Node 62499: Serving Emergency Communications
Node 62499 was established to support:
- The Emergency Radio Long Island REACT Team
- NY Metro REACT Teams (The Bronx, Staten Island, and New Jersey Coastal (JACES)
- The broader Emergency Communication Community
Historical Context
REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams) originated when Citizens Band (CB) Radio was the primary, cost-effective mode of communication. While CB usage is experiencing
a resurgence, its limitations led to the adoption of newer technologies.
Current Communication Methods
Today, the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) offers a low-cost entry point into radio communications, alongside its sister system, the Family Radio Service (FRS). GMRS allows for higher-power repeaters,
enabling longer-distance communication.
Regulatory Changes and Impact
In August 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implemented restrictions on internet-linked repeaters, limiting wide-area GMRS communications. Consequently, the Amatuer Radio Services,
commonly known as HAM radio, remains the only public radio service permitting linked repeaters and internet-based modes.
Licensing Requirements
HAM radio requires operators to pass an FCC-administered test on rules, regulations, and radio theory. The current test fee is $15, and licenses are issued to individuals. In contrast, GMRS licenses cost $35,
cover entire families, and are valid for 10 years.
Node 62499 Schedule and Service
We offer a combination of emergency training and organizational nets, along with diverse simultaneous-broadcast nets. Our emergency training and organizational nets are open to all and operate as directed nets.
Training Net Structure
Our training nets consist of approximately 10-minute lectures followed by open discussion. To enhance accessibility, we provide:
- Broadcastify live streaming
- Raw audio files of each session, available within 30 minutes of completion
The current schedule is Thursdays from 19:00 to 20:00.
Curriculum Focus
Our initial lectures cover the fundamentals of the Incident Command System (ICS), mirroring the FEMA ICS 100 course.
This curriculum was chosen in response to real-world incidents in which a lack of training led to confusion during equipment failures and leadership absences.
We invite you to connect with us and participate in various aspects of HAM radio and Emergency Communications.
