Block Watch & Amateur Radio Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society Les Dawes Block Watch Captain, McKean Rd VA7CBN

Why are we involved in Block Watch? Concern for safety in our neighbourhood Concern for the welfare of our neighbours Expectation of assistance from our neighbours Insurance discounts Get to know the neighbours better Communication is Key to bringing this together

What is Amateur Radio Amateur radio encompasses a wide variety of activities all of which are centred around an interest in radio and communications. Amateur radio is... a form of communication; a hobby; a community service. Radio Amateurs help save lives as part of an emergency & disaster communications network, the most important aspect of Amateur Radio. Licensed Amateurs can apply to become part of the CVRD’s Emergency Communications Team (ECT)

What is Amateur Radio A unique mix of fun, convenience and public service People get involved for many reasons, but they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology, regulations and operating principles All have received an authorization to operate on the "Amateur Bands.“

What is Amateur Radio The appeal of Amateur Radio The ability to communicate across the country, around the globe, and even with astronauts on space missions. Some Radio Amateurs build and experiment with radio. Computer hobbyists find digital modes to be a low-cost way to expand their ability to communicate. Those with a competitive streak enjoy "DX contests" where the object is to see how many distant Radio Amateurs they can contact. Some like the convenience of a technology giving them portable communication. Others use it to open the door to new friendships over the air, or through participation in an Amateur Radio club. Many combine Amateur Radio with the internet in various ways.

What is Amateur Radio Typical Radio Amateurs come from all walks of life - lawyers, entertainers, missionaries, doctors, ministers, politicians, students, workers, shut-ins and retired folks - all ages, sexes, income levels and nationalities. Some like voice communication on a hand-held radio. Others prefer Morse code through a low-power transmitter. Many transmit computer messages through amateur radio satellites or repeater systems. They all use radio to communicate with their fellow Radio Amateurs.

Industry Canada Federal agency responsible for Licensing and regulations governing radio communication in Canada How are Amateur Radio operators “authorized” in Canada? There is only one authorization to transmit - an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with the Basic Qualification and Call Sign.

Frequency Bands There are frequency bands reserved for use by Radio Amateurs at intervals from just above the AM broadcast band all the way up through the microwave frequencies. Although Amateur Radio conversations may be heard around the world by anyone with a suitable radio receiver, and propagation conditions, Amateur Radio is basically two-way communications between Radio Amateurs.

Types of Communication Phone – Voice communications

Types of Communication APRS - Real time tracking

Types of Communication Packet – RMS Express ( ) on radios

Types of Communication Easypal – Photos and documents

Equipment Handheld Radios

Equipment Mobile Radios

Equipment Home Station

Equipment Portable Field Station

Equipment Mobile Communications Centres

What are the Benefits to Block Watch First action is to call Police Another tool to communicate with Back up communications when phones and are down Increased awareness of what is going on in the community Opportunity to get to know others who can communicate in your area

How can the Hams help L.E.R.N. (Local Emergency Response Neighbourhoods) Backup communications in the neighbourhood Communications between the community and CVRD Passing of reports such as Rapid Damage Assessment information Full communications to the outside world

How to get Licensed Pass the Industry Canada Exam Study online and write the exam or Take training from CVARS or equivalent Next Course March 13-15, 2014 Contact Tim or

Questions Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society Contact me Les Dawes Cell: VA7CBN on Mhz