Disaster Relief Ham Radio Net
Net Roster Net Script Emergency Communication Plan
A Resilient Communication Lifeline for Member Churches
The Marion Baptist Association (MBA) Disaster Relief Amateur Radio Net is the foundation of the Auxiliary communication layer of the MBA's PSA Emergency Communication Plan. This net provides a crucial, off-grid communication capability, ensuring coordination and timely response during disasters when commercial infrastructure (cellular networks, internet, and landlines) is compromised or completely inoperable.
Net Purpose and Mission
The primary purpose of the weekly net is threefold:
Preparedness and Training: To train licensed amateur radio volunteers in standard emergency communication protocols, including the relay of formal written messages (radiograms) and the use of the Incident Command System (ICS) forms (like the ICS-213, a standardized message form).
Equipment Testing: To regularly test the operability and readiness of the MBA Missionary Resource Center (MRC) base station and the radio equipment located in private homes and at member churches across Marion County and surrounding areas.
Information Relay Practice: To establish a repeatable, reliable process for gathering vital status reports from member churches (Auxiliary capability) and relaying them to the Association leadership and partner agencies (Secondary/Primary capabilities when restored).
By practicing these procedures weekly, the MBA ensures its communication system remains resilient and its operators are proficient when a real-world emergency strikes.
Net Schedule and Frequencies
The MBA Disaster Relief Amateur Radio Net meets on a consistent weekly schedule to maintain proficiency and network readiness. All licensed amateur radio operators are welcome to check in.
Detail
Description
Meeting Day
Every Tuesday
Meeting Time
9:00 p.m. (2100) Eastern Time
Primary Repeater: KA4WJA
Frequency (2-Meter)
146.970 MHz
Offset
-600 kHz (Input: 146.370 MHz)
Tone (PL)
NONE (Open Access)
Backup Repeater: KA2MBE
Frequency (70 cm)
444.325
Offset
+5.0 MHz (Input: 449.325 MHz)
Tone (PL)
123 Hz
This time and frequency were specifically chosen to provide optimal coverage across Marion and neighboring counties, ensuring maximum participation and resilience during training and activation. The KA4WJA repeater’s antenna is mounted on a tower in Anthony, FL at a height of 1100 feet above average terrain.
Strategic Value in Disaster Response
In a declared emergency, the amateur radio net transitions from a training exercise to a critical operational resource. It provides the only direct link between the Missionary Resource Center (MRC) and church locations when all other systems fail.
Church Status Reporting: Churches with licensed operators can report critical data points, such as power status, water availability, structural damage, and immediate supply needs, allowing the MBA to triage response efforts effectively.
Coordination with Partner Agencies: Through partnerships with organizations like the Marion Emergency Radio Team (MERT) and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), the MBA's net can seamlessly integrate into broader county emergency communication plans, providing essential information flow between faith-based relief and official government response efforts.
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.
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.
