[KYHAM] Tonight's KEN and This Weekend's SET

[Ron Dodson]

Band conditions were not very pleasant tonight on 75 meters, but KEN 
persevered as always.  Topics from tonight's net were:

1. Simulated Emergency Test Oct. 2 and 3, 2004.  If you recall earlier 
this month I had stated that this year we would have no scenario for a 
particular emergency, but instead, more of a "Get-on-the-air" type 
arrangement. I had asked that those planning to operate at their served 
agency facilities post what times and bands they planned to use so 
everyone would know what to look for if they were wanting to check 
communications with a certain location. So far none have been posted to 
any listserv I have seen.  KEN frequencies on 7.228 Mhz will be a 
suggested frequency during the day on Saturday and Sunday and around 3-4 
PM Eastern time/2-3 PM Central, I suggest op's shift to 3.993.5 MHz if 
you are looking for HF contacts.  All VHF and UHF bands are fair play 
also as are repeaters for testing served agency equipment. Simplex 
communications channels can include Ky Simplex 146.555, 146.52, 446.000, 
52.525 etc. for FM, 50.100-.200, 144.200 for SSB QSO's etc.

Personally I plan to be on the HF and VHF bands throughout the day and 
early evening Saturday.  Sunday, I will try to be on as much as 
possible, but have some family things too that day.

Stations log your QSO's and report end totals and results along with any 
soapbox comments you may have.

Stations in Area 13 are saving a lot of their efforts for the CSEPP 
coming in late Oct.  Some others have also advised me that they have 
other exercises planned during the month with their served agencies and 
this too is fine.  My main wish for Ky ARES op's is to simply, 
GET-ON-THE-AIR sometime this coming weekend and really test your 
station's range and potential.  Evaluate its shortfalls and this will 
enable you to create a list of needs and or modifications for future 
station equipment or antennas. Do it whenever you have time for as much 
time as you can spare even if only for a half hour or an hour will tell 
you a great deal if you try other frequencies and operate away from your 
usual haunts.  Just test your stations and see just how well they will do.

2. Scott Thile, K4SET is hoping to see some use made of WINLINK this 
weekend.  A new telpac node is in Lexington and another in Owensboro.  
Thanks Fernie and Jack!  Served agencies can attempt to send me e-mail 
via WINLINK and I will likewise attempt to reply. The state EOC will 
also be running WINLINK this weekend! 

3. Reports... It is soon the end of the month again.  ARES activity 
reports need to be in to me by NLT Oct. 7. 

73,
Ron, KA4MAP
SEC Ky