W1TU

We should all be thankful for the ham radio operators who volunteer their time, energy, and equipment, to prepare for what we hope never happens. On Saturday, October 25, several members and friends of the EAWA participated the Maine Simulated Emergency Test (SET) Exercise. The VHF/UHF/HF component of the exercise tested the coordinated abilities of the local members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), and EmComm groups. They were challenged to communicate with other operators and agencies within their own counties, across counties, and across the state, just as they would if they had been called on to do so during a hazardous event.

Andrew Sankey W1AXS, the Hancock County EMA Director was Net Control for the Hancock County Net, coordinating information with other county EMA Agencies. Phil N1EP, the ARRL State Section Manager, served as Net Control for 4 nets, one held each hour during the exercise. Several EAWA members and friends checked into the statewide HF nets. Along with Andrew and Phil, EAWA members Barbara KC1SSY, the Hancock County Emergency Coordinator (EC), Jeff KA1DBE, and Matt W1MRH, participated in key roles during the event.

Although SETs are open to all licensed hams for participation, those with key positions have likely joined an organization designed to train and coordinate participation in exercises and real-time disasters. One such group is the ARRL’s ARES group. Members are licensed operators who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment with their local ARES leadership.

Another group often called upon in emergencies and preparedness training is referred to as RACES (pronounced ray-seas), created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This group consists of licensed radio operators who have been trained and certified by a civil defense agency. You can learn more about RACES at usraces.org. 

The SET exercise on Saturday also included a second component which tested the ability of members of the Shared Resources Group (SHARES) and local ham radio operators to communicate and pass along messages with very specific information. This arm of the SET exercise involved using WinLink to receive and respond to messages. Information flowed through a SHARES bulletin board service (BBS) via HF to amateur radio operators who responded by sending specific information back up the chain. More specifically, the goals of this test were to evaluate this method of obtaining specific information quickly from a large group of people, the ability to tabulate those responses into a spreadsheet, and then to pass that information to appropriate agencies. 

Through the SHARES program, amateur radio operators voluntarily work with national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) personnel to transmit critical messages when landlines and cellphones are not working.

The purpose of any simulated exercise is to learn what processes worked well and which need exploration and improvement. Whether we participated or not, and whether we are licensed amateur radio operators or not — all of us benefit from our neighbors working through these exercises in preparation for any emergency. If you are interested in becoming active in local emergency communication efforts or want more information about the SET exercise, please contact Barbara KC1SSY through QRZ or the Contact Us page on this website.
Written by Barbara KC1SSY and Marion W1GRL

Long before the running of the 22nd annual MDI Marathon began, members of the EAWA, Pine State Amateur Radio Club, and the Penobscot County ARES were making their way to various assigned stations, assembling power sources (batteries, generators, solar panels), radios and antennas, and testing their systems. Before the race began, there were check-ins to the net control and final tweaks. For the radio operators, this would be a 10-12 hour event.

While there are many published stories about the struggles and celebrations of the runners, this is a story about the planning, preparation, and performance of these dedicated hams and family members, and friends who supported them. The thirty-two member EmComms crew worked together throughout the day to keep up with events along the race route, including the current top three male and female runners in both the full and half marathons, and runners who decided to leave and not complete the race. In the down times, operators were among the many spectators cheering on the hundreds of racers. Responsible for their own needs, operators also took advantage of down times for snacks.

The following is a round up of photos of the 10 stations positioned along the race route. Not featured in the photos are the two hams riding with police in the lead and sweep vehicles, Olin KC1IRK and Greg KC1RID.

The lion’s share of the work, starting months before the race, was done by the Hancock County Emergency Coordinator and EAWA member Barbara KC1SSY. She attended numerous meetings, gave a presentation for those involved at the last EAWA club meeting, and met with various participants working on different aspects of the event, such as mapping the course with the operator stations and working on the forms for recording information at net control. THANK YOU BARBARA! This operation would not be as well planned and professional without your efforts!

So much of what we do as hams, including the fun contests and operating portable in parks, is to hone our skills should we be called upon to help with an emergency. The MDI Marathon, along with the annual Field Day in June, are the two primary large scale exercises for the EAWA and friends. You probably won’t find us mentioned in any of the new stories about the marathon, and that’s how it should be! We blended in seamlessly in the race, and thankfully we weren’t tested with a real emergency. Thanks to everyone who gave up their Sunday, shared their equipment and expertise, and encouraged the runners, and performed with tasks with precision. We were a great team!
Written by Marion W1GRL

On a beautiful autumn morning EAWA members and friends gathered at Lamoine State Park (US-2393) for a Parks-On-The-Air activation. Across the morning, six stations were active, each with its own unique radio equipment and antennas. Several members stopped by, and six visitors came to learn more about ham radio.

The club POTA is slowly becoming a fall tradition. It’s a great way to spend some time together, learn about different equipment, and introduce visitors to ham radio. Perhaps we’ll see you next year?

Written by Marion W1GRL