Capabilities
Communication Corps has a variety of capabilities during a disaster because our volunteers have a variety of specialties to bring to the table. We use a wide range of technologies such as voice, text and video help to support emergency response agencies perform their missions during the worst disasters.
Repeater Systems
Communication Corps has over 25 repeaters available for use across the state. Some are stand alone, while we also have two linked repeater systems.
A repeater is a device placed on a tower that allows radio operators to amplify their signal. The repeater receives the operators signal and sends it out at a higher power from a higher location. Linked repeaters allow for operators in distant places to communicate with one another. One of our repeater systems spans all three counties and also reaches outside of Delaware.
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Radio-based E-mail System
Communication Corps uses a technology called Winlink 2000 to link agencies via e-mail in case of disaster. E-mail is very vulnerable to infrastructure failure but is one of the most important means of communication in this day and age. With Winlink, we can replicate regular email for anyone to communicate.
Not only can we replicate the email, but it includes attachments. This way, agencies can send PDF ICS forms with no problem. Also if damage assessment photos need to be sent, we can send them as an attachment.
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Back To The Basics
Amateur Radio has been the only fail safe communications system in the world for almost a hundred years. This is because the technology itself is basic and easy to maintain. Someone that is creative and has radio knowledge can easily put together a way to keep contact with the rest of the world when he might not have the best equipment.
Voice may be the most popular form of emergency communications but many operators contribute their success to Morse Code. Morse code doesn't require a high power radio, and sometimes can be understood better then voice in poor radio conditions. Those who learn Morse code can pass messages in some of the most difficult situations.
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Interoperability
Communication Corps will soon be trained in a piece of equipment called the JPS ACU-1000. The ACU-1000 allows for a variety of radios on HF, VHF, and UHF to be linked with each other as well as phones and the internet. Operators will be able to patch systems together to create limitless communications.
Soon we will have an ACU-1000 for every county EOC in the state. Different radios will be connected to the ACU for interoperability purposes.
