What is IDEC
IDEC (Irvine Disaster Emergency Communications), is an organized team of over 50 experienced, trained and dedicated amateur radio operators (Hams). Members routinely volunteer their time and extensive radio communication skills and talents to perfect an auxiliary radio communications network designed to augment (or replace) normal methods of communications used by the citizens of the city of Irvine in times of emergencies or major disasters. As a subset of the Irvine Police Department, IDEC is a valuable component of the City’s Emergency Preparedness Plan.IDEC was organized in 1982, operates at the direction of the Irvine Chief of Police, David Maggard, and is supervised by Sgt. Henry Boggs.Operating state-of-the-art radio equipment,IDEC is able to immediately establish a lifeline communications network between the Irvine Police Department, city wide evacuation centers, school sites, public buildings, medical facilities, local parks, and any other location where normal means of communication has failed. IDEC members undergo continual training, which hones their skills and abilities in providing emergency communications to the PD. In addition, IDEC members receive training in routine duties that police and fire personnel might be not be able to perform due to overriding obligations as a result of a cataclysmic event. IDEC members are divided into five geographic teams, the leader of which is a sitting member of the Board of Directors. The IDEC Board is responsible for setting the mission, goals and training objectives for the group. IDEC’s motto is OBSERVE AND COMMUNICATE. Some of IDEC’s technical capabilities, equipment, experience and training include: ·Two UHF repeaters with controllers that provide telephone access and have emergency back-up power. ·Four portable communication/packet stations located at designated emergency shelters within the Irvine high schools. Each station is equipped with battery power, a printer and lap top computer, and radio. ·A Radio Room with 6m, 2m, 70cm, and packet capabilities across the hall from the City's EOC. ·A local area computer network system operating within the PD in order to pass written messages from the field to the Incident Commander during emergencies. ·IDECers participate in two drills and three public service events each year to sharpen communications skills and develop a sense of “team.” ·IDECers are offered a varying number of classes including first aid, CPR, lectures, and hands-on exercises in subjects ranging from First Response Training to HAZMAT recognition, emergency shelter management, windshield surveys, etc. ·IDEC participates in the annual ARRL Field Day emergency operation exercise held in June. IDEC operates and maintains a fully equipped, self contained communications van and lighting trailer.The ComVan, forms an important cog in the IPD’s “Circle the Wagons” concept of emergency preparedness, communications, and command and control. 
IDEC Calendar of Events General Meetings - Held in the Conference & Training Center at Irvine City Hall on the 4th Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM Weekly radio Net - Every Thursday at 7:00 PM except General Meeting night. Repeaters IDEC operates two closed UHF Amateur Repeaters. Repeater "Tango" is the primary at 449.580- Repeater "Sierra" is the secondary at 446.720- People interested in joining are welcome to check in on the net. Contact a board member listed on this website for the CTCSS (PL) tones.
HAM RADIO OPERATORS NEEDED!
IDEC is looking to expand its ranks. If you would like to: ·Volunteer For Various Irvine Community Events ·Volunteer In The Event Of A Disaster Or Emergency ·Work With Irvine Police Department & Emergency Management Services ·Have A Greater Understanding Of Disaster Preparedness…..Join IDEC! WANT TO BECOME A HAM?
You need to take a 35 question written test on amateur radio rules, operating practices, basic electrical and radio theory. NO MORSE CODE IS REQUIRED! Study guides with test questions are available at Radio Shack. Sample tests are available on the internet at http://www.qrz.com/testing.html. Test preparation classes are held at various locations in Orange County for a fee. Locations for the classes are listed below. IDEC members are willing to help you learn the material. WHAT'S MY TIME COMMITMENT? You must attend at least six meetings per year held on the 4th Thursday of each month and participate in a combination of any two of the following: Drills, community service events, field day. WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME? ·The Ability To Communicate During A Major Disaster When Other Methods Of Communication Are Down Including Cell Phones ·The Camaraderie Of Friendly & Helpful Fellow Hams ·Contributing To The Community In Which You Live Or Work WHO DO I CONTACT FOR INFORMATION? Rick at rick.rossback@alconlabs.com Bob at ke6gyd@cox.net Ham Radio Websites www.arrl.org www.qrz.com Local Ham Classes Gordon West Radio School
(714) 434-0666
Gordon will only charge potential IDEC members
for materials only. Weekend Radio School - Michael Mercado
(714) 375-0385
Held at Electronic Times-Fountain Valley
| 
