EC Support Concept
In recent times, we have seen some extraordinary disasters. Some have even hit this country. The one thing that they all have in common
is the denial of the comforts that technology provides, particularly the ability to communicate easily with those that need go gather
information to save lives. Unfortunately, technology is very susceptible to disasters, and when a disaster strikes, what we once took for
granted is no longer available.

I’ve been working for many years attempting to prepare for such an incident. While there is no certainty that I will have to use the skills
I’ve developed over those years, the possibility of needing the skills has driven me to prepare. If there is one thing that is a certainty,
that is that the overwhelming majority of people that have suffered through disasters where not prepared. That is what spawned the
concept of Emergency Communications Support (EC Support).

The single most important need during a disaster is that of information. It is this information that provides:
     1. The location of those in need of assistance, and the level of assistance needed.
     2. The extent of damage experienced as a result of a disaster.
     3. Mitigation strategies needed to alleviate suffering and save lives.
     4. The potential for additional damage.
     5. The location where such damage is most likely to occur.

Amateur radio operators have an illustrious history of providing such information within limits. Those limits have historically been transmitting
from a fixed location. If that location is in close proximity to the area damaged, then the information has been of tremendous value.
My experience shows that the problem is that most amateur radio operators are working from a fixed location, or if they are mobile they can
only pass voice transmissions. While this is certainly of significant value, it tends to miss some of the details that are crucial to the rescue operations.

EC Support would solve the majority of the problems experienced with past amateur radio support by providing:
1. Fully qualified amateur radio operators that can deploy for a 72 hour period.
2. Full training in digital modes to ensure that information can be passed clearly and accurately.
3. Full deployment kits that include:
     a. HF radio with good quality antenna.
     b. VHF/UHF radio with GPS support for position locating and a good quality high gain antenna.
     c. Power supplies that eliminate the need for running off a vehicle, or having access to commercial power.
     d. Laptop computer for interfacing with the radios and providing digital operations.
     e. Digital camera for providing live pictures to aid in damage assessments.
4. The intent is to provide MARS operators to ensure that frequencies free of pileups and interference are available for use.

EC Support has submitted two grant request so far with one being turned down as not being of interest to the grantor, and the other being placed
on the scheduled review for this October. EC Support has also prepared and is delivering two other grant requests to grantors with a particular
interest in emergency management. EC Support anticipates getting at least enough to build one command and control vehicle and two to three
communications packages. These assets will be showcased at future amateur radio events to garner interest and support for future expansion.
EC Support is hoping to get endorsements for its mission and the need for its services. These endorsements will be far easier to obtain once we have the command
and control vehicle and communications kits so that we can show our capabilities.

Thank you for your interest,

Eric Polson – President
ECSupport
HAM: N7EJP
MARS: AAR0TJ
http://www.ecsupportoregon.net/ (website is no longer available)
ejpolson@comcast.net
Home: (503) 359-7849
Mobile: (503) 360-4183