Blount Emergency Amateur Radio Service

This past Saturday, Blount County ARES had the privilege of supporting the 2025 Tour de Blount, and we’re happy to report that the event was a great success!

Thanks to the outstanding efforts of our volunteers, communication was smooth throughout the day. Your time and dedication helped ensure safety and coordination across the course. We truly couldn’t have done it without you!

We’re also grateful to the Foothill Striders for their kind thank-you message—they appreciated our help and noted how valuable our presence was to the event’s success.

A big thank you as well to SMARC for the use of the 146.655 repeater. Coverage was solid at all locations, and it made a real difference in our ability to stay connected.

Thanks again to everyone involved. We’re proud to continue supporting events like this in our community!

At the meeting last night we had a discussion about which repeater(s) to use for the upcoming Tour de Blount event. We have a great relationship with the SMARC club and they have frequently allowed us to use their repeaters for our events, so some discussion was had about the coverage of those repeaters.

Dave, N9KMY, had previously used Radio Mobile to estimate the coverage of these repeaters and he has shared that information with us.

The attached a 4 page PDF shows the theoretical coverage of both the 146.655MHz and 443.075 MHz SMARC repeaters. To load this program Dave assumed the noted tower/antenna/power for each repeater and worked into a portable as noted on each projection.

Page 1: Repeater locations
Page 2: 443.075 at its present site
Page 3: 443.075 if it were at Res Hill
Page 4: 146.655 at its present location

With a mobile and vehicle mounted antenna the performance would be even better.
This was a projection using the known criteria within the Radio Mobile propagation program.

The Madisonville Carnival is this week and the Monroe County ARES group is in desperate need of volunteers for the event. They will be directing traffic in and out of the event and ensuring a smooth flow of vehicles into the parking area.

Times: Thursday the 24th 4pm-10pm
Friday the 25th 4pm-11pm
Saturday the 26th noon-11pm

If you are available to help, email Caleb Lynn, KQ4QCJ, at [email protected] and CC [email protected].

More details in their groups.io https://groups.io/g/mcarestn/message/3123

Caleb Lynn KQ4QCJ
Emergency Coordinator
Monroe County Amateur Radio Emergency Service
www.mcares.net
kq4qcj@…
423-351-4658 (cell)

As we gear up for the Tour de Blount and other public service events this year, it’s a great time to revisit one of our most valuable tools for situational awareness: APRS.

What is APRS?

APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is a protocol that allows amateur radio operators to share real-time, location-based information over RF and the internet. It can display the positions of mobile stations (like SAG vehicles), fixed stations, and objects (such as aid stations or hazards) on a map. In addition to position tracking, APRS supports brief text messages, weather data, and more.

The real strength of APRS comes from participation: the more stations beaconing data, the more complete and actionable our shared picture becomes.

How We’ll Use APRS

For the Tour de Blount, we will use APRS to track the positions of SAG vehicles. Net Control will monitor these positions to coordinate vehicle movements, ensure thorough course coverage, and efficiently dispatch the closest SAG when support is requested. This situational visibility enhances safety and improves response times during the event.

Viewing APRS Data

Online Tools

If internet access is available, there are two excellent platforms for monitoring APRS activity:

- [aprs.fi](https://aprs.fi/): A straightforward and user-friendly interface for viewing APRS stations and their movements in real time.
- [CalTopo](https://caltopo.com/m/E18R7): While more complex than aprs.fi, CalTopo offers robust mapping features, including the ability to overlay APRS tracks through its “Live Tracks” feature. A public CalTopo map has been prepared specifically for Tour de Blount, which includes the course route and key waypoints.

Offline Tools

If you’re operating in an area with limited or no internet connectivity, desktop APRS software can be used with a hardware or software TNC (Terminal Node Controller). Recommended applications include:

- [YAAC](https://www.yaac.org/): A cross-platform APRS client.
- [PinPoint APRS](https://www.pinpointaprs.com/): A Windows-only APRS client with a user-friendly interface.

Software TNC options:

- [UZ7HO SoundModem](http://uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm): A solid TNC for Windows systems.
- [Direwolf](https://github.com/wb2osz/direwolf): A flexible, multi-platform TNC, albeit with a steeper learning curve.

Mobile Apps

If you’re using a smartphone or tablet in the field, several APRS apps are available that offer real-time tracking and messaging capabilities:

- [aprs.fi app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aprs-fi/id922155038) (iOS)
- [PocketPacket](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pocketpacket/id336500866) (iOS)
- [APRSdroid](https://aprsdroid.org/) (Android)

To send and receive APRS data over RF (rather than relying solely on internet-based data), these mobile apps can be paired with TNC (Terminal Node Controller) devices and a compatible radio. Here are some popular options that work well in the field:

- [Mobilinkd TNC4](https://store.mobilinkd.com/collections/frontpage/products/mobilinkd-tnc4): A small, battery-powered Bluetooth TNC that pairs with most handheld radios and mobile devices.
- [BTECH UV-PRO](https://baofengtech.com/product/uv-pro/?srsltid=AfmBOorDf-pnfcQxx20iKla1X4HtlKwko6q9IA4V_ZDc8h2Z4ufLmhK7): A complete dual-band handheld radio with a built-in Bluetooth TNC—great for APRS tracking without extra hardware.
- [Kenwood TH-D75](https://www.kenwood.com/usa/com/amateur/th-d75a/): A high-end HT with built-in APRS support. For iOS users, APRS integration can be achieved via the [B.B. Link Adapter](https://islandmagic.co/products/bb-link-adapter), which enables Bluetooth APRS functionality with iPhones and iPads.

These combinations allow you to operate APRS over RF while taking advantage of your mobile device’s mapping and user interface—ideal for mobile operators and SAG vehicle teams during events like the Tour de Blount.

Mapping the Course

Having a base map that includes the Tour de Blount course and key locations is crucial for event operations. A pre-made GPX file with the full route and waypoints is available for download:

📍 https://ki4hdu.com/mesh/events/2025TourDeBlount/

Adding GPX Files in APRS Software

In PinPoint APRS (Windows):
- Import the GPX file via File → Import GPS File.
- Customize track and waypoint display under Tools → Options → Map.
- To clear GPX data, use Map → Clear Tracks and Waypoints (note: this removes all imported data).

In YAAC:
- Load the GPX via File → Load → Drawing.
- YAAC currently does not display waypoints, but you can view and modify tracks using View → Draw Toolbar.

Final Notes

Using APRS during events like Tour de Blount gives Net Control and field operators a powerful tool for coordination and safety. Whether you’re running a tracker, viewing stations on a map, or helping with deployment, getting familiar with these tools in advance will help ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Let’s make good use of APRS this year—your participation helps build a more informed and effective response team!

We are always looking for reliable ways to power equipment in the field. Whether it’s running a radio during an event or keeping essential devices charged, portable power is a must.
At our March meeting or at the trailer training on Saturday, you may have seen a device that Dave Kaun, N9KMY, put together. It is a compact and efficient solution that allows operators to power 12V devices using common 18V tool batteries.

The Problem
Many of us have portable 18V batteries from brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt, Worx, or Ryobi sitting in our toolkits. However, these aren’t directly compatible with 12V equipment, such as radios. Dave’s solution converts the higher voltage from these batteries down to a stable 13.8V-ideal for powering communications gear.

The Solution
Dave’s design consists of a step-down DC-DC converter housed in a repurposed metal case, originally packaging for a wallet. This compact setup allows for easy transport while ensuring safe and efficient power delivery.

Key Components:
- Battery Adapter: Provides a secure connection between the battery and the circuit, offering bare wire outputs.
- On/Off Switch: Allows users to control power delivery easily.
- DC-DC Converter (DZS Elec 12A Step-Down Buck Converter): Converts 18V to a steady 13.8V output. [Available on Amazon](https://amzn.to/4kUH2Zg)
- Volt/Amp Meter: Displays real-time voltage and current readings for monitoring power usage. [Available on Amazon](https://amzn.to/41NJ9qt)
- Anderson Powerpole Connectors: Provide a reliable and standardized connection for radios and other equipment.

Putting It All Together
Dave adjusted the DC-DC converter to output 13.8V, ensuring compatibility with most amateur radio equipment. The repurposed metal case offers durability while keeping the components neatly enclosed.

Why This Matters for ARES
This field power solution offers a practical way to keep radios operational during deployments, public service events, and emergencies. With easy access to tool batteries, operators can stay powered up without relying on traditional deep-cycle batteries.

Interested in Building One?
Attached is a circuit diagram to guide you through assembling your own portable power supply.

This project is a great example of ARES ingenuity-using readily available parts to create a dependable field-ready power solution. Thanks to Dave Kaun, N9KMY, for sharing this valuable build with our group!

It’s that time of year again—Spotter Training Classes from the National Weather Service (NWS) are in full swing! These classes are a great opportunity to sharpen your severe weather observation skills and become a certified storm spotter.

The first class of the season kicks off tonight at 6 PM in Jefferson County.

Currently, no classes are scheduled for Blount County. However, if you’re interested, there are plenty of opportunities to attend a session in one of the surrounding counties. Check out the full schedule on the NWS website: [Skywarn Spotter Training Classes](https://www.weather.gov/mrx/skywarn_classes).

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your knowledge and help keep your community safe during severe weather events. Stay safe and stay informed!