On Sat. Sept 21, the Walpole Emergency Management Agency and Community Emergency Response Team sponsored an amateur radio field exercise. Operating portable and despite the rain, nine stations were deployed, eight at Adam’s Farm in Walpole and one on High Rock in Foxboro. Nets were held on:
- 80 meter voice
- 80 meter NBEMS
- 20 meter NBEMS
And communication was also established on:
- 60 meter voice
- 2 meter repeater
- 440 MHz repeater
A variety of transceivers (QRP and 50 – 100 watts) were tested. A variety of antennas, both horizontal wire and vertical were deployed, and a variety of power systems, including solar, were deployed. Most stations were under the Adam’s Farm pavilion, but Leandra AF1R operated mobile HF from her car and Alan WA1AR operated from his tailgate during the peak of the rain.
A lessons-learned document is being prepared which will:
- Guide Walpole EMA amateur radio deployments moving forward
- Based on lessons learned, support a possible next field test in the spring of 2025
Thanks to the following amateurs who deployed stations and/or antennas:
- Jeff N1JCM
- Dave K1HRV
- Matt KC1PFA
- Alan WA1AR
- Phil KB1CYO
- Chris KB1NLW
- Leandra AF1R
- Frank KC4BFD
- Larry KB1UMD
- Don AB1PH
A few of the amateurs participating over the air were:
- Dick K1HC
- Brian W7OWO
- Paul VA3PC
- Tom AI4TH
- Lem W1LEM
- Chris W3BN
- Jersey Shore Amateur Radio Society NJ2AR
- David KC3ZEE
- Bob K2RET
- John N1RA
- Dustin KD8BWO
- Matt KN4MMA