The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group Of Northern Virginia & Its Radio Station K4LRG

The Communications Operation

The operation will begin well before sunrise on Sunday and will unfold through the day. Final assignments of duties will be as accepted on the Friday, August 25th, at 8 PM on LARG Emergency Coordination Net held on the N4FSC/R Dulles Amateur Radio Group Repeater. An Operations Plan has been published by Gary Quinn - NC4S; please see below. The LARG will support the Loudoun Chapter of the American Red Cross and the riders of the Reston Bike Club. Communications stations will be operated at the Reston Town Center Start-Finish Point and the four Red Cross Rest Stops spaced throughout Loudoun County at Ashburn, Hamilton, Hillsboro and Waterford. Loudoun Amateur Radio Operators will also accompany Reston Bike Club SAG Vehicles with portable radio equipment. And, several LARG members will ride the route on their bikes or personal vehicles for additional communications support. Most the communications stations will be equipped with Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS) equipment that will monitor and track mobile units with like equipment as they move around throughout the day. The central hub for all this activity will be at the Net Control Station located near Waterford at Gary Quinn - NC4S's location. Visit the Past Operations Links posted to the left for reports on prior operations. This will be the seventh year for amateurs of Loudoun to furnish communications for the Reston Century.  We hope to have a nice operation. Best Regards, Norm Styer - AI2C de Clarkes Gap, Virginia.

The Routes Reston Town Center is the Start-Finish Point but riders may select from three routes. All go deep into Loudoun County. You may download a larger image of each of them. There are also route mile marker charts that aid riders and support personnel in finding their way. The Century Route is full of riders and they do not clear Waterford until very late in the afternoon and well after 5 PM at Ashburn; this a full day of operating and riding. There is a separate map of Leesburg since folks can easily get for route in this very busy area. David Mullins - K4ARP has also posted several W&OD Trail milage charts on the LARG's QST de K4LRG Internet Reflector's File Storage Site. If you have trouble reaching them without a Yahoo Account then contact our Webmaster.
The Century Route Map Get Century Route Map Image Get Century Mile Marker Chart	The Metric Route Map Get Metric Route Map Image Get Metric Mile Marker Chart	The Half- Metric Route Map Get Half-Metric Route Map Image Get Half-Metric Mile Marker Chart
	The Leesburg Route Details Get Leesburg Route Details Map Image

Reston Century 2004 Check Point Map Although not in full sync with the above 2006-versions of the route, this map will be used by some to assist in finding and navigating the routes in search of those in need of assistance. The Net Control Station and the Rest Stop Stations will have copies of this map.

Get 2004 Reston Century Check Point Map

Automatic Position Reporting System  -  APRS Dave Putman - KE4S of Woods Road and Leesburg will establish a full period APRS setup for this operation. From the Net Control Station he will be able to see where all like equipped support personnel are located. It's important LARG folks in SAG vehicles keep their APRS equipment running. David Mullins - K4ARP has posted his ARS configuration file to the LARG's QST de K4LRG Internet Reflector's File Storage Site; this may be of interest to our new folks.

           The Operation Plan - Revision 1
Released 1417 hours, Friday, August 25, 2006

Reston Century 2006 Bike Ride Across Loudoun

Sunday, August 27, 2006
Amateur Radio Support To The Loudoun County Chapter, American Red Cross
LARG Operations Plan
Loudoun Amateur Radio Group
Loudoun County, Virginia

Loudoun ARES - LARG OPLAN 2006 Amateur Radio Support to the Loudoun Chapter, American Red Cross
Dated: August 24, 2006
From: NC4S Gary Quinn
Time Zone: Eastern Daylight Saving Time

Mission: To provide radio communications support to the Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC). Loudoun County Chapter, ARC is providing support to the Reston Bicycle Club to this event on Sunday, August 27, 2006. A portion of the Century Bike Ride proceeds benefit the American Red Cross and a portion of the proceeds are used by the Reston Bicycle Club to purchase bicycles for the disadvantaged children. Weather: The bike event will be held rain or shine. See Washington DC Area Radar Loop . Safety of the operators and their equipment must be respected and inclement weather can restrict or curtail LARG participation.

Friday Night Net at 8 Pm EDL, 145.310
Please read this op plan and let me know if you have questions on Friday net.

Concept Of Operation:

1. Radios and antennas equipment will be set up at the sites starting at about 6:00 A.M., Sunday, August 27, 2006. Operational test conducted following installation of all equipment. The test will take place at 7 A.M.

2. Event Registration begins at 6:30 A.M. Riders can start riding between 6:30 and 10:00 A.M. Century riders must start by 8:30 A.M. and all others by 10:00 A.M.

3. Traffic over the nets is expected to be administrative supply requests, health and safety messages.

Schedule:
LARG Info Net 8:00 PM. Friday August 25, 2006 on the N4FSC DARG Repeater (145.31).

Site Installations 6:00 A.M. - 7:00 A.M. Sunday, August 27, 2006

Site Operations 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Sunday, August 27, 2006

ARC Post Op Debrief TBD TBD

ARC Contacts:

Traci Winfree, 703- 433- 2488, mailto:[email protected] Cell phone number is 571- 237- 6069.

Loudoun Amateur Radio Group Contacts:
Tom Dawson, WB3AKD [email protected] and Gary Quinn, NC4S [email protected]

Locations:
The following locations, vehicles and support require operators.

Reston Town Center and Relay Site - Start - Finish
Ashburn Fire Station - Rest Stop
Hamilton Park - Rest Stop
Waterford Elementary School - Rest Stop
Hillsboro Elementary School - Rest Stop
ARC Vehicle #1
SAG Vehicle #1
SAG Vehicle #2
SAG Vehicle #3
SAG Vehicle #4
SAG Vehicle #5
BIKE #1
BIKE #2
BIKE #3
Mobile Rover #1
Mobile Rover #2

Summary Of Operational Personnel:

Net Control:
Station captain, Gary, NC4S, 703- 324- 5919

Net control operators:
Dave, KE4S, also APRS operations
Tom, NA4MA
Bill, WF1L
The Red Cross Net will also be at this location with the same operators.

Ashburn:
Station captain, Bill, K8SYH, 703- 430- 9136

Operators:
Aaron, WA1TDQ
Grant, KB3EMT
Brian, WC4J
Pam, N4OPN

Hamilton:
Station captain, John, W4AU, 540- 338- 4620

Operators:
Charlie, K4LJH
Norm, AI2C

Hillsboro:
Station captain, Tom, KF4TNX,

Operators:
Ed, WD4KHP

Reston;
Station captain, Dennis KF4TJI, 703- 777- 9427

Operators:
Bill, W3EMH
Carol, KF4TJJ
Alex, KG4VXP

Waterford:
Station Captain, Paul, N4PD, 703- 771- 9284

Operators:
Chuck, KI4IEO
Tom, WB9RXJ
Don, KC1AT

Loudoun County High School: Station captain, Tina, K8TMJ

Red Cross Sag Vehicles riders:
Note: All SAG riders will provide there own radio, mag- mount antenna, and battery for mobile operation. They will install this system in their assigned vehicle.

SAG1 Steve, WA4LDA, 703- 723- 4712
SAG2 None needed
SAG3 Jeff, KE5APC, 703- 737- 7370
SAG4 Chester, WA9LAZ, 703- 327- 4624
SAG5 Karl, KI4BDS, 540- 338- 2999

LARG Rovers:

Kurt, KI4FWB
Boyd, N5CTI with bike
Tom, WB3AKD floater

Shadow for Jay Greeley; Chris, KT9N, 703- 443- 2635

Bike riders:
BIKE 1 Mark, KI4CTR
BIKE 2 Steve, KS1G
BIKE 3 Boyd, N5CTI

SAG Point Of Contact: The RBC SAG POC is John Shea (H) 703- 264- 0210.

SAG Vehicle Start Points and Start Times:

SAG- 1: RTC to Ashburn 8:00 - 12:00 (see half- metric cue sheet) Driver: Ann West, RBC, 703- 599- 2849 Radio: Steve Miller, WA4LDA, 703- 723- 4712 Meet: Ashburn rest stop LARG radio station Return riders that can’t finish to RTC

SAG- 2: Ashburn to RTC 2:30 to ~5:00 (see half- metric cue sheet) Driver: Arline Brecher, RBC, 703- 606- 4009 Radio: Not required Return riders that can’t finish to RTC

SAG- 3: Leesburg/Hamilton /Waterford Loop 8:00 to ~4:00 (see metric cue sheet) Driver: John Shea, RBC, 703- 501- 8336 Radio: Jeff Slusher, KE5APC, 703- 737- 7370 Meet: Hamilton rest stop Finish: when last rider gets to the W&OD in Leesburg Relay riders that can't finish to Ashburn - - call SAG- 1 or 2 for pickup.

SAG- 4: Hamilton to Hillsboro 8:30 to ~2:00 (see century cue sheet) Driver: Bernie Cohen, RBC, 703- 626- 7276 Radio: Chester Kmak, WA9LAZ, 703- 327- 4624 Meet: Hamilton rest stop Finish: When last rider gets to Hillsboro Relay riders that can't finish to Hamilton rest stop call SAG- 3 for pickup.

SAG- 5: Hillsboro to Waterford 9:30 to ~3:00 (see century cue sheet) Driver: Tim Donohue, RBC, 703- 862- 4670 Radio: Karl Hamiton, KI4BDS, 540- 338- 2999 Meet: Waterford rest stop Finish: When last rider gets to Waterford rest stop

Relay riders that can't finish to Waterford rest stop call SAG- 3 for pickup.

Electrical Power: All stations will be powered from 12- volt DC batteries. There is no on site commercial power. If vehicle is used for battery power then care should be taken on its position to avoid exhaust fumes near riders and other volunteers.

Site Support: Operators should provide sun shading if not available at site.

Station Equipment: All Stations should have 2- meter capability for primary communications on 147.480 MHz. A simplex 445.975 to be used as needed as a secondary traffic frequency. APRS will broadcast on 144.39 MHz.

The Reston Town Center Operation, will need to set - up a 440 MHz to 2 meter Cross Band station and utilize 440 MHz HT's from the operation location. Safety: Care should be taken on position of antennas to eliminate and risk of adverse RF exposure. Watch for tripping hazards on coax runs. Avoid erecting antennas near overhead electrical power lines. Please maintain a safe distance between all antenna hardware and all personnel.

Primary Radio Frequencies:
147.480 MHz primary net frequency
445.925 MHz as a primary at Reston
449.975 MHz as a secondary traffic frequency
The N4FSC repeater frequency of 145.310 MHz will be used as a back up for 147.480

Reston Cross Band Operation: Due to the proximity of tall buildings to the Command Center Location, we will use a cross - band repeater equipment provided by Dennis Boehler, KF4TJI. The ground station at Reston will use a frequency 445.925 MHz to communicate to a mobile rig parked on top of the near by parking garage. The Parking Garage Station will be in a 440 to 2m cross band repeat mode. It will retransmit the Reston ground station signals on a frequency of 147.48 MHz.

Net Control: The Net Control Station - K4LRG will be located at NC4S’s home. All stations should have logbooks and keep a record of traffic. Time: All logs and messages will be kept in local eastern daylight saving time in a 2400 hour format. For example, use 1300 hours for 1:00 PM. Map: A large printed version will be made available to all Operating Locations and Mobile/Rover Stations prior to start time. Red Cross support personnel will also have route maps.

Radio Interference: This on- the- air activity will be on a noninterference basis. Change operating frequencies to avoid harmful interference. On Site Refreshment s: LARG operators can use the facilities and refreshment s provided to the ride participants. It is recommended that you bring your own lunch. Attempts have been made to have two operators at each location to provide breaks. Care should be taken to mark any personal property.

Tactical Callsigns: Tactical Call signs will be used where possible.

Suggested tactical call signs:

Call - Location/Vehicle

Ashburn - Ashburn rest stop
Hamilton - Hamilton rest stop
Hillsboro - Hillsboro rest stop
Reston - Start /Finish
Waterford - Waterford rest stop
SAG 1 - Red Cross SAG vehicle #1
SAG 2 - Red Cross SAG vehicle #2
SAG3 - Red Cross SAG vehicle #3
SAG 4 - Red Cross SAG vehicle #4
SAG 5 - Red Cross SAG vehicle #5
Loudoun - Loudoun County High School
Rover #1 - LARG SAG vehicle 1
Rover #2 - LARG SAG vehicle 2
EC - Emergency Coordinator (WB3AKD)
Bike #1 - KI4CTR-Mark
Bike #2 - KS1G- Steve
Bike #3 - N5CTI- Boyd
RC #1 - KT9N- Chris as shadow for Jay Greeley

The following additional guidance from Steve - WV1X at HQ, ARRL is provided to ensure all stations and operators understand and identify in accordance FCC rules: "The emergency net control station would assign tactical call signs. These call signs usually provide some information about the station location or purpose. Examples: "Net" for net control; "Firebase 1" for the first fire base station established; "Mercy" for Mercy Hospital, etc." "When on the air and communicating with tactical call signs, just be sure that each tactical call sign station ALSO attaches his /her Amateur Radio call sign at least once every 10 minutes.

Here's a quote from the ARRL Training Book: "The easiest way to be sure you fulfill FCC station identification requirements during a net is to give your FCC call sign as you complete each exchange. Most exchanges will be far shorter than ten minutes. This serves two important functions:

1) It tells the NCS that you consider the exchange complete (and saves time and extra words).

2) It fulfills all FCC identification requirements."

Loudoun Amateur Radio Group Contacts:

Tom Dawson, WB3AKD [email protected] and Gary Quinn, NC4S  - [email protected]

Additions and Changes:

Additions and changes should be brought to the attention of Gary Quinn, NC4S ([email protected] ) or Tom Dawson, WB3AKD ( [email protected] )

Loudoun County ARES - Loudoun Amateur Radio Group Liaison:
Tom Dawson, WB3AKD ( [email protected] )
Bill Frisbie, W3EMH ( [email protected] )
Gary Quinn NC4S ( [email protected] )

LARG Internet Site: http://history.k4lrg.org/
Loudoun County Virginia ARES Internet Reflector Site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ares_loudoun_va/
LARG Internet Reflector Site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/l_a_r_g

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