Rise of the D.R.A.G.O.N

By WB Rodolfo T. Azanza, Jr. (12)

Around the 3rd quarter of 2020, as the prolonged effects of the pandemic continued to chip away on the mental state of many brothers withersoever dispersed, a handful of members of Nilad Lodge No. 12 served as a “core group” and decided to partake of a new communications technology that came into the country, the NX100 push-to-talk radio unit that operates on the cellular communications platform. This technology, at a glance, has an obvious advantage over the classic amateur radio handheld and base units because this one does not have line-of-sight limitations and there is no need to tap repeaters in order to communicate with other stations over long distances. If there is a cellular signal in your area, no matter how remote your location is, you are good to go. The downside is that the NX100 radio has to be installed with a SIM card and needs to be loaded with credits for it to be functional. But a one-time load good for one year is possible.

The core group arranged for the creation of a Nilad-only NX100 radio group called the Dose Radio Group of Nilad or DRAGON. From a handful of members, the group has grown to about 20 to date, and continues to grow as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc. The group does not have officers but rather operate consistent with the Masonic adage of meeting on the level.

The NX100 radio technology became useful to Nilad Lodge in various ways. One, it became a platform to keep in touch any time and have fixed virtual evening fellowships every Mondays and Wednesdays. Members check-in via a designated “net control” who logs in the active members accordingly as they call in. During the onslaught of several typhoons that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) towards the end of 2020, the brethren were able to keep tab of one another, and check on each other’s safety. Those who are on the road are also able to check in on their location.

Secondly, it became an effective means for the officers to keep track of the Trestleboard as there are a number of EAMs and FCMs who also own NX100 radios. A separate closed group was programmed for this purpose. Instructions from Nilad officers can be conveyed very quickly to a large number of EAMS/ FCMs at the push of a button, and confirmation of receipt of information can be done instantaneously as well.

Thanks to the NX100 radio technology, the DRAGON brethren of Nilad were able to surmount the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and have used the airwaves as a means to hold fellowships “on air” thereby improving mental state by enjoying the company of other Masons despite the physical distance. The “net control” for the evening typically assigns a topic by mimicking the role of a

“barbero” or a bartender, in order to create a scenario where participants in the net call can pitch in with their insights on the topic in a very light and relaxed manner.

The Nilad DRAGONs use 10-Codes in communicating using their “Romeos.” While enjoying their 10-37 in their 10-99, or while some others might be doing overtime in their 10-100s, they can exchange 10-64s, Big Tangos and Oscar Kilos with the active 10-41s in the DRAGON channel. Those on the road can give their 10-13 and 10-49.