SEPAR Grab & Go Kits
Compact, versatile, multi-mode grab-and-go kits for emergency communications
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Our Grab & Go Kits
Our Grab & Go Kits
In 2007, several dedicated members of the Surrey Emergency Program Amateur Radio (SEPAR) responded to a request from Surrey Fire Services to develop a portable amateur radio communication kit. This need arose from lessons learned during past disasters, notably Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Kelowna firestorm in 2003.
Purpose and requirements
Purpose and requirements
The goal was to create a kit that could support emergency communications for the City of Surrey under a variety of disaster conditions, whether local or regional. The system needed to be highly portable, transportable by SUV or passenger van, and deployable within 30 minutes by trained amateur radio operators.
Capabilities and equipment
Capabilities and equipment
Three identical kits were constructed, each supporting HF, VHF, and UHF communications. Modes included CW, SSB, FM voice, PACTOR, and packet radio for Winlink email messaging. Each kit contained a Kenwood TS-480SAT HF transceiver, two Icom IC-2820 VHF/UHF mobile radios, an Icom IC-91AD handheld radio, a PACTOR modem, a laptop, antennas, telescoping support poles, battery systems, chargers, a gas generator, and additional accessories. Later enhancements included the addition of 220 MHz radios.
Project development and publication
Project development and publication
The project was documented and published in QST magazine in March 2009 and in the May/June 2009 issue of The Canadian Amateur. The design and build team consisted of Fred Orsetti VE7IO, Bill Gipps VE7XS, Drew Evans VA7DRW, and John Brodie VA7XB, who met weekly to plan and assemble the kits.
Current Status
Current Status
The three Go Kits are stored securely at Firehall 10 in Surrey and are kept in a ready state for rapid deployment at any time. While SEPAR is the sole operator of these kits, they were paid for and are owned by the City of Surrey.
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