Backup Power & Field Readiness

Energy Budgeting

Know your draw before you buy gear.

• List every device with idle, average, and transmit current; multiply by mission duration to set battery minimums.
• Add a 25% surge margin for inverters and a 15% degradation margin for batteries older than two years.
• Plan for dual-voltage needs (13.8 V DC for radios, 5/12/24 V for networking, 120 V for support gear).

Go Kit Modules

Break large problems into labelled totes.

• Power Core

  Batteries, solar charge controllers, power distribution, inline metering.
• RF & Antenna

  Radios, coax, antenna hardware, throw lines, SWR meter.
• Admin & Documentation

  ICS forms, frequency plans, laminated quick-start guides, USB drive with software.

Maintenance Rhythm

Short, frequent check-ins prevent surprises.

• Monthly: float-charge batteries, run generators under load, verify fuel rotation dates.
• Quarterly: full deployment test with stopwatch, capturing gaps and part numbers that need restock.
• Annually: replace desiccant, inspect cases for cracks, refresh laminated documents, and run RF ground tests.

Documentation & Coordination

Share readiness data with the Public Service Team.

• Store digital copies of manuals, firmware, and config files in a cloud folder plus an offline USB drive.
• Update the club readiness tracker with battery age, inverter model, and available transport capacity.
• Report any deployment barriers (medical, travel, equipment failures) so event planners can fill the gap early.
• Photograph kit layouts; they become packing guides for new operators who shadow you.