D25, assisted by D4 set up 8 portble/moible HF stations in 6 counties as part of the West Emergency Planning Region Emergency Communications Exercise.
4 + travel
D25, D4
Delta, Montrose, Ouray, Hinsdale, Gunnision, San Miguel Counties
This exercise was at the requst of the West Emergency Planing Region and each particpating county gave specific requirements regarding the Ham Radio participation in the respective counties.
13
Not included
60+
Demonstrate HF comms between all of the six counties and two other sites. Demaonstrate/test reapeater comms between counties were possible.
Y
Signal reports were sent between the counties. Repeater coverage was tested from five of the counties.
Organizing, equiping,and staffing 8 portble Hf Stations was the main accomplishment. D25 sent equipment and personnel to the other three counties in support of the exercise. Using portble dipole antennas for NVIS propagation worked well. The exercise increased the interest in emergency communicaiton by hams in ARES inactive counties.
The HF test occurred during an geomagnetic storm. Two stations had local noise or equiipment problems.
Plan to use 60 meters when propagation is poor on 40 and 80 meters. Plan to use CW when SSB communciation is poor. Provide more 80/60/40 meter dipole antennas for emcomm service.
CW net and traffic training for HF ops
The goals for this exercise was set by the served agencies. The exercise was realistic and educational. This exercise increased the familiarity of emergency management officals in the six counties with ARES/ham radio capabilities.