"Professional Volunteer communicators linking the community in time of need"
Capabilities
W.I.C.E.N. Bundaberg Capabilities
Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network Last update: May 2023
Introducing WICEN Who are you going to Call?
WICEN's strength is its flexibility.
We train with systems we have developed over the years; systems
which can adapt to a variety of situations.
If necessary WICEN can deploy a Statewide HF communications system
that does not require a hilltop infrastructure and our technical
expertise means we can adapt to meet an emerging need.
WICEN Bundaberg is proud to place our expertise at the disposal of
local agencies that have identified a communications need and wish
to develop a system to address it.
Agencies should contact the WICEN Bundaberg Controller from the
contact information below.
National. State. Local
The Wireless Institute of Australia has brought together
Amateur radio operators to serve the community.
WICEN Bundaberg is a non-government, volunteer organisation,
financed by the Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club.
Versatile * Far Reaching
We select the best band for the task using frequencies on HF,
VHF & UHF.
Our equipment can be quickly deployed, and we maintain a
powerful base station at our Bundaberg Shack.
Using BARC's 3 Repeaters we cover Burrum Heads to Winfield &
West to Childers and Gin Gin.
Equipment
Our equipment operates without electricity and Radios are
powered by 12volt batteries.
A mix of Yaesu and Icom radios form the backbone of our
network as they are robust and efficient to serve our needs.
Filling the Comms Gap
Many agencies don't have their own communications & can't share a common medium so WICEN fills the gap by providing voice communications within an agency or between several agencies.
Operators
Amateur Radio operators study & pass exams to achieve their
Licence, and by joining WICEN they've shown a preparedness to
serve their community.
We're proud to be part of the Bundaberg Regional Council
Disaster Management plan.
Portable * Efficient
Our portable Amateur Radio Stations contain HF, VHF & UHF
radio gear which is quickly deployed by operators who form a
network for radio traffic.
We log the traffic & provide an audit trail of messages moving
between agencies.
Gallery & Information
Portable Station Case YAESU
Link to Case constructionPortable Station
We have 3 Portable Emergency Amateur Radio Station timber cases.
Coated with marine varnish ready for floodboat or rain
operations.
The shelf is removable and underneath is everything the operator
needs to be self-sufficient.
An operator would take one of these stations, and together with
the Antenna pack and their own personal supplies they are ready
to be deployed with a minimum of fuss.
All that we require at the intended site is a 12volt battery
which can be taken from a vehicle, boat or even ride-on mower.
We can be set up and ready to transmit in about 20 minutes.
Emergency Dipole Antenna ENVIS
Link to ENVIS ConstructionEmergency HF antenna
This is our workhorse for HF emergency work.
It's a Near Vertical Incident Skywave (NVIS) antenna with
radiation at a high angle so the major lobe is between 75 and 90
degrees to the earth's surface, in an omni-directional pattern.
It's NOT a long-distance antenna, we aim for 100-400km but have
tested up to 1600km.
We find it to be extremely reliable between 3.5Mhz (80m) and
7.3Mhz (40m) - perfect for WICEN use.
We acknowledge Bob Hejl W2IK for his initial research into this
antenna & dedication to emergency comms.
Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club BARC
Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club sponsors and finances the WICEN
group.
When students train with the club for the Foundation Licence
they are exposed to the WICEN ideology and many join us as
trained operators.
Council and SES
We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of SES Bundaberg.
We are privileged to retain a radio shack within the SES HQ by
the kind permission of Bundaberg Regional Council and the SES
Controller.
Have a question
Getin touch
WICEN Bundaberg PO Box 129 Bundaberg QLD 4670
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