Cuddeback Nav-Comm Operation

Cuddeback Nav-Com Operation
Cuddeback/Fremont Peak Area

UPDATED: NOV 15TH 

HOW TO FIND BASECAMP
The setup team will be arriving Thursday evening to the basecamp location. Sometimes we are not able to communicate the final exact location of the basecamp location due to how remote the location is. If we can update this site prior to your arrival we will. If NOT follow the instructions below;

Go to each of these locations in order:
BASECAMP OPTIONS LIST
Remember to set your GPS to display decimal and NOT deegrees, minutes and seconds. These coordinates are approximations. We may not be exactly on target due to conditions and/or other campers being in these positions before us. Do not assume that vehicles occupying these coordinates are part of our group. Approach with caution and always use your radio when you are visibly inbound to a camp. 

Primary Option:       
35.215399°               -117.444013°              small dry lake 

Secondary Option: 
35.199438°               -117.413914°               other dry lake

Tertiary Option:
35.208591°               -117.414881°               near small dry lake

Quaternary Option:
35.332757°              -117.526497°            north of Cuddeback

ALSO: After arriving to the general area, If you are a ham operator, you can also call net control on 145.555 MHz and get an update on exact coordinates we end up at.

Friday arrivals be aware that the setup team may be out and about on the course. We will help guide members in that need assistance. Sometimes we will even send an escort for those who have never been out this far.

If you plan on arriving Thursday evening email cebrandcast@gmail.com and let us know what time.

FRIDAY NIGHT ARRIVALS
Don't be afraid to navigate at night Friday night. 
It is highly recommended that you arrive either Friday night or early Saturday morning giving yourself plenty of time to set up camp (unless you are only joining us for a day trip).

For those camping, please set up your camp at least 30-40 yards from other sites to practice safe social distancing.  While fire restrictions have been lifted in this area, you will need a California Campfire Permit to operate a gas stove or have a campfire.  You can get one online at California Campfire Permit.

Net Control will be operating Friday night to assist anyone navigating at night. Primary frequency is 145.555 MHz, secondary frequency is 145.525 MHz

NOT a HAM Operator 
We highly recommend purchasing an FRS/GMRS radio if you are not a ham.
FRS channel 1 (no privacy code) 

THIS OPERATION IS GREEN LIGHT
Saturday November 21st, 2020

UPDATED
SATURDAY NOV 15TH

Op Overview: Coming out after a pandemic lock down. We will be annoucing the precautions prior to this event, but this event is GREEN LIGHT.

Special COVID Considerations. If this op looks like it is going to exceed 18 operator vehicles the op will be broken up into 3 or 4 small teams. This is an outdoor activity and the social distancing will clearly not be a problem. We will run a special comms team as well. The orientation will be spacious. More COVID info specific to this op will be posted prior to the event.

Basecamp Notice: Basecamp is rough camping. Please provide your own toiletry plans.

Attendance Goal
Ideal team size is 12-20 Vehicles. 

Op Schedule:

• THURSDAY PM: Early arrivals - designated operator or setup team will determine exact basecamp location for each camp. Camp overnight.
  
  
• FRIDAY: Designated setup team deploys instruction caches according to dual-base deployment procedure. Camp overnight.
  
  
• SATURDAY:
• 9:30 AM – All participants arrive for Op Orientation
• 10:45 AM - Off road nav-comm teams launch simultaneously from both camps.
• 12:30 PM – Lunch break (on the course 20 minute break – all stations)
• 3:00 PM  - Target time for ending op (w/one hour 4pm buffer)
• 4:00 PM – Op review at net control
• 5:00 PM – Dinner at camps
  Dinner time is a great time to visit other members at their camps.
  Prepare your own dinners and follow all COVID safety rules (to be announced)
• 7:00 PM – camp fire (weather permitting) & overnight camping
• 10:00 PM – Quiet camp (whatever you are doing at 10PM be quiet)

Who Should Attend (all experience levels)
This is an excellent opportunity for members of all experience levels (new and veteran) to join together for a unique adventure. This is a level 2 nav-comm exercise..

Vehicle Communications
Vehicle to vehicle comms will be 2 meter for hams and/or FRS for non-hams.
2 meter primary frequency = 145.555 MHz
FRS = channel 1 (no privacy code)

Net Control Communications

• VHF/UHF - Vehicles will communicate with net control on 2 meter and/or UHF depending upon crossband repeater setups.
• HF – nets will be based on available operators
• APRS – turn it on if you have it for shared awareness
  

Communication Overview

• Teams will conduct a custom desert drive operation with multiple instruction caches. Expect a new and unique exercise this time around.
• Instruction caches will require team to team communication

Be sure to follow the Forum Topic for this event Link to Cuddeback Event Forum