[GCARC] GC-ARES/RACES Simplex Test March 21

[kbfrank3 at verizon.net]

TO GCARC General Membership:

The GC-ARES/RACES Net is held every Sunday evening at 8 PM on W2MMD/R
(147.180 MHz,  +600 kHz TX offset, PL 131.8 Hz).  All Radio Amateurs are
welcome to check in to this Directed Net.  On Sunday March 21, we will
conduct a Simplex Test during the Net in order to learn how best to pass
messages in the event of a repeater failure.  Each station checking in via
the repeater will be asked to QSY briefly to 146.535 MHz, make a brief test
transmission (e.g. reciting the Pledge of Allegiance) , then return to the
repeater frequency.  All participating stations will make the same frequency
changes in order to monitor the simplex transmissions and record signal
reports for all stations using the following numbers:

0 - Cannot hear (does not break squelch);

1 - Signal detected but cannot copy every word;

2 - All words copied, but signal is marginal;

3 - Solid Copy.

Following the Net, stations are asked to forward these signal reports to
KBFRANK3 at VERIZON.NET <mailto:KBFRANK3 at VERIZON.NET>  for tabulation.  This
information will be shared with all participating stations, which will give
us a better idea as to how to route messages in the event of a repeater
failure.  Also, it will be a great way to find out how well your station is
working.  Note that it will be necessary to change quickly between the
repeater frequency and 146.535 MHZ, so this is a heads-up to program your
radios accordingly.

            Karl Frank, W2KBF

            Gloucester County ARES Emergency Coordinator