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) You're driving down a deserted county road late at night Suddenly, an animal darts in your path from out of nowhere. You swerve, lose control of your vehicle and run into a tree. You're cut on your face, and your arm feels broken, but you haven't lost consciousness--not yet at least. You know the road is lightly traveled, so your only hope erf immediate assistance is through your CB radio. You turn to Channel 9 and begin broadcasting. The only question is, IS ANYBODY LISTENING? REACT is listening! McHenry county's REACT unit monitors Channel 9 throughout the county, using more than thirty base station CB monitors to blanket the county. Eighty-five percent of the county is covered by REACT, with 63 percent of the total hours per month covered. "Eventually we will get up to twenty-four hours per day," REACT President A1 Albrecht said. "For now, we have arrangements with local authorities that they monitor Channel 9 (the emergency station) when we're not on." REACT is not just a group of avid CBers having fun. Rather, it is a serious endeavor, dedicated to aiding the citizens of the county. "We screen everybody thoroughly before taking them on." Ken Marshall, chairman of the board, said?"We have a training period for all new members, and after they are monitoring, we have a ninetv-dav probation period." "Reliability is the key to this operation," Albrecht said. "We went into this a little different from other units. We went into a corporation-type outfit." There is great rapport between the various police departments and REACT, because the monitors have shown to be reliable. How important is REACT's public siervice? "The average response time has been cut as much as eight minutes." Bob Cormier, communications officer said. "Police are recognizing this." Cormier then gave some recent examples where REACT has assisted fti cutting down response time. "Last February, I had a call of a vehicle hitting a school bus," Cormier said. "I took the call, relayed it to the police department, and they had a police unit and an ambulance on the scene in four minutes." "We've dedicated ourselves to the citizenry of the county and passerbys," Albrecht said. REACT began operations in McHenry county on Oct. 24, 1976. The organization started with just seven members, and didn't go on the air until several meetings were held and a desirable format worked out. The group selected REACT, an international organization, because it had several advantages. Presently, there are REACT monitors in Cary, Fox River Grove, Lake In The Hills, Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Burton's Bridge, Huntley, McHenry, Johnsburg, Sunnyside, etc., just about every area. Before going on the air, "we went to several chiefs of police and Art Tyrrell, and asked them what the best way to go about starting was," Albrecht said. "We examined several groups and found that REACT had the best acceptance among police departments." The typical REACT member has a radio base station and a telephone. Mobile units don't work because, without a phone, there is no way to communicate the emergency to the proper authorities. REACT emphasized that Channel 9 should only be used for emergency transmissions. The type calls they handle are accidents, road information, fires, and various other emergencies. "REACT handled one call concerning a man in Algonquin in a store who was having heart trouble," Cormier said. "A motorist with a CB called it in on Channel 9 and the monitor relayed it to the police department. Withing minutes, help was at the scene." With the various monitors throughout the county, there is radio contact over 100 percent of the area. In one way, REACT is like the Marines. They are looking for a few good men What Is REACT? REACT stands for Radio Emergency Associated Citizens teams. It is an independent non­ profit public service organization pledged to monitor the citizens radio emergency Channel 9, utilizing their own equipment to provide this public service. Since its establishment in 1962, the organization has grown to nearly 1,500 teams and 100,000 active participants.» Teams are active in all fifty states, Peurto Rico, •„ seven Canadian provinces, Mexico, and one team is now functioning in West Germany. REACT teams agree to develop a twenty-four hour monitor system on Channel 9, the official emergency channel of the Citizens Radio service. Local REACT teams provide volunteer service in behalf of highway safety, and maintain emergency communications in case of disaster. Community services of all kinds are served by REACT. The objectives of REACT are to assist in all forms of local emergencies by furnishing instant radio telephone communications in cooperation with proper authorities and official agencies, and to maintain and encourage operating efficiency through proper communication techniques. Other objectives include promoting the proper and effective use of the official CB emergency Channel 9, and to operate and maintain equipment at peak efficiency and in accordance with FCC regulations. Since 1962, REACT teams have handled an estimated sixty million emergency calls, including approximately fourteen million highway accidents. Research on a two-year REACT program in « cooperation with the Ohio State Highway patrol has . been published by the Transportation Research board of the National Academy of Sciences. Projecting results in Ohio, REACT members provide over twenty-one volunteer man-hours per year in public service activities. Finally, REACT strives to improve traffic safety by using Channel 9 to report a c c i d e n t s , . s u m m o n medical aid faster, keep traffic moving, report road conditions, give road directions, and avoid being lost. SECTION 2-PAGE 10-PLAINDEAl FR--WEDNESDAY. MAY 25, 1977 request, his license can be denied. 95.33-Licenses are granted and renewed for five- year periods. 95.35--If you're planning to increase the number of CB radios authorized on your license, you'll have to notify the FCC to get its permission. In fact, if you change your name or address, the commission requests that you drop it a line indicating so. For Class A CBers, changes in transmitters and stations require more paperwork and details. The FCC wants those operators to notify it of location changes, erection or moving of Class A station antenna structures, changes in the operating frequency of the radio, and other modifications. 95.37-For Class A operators, any construction or alteration of antennas more than 200 feet in height must be approved by the FCC on form 714, and the Federal Aviation administration on form 7460-1. Other rules set distance requirements for antenna structures near airports and heliports. Class A CBers whose antennas are twenty feet high or less do not need FAA approval. Antennas used for popular Class D CBers must not exceed twenty feet in height above ground level, or the antenna must not exceed by more than twenty feet the height of a tree or man-made structure, such as a house. 95.4l-This section outlines the reserved frequencies (channels) for each of the three Citizen Radio services. Channel nine must be used only for emergency communications that involve the immediate safety of, life or protection of property, and also communications necesary to give assistance to a motorist. Everything else is forbidden. If communication cm channel nine is going to last more than a couple of minutes, the conversations should be switched to another channel after the initial contact has been made. Channel eleven, the calling channel, should be used only to establish communication with another CBer in order to move to another channel to complete transmissions. 95.43--The power of your CB in Class A operations cannot exceed fifty watts, and in Class C and D operations, it cannot exceed four watts except under certain circumstances noted in the full Part 95. 95.44~Linear amplifiers or any other external devices added onto CB units are not allowed in popular Class D operations. 95.45~Channel frequencies must be within a range of .005 of the actual authorized frequency level for Class D and C operators, and within .0005 for Class A CBers, except under certain conditions noted in the full Part 95. 95.47-CBers can only speak over their units, and are not allowed to use any signals to attract attention or control sound actuated devices through CB transmissions. 95.49-95.67--This section is full of requirements for CB manufacturers that the average CBer does not have to worry about. Of particular note, though, is that the FCC requires each CB company to include a book of instructions on how to use your unit when you purchase it. And these instructions must be written so that can be easily read or understood. 95.85--All CBers must give priority to operators using channels for emergency communications that involve the immediate safety of life or protection of property. In emergency situations, radios can be used by persons who do not have CB licenses. Continuous communication over a channel may last longer than five minutes, but if emergency use of a radio channel lasts longer than twelve hours, the FCC must be notified. 95.87-CB radios may be operated only be licensed CB operators, members of their immediate family who live in the same household, and employees of dealers when they attempt to sell a CB radio. If an ex-CBer, whose license was revoked, wants to operate a unit under another CBer's license, he is in violation of FCC rules. 95.89--A CBer can install a radio at a telephone answering service, but it must be operated by only one licensed CBer. However, the FCC maintains that the unit cannot be used to transmit messages to answering services' customers. 95.9i-CBers must keep communication between others no longer than five continuous minutes. At the end of five minutes, CBers must remain silent for at least one minute. 95.95-Every time a CBer gives his call letters over the air, he must do so in English, and only standard phonetic alphabets can be used if you don't want to pronounce letters. All transmissions must begin and end with the CBer's call signs. This must be done at least every ten minutes. 95.97--If you have your radio installed, serviced, or maintained, make sure the person doing the work has a first or second class commercial radio operator license. This is required by the FCC. 95.101--CB licenses must be posted in so-called "conspicuous places" where you operate your main CB. Also, photocopies of the license must be placed in other places that you operate your unit. In addition, the FCC maintains that a Transmitter Identification card must be taped on or near your unit. 95.103-The FCC requires that your license, Transmitter Identification card, and other necessary items for CB operation, such as Part 95, 10-code, and Q-signal cards, if you use them, must be available for inspection by FCC representatives. 95.105-All CBers must have a copy of Part 95 with them. 95.113--If a CBer violates any of the FCC's rules, the commission will serve him with a notice of the violation. CBers have ten days to answer an FCC violation notice. Answers should include what steps have been taken to correct the violation, and to prevent it from happening again. 95.115-CBers cannot deceive other operators by giving out false call signs. 95.117--All Class C and popular Class D operators may use their units anywhere in the United States. But, when Cb units are operated outside the U.S., operators are subject to provisions of different treaties the country has signed with other nations on communications. 95.119-CBers cannot operate their units by remote control unless the FCC gives them authorization to do so. 95.121-CBers can use their units to transmit civil defense messages in conjunction with tests or drills conducted by official civil defense agencies. 95.133-Canadians can operate CB units in the U.S. if they get an FCC permit to do so. But, in order to do this, Canadian CBers must be licensed by their country's General Radio service. 95.135-Canadians should write Washington FCC headquarters and request form 410-B from the commission. This application must be filled out in English at least sixty days before the date you want to operate your unit in the U.S. 95.143-Part95, rules for all U.S. licensed CBers, must be followed by all Canadian CBers who operate their units in the U.S. County Police Monitor '9', Recognize REACT's Value Rules And Regulations For CBers (This article is reprinted from the January, 1977 issue of CBers' News.) Would you believe it's illegal to operate your CB radio if you don't have a copy of the full Part 95 rules and regulations with you? And if you use 10- codes or Q-signals during transmissions, did you know you must have them with you also? How many CBers have you seen with Transmitter Identification cards taped to their CB units? All of these are FCC regulations that govern the use of CB radios in the United States. Yet, few CBers know of, or often follow, these rules because they're contained in one of the most verbose of all bureaucratic documents, Part 95. For CBers who wish to avoid the FCC's twenty- page statement on rules and regulations of the Citizens Radio service, we have devised a simplistic rendering of the more important sections of the FCC's Part 95 in layman's terms. Part 95 Simplified 95.0l-The commission's subpart A explains the general basis and purpose of CB and defines Citizens Radio service and other terms often referred to throughout Part 95. 95.07--CB licenses may not be granted to aliens, corporations that have aliens as officers or directors, or corporations that are directly or indirectly controlled by aliens. So, to be a CBer, you must be a citizen of the United States. 95.13-In subpart B on applications and licenses, the commission outlines its rules on who is eligible for licenses and how to apply for one. The process is easy. Any U.S. citizen over the age of 18 is eligible for a CB license. 95.15-All you have to do is fill out the standardized form (form 505) and mail it with four dollars to the FCC at P.O. Box 1010, Gettysburg, Pa. 17325 for a five-year license. CElers should check Class D station, on the application, which also is used for Class C operations in remote control of model airplanes, cars, and other models. Other rules that govern applications for licenses include one that states your transeiver must be an FCC approved model. So, make sure that when you buy your radio, it says "FCC type approval" for service on it. If you plan to build your own CB, you'll have to send the FCC data on its design and methods for testing. 95.17--The FCC maintains that all applications must be signed by applicants personally, or their attorneys if they are physically or out of the country. 95.19-Class A CBers must use application form 425 and must specify which of the sixteen channels an operator might want to use. Class A is limited primarily to business and industry users, and costs for equipment are higher than in the popular Class D service. 95.27--A CBer cannot transfer or give his license to another person. Instead, all new CBers must go through the usual licensing procedures. 95.29--The FCC can reauire a CBer to file other information not originally included on the application. If a CBer fails to comply with the Have local law enforcement units found CB radios an asset in police operations? Definitely, according to McHenry county Sheriff Arthur Tyrrell. The sheriff reported that the county police now have a CB tuned to Channel 9, and monitored twenty-four hours a day, listening for emergency calls. Squad cars, as of yet, aren't equipped with CB's, although Terrell stated that a federal grant may be available in the near future which would enable police departments to have CB's in squad cars. Tyrrell is enthusiastic about the work REACT is doing, and asks all the citizens of the county for cooperation in aiding law enforcement. "What we're saying is that we need your help, your eyes and ears, and your assistance," he said. "We cannot cope with the problem of crime itself. We could have hundreds of more policemen on the road, but we know that more patrolmen isn't the answer." Tyrrell also commented on REACT in McHenry county. "They're a good bunch of people," he said. "We don't want them doing any actual police work, of course, but they do a lot of good and no harm at all. "REACT is very dependable and we have confidence in them," Tyrrell added. The county police have had a CB installed for the past four months, but sees one problem in installing CB's in patrol cars. "The only problem is that the officer, with three radios going, is going to have to unscramble the messages in his own mind. Probably, it would only be a matter of a couple of days," he said. Overall, Tyrrell is enthusiased about REACT and other groups which are assisting the police departments. Still, he expressed the need for even more help from the residents of the county. "We're telling the general public that we need them," Tyrrell concluded. "REACT is providing extra eyes and ears for the community." REACT members generally work on one-hour shifts, with an elaborate master schedule used to keep from duplicating assignments. Albrecht has one helpful hint for mobile CB operators who see an emergency situation, and want to broadcast it over Channel 9. The key word is "Cymbal." When broadcast that a car is in trouble, give the Color, Year, Make, Body type, antenna, and License. This information will be passed on from the REACT monitor to the proper authorities. The most frustrating thing REACT members encountering is interference with an important transmission. Persons using Channel 9 in a non-emergency situation are in strict violation of FCC regulations. * • For the future, REACT hopes to become a twenty-four hour a day monitoring unit, and also {dans to go into the schools to talk to students on proper use of CB radios. "Today, most people buy CB's, and have no idea what their responsibilities are," Albrecht concluded. That isn't a problem with REACT. They know what their responsibilities are, and have gone beyond that in their desire to serve the community. Shown above are Al Albrecht (left), president of McHenry Coun'v REACT, Incorporated, and Ken Marshall, chairman of the board of REACT making a presentation to McHenry county Sheriff Arthur Tyrrell. The presentation was made by the REACT officials in special recognition for the Sheriff department's cooperation in helping REACT achieve its goals. Both Albrecht and Marshall agree that the Sheriffs department has been most helpful In enabling REACT to grow as it has. Picture at right shows a typical REACT base station. The essential elements are the tape recorder, the telephone, the CB radio, and a map. "The telephone is the key," REACT President Al Albrecht says. "If you can't contact the police authorities, it doesn't do much good monitoring." All REACT members have this equipment, with the map being important to help pinpoint exactly where help is needed. "It's important that you know the area you're monitoring," Albrecht explains. "Persons needing assistance sometimes won't know what road they are on, but will see a landmark of some sort" The picture at left shows Howard Shapiro, chief of the Algonquin Police department, discussing REACT's role with Albrecht and Ken Marshall (left). REACT serves nearly the entire McHenry county area, and has good relations with all police departments. f