I’m going to be starting a new section on HAM radio that I plan to start posting kits and other experiences I gain as I navigate the complex world of radio navigation. To get started I have received my Technician license and currently plan to take the General License test next month. I hope in the next 2 months to have my Extra Class License and learning as much as possible about this very interesting hobby.

A few weeks ago I participated in the Ride for Diabetes that took place in Tyrone Georgia and had a blast. It was fun being able to help out and receiving all the compliments about how much organized things were with us on site.

Here is a short write up on the day’s events and I plan to start posting more soon.

On Sunday May 17, 2009, members from the McDonough GA based Southern Cresent Amateur Radio Club, participated in communications assistance for the Diabetes Ride in Tyrone Georgia. Years past had seen cars driving back and forth between rest stops trying to keep them filled with supplies, and having points some 20 miles from base and spread apart along a winding 100 mile course proved more than they could manage. Communications in past events didn’t really exist and most of the people manning the rest stops had to just sit and wait for supplies that in most cases never came. I personally was met with surprise when I showed up at my assignment, as many people involved were asking questions about what HAM was and why we were there. Numerous comments were made related to years past and how they had to just sit and hope things they needed would eventually be delivered. Later in the morning I was thanked numerous times for helping out and received comments on how nice it was to be able to have requests immediately sent back to home base to have them filled. Through the day, everything from water, ice, powerade, food and rider assistance requests were sent back to base and withing 30 minutes or so, would be seen filled.

Communications between the different rest stops and home base where made over the local repeaters and worked flawlessly. I’m sure after the effect we had over the overall flow of information and supplies that we’ll become a permanent fixture in future events. People that had done this particular event for the past few years were asking why we hadn’t gotten there sooner. A few at my stop seemed to be pretty impressed that we were able to communicate so quickly between each site, helping to organize pickups, get supplies and provide over all status reports on rider counts and positions. Of course, the morning brought the obvious questions about whether we had ever heard of cell phones and the Internet, but after seeing how well everything went with us on-site, I think they quickly realized the benefits.

Overall it was a perfect day, although the rain and windy conditions did wear on you a bit by the time things were wrapping up. This was my first ever event, and other than participating in one net meeting around the McDonough area, I had never really spent much time on the radio. However, the other operators were very nice and professional to work with and I have already signed up to do the Peachtree Road Race in July. It was a true pleasure to work with the other HAM’s and they really are some of the most helpful and friendly people I’ve been around.

Glenn Hancock
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