NISWARC

Mobile Command Post · Ford E-350

The Hambulance

A former ambulance converted into a fully self-contained mobile command post and emergency communications vehicle. Built for ARES/EmComm, Field Day, special events, and whatever else needs a rolling radio shack.

The Hambulance deployed in the field with antennas up

The Platform

Ford E-350 former ambulance. The high-roof box body gives standing room and full equipment rack space, with a shore power inlet, generator-ready wiring and a full electrical overhaul.

The Mission

ARES/EmComm activations, McHenry County emergency communications, Field Day operations, special events, and general mobile deployment.

The Philosophy

Self-contained, with no dependencies on infrastructure. If the grid is down, the lights stay on. If cell is dead, the radios still talk.

RF Suite

HF: Yaesu FT-891
All-band HF mobile in an Apache 4800 case with thermal management. Primary EmComm HF voice and digital.
V/UHF: IC-9700
2m / 70cm / 23cm all-mode, and the primary satellite station radio, with EasyComm II WiFi rotator control via ESP32.
Satellite Antennas
Diamond A144S10 and A430S15 stacked yagis with AZ/EL rotor control.
VHF/UHF Mobile
NMO roof mount for mobile FM, APRS and local repeater access.
HaLow 802.11ah
Heltec HD-01 mesh network for sub-1GHz long-range data backhaul.
Meshtastic LoRa
Multiple nodes for mesh messaging and GPS tracking, with ATAK plugin integration.
ATAK / OpenTAK
OpenTAKServer on board, with RTSP cameras and a full situational awareness stack.

Build Photos

Triple monitor operating station with a wood desk
Interior ops station
Cab with a red-lit radio console and ATAK tablet on the dash
Cab console
Roof with solar panels and an air conditioning unit
Roof and solar
Rear of the van with the mast deployed
Rear, mast deployed
Hitch mast and cargo carrier build detail
Hitch mast and carrier

Power & Infrastructure

Shore Power
30A inlet for standard campground or generator hookup, fully isolated from the chassis.
Inverter
Pure sine wave for sensitive radio equipment, feeding AC outlets throughout the vehicle.
Deep Cycle Bank
House batteries isolated from the chassis for sustained operation without engine or shore power.
On-board Compute
M9s mini PC running OpenTAKServer, MikroTik management and support services.