Pumpkin Patrol 2025

 The 2025 Pumpkin Patrol will take place on Thursday and Friday October 30-31st

 for Bridges on the New York State Thruway.

This event contributes to the safety of travelers on the New York State Thruway. It is a statewide event and is held in cooperation with the New York State Troopers and Amateur radio groups.

The Pumpkin Patrol was initiated as a volunteer effort in 1976 by Katherine St. Jacques in Fort Johnson, Montgomery County.  Ms. St. Jacques was talking to a truck driver on her citizens band radio when the windshield of his vehicle was struck by an object thrown from an overpass.  The driver sustained injuries from the broken glass of his windshield.  St. Jacques and two companions decided to stand watch on the three over passes that crossed the Thruway in the Fort Johnson area. The State Police assumed control of the Pumpkin Patrol in 1990 as part of the State Police crime prevention effort.  More than 300 volunteers will participate in this year’s safety efforts.

PLEASE SEND US YOUR GROUPS PLANS FOR 2025 to: UpstateHam@gmail.com

Some Upstate NY Counties participating:

Chautaqua County (Dunkirk):

NCARC and Chautauqua County Amateur Radio Club (CCAFMA)  Pumpkin Patrol : http://users.netsync.net/~ncarc/index.htm

Cortland County (Cortland)

Skyline Amateur Radio Club of Cortland will be participating in Cortland County to watch overpasses on I-81 on October 31st.  We generally watch from 7pm until 9pmish

Erie County (Buffalo area): 

Erie County ARES/RACES Pumpkin Patrol info: https://ecarham.org/announcements/

Monroe County (Rochester area): The RARA Pumpkin Patrol event captain, Ed Wilkonski, K1EM is preparing for this year's event. Please see his article elsewhere in this month’s Rag. For more information or to register for this month's events, see our Public Service page at https://rochesterham.org/public_service.htm for more information and to volunteer.

 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdr-KssQziuUPpDSEgn5SzqNZPIxgbGd9VmAmA-78UDttsTkg/viewform

Oneida & Madison County Counties:

MOARC Pumpkin Patrol event;Thursday, October 30th & Friday, October 31st, 6PM until 10PM (ish).

Please email Andy W2ZXN (w2zxn@arrl.net) with your name, address & callsign if interested. Looking to cover all bridges in Oneida & Madison Counties!!! If you have a preference, please include your preferred bridge/location.

Orange County (Goshen):

ARES / RACES in Goshen NY will be participating in Pumpkin Patrol 2025 Oct 31 from 18:00 until 22:00

Ontario County (Canandaigua):

 SIARC; Dave KB2KBY is still in need of operators for the Pumpkin Patrol on October 30 and 31. If

you can volunteer, contact Dave at kb2kby@rochester.rr.com. 

Nice article: https://www.rochesterfirst.com/community/pumpkin-patrol-ham-radio-operators-hit-the-airwaves-to-keep-the-thruway-safe/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNppS9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhLZpvr_sgJPuvD4Z1kXtZmQSb0uiaW3hppwqtELd7nKbiipatroP_e5NccL_aem_5O_vtV9J5AKLA-0UlpRaSQ

Onondaga County (Syracuse area): https://www.w2cm.com/public-service/

from RAGS Review 10/25 (Syracuse): 

Zello PTT: A Versatile Backup Tool for Amateur Radio

(from the October 2024 RARA Rag)

Public Service Report: Mike Moore, KC2NM, RARA Public Service Coordinator 

Zello PTT has become a popular mobile phone application, offering a reliable and efficient platform for real-time voice communication. While primarily used for personal and professional purposes, Zello can also serve as a valuable backup tool for amateur radio operators. 

We used this app to a limited degree on Tour de Cure and MS Roc the Ride Great Great Lakes this year. 

Key Features for Amateur Radio Use: 

• Push-to-Talk Functionality: Zello's core feature, push-to-talk (PTT), mirrors the operation of traditional amateur radio transceivers. Simply press and hold the PTT button to transmit your voice. 

• Channel-Based Communication: Zello organizes users into channels, similar to amateur radio repeaters. You can join various channels based on your interests, location, or specific events. 

• Global Reach: Zello's network extends worldwide, allowing you to connect with amateur radio enthusiasts from different countries and regions. 

• Text Messaging: In addition to voice communication, Zello also supports text messaging within channels. This can be useful for sharing information or coordinating activities. Best Practices for Amateur Radio Use: 

• Backup Battery: Ensure you have a backup battery or power source to keep your device charged during extended use. 

• Headset: Using a headset can improve audio quality and reduce background noise. 

• Data Plan: If using Zello for mobile data, be mindful of your data usage limits. 

• Emergency Procedures: Establish procedures for using Zello in emergency situations, such as coordinating rescue efforts or providing updates. 

Zello can be downloaded to your phone using the Google Play or Apple Apps store. Create a personal account and test your phone using the echo channel. Account event channel credentials will be distributed via a QR code and password on an event ICS 205 form. Jim plans to demonstrate Zello as a tech tip at the October RaRa meeting. For more information, see the Android User Guide https://support.zello.com/hc/en-us/articles/17954095093389-Android-User-Guide

or the iOS User Guide https://support.zello.com/hc/en-us/articles/17578715747981-iOS-User-Guide

By leveraging Zello PTT as a backup tool, amateur radio operators can enhance their communication capabilities and stay connected in various scenarios

more info at: https://blog.zello.com/zello-individual-or-business

Help needed - RAGS Public service comms for WorkForce Run on June 6th

(UPDATE 5/24/24) We are still in need of committed operators for the WorkForce Run on June 6.  This event is a late afternoon event with a pre-event meet-up at 5PM.  

Please sign-up by either going to www.ragsclub.org, click on the Public Service and fill out the Public Service Event Form OR email Andriy at KD2KUB@gmail.com or Walt at n2ikwkb@gmail.com.

This is a nice short event and our help is always greatly appreciated.

Jerry, NK2C

ARES/RACES Quarterly Training - Onondaga County 4/22/24

 Get Involved In ARES and RACES

The next ARES/RACES Quarterly Training session

will be April 22, 7:00P at the Onondaga County

Emergency Operations Center, Electronics Parkway,

Liverpool. There will be a tour and we will check out

antenna systems.

John Perkins, K2VTT, RACES Radio Officer

WNY Ham radio support for 4/8 Solar Eclipse

To:   All WNY Ham Radio Clubs

From:  Vince Harzewski N2JRS, Emergency Coordinator, Erie County ARES/Assistant Radio Officer, Erie County RACES

 

Re: April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

The Erie County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

has requested the assistance of amateur radio operators in conjunction

with the total solar eclipse on April 8.

 

Amateurs will be asked to provide critical information on the day of the

eclipse:

 

All Amateurs from any county are invited to participate.

 

Hams working with Emergency Services will establish communications in

the Emergency Operations center in Cheektowaga NY and will take reports

from amateurs on location, traffic, weather and amount of people

gathering during the key times of the eclipse on the 8th.

 

They will also establish cross border communications with Canadian

amateurs to test viability of passing traffic across the pond.

 

Hams in the EOC will establish communications with the state EOC with HF

voice and WINLINK connectivity.

 

Amateurs from Erie County ARES/RACES will be positioned at certain areas

of interest in the county that are deemed possible points where traffic

leading up to and at the end of the eclipse might become a problem if an

emergency arises and will provide reports to the EOC throughout the

duration of the event.

 

Amateurs in Erie County will also establish 2 quick deployment teams and

station them in the north and south in the county should the need arise

to setup and operate until other county resources can assist and Erie

County RACES will provide an operator to Buffalo Fire in their

respective EOC for a link back to the county EOC and to test the

viability of using us as a backup to inter EOC communications.

  

Operators needed - Great Race Auburn NY - Sunday 8/13

from Jerry; NK2C

 RAGS Public Service needs additional operator help with this Sunday event:

The Auburn Great Race.   

Please contact Walt - N2IK if you can help.

email: n2ikwkb@gmail.com

Ph. 315-243-0736

Onondaga RACES / ARES training session - 2/21/23

  

The next quarterly Onondaga RACES / ARES training session will be on Tuesday Feb 21, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Moyers Corners Fire Station #2, 7697 Morgan Rd, just north of Buckley Rd in Liverpool.  Please use the rear parking area and entrance.

 

TOPIC:  FLDIGI Installation and Use

 This software package is sometimes used by Emergency Management folks.

We will be using HF.

 

Thank You

 John Perkins

K2VTT

RACES Radio Officer – Onondaga County

K2VTT@arrl.net

RACES / ARES Training Session 11/22/22 - Syracuse

 The next quarterly RACES / ARES Training Session will be:

Tuesday November 22, 2022 at 1900 Hours

Moyers Corners Fire Station #2, 7697 Morgan Road (corner of Buckley Road), Liverpool, NY

TOPIC:  HF Operations

 

John Perkins

K2VTT

RACES Radio Officer – Onondaga County

Vice President – RAGS

Asst Net Manager - OCTEN

K2VTT@arrl.net

HH# 6100000238

Upcoming Onondaga RACES/ARES Training on 1/25/22

 Onondaga County RACES / ARES Quarterly Training 

 

Tuesday Jan. 25, 2022 at 7:00 PM via ZOOM

 ZOOM LINK:  Go to RAGS website (ragsclub.org), Public Service page, for link.

https://ragsclub.org/ares-races-live-meetings/

 Agenda:
- Admin Update
- County Alerting
- Public Service Events Upcoming
- Activation / Deployment Preparation

 HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT – COMPLETE PRIOR TO TRAINING:
- Prepare a list of equipment, supplies, etc required by you for a 48-hour deployment, away from your residence
- We will review the lists and discuss at Training Session
- Download from RAGS Public Service website the Frequency List and have frequencies programmed into your radios (vhf/uhf)

John Perkins – RACES Training Officer
Amir Findling - Emergency Coordinator
Walt Bordett – Assistant Emergency Coordinator
Andriy Gronau – Assistant Emergency Coordinator

notice sent from:

John Perkins; K2VTT
RACES Radio Officer – Onondaga County
K2vtt@arrl.net

Onondaga County RACES/ARES Training - 11/9/21

 RACES / ARES Training Session

Tuesday November 9, 2021 – 1900 Hours

Moyers Corners Fire Station #2

7697 Morgan Road (at Buckley Road), Liverpool, NY. ( Rear of Building ). 

TOPIC:  RACES/ARES Orientation, equipment review/evaluation, reviewing programmed frequencies, plan future training sessions. 

Contact:

John Perkins at : jp96166@gmail.com

RACES Radio Officer – Onondaga County