The Falmouth Amateur Radio Association (FARA) communication trailer, along with Chris Ranney-WA1CMR, Jeremy Cadrin-WA1JRC, and Ralph Swenson-N1YHS, participated in an exercise for the Sandwich Fire Department on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Amateur radio operators from the area also participated. The exercise was designed to simulate an earthquake that damaged the public safety radio infrastructure, causing a communication outage within the town and the surrounding area.
Amateur radio equipment was deployed, using simplex channels in both the 2M and 440 bands. Communication was tested between the HQ Fire Station on Cotuit Road, and designated areas throughout the town. A Command Center was established, consisting of an operations tent with a portable station and the FARA communication trailer. A radio equipped vehicle traveled to designated locations, and tested communication with the Command Center. Communication quality was tested on both bands. Where terrain or distance restricted communication, an mobile amateur radio operator, parked at one of the high points in town, relayed the message traffic. Jeremy-WA1JRC and Dennis-N1RDN manned the mobile vehicles.
Reliable communication was achieved either directly, or through relays, without the use of repeaters or large towers. The exercise provided an effective demonstration of amateur radio's capability to be quickly deployed in an emergency, in support of public safety operations within a community. Many of the people present at the exercise were impressed with the professionalism and capabilities of the local amateur radio community..
The FARA communication trailer was showcased to all those present at the exercise, as part of the capabilities that FARA and other local amateur operators can offer for support when requested.
(Exercise report supplied by Ralph, N1YHS)
(photos courtesy of Chris-WA1CMR and Ralph-N1YHS)
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