Amateur Radio Emergency Communications in Sweden” 2006

1. Amateur Radio Emergency Communications in Sweden” 2006 Krister Ljungqvist / SM0FAG 1

2. Content • Recent emcomm cases in Sweden • Swedish national emcomm organizations • Ongoing activities • Future plans • Conclusion 2

3. The ice storm ”Gudrun” early winter 2005: • Power companies personnel w/o communication • Rescue workers w/o communication • Public utilities w/o communication • The public/citizens w/o communication 3

4. Swedish national radio-organizations with emergency communications programme • FRO Frivilliga Radio Organisationen: Home Guard and Civil Defense sponsored, with 6.800 members - many are licensed radio amateurs. • SSA Sveriges Sändareamatörer - the national amateur radio society with 5.500 members. In total 13.000 radio amateurs in Sweden. 4

5. FRO facts: • Founded in 1946 as an section within SSA. Today a separate organization sponsored by Civil Defense and Home Guard • Own frequencies outside ham bands • Agreements with Government and Municipals • Educational activities, own teachers • Manning of Communication Centres and vehicles • Centrally located stocks of radio equipment 5

6. FRO – manning example: • HF • VHF/UHF • DECT • GPS • Satellite comm • Power generator • Portable UHF repeater 6

7. SSA - today • SSA issues call signs and licenses • Emcomm coordination established 2006 • Emcomm meets a growing interest • Emcomm is seen as a life-buoy for the hobby • Educational co-operation with FRO ongoing • Emcomm exercises “KRIS” started in year 2004 7

8. SSA - today • Some Local Radio Clubs co- operates with local municipalities in rescue and search. • Using own equipment or by manning operational centres, radio amateurs can be of great help for the community in crisis situations. 8

9. HQ – SK0AR 9

10. Emcomm exercise – “KRIS” • Nationwide activity 1 / year • Hamband frequencies only • HF and VHF from local municipalities (LC) to a central headquarter (HQ) in Stockholm • Individuals contact closest LC • The exercise is an initiative by SK0AR – The Stockholm amateur radio club SRA 10

11. Emcomm exercise “KRIS” - frequencies 2006 Frequencies to be used for exercises:+/- QRM : SM0: 3650 kHz, 7070 kHz, 145.450 MHz (HQ) SM1: 3720 kHz, 145.450 MHz. SM2: 3675 kHz, 145.450 MHz. SM3: 3660 kHz, 7070 kHz, 145.450MHz. SM4: Tbd kHz , 145.525 MHz, 144.320 MHzUSB SM5: 3643 kHz , 145.450 MHz, 144.290 MHz USB. SM6: 3710 kHz , 145.400 MHz, 434.400 MHz. SM7: Tbd Modes: SSB, CW, FM 11

12. Planned frequencies to be used in real emergency Following nationwide frequencies are discussed for real emergency situations: 3500 kHz, 3600 kHz 7000 kHz, 7040 kHz 10.100 kHz 144,290 MHz, 145.500 MHz 434.500 MHz 12

13. Future Plans… • Local radio clubs to co-operate with local governments and municipalities - offering communication aid for rescue and searching • To build mobile communication centres, mobile or transportable repeaters and arrange or prepare command centres • To harmonize HF frequencies with IARU recommendations • Arrange for life-insurances … 13

14. Future plans • SSA will co-ordinate emcomm development • SSA will develop technical instructions to prepare equipment for emergency situations, and operational instructions for code of conduct • SSA will spur educational activities using web, seminars, dedicated net exercises and utilize educational resources from FRO • SSA proposes digital modes like PSK31 in all network levels, and ensure software compatibility 14

15. Conclusion • Amateur radio is a great asset for the community • Co-operation is vital – b/w radio amateurs, governments, municipals, other vol. organizations • Nothing works without preparations, regular emcomm training and education is mandatory • Support is needed from governmental bodies and municipalities: locations, participation, financial • Digital modes and software compability is important and need to be developed and trained 15

16. Thank You for Your attention, and don’t forget Your … power! Solar panel 40 W 16