Simulated Emergency Test / 2. DATE PREPARED:
Nov 07, 2010 / 3. TIME PREPARED:
18:00
INCIDENT BRIEFING / 1. INCIDENT NAME:
Simulated Emergency Test / 2. DATE PREPARED:
Nov 07, 2010 / 3. TIME PREPARED:
18:00
4. MAP SKETCH
Amateur Radio Exercise: ARRL Simulated Emergency Test, November 20, 2010:
OPERATION: LIGHT UP THE MAP
This plan is intended to describe amateur radio operations in support of Colorado ARES statewide Simulated Emergency Test (SET) known as Operation: Light Up The Map.
Related Documents:
ARESCO COPLAN, with special attention to the appendices for districts and frequencies.
Summary of the Situation (Scenario):
The date and objectives statements are pasted from David Markham’s information as provided via e-mail on November 14.
SET Date:
Date for SET Saturday November 20th Primary and December 4th alternate.
Objectives:
Attempt to establish amateur radio communication from every county in Colorado in order to demonstrate the capability of Colorado ARES/RACES mobilization.
Send a predefined message to State EOC in Centennial Colorado by as many modes as possible from each site.
Test the use of a “mutual aid” team to support a county that may or may not have its own ARES communications.
It will be our goal in El Paso and Teller Counties to operate from at least one Emergency Operations Center and one field location to pass traffic via all modes available to the stations at these locations on the day of the SET.
For our local district, our goals will also include:
Practice setting up a portable station at either the Colorado Springs Emergency Operations Center or out in a field site.
Learn the kinds of modes of communications available to PPARES and practice using them.
Learn to communicate with amateurs in other districts using ICS formatted messages.
Invite and encourage participation by non-ARES amateur radio operators (e.g., memberships of local amateur radio clubs) as an introduction to Pikes Peak ARES.
Mission Coordinator and Points of Contact:
- Rob Roller N7LV, PPARES Emergency Coordinator (719-282-0204 home, 719-291-6168 cell, )
- Mike Proctor KBØIAP, AEC Government Liaison, for the Colorado Springs EOC (719-599-3764, )
- Ed Bates WBØYAF, for the field location at Ellicott Volunteer Fire Department (719-683-8871, )
Served Agencies:
- N/A
Other Participating Agencies:
- Colorado Springs Emergency Operations Center, 705 S. Nevada Avenue, corner of Rio Grande & Nevada
- Ellicott Volunteer Fire Department, Station #2, 75 N. Ellicott Highway, Ellicott (Just south of State Highway 94, but north of Ellicott High School)
Participating Communications Groups:
- Pikes Peak Amateur Radio Emergency Service (District 14, El Paso & Teller Counties) (PPARES)
- Colorado Amateur Radio Emergency Service (other districts)
- Colorado State Emergency Operations Center, 9195 Mineral Ave, Centennial, 80112
Date and Timeline of Events:
Saturday, November 20, 2010:
0800-0900Arrival and Setup for all sites.
0900-1500Operations take place during this time. Note that when a site has exercises all of its modes, the station may tear down.
1600-1700Teardown. Note this is a worst-case teardown time. If a particular site is complete prior to 1500 that site may tear down.
(Note that if we move to the secondary date, the timeline will remain the same.)
Resource Assignments:
- Colorado Springs EOC, Police Operations Center, 17050 S Peyton Hwy
- Ellicott Volunteer Fire Department, Ellicott Highway, Ellicott
Location / Name / Callsign / Comments
COS EOC / Mike Proctor / KBØIAP / Lead
COS EOC / Rob Roller / N7LV / Packet
COS EOC / Corey Bates / NØTZ
COS EOC / Wolfgang Baeck / KDØKVB
COS EOC / Christopher Marsden / KDØFKC
Ellicott VFD EOC / Ed Bates / WBØYAF / Lead
Ellicott VFD EOC / Jim Bishop / KDØKQL
Ellicott VFD EOC / Bill Hecker / KCØET
Teller EOC / Dean Buckhouse / KBØVVA / Lead
Teller EOC / Wes Wilson / KØHBZ
Home / Mike Stansberry / KØTER / Digital Gateway Station
Tactical Callsigns:
Location / Voice Tactical / Packet TacticalColorado Springs EOC / Springs EOC / CSEOC
Ellicott VFD EOC / Ellicott EOC / ELEOC
Teller EOC / Teller EOC / TLEOC
Operating Frequencies and Modes:
COORDINATION FREQUENCY FOR DISTRICT 14:
- Use 448.450 MHz (100 Hz, - 5 MHz offset) for primary coordination.
- Alternate coordination frequency is 145.265 MHz (100 Hz, -600 kHz offset)
See attached ICS-205 Communications Plan for operational exercise frequencies.
A general description of modes and frequencies that can be used follows:
HF SSB: This is the ARESCO standard statewide voice frequencies used for the Sunday ARESCO HF nets. Both 80 meters and 40 meters should be attempted. See the ICS-205 for callsigns.
HF Digital: These are the standard ARESCO statewide digital frequencies used for Sunday morning ARESCO digital nets. Both 80m and 40m should be attempted.
VHF FM repeater: The SEOC will be monitoring the Colorado Connection system of linked repeaters. Contact the SEOC on the Colorado Connection for sending traffic.
IRLP: Internet Relay Linking Project – The SEOC will be connected in to the IRLP to node 9871 (reflector). If an IRLP node is open and available here in D-14, then attempt to use it. (PPARES will attempt to coordinate with the owner of any IRLP node that we might possibly use. If you know of any other nodes that might serve our area, please contact the Mission Coordinator with that information.)
Winlink 2000: All operators should establish a WL2K account prior to this exercise. The WL2K system can be accessed via two-meters as well as HF radio for sending internet e-mail. Instructions can be downloaded on the PPARES.ORG web site. Operators should send a message to the SEOC via WL2K using either a VHF RMS, an HF RMS, or both. See the ICS-205 for Winlink e-mail addresses.
Some modes not mentioned in the plan, but may possibly be monitored by the SEOC. It is currently unknown whether or not the SEOC will be capable of supporting these modes:
- HF CW – CW will not be used for this test.
- VHF 2m SSB – PPARES will informally test VHF SSB on 144.220 MHz USB at 1100 hours.
- D-STAR – will not be used for this test.
Equipment:
The equipment to be used at each location will be dependent on the operators that participate at that location. All operators should bring equipment to each location in order to operate on as many of these modes and frequencies as possible. Each mode and frequency will require the appropriate transceiver, antenna, coaxial cable, antenna mounting, power supply, computer and modem (for digital modes), all necessary cables for all equipment.
1.HF SSB: HF transceiver capable of operating on 80 and 40 meter bands, per ICS-205. Recommend 50 watts minimum.
2.HF Digital: HF transceiver capable of operating on 80 and 40 meter bands, per ICS-205. 50 watts minimum. Full capability requires use of a computer, modem or sound card. Modes of interest: RTTY, AMTOR, Pactor (Pactor I minimum, Pactor III optional), PSK-31, WinMor.
3.HF CW: I understand the SEOC will not be using CW.
5.VHF/UHF FM mobile transceiver: 40-50 watts, dual band dual VFO preferred, portable power supply, antenna, coax, al necessary adapters.
6.VHF Single sideband: Multimode 2m transceiver capable of upper sideband operation. Beam/directional antenna, horizontal polarization. (It is uncertain if the SEOC will have this capability or not. If so, the frequency will likely be 144.200 MHz or 144.220 MHz upper sideband.)
7.VHF 2m packet: 2m transceiver, 40-50 watts, portable power supply, antenna, coax, al necessary adapters, TNC (e.g., KPC-3 or equivalent) with tactical callsigns programmed according to this plan, laptop with Winpack installed.
Computers used for the SET should include a communications program such as WinPack for using standard AX.25 commands for connecting and passing message traffic, connecting to remote BBS, etc. Airmail or Paclink or compatible software should also be installed for connecting to an RMS for sending internet e-mail traffic. Templates for the ICS-213 form should be available on the computer.
Miscellaneous:
- Headphone with necessary adapters for 1/8” to ¼” jack sizes, and stereo-to-mono adapter
- All power cords, extension cords, headphones, coax cable, coaxial adapters, masts, tape, zip-ties, guy ropes/wires, tie-downs or stakes, power strips, owners manuals for all equipment
- Blank ICS-213 message forms, clipboards, pens, pencils
- This operations plan, including all appendices and attachments
- ARES ID card (or some kind of government ID card if you don’t have an ARES card)
- ARES shirt, if you have one
Personal:
- Food, water, all medications necessary for a 12-hour period
- Appropriate clothing – Winter temperatures and conditions should be expected, temps could be below freezing at field locations.
Site-Specific Information:
Colorado Springs Emergency Operations Center:
- Location: Colorado Springs Police Operations Center.
- Point of Contact: Mike Proctor KBØIAP
Ellicott Volunteer Fire Department Emergency Operations Center:
- Location: Ellicott Hwy & CO Hwy 94.
- Point of Contact: Mike Keeley WU3H (via Mission Coordinator or Site Lead)
Teller County Emergency Operations Center:
- Location: Home of one of the radio operators.
- Point of Contact: Dean Buckhouse KBØVVA
General Notes:
There will be no net, formal or informal, so there will be no net control station. To contact one of the other PPARES sites use one of the two coordination frequencies.
At the time this plan is written, there is no specific time window for any particular modes of frequencies. If the SEOC opts to ask, for example, that only HF contacts made between certain hours, or only VHF repeater contacts be made during certain hours, that will have to be determined on the day of the SET.
Each PPARES site is autonomous. Sites are free to set up and tear down at will. Note the operational period of 0900 – 1500. Sites should be operational and sending traffic during some portion of that period. The only requirement is that each site announce to the mission coordinator (1) when operators arrive at their assigned location, (2) when the site is operational, and (3) when it is closing.
Each site keep a log of its messages sent, and the time, mode and frequency used. Submit the logs to the mission coordinator at the end of the SET via e-mail. Mission coordinator will file a report with the SEC at the conclusion of the exercise.
Voice Net Protocols:
Send “EXERCISE MESSAGE” at the beginning and end of each exercise-related message. In the unlikely event that an actual emergency develops, say “This is not an exercise” when sending “real” emergency traffic.
Using your tactical call sign when contacting other stations. Clear with your FCC call sign.
Numbers should be passed as individual digits. For example, 25 would call in as “Two-Five”. If there is any confusion between the digits 5 and 9, report 5 as “Five” and 9 as “Niner”.
As with any activation, a situation may arise when you need to operate on a frequency not listed; e.g., the input frequency to the repeater. Know how to program and operate your radio.
When making a call, in order to avoid clipping, first push the PTT button, WAIT ... WAIT at least a half a second, then speak. If you’re told you’re still clipping, wait ONE SECOND before speaking.
Avoid editorializing and long thank-you announcements during the net.
Participant Conduct and Expectations:
Attitude: Bring a positive attitude, and a desire to serve as well as to learn. We are there at the request of the emergency management officials, and will abide by their rules. This exercise should be a positive experience for everyone involved. Do not enter areas where not authorized; do not operate or touch any equipment you’re not authorized to operate. Do not access any documentation, books, notebooks, or any information you are not authorized to access.
Appearance: Even though we will not be supporting any specific agency during this amateur radio only exercise, our appearance does matter since we will be operating at served agency locations. Our appearance must remain professional. For this event, we will have a required appearance of a “casual” nature, to include full shirts, pants, and shoes (no T-shirts, no un-collared shirts, no shorts, no sandals). If you have the Cabelas ARES forest green shirt with the black/yellow ARES logo please wear it.). You will also need your ARES credentials. Your credentials are to be worn on the outside of any other clothes, jackets or vests, and above your beltline. You should avoid the unprofessional “ham-isms” such as wearing flashing LED name tags, hats with antennas, and other novelty items.
Miscellaneous Operator Notes:
Use headsets for all operations. Keep the volume turned up to a comfortable listening level. Do not mute the radio or turn the volume down to a point where you can miss a call.
Do not wander away from the radio during the exercise, or turn down the volume when talking with others in the same room. Monitor and be prepared to respond immediately to all queries directed to your station.
Do not use VOX.
Incident Management System:
Although it is not a requirement to be ICS/NIMS trained to participate in this exercise, if your personnel are not already ICS/NIMS trained, it is highly recommended that they do so immediately. See your local training requirements for specific courses. It can be completed easily in an evening or an afternoon. We will follow any ICS organizational chart provided by the exercise planner.
As a minimum, radio operators will use several ICS forms for signing in and out of their area, recording radio traffic, following the incident communications plan, and using an ICS-213 message form for all traffic to and from the supported agency.
When using the ICS-213 message form, note that these forms do not have a box for a message number, such as we’re used to with NTS radiograms. We will add a message number for tracking purposes to the top of the form, using the packet tactical symbol for each location, followed by a numerical sequence beginning with 001. This numbering system will be used for any voice messages as well as any digital messages, so the voice operator and the packet operator should coordinate to avoid duplicate numbers.
Safety:
Safety is critical in that we will be operating in an unknown environment, with people that are not accustomed to having radio equipment, antennas, cabling set up in their building.
Ensure you have permission of a RESPONSIBLE PERSON at the exercise location prior to installing an antenna, radio equipment, or running cable. We also may be operating in an area where others not involved in this exercise may have access, and we must be positive that we cannot cause any physical harm to anyone in the area.
Portable antennas must be secured so they cannot fall over.
Cables must be run so they minimize the possibility of people tripping over them.
Radio equipment must be located so that others cannot inadvertently knock radio equipment over, or pull out cables accidentally.
Security:
Follow any guidance given at your physical location for security issues. Don’t allow people you don’t know into a controlled area unless expressly given permission. Always wear your ID card on the outside of your clothing, such as on your jacket rather than on the shirt under your jacket.
VHF to HF Packet Radio Gateway Operations:
In order to connect to the State EOC via VHF packet, we will use an HF gateway as a link between Colorado Springs and Denver. So the radio path will be from your station, to Mike KØTER’s VHF/HF gateway, to Mike Manes’ W5VSI HF/VHF gateway in Denver, to the NØPUF-9 packet cluster in Denver. The SEOC will retrieve messages from this packet cluster.
In order to do this will require several packet radio connections:
1.From your station, connect on 144.93 MHz to KØTER-8 with this command:
C K0TER-8
This will automatically connect you to a gateway.
2.After receiving the prompts, connect to the HF station in Denver via the gateway with this command:
G W5VSI
That is not a typo – the letter is G as in GATEWAY, not C (as in CONNECT) as one might expect.
3.Once you receive additional prompts, there are two commands to send in order to connect to the NØPUF-9 packet cluster:
G
Send a “G” by itself to force the W5VSI to open its gateway. Then after the next prompt, send:
C N0PUF-9
Once you have established this entire path connection, you are ready to transmit the text ICS-213 message.
4.Type “BYE” to break the connection to Denver.
5.Type “Q” to drop the connection to KØTER-8.
If there are any questions, Mike will be available via one of the two coordination frequencies mentioned above.
Example of a Text-Only ICS-213 Message:
From this example you can fill in the information, replacing the sample text, for your situation. This text message is ideal for transmitting via digital modes.
*** EXERCISE MESSAGE ***
GENERAL MESSAGE
======
MESSAGE# [EPC002]
TO: Mr Jones POSITION: Lake Co. OEM
FROM: Mr Thomas POSITION: EPC OEM
SUBJECT: Test message - exercise start
DATE: 3/13/2007 TIME: 07:57
======
MESSAGE:
This is an exercise test message.
======
SIGNATURE: Jim Thomas, OEM POSITION: El Paso Co. OEM
======
*** EXERCISE MESSAGE ***
/EX
ICS 201 / PAGE 1 / 8. PREPARED BY (NAME AND POSITION)Rob Roller N7LV