Radio Relay International is pleased to announce the installation of a new digital communications facility which will enhance disaster response and coordination in Puerto Rico. This is part of a continuing partnership between Radio Relay International (RRI), the ARRL (National Association for Amateur Radio) and the radio amateurs of Puerto Rico.
This new facility is designed to resist damage from hurricanes and other natural disasters. It can continue operating from multiple power sources including generator, solar power or via its own battery back-up system. It will enhance a VHF digital communications network already established throughout the island, while also providing connectivity to St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This network is also “capable of providing International communications via survivable high frequency gateways to the RRI Digital Traffic Network, the ARRL/RRI National Traffic System and the “Winlink” wireless email system.
This new system is part of an ongoing, multi-year effort to develop a robust emergency communications capability on the island through a process of training courses for emergency communications volunteers, periodic disaster exercises, and professional emergency management planning.
This new equipment was provided by Signal and Communications Associates, LLC, of Buchanan, Michigan with the assistance of the Buchanan High School CTE electrical program students, who assisted with testing, programming and calibration of the system. The communications site at which it is located has been generously provided by “La Fundación Misión Con Amor.”
“The people of Puerto Rico deserve an effective disaster response capability. This voluntary effort on the part of local FCC licensed radio amateurs and various nonprofit organizations can serve as a model for building effective community-based capabilities on the island.” said Mr. James Wades, Emergency Management Director for RRI. “The real credit for this project belongs to the radio amateurs of Puerto Rico who will be trained, prepared, and ready to provide critical communications support to both important agencies and the public in time of emergency,” he added.
The official press release can be found on our “Publications” Page.