Message:26273 In: ARES.ARRL
From: CX2SADate: Tue, 21 Jul 26 04:31:00 Z
Newsgroups: ARES.ARRL
Subject: The ARES E-Letter - 07/2026
Message-ID:
Path: N2MH4|N3HYM|K1AJD|VE3CGR|CX2SA
R:260722/0257Z 34072@N2MH4.#SENC.NC.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
R:260721/0435Z 10511@N3HYM.#FRDK.MD.USA.NOAM BPQ6.0.25
R:260721/0434Z 4762@K1AJD.#AUG.GA.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.25
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R:260721/0431Z @:CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM #:2100 [Salto] FBB7.00e $:ARES072026
From: CX2SA@CX2SA.SAL.URY.SOAM
To : ARES@ARRL
=================
The ARES E-Letter
=================
Editor: Rick Palm, K1CE - July 15, 2026
In This Issue:
- ARES Briefs, Links
- Brevard County (Florida) Amateur Radio Digital Network Expands with New
BPQ Portal and Growing AREDN Infrastructure
- Amateur Radio at the June 2026 Minnesota MS-150
- Upcoming: ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
- ARES Resources
- Support ARES: Join ARRL
ARES Briefs, Links
-------------------
Following the June 25 earthquakes in Venezuela, radio amateurs there asked
that all amateur radio colleagues in the Americas and the rest of the world
protect 7135 kHz, which Venezuelan operators are using for emergency
communications. Domingo L. Hernndez Lima, YV5IZE, director of the
Venezuelan Radio Club's National Emergency Network, reported that a large
part of the capital, Caracas, was without electricity and communication
systems, operating on battery power.
At the same time, operators from Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras,
Nicaragua, El Salvador, and other countries in the region, as well as
members of the Board of Directors of the International Amateur Radio Union
Region 2 (IARU R2), remained on standby to provide any needed assistance. --
Alberto Santamara Gonzlez, CO2JC, Emergency Communications Coordinator,
IARU R2.
On June 17, a tropical depression consolidated in the Gulf waters
immediately south of the Texas-Louisiana state line, forming short-lived
Tropical Storm Arthur. Remnants of the moisture-packed core stalled over the
Deep South, triggering a rare level 4 out of 4 high risk for flash flooding
along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Training rain bands produced intense
localized downpours exceeding 3 inches per hour. This created a dual-threat
incident consisting of an overnight/pre-dawn tornado outbreak on June 18,
followed immediately by historic, catastrophic, flash flooding across
southern and central Mississippi.
ARRL Mississippi Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) Robert Hayes, KC5IMN,
reported that ARES went on standby on June 17 with full activation of the
Lucedale DMR Talkgroup, plus the Magnolia Net, Mississippi Section Phone
Net, and the Northeast Mississippi DMR Talk Group, all on standby. As the
storm stalled over the Gulf coast, VHF/UHF networks began to be heavily used
in in Stone, Harrison, and Jackson Counties. These nets reported measured
rainfall, stream levels, high winds, flash flooding, highway inundation, and
structural failures.
General Dailey, KD4VVZ, reported confirmation of a tornado on the ground,
with an extensive debris field. Numerous reports via amateur radio went to
the National Weather Service office in Slidell, county emergency management
agencies, and sheriffs' offices. ARES operations secured at 1300 local time
on June 19. For additional information, and an extensive After-Action
Report, contact SEC Robert Hayes, KC5IMN.
The 2026 ARRL National Convention at the Huntsville, Alabama, Hamfest will
feature Training Track #2: Emergency Communications Academy. Topics will
include future-proofing ARES, and PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency,
Emergency) communications planning in disaster management. PACE is a
standardized methodology that ensures redundancy and operational continuity
across communications, logistics, and response.
ARRL Emergency Communications and Field Services Director Josh Johnston,
KE5MHV, will moderate the event and present on the Future of Emergency
Communications and Amateur Radio. Johnston will also discuss Building
Relationships in EmComm. Madison County, Alabama Emergency Coordinator (EC)
Steve Smith, KM4CJ, will present an overview of the ARES program in its
interaction with local emergency management. ARRL Arkansas SEC J.M. Rowe,
N5XFW, will discuss PACE planning, and the importance of having a PACE plan.
ARRL Northern Florida SEC Arc Thames, W4CPD, will present on integrating
amateur radio emergency communications with local CERT and government
agencies. Lee County, Alabama, EC Mike Watkins, WX4AL, will speak on
developing a successful exercise program and managing a quality ARRL
Simulated Emergency Test. The convention is August 21 to August 23, 2026.
Registration is open now.
The ARRL New England Division Convention is August 13-16, at Marlborough,
Massachusetts, outside of Boston. I hope to meet and greet readers of The
ARES Letter there! -K1CE
The National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU) is
accepting registrations for training courses this quarter to be held across
various partnering states and territories. These courses strengthen
capabilities for state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government
officials, emergency managers, first responders, and community partners
nationwide. Whether you are building foundational expertise or sharpening
executive-level skills, NDEMU courses deliver relevant, high-quality
instruction that supports communities across the nation by building more
resilient and capable emergency management agencies.
In a FEMA Prep Talk, David Kaufman explains the pathways of success for
emergency managers as our society continues to change and grow. Kaufman is
the Vice President and Director for Safety and Security at CNA, a nonprofit
organization that provides operational analysis to advance the safety and
security of the United States. - Duane Mariotti, WB9RER, Volunteer
Coordinator, Kaiser Permanente Amateur Radio Network (KPARN)
Brevard County (Florida) Amateur Radio Digital Network Expands with New BPQ
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portal and Growing AREDN Infrastructure
---------------------------------------
Amateur radio operators across Florida's Space Coast continue to expand one
of the state's most capable digital communications infrastructures through
the integration of packet radio, broadband microwave networking, and modern
messaging systems that support both everyday communications and emergency
preparedness.
At the center of this effort is the launch of a new BPQ Portal, providing
licensed amateur radio operators with convenient access to Brevard County's
amateur packet network. The portal bridges traditional RF packet
communications with internet-connected BPQ networking, allowing users to
connect from virtually anywhere while maintaining interoperability with
stations operating over the air.
The BPQ Portal makes it easier than ever for both new and experienced packet
operators to access network services through an intuitive web-based
interface. Designed to lower the barrier to entry for packet radio, the
portal preserves the resilience and independence that have made amateur
packet communications valuable for decades.
Supporting the RF side of the network are the KD4WLE and N4TDX systems,
which continue to provide reliable packet services throughout Brevard
County. These systems offer traditional AX.25 packet networking while
serving as gateways into the broader BPQ network.
Complementing the packet infrastructure is Brevard County's rapidly growing
AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network) microwave network. Built on
high-speed 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz amateur microwave equipment, the AREDN network
provides broadband IP connectivity between amateur radio sites across the
county.
Together, AREDN and BPQ create a powerful hybrid communications platform.
The AREDN network transports IP-based services, including the new BPQ
Portal, VoIP, video, file sharing, network monitoring, and emergency
communications applications, while the packet network continues to provide
reliable messaging over both RF and IP.
This layered approach gives amateur radio operators multiple methods of
communication during routine operations and emergency situations, increasing
redundancy while reducing dependence on commercial infrastructure.
"The combination of packet radio and AREDN demonstrates that amateur radio
continues to evolve," said Brevard County ARES Team (BCAT) Chief
Information Officer Sean Haga, KD4WLE. "We're preserving proven technologies
while embracing modern networking to create a communications system that is
both resilient and accessible."
The expansion also supports the BCAT members developing digital capabilities
for public service events, emergency preparedness exercises, and disaster
response. By integrating RF packet, broadband microwave networking, and
internet-connected services, local operators are building one of Florida's
most comprehensive amateur digital communications systems.
Licensed amateur radio operators are encouraged to participate by connecting
through RF packet access via local packet nodes on 145.090 MHz, the new BPQ
Portal and the Brevard County AREDN network.
Whether experimenting with digital communications, exchanging messages,
supporting emergency communications, or exploring the capabilities of modern
amateur radio networking, the Brevard County digital network offers an
expanding platform for innovation, education, and public service.
The well-equipped communications trailer of the Amateur Radio Emergency
Services of Brevard County, Florida, on display at the Orlando HamCation
convention. [Rick Palm, K1CE, photo]
Amateur Radio at the June 2026 Minnesota MS-150
-----------------------------------------------
From the beginning, the amateur radio community has provided critical route
safety support for the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society bike fund
raisers. We are called in for several of their races in Minnesota: the MS
City Ride, the MS-150 (two days, 150 miles), and the Ride Across Minnesota,
which usually runs four to five days.
We had big changes for this year's 150. The course used to run from
Duluth/Proctor, Minnesota, about 75 miles to an overnight in Hinckley, and
then another 75 miles to the Twin Cities. The stretch required the use of
many repeaters, and there were four rest/medical stops on each daily ride.
We lost our overnight lease in Hinckley, so there was a course change to the
southwest. The overnight was near St. Peter. Our leadership rounded up some
hams in that area to help us.
Normally, a large net control station/operation is set up as we also take
emergency calls from the riders. An MS Society staff member sits in net
control as Incident Commander. We drive eight supply and gear (SAG) vans
designed for non-emergency transport of lightly injured or tired
participants. There were about 2,200 riders this year, who organized
donations of $1.4 million. This is an operations role versus the normal AUXC
comms support tasking.
I was unable to attend the first day this year, but was involved in the
planning. A request came in to use our new-to-us large ex-FEMA 32-foot comms
trailer. The trailer was donated to Minnesota VOAD, and is intended to
coordinate large scale disaster recovery. Our trailer needed more testing
and an actual live deployment. At 7,000 pounds, it takes a major effort to
tow it 60 miles. We also used our Starlink capability. There were calls and
meetings about the trailer: who had the Starlink Wi-Fi password; why the
door key did not work; was there a bad wheel bearing, etc.
We had another wrinkle. We usually rent passenger vans with trailers. These
could handle eight bikes and riders. This year, however, bikes and riders
had to fit in the hitch-less vans, reducing our capacity. Event leadership
is focused on SAG response and wait times. We, as usual, had non-ham
motorcycle volunteers and support van drivers who could be rapidly on scene
to incidents to respond and assess the situation. These were coordinated via
Zello@xxxx. Rented UHF business band radios were ditched years ago due to
poor rural coverage.
I accidentally signed up for rest stops versus ham radio support. I checked
the current first aid and AED box. Then I got a note that I was assigned
Rest Stop Lead for the Montgomery stop, and an invite to the Leads call. I
called the Comms Lead: he said he was well stocked with hams. Then I got
another note - the Chamber of Commerce stepped up at #2 stop and instead
could we just assist at #3 stop.
On Sunday morning, I arrived at the site with donuts at 0630. There was a
large rented tent, a pile of tables, and a row of portable toilets, but no
supplies. I looked at the ICS-205 communications plan, and called Net
Control to report this. Moments later, a convoy of trucks and cars appeared
with our supplies.
The first aid kit was unloaded and I gathered the leadership and asked who
had current first aid credentials. The site lead was a 28-year retired
paramedic, check. No one else spoke up. It was later revealed one of the
hams was a retired paramedic and firefighter. I was the least trained but
still with current credentials, so I was the standby reserve backup.
The day went well. We were busy and the riders were happy; they thanked us.
The weather was good but there was a steady headwind the rest of the 34
miles. Sunscreen was a popular request. A hose rig was used to fill water
bottles - a ham had the only tool that could open the handle-less water
valve at the park and we had to improvise a rubber washer for the leaking
water system. We struggled with SAG capacity, but teamwork, planning, and
professionalism from the hams and team paid off.
Conclusion
We use an unusual radio system: SAG vans are controlled by the nearest rest
stop. I would vote for a central database under the direction of net control
as each rider has an event bib number. Jason Godfrey, NRPM, has been
writing an application for this event that combines APRS and Zello data,
which seems ideal. An open ticket dashboard has been a popular emergency
manager request. Peter Corbett, KD8GBL, is adding a dashboard like this to
our Trivnet system as we speak. My only comment on these systems: We and our
EMS/911 partners never, ever talk about or record actual person-specific
medical conditions over radio or on unencrypted data platform as this enters
the realm of HIPAA privacy where we, unless directed, never go. That you
need a medic at a location does not seem to be private.
At these Multiple Sclerosis Society events, we meet a lot of MS patients,
who are sincerely grateful for our efforts. MS Society staff was careful to
greet and thank us each personally. It is nice to feel wanted. - Erik
Westgard, NY9D, Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator for Events, ARRL
Minnesota Section
Upcoming: ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
---------------------------------------------
The focal-point weekend for this year's ARRL SET is October 3 - 4, 2026. The
September 2026 issue of QST will have a one-page announcement for this
year's test. As always, local and Section SET teams are encouraged to
conduct their exercises on another date throughout the autumn season (or
practically any date throughout the calendar year) if those dates happen to
be better for their group, groups, or Section and served agencies with which
they are working.
This nationwide exercise is the chance to test your personal emergency
operating skills and the readiness of your communications equipment and
accessories in a simulated emergency deployment.
ARRL Field Organization leaders at the Section and local levels, and many
other volunteers who are active in public service and emergency
communications, are developing scenarios in consultation with a variety of
served agencies and organizations.
Station readiness, personal training, and practice are tenets of the Amateur
Radio Service. Any time we spend on the air contributes to personal radio
communication capability.
ARRL's Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), the National Traffic System
(NTS), the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), SKYWARNT,
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Salvation Army Team Emergency
Radio Network (SATERN), and other allied groups and public service-oriented
radio amateurs are among those who are eligible to participate in the
simulated exercise and to practice emergency operation plans, nets, and
procedures.
The popular ARRL Basic Emcomm Course is available: This course is designed
to provide basic knowledge and tools for any emergency communications
volunteer. The Basic Emcomm course contains three modules and 11 topics,
including required prerequisites, and is expected to take approximately 10 -
20 hours to complete. You will have access to the course platform in the
ARRL Learning Center at any time of day while you work to complete the
course so that you may work according to your own schedule. You will want to
pace yourself to be sure you complete all the required material in the
allotted time. When you have completed the coursework, take the final
assessment for this Basic Emcomm course to receive a certificate. For more
information and questions regarding ARRL Emergency Communications courses or
content, please email CEP@xxxx.xxx.
ARES Amateur Radio and Public Service
ARES Resources
---------------
ARES Field Resources Manual [PDF]
ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book [Fillable PDF]
ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book [Word]
ARES Plan
ARES Group Registration
Emergency Communications Training
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs
who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment with
their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service
when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in
ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible to apply for
membership in ARES. Training may be required or desired to participate fully
in ARES. Please inquire at the local level for specific information. Because
ARES is an amateur radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible
for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable,
but is not a requirement for membership.
How to Get Involved in ARES: Fill out the ARES Registration form and submit
it to your local Emergency Coordinator.
Support ARES: Join ARRL
------------------------
ARES is a program of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio. No
other organization works harder than ARRL to promote and protect amateur
radio! ARRL members enjoy many benefits and services including digital
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require written permission.
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