CARES (Chennai Amateur Radio Emergency Services) GROUP - Proposed ARSI 2016 Chennai Field Day

Date : 16^th & 17^th April (Saturday/Sunday) 2016

Venue: Baker Farms , Anna Nagar , Achrapakkam , Kanchipuram Dist (3 kms from Melmaruvathur Temple)  

Below HAM’s joined the planning meeting held at BR Mathsya T.Nagar on 20^th March Sunday

o   VU2MOA

o   VU2ABS

o   VU2VAU

o   VU3NKQ

o   VU3VWR

o   VU2CMR

o   VU2DRK

o   VU3GSL

·        Below points discussed and decided as follow-up action items:

o   Organising Team formed ( Would need more people to join/volunteer)

§  Chief Co-coordinator / Overall Event Lead – Raghav (VU3VWR)

§  Technical Team – Lead by Arvind VU2ABS / Deepan VU2DPN / Raghav VU3VWR + Others to volunteer & support

·        Responsible for all technical setup at field day site as well as manning stations

·        Proposed ideas / wish list discussed for HAM Station setup at site for field day

o   2 x HF Low Band Stations

o   2 x HF High Band Stations

o   1 X JOTA Station HF

o   1 x VHF Station

o   Satellite Radio / Digital

o   Orientation session for new HAM’s / SWL's between 4:00pm to 6:00pm on 16^th Saturday

§  Logistics & Operations – Lead by VU2MOA Mohan / VU3GSL + Others to volunteer & support

·        Responsible for all filed day related field day site support arrangements  

·        Proposed ideas / wish list discussed for setup at field site

o   Transportation as of now each one takes care of their own , car pooling can be planned closer to date

o   Basic power supply

o   Additional batteries as needed

o   Provision for 3 to four stations across the 10 acre farm house

o   Apart from one residential building , Shamiana’s to be setup suitably across the property 

o   Basic facilities for water / washrooms / whatever available rooms - open areas for stay

o   Food arrangements (To be paid at venue individually need based)

§  Lunch on 16^th afternoon

§  Tea / Coffee 16^th Evening

§  Dinner on 16^th Evening

§  Breakfast on 17^th Morning

§  Lunch on 17^th evening

o   Proposal to have a basic registration fee of Rs.100 for all participants including HAM’s/SWL’s.

o   Organising team members decided to contribute Rs.1000 each to Logistics team as advance fund

§  Event communications / PR & Publicity / Media – Lead by VU3NKQ Vipin + Others to volunteer & support

·        Responsible for all event related email / whatapp / other medium update communications

·        Creating marketing material for event and sharing it in all appropriate forums

·        Releases to media and trying to also bring in as many dormant HAM’s in Chennai together , new HAM’s , SWL’s to participate in the event 

Same recap also updates on chennaihams.blogspot.com , would like all to contribute their ideas / suggestions also and each of those sections we need more HAM's to volunteers on which portions of Technical / Logistics & operations / PR & Publicity can you join as a team members & support. 

Let's all work together to make this and best HAM field day event organised in Chennai in recent times. 

Thanks & Regards 

G.Vipin Shankar

Team Member 

+91-9840873578

Chennai HAM's develop the first India/South Asia based WebSDR for HF bands

Information from SIARS CHENNAI. 

Its great pleasure to announce that South Asia/India's first WebSDR service based in Chennai launched by SIARS on www.websdr.in . Currently HAM HF bands can be listened by HAM's/SWL's in a very simple easy to use web format. 

This service in currently under testing and will soon be available to all from 13th March. The initiative's effort is to promote the hobby and homebrewing among the public , whoever wants to support the initiative pls take a minute to visit www.siars.org.in

Excellent efforts and congratulations to all those involved in the initiative which is a great contribution to the hobby. 

MAHAM Meet 2016 organised today : An exciting eyeball as always for all HAM's/SWL's

Help through Airwaves : An interview with VU2DH OM Devdas in media

Post Event Report : Chennai HAM support to Wipro Chennai Marathon 2015/2016

Rated among the top 5 Marathons in the country , from young to old, the Wipro Chennai Marathon 2015 had enthusiastic participants from all walks of life. Originally scheduled for December 13 last year, The Wipro Chennai Marathon was postponed due to the Chennai floods.

The marathon paid tribute to the spirit of Chennai on Sunday, January 31 with about 16,000 registered runners.

NGO Alert, Apollo Hospitals & physio company SPARKS were the official medical partners for the event. Continuing the association which Chennai HAMS had with Alert during the floods, they requested that HAMS provide EMCOM support to the medical aid stations being planned.

With totally 16,000 people participating , the logistics were mammoth . HAM team assessed overall and it was decided to setup as below

·        Base Control at CPT grounds where the marathon would finish

·        10 Mobile stations (named Alfa 1 to Alfa 10)

·        One Lead Car HAM

·        One Sweeper HAM

Basis same a detailed plan was laid out and executed.

On Marathon Day:

Since the race had to start very early at 4:00am on 31^st , HAM’s were asked to be at their positions by 3:30am. But since there was a lot of traffic block , most of the HAM’s reached their spots by 3:00am and took position . There were some operating glitches at Base control due to power supply but that was compensated by other mobile stations on car mobile acting as base.

As soon as the race was flagged HAM communication channels were functional with the lead car HAM reporting position and aid station reporting to Base Control on situation and taking inputs on what to be done. Although every year the event happens, this years participation by HAM’s has definitely made a difference with instant communication possible. Below words from organisers. 

·      Below are the words from Marathon Race Director Harishankar Krishnaswamy

o   “I was wondering how HAM would be useful in the day and age of Mobile telecom. But clearly their information and real time updates were beyond compare”.

·     Below are the words from Peter Van Geit who was overall responsible for all aid stations / volunteers

o   “Thank the Ham Radio team on providing a communications backbone for any ops / medical related emergencies during the run. Feedback is appreciated. Not sure if the organizers faced any issues using the regular mobile communications network to sync up during the event. Looking forward also to welcoming your team as part of our August Javadhu Hills Ultra where any other form of communication is nonexistent”

·        HAM’s were able to divert ambulance to pickup a wheel chair participant when his wheel chair broke down

·        Communications were passed on with regards to shortage of ice etc at aid stations and replenishments provided

·        HAM’s co-ordinated with police and passed info whenever there were traffic issues faced

20 HAMS and 1 SWL participated in the event which was an excellent experience for all and we thank all those who volunteered.

Thanks and Regards 

Vipin Shankar

VU3NKQ

chennaihams.blogspot.com 

Final Deployment Plan : 31st Jan 2016 Chennai Marathon HAMS Support

31st Jan 2016 Chennai Marathon HAM Support Deployment Plan Version 1

Tentative Deployment Plan : 24/01/16

* All deployment along with NGO Alert First responders team 

* Race starts on 31st Jan Sunday at 4:00am & tentative ends between 10:00am to 11:00am 

* For full race 42 kms , starting point & at ending point near Madhya Kailash MRTS 

* All HAM stations/operators including mobile / static to be ready by 3:30am 

* We will be hopefully having reflective jackets + Ponchos identifying us as "HAM Radio Operator - Emergency Communications" apart from some ID from Alert / Organizers 

* Also trying for caps , but still not firmed up due to min 100 numbers printing order quantity 

* 3 Base Stations in total on Table setup with power supply enroute 

* One Base of this is at Organisers desk at Madhya Kailas MRTS will also be the Main HAM Control Room 

* 12 Mobile stations which are also static although primarily with Handie + Base with battery if possible as backup 

* Some mobile stations have only one HAM operator so far and some no one fixed yet , so we need more volunteers 

* 1 HAM with lead car with Mobile base on car battery + Handie (VU2BOA confirmed)

* 2 HAMS's with 2 Ambulances as static 

* 2 HAMS to operate from QTH as Repeater / Relay support whenever needed 

                     

Any other corrections / feedback / suggestions / comments are most welcome. Look forward active participation from all to make this a success for all Chennai HAMS

Chennai Marathon HAM Support Team 

Block your calender : 14th 2016 MAHA MEET Eye Ball on 13th Feb Saturday

14th MAHA MEET  2016 Eye Ball

IN MEMORY OF VU2VIT

VANDU NET INVITES YOU FOR MAHAMEET 2016

WELCOME TO ALL HAMS & SWLS !!

NO REGISTRATION FEE !!

Maha Meet is convened every year on 2nd Saturday of February with the great support of all Ham and Swl friends. Motto: Eye ball @ low expense

                DATE:    SATURDAY -13th FEBUARY, 2016  

                 VENUE: HOTEL MAHABS

               OPP.MAHABALIPURAM MAIN BUS STAND (TERMINUS)

                        BEHIND- STATE BANK OF INDIA (ATM)

                        MAHABALIPURAM. NEAR CHENNAI.

                   TIME: BEGINS AT 9:00 A.M

Mahabalipuram Ham Eye Ball Maha Meet was started by OM Vittal, VU2 VIT in 2003in a small scale with the support of VU2KBX/ANNA. INAR/VU2INA AND APPAN/VU3MPK and in order to encourage Hams who cannot afford economically and school students to meet other Hams of our motherland without spending much money.

Admission is free to All Radio Amateurs and Shortwave Listeners.

This is the 14th year, senior, prominent and successful Hams are attending this meet. Their valuable experience, infectious enthusiasm and exemplary skills will be very useful to the participants.

Kindly register your participation with any of the following hams either by E-mail/SMS/Phone 

VU2INA	9445779232	vandunetarc@...
VU2KBX	9282424251	vandunetarc@...
VU2 LSW	9444031185	vandunetarc@...

http://vandunet.com

Regards

Vandu net

Vijay TV "Manidham" Programme recognises HAM efforts during flood relief in association with NGO ALERT

Vijay TV recognition award being received on behalf of all Chennai HAMS who participated in flood relief word by VU3CPE (Vimal) , VU2SVF (Subbu) , Alert Member Krishna , Director Alert Mr.Manick , VU2SMZ (Mukund), VU3GSL (Saravanan) from Tamil film actor Parthiban , programme hosted by anchor Gopinath.

A factual report on ham radio's contribution during the Chennai floods : by VU2GMN

When the torrential rain came for several days, numerous areas were flooded. This was compounded by the release of water from a natural reservoir that was overflowing and in danger of the banks failing. Some area experienced over 3 to 4 meters of water, which meant that all ground floor houses were totally inundated and owners lost everything. Loss of life reported initially is over 300 but several more would have also succumbed.

Most hams were also isolated in their homes as normal passenger cars could not negotiate the high waters. Power supply was also cut off in most areas as the distribution systems were under water.Gradually all cellphones stopped working and land lines became erratic. Hand held transceiver batteries also died down.Most filling stations ran dry, internet failed and even banks were unable to process transactions as they could not access their data bases and so no one could draw any funds. Credit card and ATM transactions were not possible

On 4th December water levels started to come down and power was restored in some areas, with most of the city still having no power.Once it became possible to move, hams started going out assisting with delivery of food and water to stranded individuals and assisting with rescue from tall buildings where people were trapped.The army, navy, home guards and the national disaster action forces have all been deployed

The number of hams increased substantially, a control room was established to coordinate efforts and more volunteer organizations have swung into action to provide food and water. Many mobile stations became active to become active in locations not possible earlier. Fortunately two local VHF repeaters are working and so VHF communications was effective.

A watch was also being maintained on 7.070 in case of messages from distant locations, but that was not being utilized very much and so it was discontinued. VU2JAU OM Jayu has been approached by several hams worldwide as to where relief material could be sent and an NGO in Chennai has been identified to take care of this and provide efficient distribution. We established a station at their location also to assist

On 7th December 2015 the EmComm net slowly reduced the number of hams on the ground and maintained a close watch on what was urgently needed.Some volunteers continued with their work of distributing food, water and medical supplies. Volunteer medical teams accompanied some teams to distribute medicines and treat whoever required on the spot treatment.

Most of the hospitals in and around the city are on high alert now as after the rescue efforts the fear is of disease as many were exposed to flood waters which were highly polluted. The control stations are active on 7th December also but with reduced volunteers, many of who have had to go back to work after almost a week of doing relief work.

The net was kept going for another two days then wound down as traffic requirements reduced.

The task of rebuilding the devastated city will be herculean and numerous support groups have become active. Especially receiving and dealing with material that is coming in from all over the world.

Many of the hams are continue to be active with support groups providing medical and other form of assistance to affected citizens. The following is a partial list of hams that assisted in some way or other to keep Chennai going. Some who had power acted as net controllers for extended periods. Apart from communications, many risked themselves going to very flooded areas distributing food, medicines and accompanying medical teams. (Apologies if any call-signs are recorded incorrectly or some are missed out)

1. VU3NKQ  OM VIPIN
2. VU2SVF OM SUBBU
3. VU3SMZ OM MUKUND
4. VU2XSK OM SURESH
5. VU2XPK OM SINOSH
6. VU3GSL OM SARAVANAN
7. VU3VWR OM RAGAV
8. VU2DH OM DAS
9. VU2TSF OM PETER
10. VU2INA OM INARAPPAN
11. VU2ABS OM ARAVIND
12. VU2GRR YL RAJI
13. VU3USI OM CHRISTY
14. VU2CSM OM SHANMUGHAM
15. VU2AIR OM VIJI
16. VU3LTB OM ASHISH
17. VU2JA OM RAJA
18. VU2KVB OM SARAVANAN
19. VU3ISJ OM GUNA
20. VU2DTD OM MANDAAR
21. VU3CPE OM VIMAL
22. VU2DA OM MANO
23. VU2MTS OM ANANTHA
24. VU2DJR OM RAVI
25. VU2DPN OM DEEPAN
26. VU2GHX OM MADHAVAN
27. VU2SJD OM SANJAY
28. VU2SDU OM SHAIK
29. VU2LSW OM NARAYAN RAO
30. VU2MPK OM KANAPPAN
31. VU3ASB OM ASHOK
32. VU2GPS OM PARTHA
33. VU2GMN OM GOPAL
34. VU2VAU OM SRINI

Since the 145.550 (-ve shift) repeater was Echolink enabled, several hams connected from remote stations to pass traffic or enquire on situation. One station from Bengaluru was particularly active enquiring about the weather, situation on running of trains and situation at the airport. They made enquiries almost every 10 minutes!

A very big “THANK YOU” to all who came forward in Chennai’s time of need- a complete cross section of hams participated without any concern as to which organization they were members off. The ham spirit of working without looking for recognition and seeking compensation, was amply demonstrated in Chennai.

…Report by VU2GMN on VUHAMS yahoo groups