Purpose
When a major disaster strikes the region, there's a good chance that we won't have access to the Internet, telephones, cell phones, pagers, or even our amateur radio repeaters. So, how are we going to communicate?

The answer is: by simplex.

We have discovered that in St. Louis County, there are limitations to what can be done on the 2 meter band. This UHF exercise should tell us whether or not we can rely on the 70 centimeter band (440 MHz) as an alternative.

Exercise procedure and instructions:

Net Call: A simplex net will be called on 445.940 MHz at 7:00 PM local time on Thursday, August 28, 2008.

When you hear the net call, check in. We will use the standard "Wednesday night net" check-in procedure. That is, first check-in with your call sign only, slowly and phonetically. If the Net Control Operator (NCO) does not respond to your call, try again when he or she asks for further check-ins. If the NCO does still does not respond to your call, wait until he or she calls for relayed check-ins. Try again, and listen for someone to pick up your call and relay it. This may take awhile, since a number of stations may need to be relayed. NOTE: Operators attempting to relay a check-in, you may have to try a few times before the NCO recognizes you, due to doubling, noise, and so forth. Always Keep trying.

Keep A Log:

Record the following in your log:

• your exact location (address or nearest cross streets or landmark)
• radio used
• power setting(s) used
• antenna, antenna height and how mounted
• every station you can hear
• if you had to be relayed and who relayed you

The debriefing will probably take place at the next St. Louis County ARES^® meeting on Monday, September 8, 2008. Please bring your logs if you can attend.

Thank you for participating.

© 2008 St. Louis County ARES^®

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