with the canoe company. After the drag boat had passed all of our locations along the river, I closed the net. Rich and I stayed on site until the drag boat arrived at the finish line.

There were plenty of emergency personnel on hand, but (thankfully) there weren’t any safety issues. It was just a beautiful day out on the Brandywine River.

73, Craig WB3GCK

National Volunteers Week

I was honored to have been selected by Chester County ARES-RACES (CCAR) to represent our organization during National Volunteers Week. Our local served agency, Chester County Department of Emergency Services (CCDES) is highlighting volunteer organizations in social media posts this week. The image below, along with a nice write-up, was posted on the CCDES Facebook page yesterday.

My hat goes off to everyone who volunteers their time, especially my CCAR colleagues. Thank you for your service!

73, Craig WB3GCK

Mixed Bag Weekend

I had two different portable operations this weekend—a mixed bag of sorts.

Yesterday morning, I took part in an EmComm exercise with my local ARES-RACES group. We have a relatively new network of Vara FM digipeaters and Winlink gateways around the county, and the exercise was intended to try them from various locations.

For this exercise, I deployed to the local high school, where I operated “stationary-mobile” from the parking lot. My task was to connect to the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and send a Field Situation Report using Winlink over Vara FM on 2M. Then, I connected to the EOC using VarAC and sent a text file containing my Field Situation Report data. I was running 5 watts for both voice and data, so, technically, this was a QRP operation.

Winlink session on my Evolve laptop. This was my first time using the steering wheel tray, and it worked great.

My setup in the truck worked great. I used one of those plastic steering wheel trays to support my little Evolve laptop. I used my trusty old Icom IC-207H dual band rig and a Signalink for the data. Both the IC-207H and the Yaesu FT-8800 I used for voice were powered by separate deep cycle batteries. While everything worked fine, I have a couple of cables I’m going to build to simplify the battery connections.

My setup for Vara FM. The radio was powered by the deep cycle battery on the floor.

This morning, I went to nearby Evansburg State Park (K-1351) for a quick POTA activation. I used my TR-35, T1 tuner, and my 19-foot vertical mounted on my truck. (I didn’t take any pictures today, but, then again, there wasn’t anything special about my setup.) In about an hour, I logged 30 QSOs, including three park-to-park contacts.

While tuning around looking for park-to-park contacts, I worked a station operating with the Straight Key Century Club’s callsign, KS1KCC. My last contact of the day was with NL7V in North Pole, Alaska, on 17M. It’s always a thrill for me to work an Alaskan station. Paul gave me a 229 report, but I’ll take it.

72, Craig WB3GCK

A Public Service Weekend

I haven’t been very active on the HF bands lately. Family functions and other obligations have been keeping me busy. This weekend, however, I was able to take part in two different ARES–RACES events.

On Saturday morning, our local ARES-RACES group conducted a Simulated Emergency Test (SET). Because of the heavy rains forecasted, most operators participated from home. During the brief exercise, I sent an NBEMS message and a Winlink peer-to-peer message to the county Emergency Operations Center over local 2M simplex frequencies. I used my little Evolve laptop, and it performed great.

On Sunday, our ARES-RACES group provided emergency communications for the Marshalton Triathlon. This annual, family-friendly event combines cycling, canoeing, and speed walking. This year I was once again stationed at “Canoe Out,” which is the terminus of the 2.3 mile canoe run on the Brandywine River.

A water-logged WB3GCK at the Marshalton Triathlon
A crew was on hand to help participants disembark safely
The boat handlers did a great job in some very muddy conditions

This year’s triathlon was a wet one. It rained steadily for most of the five hours I was onsite. Despite the lousy weather, the participants seemed to have a good time. After the last canoe arrived, I was able to head home and dry out.

Hopefully, I’ll get back to doing some QRP-portable operating this week.

73, Craig WB3GCK

French Creek Iron Tour 2022

I spent the morning taking part in a public service event. The French Creek Iron Tour is an annual cycling event that benefits the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust. This year was the 20th running of the event.

Chester County ARES-RACES provides communications support for the event, and it’s one of our larger public service events. Besides providing a crew at the start/finish line, we have operators at five rest stops and in seven roving support vehicles. APRS is used to track the locations of the support vehicles, allowing Net Control to dispatch them efficiently to assist riders experiencing problems.

This year, my assignment was at a rest stop in historic Yellow Springs, Pennsylvania. I’ve been at this location for the past several years, and it’s become my favorite assignment. This rest stop is the first one to open for the event, so after a quick stop for coffee and a breakfast sandwich, I was onsite bright and early.

Yellow Springs rest stop for the French Creek Iron Tour. This was taken early in the day as the riders started coming through.

The day started off with some heavy downpours. I hunkered down in my truck, and the rain pounding on the roof made it hard to hear the radio. Fortunately for the riders, the rain stopped by mid-morning. Despite the initial rain and the wet road conditions, I didn’t encounter any downed riders or other major issues during my shift.

Although the weather could have been better, it was nice to work with the friendly volunteers at the Yellow Springs rest stop again this year. Kudos to my ARES-RACES colleagues who put in a long day supporting this event.

73, Craig WB3GCK

Northbrook Canoe Challenge

Earlier this week, my orthopedic surgeon gave me the OK to drive again. This allowed me to take part in the Northbrook Canoe Challenge, an event to benefit the Cerebral Palsy Association. My local ARES-RACES group has provided communications for this event for many years.

This year I served as Net Control Operator for the event. Tim KB3FCJ set up a canopy for us along the scenic Brandywine River. We were situated near a dam, which the canoeists needed to portage around. A water rescue team was on hand to ensure the safety of the participants.

My operating position for the Northbrook Canoe Challenge. This was taken while we waited for the canoes to make their was down the river. — My operating position for the Northbrook Canoe Challenge. This was taken while we waited for the canoes to make their way down the river.

As events go, it was pretty uneventful. There were no medical emergencies or overturned canoes. Just a nice day on the river operating with my Chester County ARES-RACES colleagues.

73, Craig WB3GCK