Introducing The Berkeley Neighborhood CERT Repeater Project: What, Why and How
KK6IZS / WQTS528
Introducing The Berkeley Neighborhood CERT Repeater Project: What, Why and How
1. What is the Berkeley Neighborhood Repeater Project?
A voluntary effort by Berkeley resident involved in neighborhood CERT Teams to develop a city-wide communication system to connect neighborhoods. The project uses General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) – a licensed radio service. The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, two-way communications using hand-held radios (walkie-talkies).
2. Why did we create the Berkeley Neighborhood Repeater Project?
After a large scale disaster, it is likely individual neighborhoods will need to rely on their own resources for an extended period. That has lead to a growing interest in emergency communications between CERT response teams – neighborhood to neighborhood networking. One example is Berkeley Ready Program with the aim of enhanced coordination within fire districts (e.g. District Coordinators). After considerable research and testing, we believe that the goal of CERT to CERT Communications and Collaboration can be effectively served by a GMRS repeater platform.
3. How does a repeater work and how can my CERT Team participate?
A radio repeater is a combination of a radio receiver and a radio transmitter that receives a weak or low-level signal and retransmits it at a higher power. This enables radio signals to cover longer distances without degradation. In our case, the Neighborhood CERT Repeater is capable of receiving and retransmitting a signal from most locations in the City of Berkeley.
The best way to participate is to:
· Obtain a GMRS License (https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/applying-new-license-universal-licensing#block-menu-block-4)
· Acquire a repeater capable GMRS radio
· Participate in weekly practice sessions Tuesday evenings at 7:30pm
4. Where can I get a GMRS capable radio?
Most off-the-shelf GMRS walkie-talkies cannot access repeaters – a special repeater function is required. The Berkeley Neighborhood CERT Repeater Project has acquired several repeater-capable GMRS radio for groups to borrow and test. If you would like to obtain a radio for testing or have additional questions, contact:
Enabling CERT to CERT Communications and Collaboration
Kate Harper
Christiaan Adams
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