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ARES and Georgia Public Broadcasting. John A. Davis – WB4QDX District Emergency Coordinator Georgia Public Broadcasting January 28, 2006. Background. In 2005, MOU executed between ARES and OHS/GEMA establishing official cooperation with State of Georgia
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ARES and Georgia Public Broadcasting John A. Davis – WB4QDX District Emergency Coordinator Georgia Public Broadcasting January 28, 2006
Background • In 2005, MOU executed between ARES and OHS/GEMA establishing official cooperation with State of Georgia • As a state-affiliated agency, GPB proposes to supplement OHS/GEMA emergency planning with state-owned tower sites • Georgia Public Broadcasting developed RFP for digital TV conversion and upgrades to transmitter sites • GPB includes commercial-grade amateur antennas and transmission lines in TV tower upgrades • Georgia ARES designated to manage amateur radio use at GPB tower sites to support emergency communications • ARES created new DEC position to support GPB relationship
ARES Opportunity • Utilize GPB tower sites to develop statewide amateur radio network for emergency communications • Commercial-grade antennas and low-loss transmission lines available for amateur radio use at each site • Building space and electrical power provided at sites
GPB Television Towers • Nine TV towers • Atlanta: WGTV / 8 • Albany: WABW / 14 • Augusta: WCES / 20 • Chatsworth: WCLP / 18 • Columbus: WJSP / 28 • Dawson: WACS / 25 • Macon: WDCO / 29 • Savannah: WVAN / 9 • Waycross: WXGA / 8
GPB Radio Transmitters • Some Radio tower sites may be available • Albany: 91.7 FM WUNV • Athens: 91.7/97.9 FM WUGA • Augusta: 90.7 FM WACG • Brunswick: 88.9 FM WWIO • Carrollton: 90.7 FM WUWG • Columbus: 88.1 FM WJSP • Demorest:88.3 FM WPPR • Dahlonega: 89.5 FM WNGU • Fort Gaines: 90.9 FM WJWV • Macon: 89.7 FM WDCO • Savannah: 91.1 FM WSVH • St. Marys: 1190 AM WWIO • Tifton: 91.1 FM WABR • Valdosta: 91.7 FM WWET • Waycross: 90.1 FM WXVS
ARES Network Development • Georgia ARES should develop statewide voice and data network plan • Determine site equipment required at each site • Utilize local ARES groups and amateur radio clubs for equipment and maintenance • Approve site use by ARES or affiliated groups who agree to support network plan
GPB Site Use Criteria • Equipment to be installed and operated consistent with ARES network plan • Repeaters or other equipment to be owned and operated by local ARES groups or affiliated groups • Users to execute GPB approved Site Use Agreement • Liability insurance to be provided by user • Unrestricted use by ARES for training and emergency communications • Available for open amateur use during non-emergency conditions
Where are we? • GPB site upgrades/digital conversion vendor to be selected in the next few weeks • Site work to be completed over next 2 to 3 years • First Site Agreement completed with Americus Amateur Radio Association for 2m repeater on WACS–TV in Dawson using existing commercial antenna • National Weather Service discussing Mesonet data network with GPB/ARES using amateur radio
Next Steps • Develop Georgia ARES voice and data network strategy • Determine equipment requirements at each site to support network • Recruit and approve local groups to install and maintain equipment at each site as GPB upgrades are completed
Site Use Inquiries • Contact John Davis – WB4QDX wb4qdx at arrl.net