What a great day! We had close to thirty folks involved in our SET on the 7th. Everybody worked well, your systems worked well, the goals were achieved and it was beautiful spring like day.

The nets were successful on all the local repeaters and the simplex net allowed us to verify operational issues, mostly the same ones we knew of. Winlink had a couple of challenges but they were overcome and our messages made it to all recipients and proper replies were received. We involved our Local Red Cross, Boy Scout Camp James Ray, our County EOC operations via Winlink and EchoLink, as well as the Denton County system, and even had our ARRL Section involved in the messaging process. Shelters and command posts were set up and made operational. Y’all are just awesome!!

We identified some places to improve our training. There was discussion of adding the Broadband-Hamnet mesh function to the operation, using a portable repeater for our next SET, and some ops want even more training on messaging, forms and processes. Wade KF5AUD did a great job putting all this together and will be working with the rest of the AECs to develop training focused on making us even better.

The NWS SKYWARN event was another success. We had close to 160 persons in the auditorium and over 40 operators signed in. The Fox was on the prowl and enlightened us with a great training session. It’s fortunate we have as many folks interested in this aspect of serving our communities. After discussions with our OEM Director Sarah Somers K1EMC, Mark Fox, and ARES leaders we hope for an advanced class here next year. That may mean a Saturday event rather than a weeknight, but your interest in this service is recognized.

Now along with that I had a surprise. As I was greeting some of our ops, one operator pulled me aside and asked how they could help. This person is not comfortable on the radio but is knowledgeable of our operation and wants to be involved in our service to the community, they’re just unsure of how to be involved. The SET pointed out to me a concern of which this person was unaware. IF we ever have a real event and have to establish all these modes, links, shelters and so forth and the event lasts more than a few hours, I worry about having ops to rotate into shifts. While we had great participation on a volunteer basis on a sunny day, I worry over the needs on dark day when some are duty bound to care for family first and to operate with ARES second. I assured this operator that there would be a place for them to participate. Not everyone was on the radio. Every op on the radio needs support. It could be as a scribe, a second set of eyes, a person to handle questions, queue up clients who have messages to send and a hundred other needs. I can imagine we will need every one of us should that dark day come. Your radio voice is not all we need. We need your knowledge and abilities to make this all work. Your participation and involvement are key to how well we can respond. Stay up to date with what’s happening in ARES, participate when you can, check in on the nets or at least “read the mail” but know we want you as a part of the team.

Before I go, a quick note on the repeaters. We have two powerhouses, well really four now. Since the SET the 147.00 and 145.33 machines have been moved to their operational heights, power, and locations. I personally worked the 33 from Pilot Point the other day and the 00 from Hwys 35 and 82 in Gainesville. The 147.28 and the 444.75 have also had some work done. Say thanks to the folks that make these available and to Shipman Communications for their help to provide Amateur Radio communications in our county.

Training and practice are paramount to our success. We will respond to the level required to help our community when the time comes. We have good people willing to share their equipment, time, talent and skills, whatever they maybe. Thanks for your willingness to step up when some would fall back. See you at the next event!

73
Rick
K5ECX