“GO KIT” CHECKLIST FOR
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DEPLOYMENT
Compiled by: Ed Ricco N5LI
Duke City Hamfest, August 2003
Radio
Dual band or 2-meter only, mobile or HT (cross-band capability is extra nice)
Working
Standardized connectors
Operating instructions
Power
Batteries (extra HT batteries, alkaline battery pack for HT, alkaline batteries, higher capacity gel cells that will operate HT or mobile for extended period - charged)
Battery charger
Cigarette lighter plug for DC power sources
AC to DC converter (AC power supply)
Power cables with standard connectors. Adapters and jumpers. Splitters (“y” connectors)
Extra power cable
Spare fuses
Antenna
HT antenna (1/4 or 5/8 wave antennas outperform standard rubber ducks)
Mag mount antenna, 1/4 or 5/8 wave
Portable antenna (e.g., twin-lead J pole), with mount
Coax
Adapters (PL-259, SO-239, N, BNC, SMA). Barrel connector for PL-259s.
Accessories
Headphones or earphone for noisy environments
Speaker/mic for HT
Repeater list, repeater control codes
Tools
Screwdrivers (flat blade and Phillips), pliers, wire cutters/strippers, razor blade, adjustable wrenches, vise-grips
Pocket knife or Swiss army knife. Multi-tool
Basic multimeter (AC/DC volts, resistance)
Electrical tape
Duct tape
Soldering iron and solder
Miscellaneous Supplies
Pens, pencils, notepad, paper on pad or clipboard. Markers, highlighters. Paper clips/spring clips, rubber bands, twist ties.
Wristwatch. Small travel clock with alarm.
Local map
Flashlight with extra batteries, spare bulb
Lantern
Candles, waterproof matches or disposable lighter
Spool of 18” nylon cord
Bungee cords
Jumper cables
Cell phone, spare battery, charger
GPS unit, compass
Personal Items
ID, amateur radio license, callsign badge/hat/etc.
Credit cards, telephone card, cash (including supply of change)
Clothing appropriate for conditions, in layers. Rain gear. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) for outdoors. Insect repellent.
Food, water, cooking items, mess kit
Necessary medicines, first aid kit (aspirin, band-aids, etc.), extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
Toilet articles
Sleeping bag
Carrying Cases/Bags
Credits and Resources
Sandoval County ARES
AG5S
W5BI
KB0NHW (via KD5HAW)
Virginia RACES (www.varaces.org)
Wayne Yoshida KH6WZ, What’s in Your Call-Out Bag?, QST, July 2003, p. 73