Blount Emergency Amateur Radio Service

This is a short event that we have supported in the past and have been asked to help again this year.

The run will be next Sunday, September 15. The start time was 8:30 last year, we anticipate it will be the same this year.

David, KE4FGW, will be NSC stationed at the start/finish line. Others will be stationed along the route to cover water stops and route turns. We plan to use the 146.625 repeater as we could not make simplex contact on all points of the route without relays.

Many volunteers signed up at our August meeting. If you missed that opportunity but still want to help just contact Lou.

Final details will be sent a few days before the event.

Lou
WB3JKQ
BC ARES EC

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news. The Foothills Striders, in appreciation of our dedicated efforts during the 2024 Tour de Blount, have graciously donated $300 to our organization. This generous contribution is a testament to the impact of our work and their appreciation of our efforts.

The Tour de Blount was a resounding success, thanks in part to the hard work and commitment of our team. Our coordination and communication efforts ensured the safety and enjoyment of all participants, showcasing the essential role we play in such events.

This donation from the Foothills Striders not only acknowledges our efforts but also provides us with valuable resources to fund our activities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Foothills Striders for their support and recognition. Their generosity helps us stay prepared and equipped for future endeavors.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate this wonderful gesture and reflect on the positive difference we make through our service.

Thank you, Foothills Striders, and thank you, BCARES members, for your unwavering dedication.

As we head into September, we have two important events that will require our dedicated volunteers. Your participation is crucial to ensure the safety and success of these events. Below are the details for each event and the roles we need to fill.

1. KTC 15k in Townsend – September 15
The Knoxville Track Club (KTC) is hosting their annual 15k race in Townsend on September 15. We need 6 operators and one Net Control Station (NCS) to cover this event. This is a relatively straightforward operation, but it’s vital to have clear communication throughout the course to ensure the safety of all participants. Your help in this event will make a significant difference!

2. Dancing Bear Bike Bash – September 21
This exciting event is just around the corner, and it’s going to be a big one! The Dancing Bear Bike Bash will take place on September 21, but we also need assistance a few days in advance for route marking. On the day of the event, we require a full crew:

2 NCS operators
4 SAG (Support and Gear) operators
4 operators for Water Stops
The Dancing Bear Bike Bash is a major event, and your role will be crucial in ensuring everything runs smoothly.

How to Volunteer
If you are available to assist with either or both of these events, please reach out as soon as possible to Lou, WB3JKQ ([email protected]). Your prompt response will help us finalize our plans and ensure we have all the necessary coverage.

Thank you for your continued dedication and support. Let’s make these events a success and continue to showcase the important role ARES plays in our community.

In our meeting this past Tuesday, the topic of the Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) project project was discussed.
This innovative initiative is designed to provide robust, high-speed data networks using amateur radio frequencies in the 2.4GHz, 3.4GHz and 5.8GHz ranges.

What is AREDN?

AREDN leverages commercial off-the-shelf wireless networking equipment, repurposing it to operate on amateur radio frequencies. This enables the creation of resilient, high-speed, long-range mesh networks that can be deployed quickly in emergency situations. These networks support a variety of applications, including:

- Voice Over IP (VoIP) Communications: Facilitate clear, reliable voice communications even when traditional infrastructure is down.
- Data Transfer: Share critical information, including images and documents, rapidly across the network.
- Internet Access: Provide internet connectivity in areas where it may be unavailable during disasters.
- By utilizing the flexibility and power of mesh networking, AREDN ensures that communication links remain operational even if some nodes in the network are compromised.

Learn More About AREDN

To dive deeper into the AREDN project we recommend visiting the following resources:

- AREDN Official Website: arednmesh.org
This site provides comprehensive information about the project, including detailed guides on setting up and configuring your own AREDN nodes.

- AREDN Knoxville: arednknoxville.com
This local site offers specific insights, news, and updates about AREDN activities and deployments in our community.

Blount County ARES Members,

We are thrilled to announce that the final touches have been added to our ARES trailer! On Tuesday evening, just before our meeting, the last of the signage was applied. This milestone marks the completion of our trailer’s exterior, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.

If you haven’t had the chance to see our newly finished trailer yet, you’re in luck. We will be showcasing it this weekend at the Middlesettlements UMC Field of Dreams event. This is a great opportunity to see the trailer in action and appreciate the hard work that has gone into making it a valuable asset for our community.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this project. Your dedication and effort have truly made a difference, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.

For more details about the Field of Dreams event, please visit [Middlesettlements UMC Field of Dreams](https://www.middlesettlements.com/field-of-dreams). We hope to see you there!

Thank you once again for all your hard work and commitment to making our ARES trailer the best it can be.

The man who defined the sound of live rock ‘n’ roll music and brought audio engineering principals into mainstream amateur radio use, Dr. Bob Heil, K9EID, has passed away at the age of 83.

https://www.arrl.org/news/view/bob-heil-k9eid-silent-key