Disaster Relief Ham Radio Net

Net Roster Net Script

Please note the new time and frequency for our weekly Disaster Relief Ham Radio Net. We are now operating on the KA4WJA repeater on 146.970 MHz at 9:00 p.m. every Tuesday. This will allow us to have greater coverage and to include more people in Marion and surrounding counties. This net is a vital resource for our community, focusing on preparedness, training, and equipment testing.

KA4WA Repeater Antenna at 1050 feet near Anthony, FL

Net Details:

The net meets every Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. You can find us on the KA4WJA repeater at 146.970 MHz.

• Receive: 146.970 MHz

• Offset: -600 kHz the (146.370)

• Tone: NONE
  

Marion Baptist Association Base Station Now Operational!

In other exciting news, our base station at the Marion Baptist Association Missionary Resource Center is now operational! We're currently using a temporary vertical antenna, but we'll soon be installing a 30-foot collapsible mast. This mast will support two wire antennas for 40 and 80 meters, as well as our 2m/70cm vertical.

Marion Baptist Association Amateur Radio Station

At the Marion Baptist Association Missionary Resource Center in Ocala, liiscensed Ham radio volunteers operate an Amateur Radio Base Station that plays a vital role in supporting the communication needs of local churches, emergency management personnel, and the communities we serve. Effective communication is essential during emergency situations, especially when traditional communication networks may be overwhelmed or fail entirely.

The human need to communicate is fundamental—sharing information brings reassurance, coordinates efforts, and strengthens community bonds, particularly in times of disaster. By providing reliable communication services during emergencies, the Marion Baptist Association helps meet this essential need and serves the community in its time of greatest need.

Our amateur radio operators provide multiple communication services including:

• Voice (phone) communication: Real-time conversational communication using radio frequencies.

• Digital communication (Winlink): A reliable method for sending email and other digital messages over radio frequencies, essential when internet and cell networks are down.

• Message relay (radiograms): Formal message transmission that ensures important information is passed accurately and efficiently.

These services are delivered collaboratively in partnership with the Marion Emergency Radio Team, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), and the ARRL National Traffic System. Together, these groups support disaster response and recovery efforts by enhancing communication capabilities across Marion County and beyond.

Additionally, Marion Baptist Association is equipped to process and relay official FEMA Disaster Relief communications using ICS Form 213, an essential standard for resource requests and incident communications. This capability ensures that critical messages are delivered with accuracy and timeliness, helping coordinate effective disaster response.

Through this comprehensive communication network, Marion Baptist Association continues to uphold its commitment to supporting churches, serving communities, strengthening emergency preparedness, and facilitating vital connections when they are needed most.

Developing a Communication Plan for Your Church and Community

Developing a comprehensive church and community emergency communication plan is essential to ensure timely and effective information sharing during critical situations. A robust plan involves establishing multiple layers of communication that do not depend on each other, enhancing resilience when one system fails.

Primary Communication Method: Phone

For Marion Baptist Association, the primary means of communication is the phone system, incorporating regular voice calls, texting, and internet-based messaging services. These methods allow rapid dissemination of information to church members and the community. It is important to maintain updated contact lists and encourage the use of group messaging apps that can reach many individuals simultaneously. Having access to reliable internet also supports video conferencing and email communications, expanding the church’s ability to coordinate emergency responses.

Secondary Communication Method: Satellite

When traditional phone networks are disrupted, satellite communication provides an independent alternative. The Marion Baptist Association utilizes the Starlink Roam Service, which offers internet connectivity via satellite. This system is not reliant on local infrastructure such as cell towers or cables, making it highly effective during widespread outages caused by natural disasters or other emergencies. Satellite communication can provide both voice and data connectivity, facilitating continuous contact with emergency responders and church leadership.

Auxiliary Communication Method: Amateur Radio

Amateur Radio serves as a valuable backup that operates independently of phone and satellite networks. Marion Baptist Association’s auxiliary communication includes local UHF and VHF repeaters for short-range communication within the community, HF bands for long-distance outreach, and digital modes such as Winlink Ham radio email for sending messages without internet access. Amateur Radio operators within the church and local community play a crucial role in bridging communication gaps, connecting to emergency services, and supporting coordinated response efforts when other systems are down.

Key Considerations for Your Communication Plan:

• Redundancy: Ensure that each communication method can operate independently so failure of one does not disable the entire system.

• Training: Regularly train designated communicators and volunteers in the use of each communication tool, including emergency protocols.

• Testing: Conduct drills that simulate communication outages to test and improve the effectiveness of your emergency plan.

• Documentation: Keep clear, accessible written procedures that detail how to switch between primary, secondary, and auxiliary methods.

By integrating these three tiers of communication—phone, satellite, and amateur radio—Marion Baptist Association strengthens its preparedness to maintain contact with members, coordinate relief efforts, and support community resilience in any emergency situation.