Chuck Motes, K1DFS, writes:
A big Thank You to all those in Connecticut who participated in the annual Section Emergency Test (S.E.T.) this year. It took place during the first weekend of the month.
Members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) CT and NTS CT were active on their respective nets, and a large number of messages were sent and received. Of particular note was the use of the ICS-213 Form, which is the heart of municipal, state and federal communications messages. A lot of us picked up very successfully on that form. Also in use (for the MARS COMEX) was a report called the SWEAT. It’s the report the feds (military) use to assess conditions and emergencies nationwide. It’s short, it’s quick and it’s fast. Hams in Connecticut made extensive use of the report.
These reports were sent via voice, via digital on HF and VHF and via Winlink radio and internet. One set of these reports numbering 52 in total was relayed to MARS via 60 meters in one burst using MT-63 digital. This was a month-long opportunity for hams to contact MARS stations directly, and is authorized through the end of October.
The MARS COMEX (Army and Air Force) was terminated normally on 23 October.
Thanks to all — hams, ARES, NTS, especially the Section Emergency Coordinator, the District Emergency Coordinators and the NTS officials–everyone who participated in the S.E.T. and in the COMEX. Call it a resounding success.
73 to all, and have a great Halloween!
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ARRL Connecticut Section
Section Manager: Charles I Motes Jr, K1DFS
k1dfs@arrl.org
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