Robust radio communications technology in urban and remote locations
Scott Novak Interview
2nd Lt Scott Novak joined the Juneau squadron of CAP in 2017 with particular interest in communications and emergency responsiveness. “Cell phones only work when the power is on. For many emergencies, there is no electric power. Emergency responders, therefore, have to know how to use, build, and maintain robust radio communications technology in urban and remote locations.”
An active amateur radio operator since 2012, Novak installed CAP’s antenna at his home for the squadron’s use after the Juneau airport tore down the tower on which it once stood. Over the years, he has tweaked his system to improve long distance transmission and reception. One idea that he implemented was enhancing his ground wires with a rectangle of window screen! Others include adjusting the height of the antenna mounts and the location of the auto tuner so he can reach operators from Idaho and long distance locations in Alaska. With the help of his neighbors, the Yukon Amateur Radio club, he can reach VHF repeaters along the ALCAN Highway and talk to folks in Whitehorse from Juneau with a handheld radio.
Novak’s skills in emergency services are a great asset to CAP. For many years, he volunteered with the Red Cross, a local fire fighting unit, and served as a trainer with CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). In fact, he was deployed to New Orleans for two weeks after Hurricane Katrina decimated that city. He frequently trained schools and neighborhood groups in emergency planning. One wonderful idea was Walt Disney’s Pillow Project. The goal is for families to create grab and go pillow cases for each child, filled with such comfort items as favorite toys, pajamas, and security blankets in advance of a scary and disruptive evacuation.
Novak enthusiastically endorses the plans of Lt Col Kristin Freeman and (Rank) Michele Bremer to schedule annual Communications Exercises for the Wing or for regions within it. In 2025, two scenarios are planned for Southcentral and Southeast Alaska based on earthquake and cruise ship disasters. He would also like to develop coordination training with other emergency volunteer groups, like CERT and the Red Cross to ensure that communications networks are compatible and that the teams avoid speaking with jargon known only within their group. One scenario that interests him for multi-group training is based on Alaska’s worst airline crash, (in 1971, Alaska Airlines crashed into a mountain near Juneau). This was blamed on a communications error. Because of the remote terrain for search and recovery operations, volunteers had to create their own portable communications networks.
With a battery, copper wire, and a roll of screen or chicken wire, Novak can train people how to set up a portable, functional communications system. If any squadron or Cadet Encampment Coordinators would like to incorporate such training, contact 2nd Lt Scott Novak in Juneau.
