GAARES-P2P NET AND UPCOMING SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST (SET) V1.2
For your convenience, a correctly formatted version of this message in pdf format will be uploaded to the SET area (two pages) so you can print it out for reference during the SETS. The file is also available on the GAARES groups io posting. Importing into this site from Word or pdf changes some formatting and degrades readability.
This document contains info for the SET and includes:
Basic SET info
What to expect for the SET
Frequencies & Times for NCS WG4PTP
SET Instructions
Time / Frequencies, NCS Operators
BASIC GEORGIA ARES SET INFO:
The SET will be conducted on Sat 9-Nov and Sat 16-Nov. Both Saturdays, operations are planned for 0830-1030 local time. GAARES-P2P Net will be operating and participants may be assigned tasks. Both SETs plan simultaneous operations on 80m and 40m, with two operators covering the NCS duties, both using the callsign WG4PTP. We want stations to participate, not just check in. Be sure to have the latest versions of Winlink Express, Winlink Forms, and the latest version of Vara HF. Participants are welcome to operate both Saturdays.
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR THE SET (SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST)
GAARES-P2P NET WILL BE ACTIVATED on both SET days & on both bands simultaneously
CHECK-INS to WG4PTP will be short check-ins on 80m (without a Winlink form) to expedite the process. If you are unable 80m, use 40m
GAARES NEEDS SET PARTICIPANTS, NOT JUST CHECK-INS. Please try to devote some
time on either or both Saturdays for the SET – make yourself available to the extent possible
CHECK-OUTS – A check-out is required of all participants who check-in. The Winlink
Check-Out form WILL BE USED for check-outs during the SET. Complete the form and
transmit it to WG4PTP at end of your activity. If you haven’t checked out, we will
assume you are still available and involved with the SET
TASKINGS – Stations checking in should expect they may receive a tasking, to be
completed that morning and reported back to WG4PTP
TASKINGS UPON CHECK-IN – Some stations will receive tasking message upon check-in. Complete the tasking to extent you can and transmit results back to WG4PTP
CHECK-BACK WITH NCS IS REQUIRED FOR POSSIBLE TASKING – IF you do not get an initial tasking at check-in, reconnect to WG4PTP on the same band within 30 minutes of your initial check-in to see if a message is waiting for you. This is a critical part of the SET – your availability and the also the ability to get information to you is part of the test
NCS may connect to you via P2P with taskings or other information. If possible, leave your radio in P2P mode so that WG4PTP can call you. See below for “Accept 500 Hz connections”
Not every station will be tasked but please expect that you might be
TASKINGS vary in complexity from simple on up. Complete any tasking as best you can, as soon as you can, and report results back to WG4PTP as instructed
SOME taskings may involve transmitting a message with Winlink forms to WG4PTP. However, many taskings will involve responding with a short message
SET INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS:
500 Hz Vara HF bandwidth: In order for WG4PTP to call you, you must have your Vara HF modem window set up to ACCEPT 500 Hz CONNECTIONS:
Start Vara HF Modem, then Settings> Vara Setup > check box for 500 Hz connections
DO NOT CHECK “Request Message Receipt” for P2P operations
Check-in on 80m IF POSSIBLE. Do NOT check in on both frequencies
Address all messages to “GAARES-P2P” (If unable with that address, use WG4PTP)
CHECK-IN SUBJECT LINE: <yourcall>, <fname>, <county>, <state>, AWAITING TASK
Example Check-in: ND1J, David, Coweta, GA, AWAITING TASK
Taskings will normally be made on the freq you used for check-in so stay on that freq. If unable to stay on after check-in, CONNECT TO NCS 30 MIN LATER ON THAT FREQ
IF tasked, complete it and prepare the requested response
Make sure the response is a (P2P) message
TRANSMIT MESSAGE CONTAINING TASK RESPONSE TO WG4PTP ON 40m (IF UNABLE, SEND ON 80m)
Expect WG4PTP might be briefly unavailable in order to pass traffic to WG4PTP on the other band. If both bands are busy, this may be why.
Wait for acknowledgment or request release from NCS BEFORE shutting down. Send release requests via P2P on 40m
Transmit Winlink Check-Out form via P2P to WG4PTP ON 40m before securing
TIME: SESSION: CENTER FREQ: DIAL FREQ: BANDWIDTH
0830-1030+ EDT 80m 3584.5 kHz 3583.0 500 Hz
0830-1030+ EDT 40m 7083.5 kHz 7082.0 500 Hz
Net Control Station (NCS) WG4PTP
SET 9 NOV: WG4PTP Net Control Operators: Kory W4RZ (80m) & Murdock W4JNR (40m)
SET 16 NOV: WG4PTP Net Control Operators: David ND1J (80m) & Kory W4RZ (40m)
Participants will always connect to WG4PTP with messages addressed to GAARES-P2P
Thanks in advance for participating in Georgia ARES SET 2024!
David Blubaugh – ND1J GAARES-P2P Net Manager