Assignment Overview
You will be simulating a deployment either as a rover or at a typical fixed field location such as a shelter, school, fire station, neighborhood CERT command post, or other location. Your assignment will be to set up a communications station and send/receive several messages. You will receive a detailed assignment briefing at the start of your shift when you check-in at the Field Operations area.
Station Equipment Configuration (non-Eval)
If you are not participating in a Credential Evaluation, then you can determine how simple or complex you want to make your station. Some examples:
- Simple / Rover:
- The simplest configuration is just an HT with a "rubber duck" antenna
- If all you have is an HT, then bring it and have some fun.
- You should have some (mostly) hands-free way to use the HT so you can hold a clipboard and write or perform other activities while roving.
- For example, clip the HT to your belt or vest or chest pack and use an earbud/microphone combo or headset or remote speaker mic.
- Typical Fixed Station:
- A roll-up J-pole antenna with a self-supporting mast tall enough to raise the base of the antenna at least 10 feet
- Enough coax to reach your radio, usually from outdoors to indoors
- HT or mobile radio
- Sufficient battery power (see Go Kit recommendations)
- Headset with hand- or foot switch to control PTT
- Card table and folding chair
- Sign indicating radio communications
- Safety equipment (something to keep people from tripping over your cables, antenna tripod, or other gear)
- Complex Fixed Station:
- Roll-up J-pole antenna with 30 foot mast and sufficient coax to reach from outdoors to indoors
- Mobile radio set up for cross-band repeating
- HT to allow portable operations within the area through the cross-band repeater
- Sufficient battery power (see Go Kit recommendations)
- Pop-up shelter, table, chairs
- Sign indicating radio communications
- Generator and DC power supply (a fire extinguisher and drip pan is also required if you bring a generator). If you plan to bring a generator notify the Field Ops Manager ASAP-additional requirements are needed.
- Safety equipment (something to keep people from tripping over your cables, antenna tripod, or other gear)
- Some type of rolling cart to help you move your equipment from your car to the field location
- Refreshments for folks who stop by to see what you're doing!
In all cases, you'll need at least the minimum equipment required for the drill, which includes the standard forms. (See the main drill page for a list of minimum equipment.)
Some things to keep in mind:
- You can make your setup as complicated as you want
- You will have two hours to set-up, send/receive message traffic, and pack up your station.
Station Equipment Configuration for Credential Evaluations
If you are requesting a Credential evaluation for either the F3 or F2 credential during your assignment:
- For F3 Evaluation
- You may act as a rover or set up a fixed location station.
- You will need to set up a station which includes at least the equipment required for an F3 credential as defined in the Credential Program Handbook.
- The setup must meet the requirements defined in the Performance Standards and Best Practices.
- For F2 Evaluation
- You will set up a fixed location station.
- You will need to set up a station which includes at least the equipment required for an F2 credential as defined in the Credential Program Handbook.
- The setup must meet the requirements defined in the Performance Standards and Best Practices.
This page was last updated 06-Sep-2021