The Bexar Operators Group (W5BOG) is in the final stages of acquiring a 1994 Chevy Van/Bus for their use as a general communications and/or emergency communications vehicle. This 18 passenger bus will be converted into a go-anywhere communications van which will also be used for casual outings and “in the field” communications experiments. This “green” bus runs on propane. It will be fitted with complete VHF and HF operating areas, propane stove, sleeping accommodations and “bathroom”. Special antennas will be used and a portable generator and solar panels will supply energy. It is hoped to have the vehicle “up and ready” in a few weeks.
August 9th, 2009 at 5:28 PM
Congrats! Will there be a problem finding remote refill stations for the propane? I would guess any RV station or campground could provide propane, right? Will it run on regular fuel as well or only propane? Most of the campgrounds have Propane refill stations, but the ones tha handle BBQ propane tanks sell by the #, measuring the tank on a scale before and after refilling, not practical to do with this van.
I’ve always thought this type of vehicle would make a great comm van, just never had the $$ to do it myself. Of course you also need a place to park it in between deployment gigs, but I understand you have arranged for a place.
Need help with lettering / signs? I’d suggest going low-key and making signs that can be affixed to the exterior or inside the windows only when deployed, and leaving it unmarked while driving unless you need higher visibility entering a disaster area officially.
Is the roof fiberglass or something magnetic? Might impact antennas, but speaking of impacting antennas, it would already be rather high clearance and thus you might not want to go up too high with antennas on top.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:34 AM
I have researched the propane “problem” and have found that there are at least a dozen places close to me that will supply vehicle propane. I will also have a binder in the van which will list all propane refill locations in Texas.
Our van will be parked at a location in Converse thanks to a friendly business which supports our effort.
August 11th, 2009 at 6:17 AM
Excellent! Have been looking at similiar units, only with an International chassis. Let me know if you need any RV components to outfit it! Will look around the shop to see what we have laying around. Started working at Evergreen RV a few weeks ago, and learning some good stuff!