The Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) is a community-driven project that provides emergency communication networks when traditional internet services are unavailable. CPARC has been involved with AREDN for the past few years, and on Saturday, October 3rd, CPARC reached a major milestone. By installing network equipment, CPARC officially connected the AREDN network from Monterey to Santa Barbara!
AREDN WORKDAY: ORCUTT HILL WEST
The AREDN network serves as a replacement for communications. Examples include email, direct chatting, audio and video calling, and many others. Depending on the AREDN network, the network can operate at near-Internet speeds with many miles between network nodes installed. With the nodes installed locally, the network from Monterey to Santa Barbara is much more stable and stronger. The AREDN project is meant to minimize technical experience that is usually required to create a robust radio network and to teach licensed amateur radio operators to easily install data networks when and where they are needed, for the community, and as a hobby. Devices running AREDN firmware are configured so that users without an IP background can easily build and connect to a local RF network. With a stronger network, and more nodes, it can be useful in emergency situations for communities impacted by a disaster.
At the Orcutt Hill West workday, CPARC assembled, mounted, and calibrated 30dBi dish antennas to Pismo, Tepusquet Peak, Cuesta Peak, and USQ Plaza. The repeaters on each of these peaks are all connected and running all over the AREDN network. That means, in any case of an internet outage, the AREDN network is still linked up for a net or normal operation.
These AREDN workdays wouldn’t be possible without alumni, students, and volunteers. This project has been over the course of many years, and it was with the dedication of club members that planned and worked on the site to continue this community project. To learn more about AREDN, check out www.arednmesh.org for more information. The next workday is on October 24, 2026, at Tepusquet Peak. To stay involved, join the discord and sign up for workdays!