Thursday, March 26, 2026
22 check-insThis Week's Question
"You get deployed to provide communications for the Red Cross in the field. They do not have generator power set up yet. How long can you transmit with your current battery setup?"
Battery Backup and Field Operations — A Tribute to Joe A. Farah, KE4ZYQ, Silent Key
In Memory of Joe A. Farah, KE4ZYQ
This week's net is dedicated as a tribute to Joe A. Farah, KE4ZYQ, who has become a Silent Key. Joe was one of the most prolific and reliable amateur radio operators in the southeastern Michigan area. He routinely checked into all the local nets and was a valued member of the ARPSC family.
Joe would often let net control know he was "Just checking in to help keep the hobby alive"—and that's exactly what he did. His absence from several nets was quickly noticed. Joe wasn't just an active operator; he was a family member to ARPSC and to many of you out there. Joe will be missed, and his legacy will always live on at ARPSC.
Joe's Contributions to Amateur Radio
Joe was one of our most reliable relay stations in Macomb County, routinely checking into all local nets.
Joe was passionate about battery backup systems and would regularly advocate for testing and preparedness.
Joe would elmer new members and offer his assistance whenever possible, sharing wisdom and tricks of the trade.
Joe was known for his corny dad jokes and lighthearted spirit on the air, always keeping the hobby fun.
Joe was proud of his attic antenna and battery backup—two accomplishments he spoke about often. Tonight's question is dedicated to a question Joe would repeat on many ARPSC nets.
Scenario
You have been deployed into the field to provide communications support for a Red Cross disaster response operation. The Red Cross site has been established, but generator power has not yet been set up. You are expected to operate from your own radio equipment and battery setup until stable power can be arranged.
The early operational concern is whether you can maintain reliable communications long enough to be useful while the Red Cross team works on getting their generator online and their infrastructure operational.
Discussion Prompts
Think about your own equipment and operating practices as you consider these questions:
- What radio are you planning to use? (HT, mobile, base station?)
- What battery are you using? (Capacity in amp-hours? Age and condition?)
- At what power level would you operate? (High power vs. low power trade-offs?)
- Would you change how often or how long you transmit to conserve power? (Operating strategies?)
- What could you do to extend your operating time? (Spare batteries, solar charging, car alternator?)
Joe's Battery Backup Advocacy
Joe A. Farah, KE4ZYQ, would frequently advocate for the importance of having a reliable battery backup system. He would often suggest that we test our battery backups and canvas our members to find out how many had reliable backup power systems in place.
Joe could often be heard talking proudly about his attic antenna and battery backup—two accomplishments he considered among his favorites. He would always ring the bell for the importance of being able to run for multiple days with a reliable backup system.
Practical Considerations for Field Operations
Test Your Battery Backup Regularly
Don't wait for an emergency to discover your battery is dead or won't hold a charge. Test your backup system regularly under realistic operating conditions.
Know Your Equipment's Power Consumption
Understand how much current your radio draws at different power levels and operating modes. This knowledge helps you calculate realistic operating times and make smart power management decisions.
Have a Backup Plan for Your Backup
Consider bringing spare batteries, a solar charger, or having the ability to charge from your vehicle's alternator. Redundancy is key to reliable field operations.
Practice Low-Power Operating Techniques
Learn to operate efficiently at reduced power levels. Sometimes 5 watts is just as effective as 50 watts, and it will make your battery last much longer.
"Joe, may your attic antenna radiate true and your battery backup remain charged. You manage the radio in the sky now, and I will someday check into your net and we will chat again!"
Further Reading & Resources
- ARRL: Emergency Power for Amateur Radio
Comprehensive guide to emergency power systems for amateur radio, including battery selection, solar power, and field operating techniques.
- ARRL Emergency Communication Handbook
Essential reading for amateur radio emergency communications, covering equipment, procedures, and best practices for public service operations.
Test Your Backup. Be Prepared. Honor Joe's Legacy.
Joe A. Farah, KE4ZYQ, was a passionate advocate for battery backup preparedness. By testing your equipment, understanding your power limitations, and being ready to operate in the field, you carry forward the spirit of preparedness and service that Joe embodied.
Check-In List
| # | Call Sign | Name | City | Member |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KE8WUO | John | Warren | Member |
| 2 | N8VDZ | Mike-DEC | Warren | Member |
| 3 | KE8LAX | Dean | New Haven | Member |
| 4 | W8VOX | Jon | Macomb | Member |
| 5 | 14/KC8KJO | Tom | Memphis | — |
| 6 | 27/N8BZR | Brian | Harrison Township | — |
| 7 | 35/AD8MP | Dave-35 | Saint Clair Shores | — |
| 8 | 38/N8KJV | Rev | Warren | — |
| 9 | W8BPD | Brian | Warren | Member |
| 10 | 26/N8CAF | Cliff | Clinton Township | — |
| 11 | 6/N8WCB | Dave-6 | Sterling Heights | — |
| 12 | 32/KF8FGS | — | Utica | — |
| 13 | 15/N8HAP | Joe | New Baltimore | — |
| 14 | 10/N8WRO | Tim | Richmond | — |
| 15 | KE8YNU | Dave-EC | New Haven | Member |
| 16 | KF8FQN | Wyatt | Imlay City | — |
| 17 | W8RCY | Donald | Madison Heights | — |
| 18 | AD8OD | John | Troy | Member |
| 19 | 5/N8XZ | Ron | Warren | — |
| 20 | WC8E | Jeff | Sterling Heights | Member |
| 21 | KF8ETQ | Darren | Fraser | Member |
| 22 | KE8DOT | Thomas | Redford Township | — |