This is the web presence of the WCKY ARES group. This group belongs to Kentucky District 3, and is based in Warren County. WCKY ARES members are licensed US Radio amateurs who have volunteered their capabilities, equipment, and time with the Kentucky ARES. Amateur radio operators are prohibited from accepting compensation for services provided in accordance with FCC Regulation Part 97.113. Our goal is to provide non-business backup communication services during recovery from natural or man-made disasters when regular communications fail or overwhelmed.
We can be reached on the W4WSM 147.165(+) repeater in Bowling Green, KY.
ARES is the amateur radio emergency service which was created by the ARRL in 1935. It is a way of encouraging participation by licensed amateur radio operators with an interest in emergency communication as a public service One of the main ways that ARES can help in this fashion is by partnering with local emergency management and coordination groups like the Red Cross the Salvation Army local first responders and other groups who help in times of need . We can help bridge those gaps in communications.
Emergency Coordinator
To participate in ARES, you must be hold a current, valid, amateur radio license of any class. If you would like to be a part of the WCKY ARES group, please complete the ARRL ARES Registration Form. You can download this pdf and fill it in electronically or print and fill in by hand. You can email the document to (nathanielbutts@gmail.com) or you can bring it with you to the next KCARC club meeting. I will also have blank copies available at the club meetings if you wish to fill it out then.
| Callsign | Name | License | Grid |
|---|---|---|---|
| KQ4TIV | Nathan Butts | Extra | EM66tu |
| KY4JPS | Pat Stewart | Extra | EM67td |
| K4WKU | Steve Junas | Extra | EM67sa |
| K9CHS | Gary Streib | General | EM66tu |
| KD9GRD | Mike Sangermand | Technician | EM66rw |
Form 2 Submitted to Section Emergency Coordinator
You will need a Taskbook to track your training progress. If you do not have one, click here to download it.
Performing to the highest standard and in a professional manner is the goal of the organization when activated. This training is essential for knowing how to work with the differing served agencies, how to follow chain-of-command, and how to work as a cohesive unit.
| Class | Video | Basic | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS100 | Link | R | R | R |
| IS700 | Link | R | R | R |
| IS200 | Link | E | R | R |
| IS800 | Link | E | R | R |
| IS802 | Link | E | R | |
| IS120 An Introduction to Exercises | Link | R | ||
| IS230 Fundamentals of Emergency Management | Link | R | ||
| IS235 Emergency Planning | Link | R | ||
| IS240 Leadership & Influence | Link | R | ||
| IS241 Decision Making & Problem Solving | Link | R | ||
| IS242 Effective Communications | Link | R | ||
| IS244 Developing & Managing Volunteers | Link | R | ||
| IS288 Role of Voluntary organizations in Emergency Mgt | Link | R | ||
| IS2200 Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions | Link | R | ||
| SKYWARN Spotter Basic | Link | O | E | R |
| SKYWARN Advanced Training | Link | O | ||
| Basic EmComm | Link | R | R | R |
| Intermediate EmComm | Link | R | R | |
| Advanced EmComm - On Hold | Link | R | ||
| PR-101 Public Information Officer Training | Link | O | ||
| AUXCOM? | Link | E | ||
| ICS-300 Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents | Link | E | ||
| ICS-400 Advanced Incident Command System | Link | E | ||
| COML Communications Unit Leader | Link | O | ||
| COMT Communications Unit Technician | Link | O |
The Taskbook also lists participations that are required, encouraged, or optional. Participating in these items will allow you to practice the skills necessary if we are activated.
| Item | Basic | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obtain task book | R | R | R |
| Join an ARES group | R | R | R |
| Net Participation (once/quarter) | R | R | |
| Public Service Event Participation | E | R | |
| Simulated Emergency Test (Annual) | O | R | |
| Serve as net control | O | R |
Being self-sufficient is a hallmark of the Amateur Radio Operator. The Taskbook also lists skills that are to be signed off by the EC that are required, encouraged, or optional. These skills are necessary or potentially very useful to perform to the highest ability. Knowing how to do these items can assist in the field when you need to setup for deployment, problem solve when things go wrong, or to assist the Served Agencies should the need arise.
| Item | Basic | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obtain tech license or higher | R | R | R |
| Program tone into HT | R | R | |
| Program freq & Offset into radio | R | R | |
| Write and send an ICS-213 Message | R | R | |
| Operate VHF Digital messaging station | O | R | |
| Operate VHF Digital messaging station peer-to-peer | R | ||
| Operate HF Digital messaging station peer-to-peer | R | ||
| Operate unit specific Digital VHF or HF station | O | R | |
| Build a simple dipole antenna | E | E | R |
| Build Powerpole® type adapter cable | E | E | R |
| Solder PL259 connector to coax | E | E | R |
| Assemble a 24-hour Deployment Kit | E | R | |
| Present a training session | R | ||
| Hold/held leadership position in a group | R | ||
| Hold General class or higher | O | ||
| Participate in PIO activities | R | ||
| EC-001 Course instructor/mentor | O | ||
| Demonstrate cross band repeater on mobile UHF->VHR | O |