Did you know that the *WYOMING* Reflector (Conference) EchoLink Node: 256748 is online and available to support emergency communications and general amateur operations.   Please let those in Wyoming and elsewhere know that the *WYOMING* Reflector is operational and ready for use.

The *NEBRASKA* Reflector (Conference)  EchoLink Node: 256740 has become an active resource for Amateur Radio and Public Safety in Nebraska.  A Tuesday night net was recently started by KC0EQA and KC7RIY with the initial net having 20 operators checking into the net.

The Tuesday net is scheduled to start at 20:00 Central Time via the *NEBRASKA* Reflector.

(Originally posted on 7 April 2009)

UPDATE: *KANSAS* * NEBRASKA* Reflector Net is now held on Wednesday night at 20:00 Central Time (02:00Z Winter 01:00Z Summer) via the *NEBRASKA* Reflector EchoLink Node: 256740, it is also available via Asterisk Node: 2095

There’s been a lot of activity in the past month in several different areas regarding communications support.

• On 23 May 2009 the *KANSAS*, *NEBRASKA* and *WYOMING* were all put to use in support of ARMAD 2009. We were able to express our appreciation to those that serve in the Military as well the First Responders. ARMAD 2009 provided another opportunity to test the networks in a real time situational event. Definitely appreciate all those that helped.

• Severe Weather 15-18 June 2009 there’s been a number of weather fronts that have moved through the Great Plains lateley. Seems that the *NEBRASKA* is getting the most utilization when it comes to severe weather nets. *KANSAS* is getting some usage as a relay point, but there are still some issues that appear to need to be addressed (the network resources are working fine though).

• There’s been some discussion about the possibility of having a Asterisk Server Party where we can build up some Asterisk RF Gateways for easy deployment to repeater sites as well as having transportable server that can be used in emergency operations. For those that may not know, Asterisk is a software package that has the capability to manage radio and telephone communications. With all the many features available Asterisk has become to be known as a Communications Tool Chest. For more information about Asterisk RF Gateways visit AsteriskRadio.net

• The Digital Exploration continues, we now have access to D-STAR via a private node configuration. It can be accessed via radio and phone. For more information please contact us via InfoQuest.

• Range Test - we need some operators in the Wichita area that can help us with some range testing of the 145.470 and 147.060 Let us know where you are able to reach the systems. Remember a kerchunk won’t work, a voice transmission is required before the system will respond.

Thanks again to those that are helping with everything.

It’s all about being ready …

When was the last time that you checked over your supplies? Not just the gear in your Go-bag, what about the gear in your vehicle, home and most important your own physical health.

Good physical health has to be the greatest supply that we overlook, yet it is very critical in order for us to be able to accomplish our mission.

When we are activated for a mission are you ready?

Just like other living things there are good and bad times for dynamic paths that are taken.

One can opt to be static yet knowing dynamic paths will move you.

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What does this mean to those that work in the area of emergency response?

Be flexible with the methods that are used, yet maintain the basic standards that allow a incident operation to be conducted safely. Standards which remain static can be used as a basis for operation integrity and also represent a road map to a successful mission.

Standard Operation Procedures provide the static portion for operational planning yet they should also be dynamic so that when new methods are presented they can be placed into the Standard Operation Procedures as soon as possible.

Every situation, every incident is different, thus the need for being dynamic in operational style. At times incidents will take place that are not amongst the normal operational situations. This indeed is one of the times that we need to be dynamic in readiness and response.

Flexibility is a key ingredient to readiness and the “all hazard” approach to emergency response and planning.

As a organization which path are you opting for: static or dynamic flexibility?