The Shamrock February 2000

ARES/RACES Y2K Exercise demonstrates emergency preparedness

  BBy Dwayne T. Fox, W5ZOX


ARES/RACES Y2K Exercise was staged in Midland County on December 31, 1999. The purpose of the operation exercise for Y2K was to check out preparations in case of a power outage. A generator was available, if the power went out. 147.520 was the backup frequency. The operations were conducted at several locations in Midland County and other points. Operating rigs from the Midland Amateur Radio Club House were Mark Smith, N5UNH, Bill Bentley, N5POB, Trey Watkins, KD5HGE, Mike Smith, W5MLS, Dick Titchens, W5RCB, Dwayne Fox, W5ZOX,Hunter Watkins, Jr., KD5HCQ, and Ken Williams, K5JOG. The backup was Jim Reid, K5KUX. Repeater Operations and the HF Net Control was Bryan McCleery, K5YR.   Operating Station at the downtown EOC was Jim Reynolds, KK5MV,

with Tom McCain, KC5ETW, at the Odessa EOC. In charge of the Sheriff Department Van Operation were B. John McDaniel, KE5PL, and Joe Coldewey, KK5ZG. John Peterson, KG5ZA monitored 444.925 and also was backup Net Control for Clubhouse Operations. Mike Smith, W5MLS, monitored the West Texas Connection Operation with Ted  Harwood, W5WTX, monitoring the Southwest Lynx System.
   Ken Williams, K5JOG, monitored HF at the MARC Clubhouse. UHF was monitored by Pat England, KB5MBK from Andrews, Jim Morrison, KM5BS, from Hobbs, NM, John Peterson, KG5ZA, and Les Bradshaw, KC5ETV, on 444.925 out of New Mexico. The backup Net Control at the   Midland  Amateur Radio Clubhouse was John Peterson, KG5ZA.
   The VHF and UHF Operations

was handled by Dwayne Fox, W5ZOX. Larry Nix, N5TQU, monitored traffic for the Cap Rock Electric. Other amateurs helping were, William Taylor, KD4LXC and Jon McLennan, KC5BHZ.
   This involvement by 21 amateur operators demonstrates the willingness and desire of the "hams" in the area to be available for public service.

   The  event was planned by Mark Smith, Bryan McCleery, Jim Reid, and Dwayne Fox.
   Thank you very much for your participation from the Midland Amateur Radio Club.   

Help! Help! Volunteers needed for net controls.


Mike Smith, W5MLS,  has resigned as net control for the below nets. Mike, thank you for your dedication to these nets and a job well done.       
   These nets are of vital importance to the amateur community. Please step forward  to serve the community.
   These nets need a net control immediately:

Midland 2 Meter Net 
meets on Tuesday night at 9:00 PM.

West Texas Connection Net meets on Sunday morning at 9:00 AM.

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