Website Suggestions

This post is in response to all the suggestions on how to improve the Desert R.A.T.S website. These were given during the last survey. While some of the suggestions sound good in theory, we will need more specific details. This is so that the correct changes can be made and implemented. There are some suggestions which will require quite a bit more planning and conversation as to how to do them. This is so it is in a manner that is not too burdensome to the club and its members. Everything we do is weighed out against participation and the impact to the members of the club. For this reason alone, we do not do not push a lot of things within the club. We need more people to setup up and take responsibility for the activities and be in charge.

1. Larger Font

We increased the default font size.  If you still cannot read the text on the web site please let us know.

2. Remove broken links, remove videos that make ham radio look dated and old fashioned.

Removed all the broken links we could find and verify they are broken.
As for adding content. We do not have the time to sit and search the internet for new content to add to the site. That is where you come in. When you come across something that you think is interesting to you personally, please send the link to us. If you find it interesting, someone else will find it of interest as well.

3. Add reciprocal link to PAPA, CONDOR and other linked systems.

Where do you think we should put these? We have no problem adding links to other sites. We want to make sure that the links are placed in the correct location to convey the correct message.

4. Coachella Valley ARES belongs here. Having its own menu link makes it look like the club is more than just a supporter.

The Desert RATS Club is the sponsoring club of the local ARES Group. This is why it has its own link. Look for more info about some of the changes coming to the ARES group latter this year.

5. Delete club photos and past events (apparently there are none) – unless you have a full time webmaster, these are too hard to keep up to date.

We are moving all of these to the Facebook Page so that everyone can upload their own pictures of events. More details and instructions to be sent out in the November Newsletter. IF you want to post pictures of Desert RATS events, you can know do that on the Desert RATS Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/desertratsarc/

6. Delete RATS Merch (broken link)

Link Removed. We will not be adding anything like this again unless there is a big demand for it.

7. Needs basic info on getting licensed and what is ham radio (just link to ARRL if we don’t want to create from scratch)

Do we have any takers on writing this page? We just need the text created for the page.  There are so many ways to study to get licensed, it is very hard to pick the correct way for everyone or list all of them. We do have links to the on-line learning places located on the classes page.

8. Need basic info on VEC’s who practice in the Coachella valley and, if possible, their regular schedules.

This schedule will be added to the Calendar shortly.   Know of testing anywhere within Riverside County, let us know so that it can be added to the calendar.

9. Probably need Hamfest info, even if “dark.” State we’re looking for sponsors, a new venue, event chair … etc. and who to contact.

This will be going onto the Palm Springs Hamfest Website as the official place for all this info.

10. Free Public Safety Communications Services Page (See presentation suggestions)

This will be discussed with the membership. It will take quite a bit of time to implement as described in the presentations response.

Need to ID some recurring public service events that could benefit from Ham Radio communications and are less likely to have traditional first responders present. One example would be the many charity walks we have in the valley. To keep people engaged in the hobby we need to provide recurring opportunities for people to get out and use their (mostly) FM radios. Then a few meetings could be devoted to communications training at these events. Make a Public Safety Communications info page and send an email with a link to: all City Parks & Rec Directors, all big Party Rental houses (Crayons, Classic) then send them reminder emails quarterly. Just want to reiterate the “sweet spot” for amateur radio is events where we are primary communications, not secondary to police and fire.

11. Add a list of all the routine Radio Nets (whether conducted by the RATS or not) that might be accessible in the Coachella Valley.

This already exists at the following URL: https://desertrats.us/home/nets-cover-coachella-valley/ If there are any other NETS to be added please send them to us and we will add them to the web page.

12. A running list of new hams in the valley

This is too hard and a lot of work to keep up to date. Unless we have someone to take on the responsibility to keep this list up to date. Are there any volunteers?

13. More bling. More photos. Movie clips, Ham related stuff.

Explain “More Bling” in detail. Photos are going to be moving to the Facebook Page so everyone can add them. You need to send links to the movie clips and other ham related stuff to be added to the site. Movie clips can also be posted to the Facebook page. Unless you can describe something for the web without using catchphrases like “bling”. There is no way for us to be able to understand exactly what you are asking.

14. Section setting up monthly or even weekly peer-too-peer training sessions related to emergencies. Maybe scheduling 2 or 3 hams by call sign to contact each other at a designated time/date and practice communications and filling out 213 log sheets.

Whoever suggested this, you want to take on the responsibility for doing this and training the members on doing this.