BEECN Caches: Difference between revisions

This section covers the BEECN equipment cache specifications and information about the equipment found in the cache.

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PBEM is ultimately responsible for, and has complete discretion over, the design, purchase, placement, content, and security of BEECN caches.

# The location of a BEECN cache is NOT public information. It is information that should be known only to, and kept confidential by: PBEM, a hosting property owner, and volunteers responsible for the cache. All persons who know the location of a cache or have possession of a BEECN profile should treat the information as confidential.

# Optimally, a BEECN cache is secured in an indoor location that volunteers have access to in the event of a deployment. An indoor location’s structure should be reasonably expected to endure a major earthquake sufficiently that volunteers can recover the cache safely.

# The agreement between a property owner who hosts a cache and PBEM is written into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

# If there is space available, members of a BEECN cohort or nearby NET may place their own equipment in the cache to supplement the PBEM provided equipment.

# PBEM is not responsible for the loss, theft, recovery, or replacement of supplementary equipment placed in a BEECN cache.

# Supplementary equipment must '''''not''''' include food, prescription medications, or drugs.

A complete BEECN cache consists of the items found in the following list. BEECN volunteers can log an inventory of their cache through the [[BEECN Journaling System]].

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There are two types of BEECN cache boxes that volunteers may encounter in the field.

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[[File:Troubleshooting Cache Box.png|thumb|''Figure 6: Troubleshooting the Mark I cache lid locking mechanism.'']]

Because the Mark I boxes have endured years in the elements and rough use, it is not uncommon for them to have problems with the lid latching mechanism (i.e. the lid won't lock shut). BEECN volunteers are encouraged to troubleshoot the problem themselves, but to contact PBEM if they cannot fix the problem. A volunteer may need pliers, a six inch (or larger) adjustable crescent wrench, and a mallet or hammer.

You know you've got it working when you snap the lid shut and then turn the box key from the vertical to the horizontal position '''(don't force it)''' and the two latch handles do not move when you try to open the lid.

The Mark I was designed to be mobile, with the idea that volunteers would wheel it from its storage location to the BEECN site. In practice, this is can be challenging. The inflatable tires can traverse uneven ground to a point, but do not do well in mud. Because of this, and since a fully loaded cache is over 250 lbs., it takes two people to move one of these caches provided the tires are fully inflated. Otherwise, in an actual deployment, volunteers may need to open the cache and carry supplies to the BEECN site.

If the tube is replaced, do not throw away the old tube. PBEM will pick it up from you and use it to order a new one from Les Schwab.

The Mark II is the newest model of BEECN cache, and PBEM deploys them as resources permit. The locations and appearance of these caches are shared only with volunteers assigned to them. The Mark IIs are also manufactured by [https://www.madfab.com/ Madden Fabrication].

{{#ev:vimeo|678843961|430|right|'''''Video: How to use the BEECN radio'''''|frame}}

Each cache includes an [https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-F3001/ Icom F4001 series UHF transceiver]. The [[operations section]] of these Guidelines will cover which BEECNs use which channels. This section will cover basic operation of the radio. The best guide to using the radio is the instructional video on the right side of this page.

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Rotate '''[VOL]''' to turn power ON ''(Figure 10)''. Rotate '''[ROTARY SELECTOR]''' to desired operating channel.

# Rotate '''[VOL]''' to turn power ON.

# Rotate '''[ROTARY SELECTOR]''' to operating channel.

# When receiving a call, adjust audio output to a comfortable listening level.

# Wait for the channel to clear to avoid interference.

# Hold the radio two to four inches from your mouth.