‘Resilience’ has been a catch-cry for many people over the last few years. Rebuild Free Radio Network (RFRN) Radio Area Coordinator for North Waikato, Trish Murray, is part of a scheme to build a national, community-led radio network.
A licensed ham radio operator operator herself, Trish said the network was aware ham wouldn’t work for everyone interested in connecting via radio, so RFRN is utilising a network of PRS handheld radios.
Radio ham licences come at a cost, and with compulsory training and testing, they’re not suitable for many time-poor people.
Trish said she was familiar with the feeling of being ready to ‘get talking’ after completing her ham radio licence.
As a coordinator with the RFRN, she knew there was a mix of people out in the community, at varying stages of their radio journey.
“Many people bought radios, and some had started using them,” said Trish. “Some radios were still in the box. And many hadn’t decided yet if they even want a radio.”
As a result, Trish decided to offer some training in the form of very hands-on, interactive workshops.
“We talked about why the need for a radio, how they work, different types of radio, channels, repeaters, antennas, distances covered, and even what to say. Some of the concerns related to me were that they wouldn’t know what to say, or who would they talk to.”
So Trish used a whiteboard to create a rough diagram of the areas the attendees lived in, and showing local repeaters.
But the goal was to get people talking, so Trish marched the attendees outside.
“We had radio users there, so we went outside, split into groups, and literally got people calling each other. We used repeaters and simplex, doing channel changes, and practising putting calls out.”
Trish said the workshop attendees responded well to this strategy. They left the workshop feeling more confident, and some even decided to buy radios as a result.
The interactive workshop format also meant that Trish could make personalised recommendations to suit each situation.
Some radio users needed to know they could reach their mum in a rest home where no roof antenna was possible, or contact a family member an hour’s distance away.
“This meant travelling with a helper after the workshop to these locations and doing some radio calls for range tests. Additionally we have been doing test nets and seeing who we could reach and on what type of antenna.”
Trish said she found extended range whip antennas to perform very well, although roof antennas are the preferred option for practical reasons.
“But we’re trying out a range of solutions to see what’s best. Magnetic roof mount car antennas are also working really well. We use a repeater as a “gathering point” and then do a ‘by area’ split to go to simplex. The area we are working within is from Papatoetoe to Te Kauwhata, and then coast to coast, so a number of simplex areas.”
Trish said the community network contains people who are mostly new to radio.
“It’s really inspiring seeing their confidence grow, and to hear their first tentative calls.”
RFRN also involves experienced radio users, with others now keen to go on and work towards their ham licences, which Trish is encouraging them to do.
“Personally, I am loving seeing friends and family connecting on radio, and finding it really heartening having others jump in to offer help building the Rebuild Free Radio Network.”
