[PBARC] HF test results part 1

[WOLF, EARNEST G]

Central United States Earthquake Consortium

2003
HF Radio Communication test
Summary

Date & Time : 
August 18th , 2003  ( Monday  ) from  1900 to  2020 UTC

Goal: 
The goal of the test was to evaluate the CUSEC HF radio capabilities 
using   FEMA FNARS radio systems and Amateur Radio  (HAM) Equipment 
from the Seven member state EOC locations..

Procedure:
A. Each CUSEC state was contacted in advance with the Test Dates, 
Times and Frequencies.

B. The test was conducted on the 20-meter frequency for the first 20 
minutes and then changed  to the 40-meter frequency for the 
remaining time. This was done for the purpose of evaluating these 
two (2) frequencies for best overall propagation and communication 
conditions.

C. Indiana was the Net Control Station (NCS) for this test.

D. To test the communications capability; a survey of  seven (7) 
questions was assembled .Each CUSEC participating EOC was asked for 
this survey information during the test via HF radio.

E. As a last resort , all members were given a Phone number to 
contact in case of difficulty during the test... Three (3) of the 
members did call to clear up frequency assignments and all three 
were able to check in during the test.

Results: (form the NCS Indiana station)

A. FNARS equipment performed OK from Indiana & Illinois, with 
Tennessee checking in via Illinois relay.

B. All CUSEC member states EOC locations were contacted during the 
test via HAM radio except Tennessee.  Tennessee made contact via the 
FNARS frequency only .

C. Five of seven-CUSEC states agreed that a Bi-monthly CUSEC HF 
radio net would be a good idea. 

D. All participating states communicated from their state EOC either 
directly or via relay.

E. We have a good member contact list for CUSEC communication 
officers, thanks to Kerri Hall & Jim Wilkinson

F.  Six of Seven members communicated answers to the seven (7) 
survey questions. Tennessee did not. 

G. Approximately 20 Ham stations were involved during the 1.5-hour 
test.

Also see excel data sheet (CUSEC HF Test Aug 2003 Info ) for 
detailed  info...
 
Conclusion:

A. Very successful test with best results on the 40 meter 
frequencies using Ham radio.

B. HF radio should be included in the CUSEC communications plan. 

C. Ham radio was a very useful communications tool. 

D. Off Site Hams were very successful in relaying survey question 
and answers

E. Indiana SEMA  Ham EOC station needed more transmit power; 
reception was good.

Recommendations:

A.. HF radio should be included in the CUSEC communications plan.

B. Ham radio frequencies should be included in the Cusec 
Communications plan.

C. Rotate NCS duties through all member states to better evaluate 
overall communication performance of a back up HF radio network. 

D. Use 40 meter frequencies only for the next test.  (7.805 Mhz  
FNARS & 7.297 Mhz HAM )

E. All member States need to review their HF radio equipment 
conditions and Transmit power.

F. Need for more operator personnel especially offsite for relays.

G. Member states should set up intra practice sessions to fine tune 
equipment .

H. Use UTC time only for future Tests or Operations and let each 
state make the local time adjustments. 

Reference :

HF ... High Frequency 3 - 30 Mega Hertz range

FNARS...Federal National Radio System or Harris radio equipment

20 meters... 14.3965  & 14.313 Mhz

40 meters... 7.805 & 7.298 Mhz 

EOC... Emergency Operation Center

NCS.... Net Control Station

UTC... Universal Time Coordinated

 



 



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