The Emergency Communications Response Vehicles (ECRV) were were strategically positioned across the country to ensure a response to disasters within 12 hours of deployment. ECRVs served multiple purposes beyond communication assets; they were instrumental in recruitment, public relations showcases, and fundraising initiatives.
This website is designed for participants of the ECRV program to share their stories and reflect on their experiences.
ECRV Photos
4703 The original prototype ECRV
4703 was the first ECRV built and the model for the other Ford ECRVs. Gary Gilham was with National RC at the time and did a lot of the work on it himself. 4703 was based in the Prince William County, Virginia chapter and Gary’s wife, Patty, was the ECRV coordinator. Of all the ECRVs 4703 had the largest satellite dish.
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The antenna on 4703 was the same size of all the vehicles, a 1.2M reflector however it used different mechanics for the operation, using the AvL Technologies controller and wire cable drive for both EL and AZ operations.
The other vehicles had a RCI controller and the antenna used an actuator for the EL making the back look smaller, but it was also the same size reflector of 1.2M.
4703 being the pro-type and based in VA had many modifications that the other vehicle did not as the program during its time was always looking at ways to upgrade and improve the fleet.