[CVRC] Communications Exercise

[Matthew Parker]

Yet another reminder to all that NNARS, in the capacity of Washoe County
ARES, will be conducting a communications practice exercise this Wednesday,
March 12.  Phase I will be a simple traffic handling exercise, providing
participants the opportunity to practice the basic skills of emergency
communications by passing messages either by voice or CW in a directed net
fomat or via packet radio.  Nets will be opened at approximately 1845 hours
on the 147.120 + / P.L. 123.0 repeater at the VA Medical Center in Reno and
on 3965 khz HF.  Packet messages can be passed to KE7R-4 on 145.050 mhz. -
stations using packet will likely need to connect through node RNOWX (the
KaNode at the National Weather Service Office).

Once the nets are activated, participating station may begin passing
message to be generated by their stations either to Net Control or to other
participating stations.  Also, an element of competition has been added
wherein each message passed on the net will qualify for points on a sliding
scale based on content and method of transmission (voice or
digital).  Stations may also score additional points and test their
personal readiness for emergency by completing certain other preparedness
activities in conjunction with this exercise.  More guidelines and scoring
for the exercise can be viewed on the NNARS web site at:
http://www.qsl.net/nnars/wcaresdrill0203.html.

Phase II will involve stations setting up a field communications station
including shelter, antennas, generator power, and radios.  This station
will then serve as Net Control with the Phase II participants
operating.  This portion of the exercise is for those persons wishing to
experience and practice establishing a complete communications station in
the field as we may be called upon to do at any time in a major emergency
or disaster.  So far, only one other person has committed to participate in
this phase with me.  Anyone wishing to participate in this phase needs to
RSVP to me as soon as possible as their are some directions and
instructions we need to discuss prior to the exercise.  All participants in
Phase II will receive framed certificates acknowledging their participation
and achievement in this exercise, while the top three scorers in Phase I
will received framed certificates.

Whichever phase you choose to participate in, the important thing
is...PARTICIPATE!  This exercise will provide an excellent opportunity for
Washoe County ARES operators to practice skills needed in any emergency
response as well as to evaluate their readiness for an emergency.

See you on the air or in the field Wednesday evening!

73,
Matt Parker, N7TOD
ARES Emergency Coordinator - Washoe County
http://www.qsl.net/nnars