July is traditionally a hot month. How hot? Well, during the CW150, held the last week in July a few years ago, I seem to remember losing several pounds in water over the four days we were supporting them. Average temperatures were between 90 and 105 and I had reports of highs upwards of 120 in certain microclimates.
We had such a great turnout at our last digital exercise, I would like to try another exercise with both voice and digital on the lawn at the EOC. But, like I said, it can be hot. I think it would be a good idea. But I am willing to listen to the majority on this and do something inside.
What do you think? What would benefit you most?
I have updated the Action Plan, now version 4.3. The biggest change in the new section 6.11, which reads:
6.11 Digital Operations PWCARES has adopted fldigi as the primary digital mode for passing digital traffic. This does not preclude the use of other technologies, such as packet, or BBHN but it is currently the go-to technology.
- 6.11.1 VHF Configuration: Those operators with fldigi will estabilsh VHF communications on 146.475 (PWCARES VHF 2), using operations mode MT-63 2KL (2000L). Operators have the choice of using any supported operating system, but are expected to know how to configure and get their selected operating system on the air. A quick reference guide of operations will be developed focusing initially on the Windows operating system.
- 6.11.2 Message Configuration: PWCARES has standardized on ICS-213, so flmsg should be configured to use the ICS-213 template by default. Ad hoc messages may also be sent as needed.
This is really just an acknoledgement of what we are doing and will be fleshed out as we add and improve our digital operations. I have also corrected the 6.10 section referencing the hospitals. I still have to do some updates on the QRC and I hope to get to that this weekend. I also hope to add in the PWCARES logo in the appropriate places.
If there are things you would like to see added to the Action Plan or the QRC, please feel free to send me an email through the normal channels and I will do my best to add them in a timely manner.
Prince William County ARES