The Mobile Communications Trailer was purchased with Homeland Security funds through the county Emergency Management office.  Construction began in 2008 and has continued since then with most work done in 2010.  The trailer now houses:

• Voice communications on 2 meter, 220 MHz, 440 MHz and HF bands.
• 2 meter and 220 MHz packet
• 4 channel Video system
• Mobile weather station
• APRS
• Microwave link to local repeater

The 18 ft by 8 ft double axle trailer can be powered by a Honda 6500 watt generator or direct AC.  It includes a local wired network utilizing 3 notebook computers and laser printer and has room for up to 6 operators.  Six NMO mount antennas are mounted to the roof and it also includes a 30 ft telescoping mast and rotor system for HF, microwave and other antennas. 

2008 Photos
Received the trailer on May 10, 2008. Painting the inside and installing the tile floor.

Ron KC8YVF, Dave N8ERL, Bill W8CWD, Steve KD8FQL, Emmett NE8B (photographer)

2010 Photos

Installing the rack cabinet

Installing the two Astron RM60 Power Supplies

The rack front door.

Radio Rack with 2 60 amp power supplies	Closed Rack	ATV, Voice and Packet stations with networked computer	Packet and Admin stations with networked computers and printer	Front View- Admin, Packet stations
Front View - ATV, Voice, Packet stations	Front workstation	Interior view

 

2017 Update Photos

The trailer now has 7 radios including HF, VHF, UHF and 220 voice and packet. The refurbish included installing new radios, computers, printer, antenna and cable racks, additional electrical outlets, repair and refinishing of floors and general cleanup.

Net control and packet stations	Admin and Packet station	220 Packet station 1	Admin station	220 Packet station 2
Net control, video station	HF radio station	Yeasu FT-897 HF radio	Astron 60A rack mount 12 volt power supplies	Kenwood TM-D710 radio
Motorola VHF radio	Cable storage	General view	Overhead antenna storage	Overhead antenna storage
Power panel	Equipment Rack	General view	File storage	File storage
File storage	File storage	Battery Tender for generators	Honda EU3000 inverter generator for heat/AC operation	Honda EU6500 inverter generator for trailer operation
Carbon Monoxide Detector	Smoke Detector	Telescoping 30 foot mast for HF, microwave and tri-band antennas

Rear door camera	Rear door camera	Side door camera	Side door camera	Side door camera
Inside camera	Video DVR	Camera view	Camera view	Camera view

 

2019 Update Photos

The trailer now has Air Conditioning and heat provided by money through the Saginaw County office of Emergency Management. The unit is a Dometic 13,500 btu AC with heat pump for colder weather.  The front 12V and florescent lights had to be move forward to provide space the AC unit. The roof was beefed up with steel L supports tied into the existing roof beams and framed with 2x6 lumber to support the inside control unit. A new electric box with circuit breaker was added to support the electrical needs and is connected to a second generator box on the outside to provide power.  Power is provided by a Honda 3000 watt generator.

New power connection for the AC unit	Trailer power and AC power panels	Moved forward light to make room for the AC unit	12 volt DC light moved as well	"L" frame added to support the AC unit
Outside generator ports	Hole cut and AC in place			Outside view of AC unit
		Inside control panel in place
Supports painted	Wiring in place	Control panel in place

 

2022 Update

Two Nino 1200/9600 baud TNC's were added to the Alinco 220 radios to allow for Winlink capabilities.  These replaced the internal boards that were not full KISS compatable.  The TNC's were funded by Covenant Health Care, a local hospital and will be added to other packet locations in the county.