Colorado ARES R1D5 (ARESDEC) conducted a hands-on Winlink exercise at the Parker United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 11th. Members came together and set up a Winlink station and received help from fellow members if they ran into problems. Members were able to successfully send Winlink messages on both HF and VHF/UHF.
Setting up a station in the field or at a shelter location can be a challenge. There are always unexpected issues to deal with and sometimes leaving behind that one little cable can cause a major problem. So, being able to practice bringing the go-kits out, setting up radios, antennas, power sources and computers is a valuable experience that can help you prepare for a real deployment.
As always, there were some unique problems that popped up. When computers are involved in the actual communications, there can be many more issues to deal with, compared to just setting up a radio and microphone. The software, operating system and computer-to-radio interface come into play and can create additional challenges. These training exercises help everyone work through the issues with their fellow members and hopefully come to a solution.
Winlink is a critical tool in our ARES toolbox that all members are expected to have, know how to use and be prepared to use it if needed during an activation or planned event. Additional Winlink exercises are scheduled in the future as the goal is for R1D5 members to be proficient in setting up and properly operating a Winlink station in a field location.
The team enjoyed some rasberry and Bavarian cream filled donuts and comradery. See you next year!!
