Nicole Boynton
IVN contributing writer
Since the 1890s, radio has been one of the most trusted and stable forms of communication. Operational without the need of internet and usually battery powered, radio is an optimal communication tool in times of emergencies as well as a fun and useful hobby in day to day life.
With this kind of history, the Illinois Valley Amateur Radio Club is excited to have received the grant funding of $50,699 from Oregon’s Office of Resilience and Emergency Management to build an Emergency Mobile Command Center
(Courtesy photo for the Illinois Valley News)
Judy Hinkel has been a ham radio operator for over 30 years, since moving to the Illinois Valley in 2005 Hinkel has been busy, in her words, “building a radio community of people that are learning to work together.” In 2022 she started IVARC which aims to be an inclusive, easy to approach amateur radio club for anyone who is interested in learning more about operating ham, general mobile radio service, digital mobile radio and other frequencies.
Through their club, Judy and her husband Craig Hinkel offer community services, free of charge, including but not limited to on-site assessments, radio tune ups and basic training. Their goal is to see the radio community here in Southern Oregon grow and thanks to their own hands-on hard work and expertise Judy and Craig have been able to help connect numerous people in the valley. Judy said, “If people are interested in getting a radio and they also wanted to find out what the reception was like at their house, we go to their place, Craig has the equipment to test the transmission reception, see where the best spots are and then either recommend an antenna on the roof or maybe a tree. This is the way we found that works, we provide the service and then we’ll provide the training.”
Judy now has a brand-new project she is overjoyed to share with the community; IVARC’s Mobile Command Center. Last year Judy heard about a grant available through OREM and got creative writing up a grant application to reflect how important an emergency radio communications hub would be for the Illinois Valley, a geographical area made up of ten islands divided by rivers, bridges and other natural or man-made barriers. Forest fires, winter storms, earthquakes, even vehicular accidents can all threaten power, internet and cellphone services which can wipe out most modern forms of communication.
With the use of the radio and out of the box ideas like IVARC’s mobile command center, people can stay connected without being plugged into the grid. The Mobile Command Center will offer radio communication services to people all over the Valley during times of emergencies as well as provide a mobile educational workshop to help teach basic radio skills.
The Hinkels are taking on the help of some of their club members including Dave Eck also known through the radio waves as 101 Mechanic. Eck will be leading a team of workers as they refurbish and revamp a toy-hauler trailer to become the new mobile communications hub. They plan on upgrading the trailer to have full off road capabilities, while towed by an appropriate sized truck or similar vehicle, to reach any area in the valley to provide communications during emergencies. Eck stated, “It’s going to be lithium ion phosphate battery powered, we’re gonna have a dual generator, gasoline and propane, and a backup generator. It’s going to have complete living quarters, totally stocked with food, someone will be there 24/7.” The mobile center will host a 25 feet radio tower with about a 30 mile range, reaching a variety of different frequencies with multiple handheld radios available for people to use.
When asked what an emergency response may look like Judy explained, “What I imagine is if there’s a local emergency, the guys assemble, they get the trailer and go assess the situation. They’ll do some reporting and if it’s something where they are needed, they will stay there to continue with giving communication service.”
The members of IVARC are excited to have finally received the grant funding of $50,699 and plan to begin work as soon as possible, the trailer is projected to be finished by the end of this summer. Once finished, the club plans to show off their new trailer with educational workshops at local schools, churches and other community events. If you’re interested in learning more about IVARC or basic radio skills anyone is free to come join their coffee chats every first, third and fourth Tuesday at Taylor’s Country Store at 11:30 a.m. as well as their monthly meetings every second Tuesday at Wild River Pizza 6-8 p.m. The club offers pre-programmed radios for sale for $50 as well as free troubleshooting and training.