ARESDEC

DC AuxComm Semi-Annual All-Hands Meeting
2025-09-15 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-02-24 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Denver) | Douglas County EOC, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO, 80109, United States
We schedule two “semi-annual” meetings for DC AuxComm members to meet together for AuxComm training. Our first DC AuxComm meeting is scheduled in February at the Douglas County EOC. The second will usually be scheduled in September each year. Meeting time is 1830 – 2030. The purpose of this meeting is to become better acquainted with the EOC, to discuss EOC process and procedures, and to talk about the various communications equipment used by AuxComm members when deployed to the EOC. W6AUN will facilitate the meeting and discussions. DC OEM staff may attend to provide additional instruction.
Stay tuned for more details.

ARES VHF Net 2000
2025-09-14 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-09-07 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-31 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-24 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-17 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-10 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-03 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-27 20:00 - 20:30 and 31 more dates
Statewide ARES voice Nets are held each Sunday. At 2000 hours the VHF Net meets on the Colorado Connection system of repeaters. In the Denver area the Connection is found on 145.310 MHz. and an 88.5 Hz tone is required.
Come join us!

ARES HF SSB Net 0800
2025-09-14 08:00 - 08:30, 2025-09-07 08:00 - 08:30, 2025-08-31 08:00 - 08:30, 2025-08-24 08:00 - 08:30, 2025-08-17 08:00 - 08:30, 2025-08-10 08:00 - 08:30, 2025-08-03 08:00 - 08:30, 2025-07-27 08:00 - 08:30 and 31 more dates
Colorado statewide ARES Voice Nets are held each Sunday. The HF single sideband Net meets at 0800 hours on 3810 KHz.
Please join us.

ARESDEC Weekly Net
2025-09-11 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-21 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-14 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-31 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-17 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-10 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-06-19 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-06-12 20:00 - 20:30 and 15 more dates
Weekly Nets

Weekly ARESDEC nets are held every Thursday at 20:00 local time, except for the fourth Thursday of each month which is reserved for our monthly Face-to-Face meeting. The default Net frequency is the 448.425 MHz repeater (negative offset, 107.2 Hz tone), but may sometimes be moved to other frequencies in order to test our capabilities.
Guests are welcome! Please listen to NCS instructions prior to checking in to the net

ARRL Colorado Section Monthly Net
2025-09-08 19:00 - 19:30, 2025-08-11 19:00 - 19:30, 2025-07-14 19:00 - 19:30, 2025-06-09 19:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-12 19:00 - 19:30, 2025-04-14 19:00 - 19:30, 2025-03-10 19:00 - 19:30, 2025-02-10 19:00 - 19:30 and 1 more date
Monthly ARRL Section Net
Everyone is invited to check in and join the discussion!
This net is dedicated to all things related to amateur radio in Colorado, including updates from the ARRL. It’s the perfect place to announce ham fests, club activities, request assistance from fellow hams, and share anything of interest to the Colorado ham community. This net takes place every second Monday of the month at 7:00 PM.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the repeater owners and clubs that host the Section Net. Please feel free to visit the websites of all the clubs that carry the Colorado Section Net. Additionally, we appreciate the Colorado Traffic League for allowing us to use their usual time slot on the Colorado Connection to host this net at 7 PM.
The net is carried on the following repeater systems:

WE0FUN Fun Machines Repeaters
Colorado Connection VHF Repeater System
Rocky Mountain Ham Radio Wide Talk Group 700
Northern Colorado ARC Buckhorn Repeaters
Mountain Amateur Radio Club Repeaters
Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club

Computer and digital modes:

Allstar – Node 28368
Echolink – *CANONCTY* 363976
DStar – XRF815B, XLX815B, DCS815B or REF815B
TGIF – DMR 815
YSF – US CO WE0FUN 53927
P25 – Talkgroup 10209
NXDN – Talkgroup 31081
M17 – 815B

The above information is found on the website link at https://colorado-arrl.us/arrl-section-net/

Monthly Staff Meeting
2025-09-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-08-04 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-07-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-05-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-04-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-03-10 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-02-10 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-01-13 18:30 - 20:30 and 2 more dates | PUMC – Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S Pine Drive, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Monthly ARES R1D5 Staff Meeting held in person and via Microsoft Teams. Link to Microsoft Teams will be provided before each Staff meeting. In-Person location will remain the same each month unless advised otherwise.

Fall Poker Run
2025-09-07 07:00 - 17:00 | Rampart Range, CO, United States
Twice a year, the Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee sponsors a non-competitive Poker Run for off-road motorcycles (no ATV’s) and riders of all ages. There is a short course (approximately 15-25 miles) and a long course (approximately 50-55 miles). Riders of all abilities are welcome. Prizes are awarded on the basis of the poker hand you draw at the final check point. The Fall Poker Run is not a race, it is an EVENT!
This is a non-competitive event and the 5 prizes awarded for each course are based on the rider’s luck in drawing one of the five highest winning poker hands consisting of five (short course) or seven (long course) total cards at the final checkpoint. It’s truly a wonderful experience.
ARESDEC will provide tactical communications & situational awareness for Poker Run event staff. ARESDEC members should expect to provide APRS/LoRa tracking, checkpoint communications, Forward Observer (FOB), observe Poker Run operations and monitor the Net, report any emergencies, medical issues, and/or disabled bikes, and report rider activity like first rider through, sweeps passing through the checkpoints, and event staff arriving and departing. We coordinate with Douglas County Search & Rescue (DCSAR) for their services if needed on the course.
Background: The Rampart Range Fall Poker Run is planned and run by the RRMMC (Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee). RRMMC is an all-volunteer, nonprofit corporation founded in 1972 to work with the Forest Service to promote and preserve dirt bike trail riding opportunities in the Rampart Range area of Pike National Forest near Sedalia, Colorado.
Event Website: http://rampartrange.org/poker-run/

ARESDEC Weekly Net
2025-09-04 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-07 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-03 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-06-05 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-05-01 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-03 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-03-20 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-03-06 20:00 - 20:30 and 4 more dates
Weekly Nets

Weekly ARESDEC nets are held every Thursday at 20:00 local time, except for the fourth Thursday of each month which is reserved for our monthly Face-to-Face meeting. The default Net frequency is the 448.425 MHz repeater (negative offset, 107.2 Hz tone), but may sometimes be moved to other frequencies in order to test our capabilities.
Guests are welcome! Please listen to NCS instructions prior to checking in to the net.

ARESDEC Weekly Net Cancelled
2025-08-28 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-24 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-05-22 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-24 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-03-27 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-02-27 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-01-23 20:00 - 20:30, 2024-11-28 20:00 - 20:30
There is no Weekly Net on the 4th Thursday of each month if ARESDEC is sponsoring a monthly Face-to-Face meeting or if a holiday falls on the 4th Thursday.

Building ICS-213RR Messages and VEOCI Demo
2025-08-28 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
We are in for a treat! Jennifer Ward, Douglas County OEM Emergency Coordinator, will join us for the evening filled with fun and learning. Do you know what an ICS-213RR form is used for? What does the ‘RR’ mean? (Hint: It means “Resource Request”).
Jennifer will teach us how to properly complete an ICS-213RR form used in the Logistics Section of the EOC during an activation/incident. The form is used to record the type and quantity of resources needed by the requestor. The ICS-213RR form is also used to track the status of the resources after they are received. Local organizations and agencies may use modified versions of the ICS-213RR form to meet specific needs and requirements.
How do you complete a 213RR form properly? What goes into it? What is the process to get a ICS-213RR to the EOC in a complete and timely manner? We will have a table top exercise filling out ICS-213RR forms. What does the Logistics Section do with it after receipt? How does the EOC track resources when ordered and received? These and many other questions will be answered as we learn together.
We’ll also have a demonstration of VEOCI Emergency Management software and how it works with the ICS-213RR. You don’t want to miss this Face-to-Face meeting.
See you at the meeting!

RMHAM - The SUMMER Swapfest
2025-08-24 09:00 - 13:00 | Adams County Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO, 80601, United States
RMHAM has decided to step up and present The SUMMER Swapfest to replace the previously cancelled Denver Radio Club event. We’ll hold this on Sunday, August 24th, 2025 between 9 AM and 1 PM. RMHAM wants to continue to provide a summertime opportunity for Colorado hams to buy, sell, trade and most importantly have the “eyeball” QSO’s that we all enjoy!.

Elbert County Fair & Rodeo
2025-07-26 - 2025-08-03, 2024-07-27 - 2024-08-04 | Elbert County Fairground, 95 Ute Ave, Kiowa, CO, 80117, United States
The Elbert County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provides the request for County Fair ARES® support to provide situational awareness, weather monitoring and reporting, staff coordination, and onsite safety. We will work from an on-site Safety Station, monitor radio communications, and relay traffic as directed by Elbert County Fair Board Leadership. We will again be using DTRS (public safety radios) and those R1D5 members with Elbert County EOC training are highly desired, but not required, for this event.
RADOs needed to cover the entire event.
Event website: https://www.elbertcountyfair.com/

Douglas County Fair & Rodeo
2025-07-25 - 2025-08-03, 2024-07-26 - 2024-08-04, 2023-07-28 - 2023-08-06 | Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock, CO, 80104, United States
The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is a longtime tradition that holds a special place in the hearts of Douglas County residents. This highly attended event has been a showcase for the skills and talents of many for generations. Complete with PRCA rodeos, 4-H, FFA and Open Class exhibitors, Jr. Livestock Sale, carnival, entertainment and much more, this is a fun gathering for young and old.
During the Douglas County Fair, ARES R1D5 will be operating out of the Fair’s command center, and we are part of the DC Security and Facilities team. We will be using public safety talkgroups. This year we are sitting with those who are monitoring a large number of CCTV cameras installed around the fairgrounds. We will be communicating with law enforcement at the Fair, and with Douglas County Law or Fire dispatch if the need arises.
RADOs will be needed each day of the event to provide necessary coverage. Please contact Training@aresdec.org for more information.
Event website: https://www.douglascountyfairandrodeo.com/

ARRL Field Day 2025
2025-06-27 12:00 - 2025-06-29 12:00 | Rueter-Hess Reservoir, 9343 Double Angel Road, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
ARRL Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. On the fourth weekend of June, more than 35,000 radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups or simply with friends to operate from remote locations. The event called Field Day, encourages hams to set up antennas and radios outdoors in the “Field” and make as many radio contacts with other hams as is possible in a 24-hour period.
The purpose of Field Day is to simulate a national level disaster where normal communications infrastructure is impacted over a wide area. Hams, also known as amateur radio operators, have a long history of providing communications during local and national emergencies and disasters. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) of Douglas and Elbert Counties has organized a Field Day location in the Parker area at Rueter-Hess Reservoir, 9343 Double Angel Road, Parker. This location is off Stroh Road, south of Hess Road, on the southeast side of the Rueter-Hess Reservoir. Here is a Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bWw3m4VVxYS28w8n9.

The exact GPS coordinates are: 39.478959084187515, -104.81674008006836
Setup begins at 12:00 PM on Friday, and the beginning of actual Field Day activities/communications start at 12:00 PM on Saturday and continuing for 24 hours until 12:00 PM on Sunday. And not a drop of AC power is used to communicate across the globe. Amazing, right?
ARES of Douglas and Elbert Counties will be making ham radio contacts from a NEW Field Day location. The public is invited to check out Field Day and come see what ham radio is all about.

Peter, W0OW (left) and Bill, KF0CWS (right).
Everyone is welcome to come and see what happens at Field Day!

ARESDEC Weekly Net
2025-06-26 20:00 - 20:30
Weekly Net

Weekly ARESDEC nets are held every Thursday at 20:00 local time, except for the fourth Thursday of each month which is reserved for our monthly Face-to-Face meeting. The default Net frequency is the 448.425 MHz repeater (negative offset, 107.2 Hz tone), but may sometimes be moved to other frequencies in order to test our capabilities.
Guests are welcome! Please listen to NCS instructions prior to checking in to the net.

Face-to-Face Meeting Cancelled Due to Field Day Activities
2025-06-26 19:00 - 21:00
June Face-to-Face will not be held this month due to Field Day events

Elizabeth Stampede
2025-06-05 - 2025-06-08 | Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth, 4189 CO-86, Elizabeth, CO, 80107, United States
The first annual Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo was held at the end of May 1966. As a PRCA sanctioned rodeo since 1988, the Elizabeth Stampede has established itself as one of the best regional rodeos with the Mountain States Circuit.
Held in Casey Jones Park each year in June, the community from the surrounding areas within Elbert County and beyond come to celebrate the 4 days of events which include:

Nightly PRCA Rodeo
Parade along Main Street
Rodeo Barrel races
Concerts
Great food
and a whole bunch more!

ARESDEC is a proud partner with the Elizabeth Stampede and will provide Elbert County OEM and Stampede event staff with communications support for situational awareness, weather monitoring and reporting, medical incident reporting, assisting law enforcement and fire dispatch with communications support as needed.
We look forward to working together with the community and event organizers.

Spring Poker Run
2025-06-01 07:00 - 17:00 | Rampart Range, CO, United States
Twice a year, the Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee sponsors a non-competitive Poker Run for off-road motorcycles (no ATV’s) and riders of all ages. There is a short course (approximately 15-25 miles) and a long course (approximately 50-55 miles). Riders of all abilities are welcome. Prizes are awarded on the basis of the poker hand you draw at the final check point. The Spring Poker Run is not a race, it is an EVENT!
This is a non-competitive event and the 5 prizes awarded for each course are based on the rider’s luck in drawing one of the five highest winning poker hands consisting of five (short course) or seven (long course) total cards at the final checkpoint. It’s truly a wonderful experience.
ARESDEC will provide tactical communications & situational awareness for Poker Run event staff. ARESDEC members should expect to provide APRS/LoRa tracking, checkpoint communications, Forward Observer (FOB), observe Poker Run operations and monitor the Net, report any emergencies, medical issues, and/or disabled bikes, and report rider activity like first rider through, sweeps passing through the checkpoints, and event staff arriving and departing. We coordinate with Douglas County Search & Rescue (DCSAR) for their services if needed on the course.
Background: The Rampart Range Spring Poker Run is planned and run by the RRMMC (Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee). RRMMC is an all-volunteer, nonprofit corporation founded in 1972 to work with the Forest Service to promote and preserve dirt bike trail riding opportunities in the Rampart Range area of Pike National Forest near Sedalia, Colorado.
Event Website: http://rampartrange.org/poker-run/

Mad Gravel Race
2025-05-25 07:00 - 17:00 | Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch, 22799 Elbert Rd., Elbert, CO, 80106, United States
Elbert County is where you want to be to celebrate the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend this year!

Located in Kiowa, Colorado, the Mad Gravel Race is a series of events that are held over the Memorial Day weekend each year. ARESDEC is proud to provide communications support for 3 important races described below.
We are again planning to enhance our team and individual communication skills by providing APRS/LoRa tracking, Aid Station communications, and likely some Rover and SAG (support & gear) for a family of three races in Elbert County as described below:

Hemi Hustle: 30 miles

At 30 miles, the Hemi Hustle is the best route for those that want a great sampling of the region while still enjoying the unique roads and views of Elbert County. On 100% gravel roads, this amazing course delivers the Hemi experience in a condensed form. While you get a custom number plate, it is not a competitive event. This is the shortest route, but know you still will conquer a very challenging course.

Hemi Five-O: 50 miles

At a hefty 50 miles, Hemi Five-O is slightly less sadistic than its parent. Plenty of mileage while still enjoying an epic tour of the eastern plains. Prepare yourself for some awe-inspiring moments while you take in a great panorama of Colorado’s high peaks. Pikes Peak alone is stunning in late spring with its snow-capped summit. Fully supported with an aid station in the middle so you can pack light.

Hemi: 100 miles

100 miles of pure bliss. The Hemi will cover over 6400 feet of climbing while topping out at 7300 ft. This course is a perfect blend of all the killer gravel roads in Elbert County. While you’ll get wide open power sections, expect some climbing that will test the legs over this distance. Wind in May east of the Colorado front range? Yeah it’s likely. 3 aid stations to serve your hydration and nutritional needs.

Mad Gravel and Rattler Racing have combined efforts with the Junior Cycling Project, a Colorado non-profit charitable organization to create this event. Together, they work to expand on the shared mission of getting juniors on bikes, introduce new cycling opportunities, and work with like minded non-profits to get bikes in the hands of those juniors in need. By working and partnering with the community, they advance the cause of supporting junior riders and give them the resources and avenues to help them grow. After all, they are the future of the sport!.
ARESDEC is proud to provide communications support to this important event and the community that supports them!

Face-to-Face: Field Day Planning & Go-Kit Presentations
2025-05-22 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Summer is almost here and that means that the annual ARRL Field Day is just around the corner. At our May Face-to-Face meeting, we will cover some Field Day planning and logistics type activities. Our ARES leadership under the direction of W6AUN will lead that discussion.
We’ll also be treated to several “Go-Kit” presentations from some of our members. What’s in your “Go-Kit”?
All interested amateur radio operators – or those interested in becoming amateur radio operators are welcome to attend the Face-to-Face meeting.
This will be a packed evening of great information shared with all. Please come and join us. All are welcome.
Stephen, KG7KWW (Left). Josh, W0RTA (Right), displaying their go kit in action.
Field Day is right around the corner!

RMHAM University - Grounding and lightning protection
2025-04-26 08:30 - 12:00 | Cherry Creek Schools ESC, 4700 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO, 80111, United States
2024-2025 RMHAM U Season is here.
There’s no charge for our classes and everyone is welcome in person, or online.
Classes will be both in person at the Cherry Creek Schools Educational Services Center, 4700 South Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO but will but will also be simulcast on Zoom. Many of the classes are in the form of a lab, so we are looking forward to meeting in person. RMHAM University full length classes are scheduled from 8:30AM to Noon on the listed day. Once you sign up, you will have access to the zoom information in the registration system. You may ask questions via chat or via your microphone.
All of our courses are free to the public, but you will need to register to get the Zoom meeting information.
Today’s Workshop – Grounding and lightning protection
How not to get you or your equipment zapped by lightning.
Zoom Meeting ID: 899 2441 6627 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Presented by: Mike K7AIH
Besides watching via Zoom, classes will also be in person at:
Cherry Creek Schools ESC
4700 S. Yosemite Street
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Face-to-Face: ICS Planning Process for Planned and Emergent Incidents with a Table Top Exercise
2025-04-24 19:00 - 21:00 | NB – New Beginning Community Church, 10550 S Progress Way #100, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Announcing April Face-to-Face Meeting
Topic: ICS Planning Process for Planned and Emergent Incidents with a Table Top Exercise
Presenter: Jim N4JJR
Our April F2F meeting will focus on the planning process for planned and emergent incidents. Have you ever received an IAP (Incident Action Plan)? Other that the mish-mash of words and pictures in an IAP, have you ever thought about Why and HOW it gets created?
Learn about the NIMS (National Incident Management System) based planning process that guides virtually EVERY emergency in the U.S. and it’s territories ranging from a simple ambulance call to to a CAT 5 hurricane.

Face-to-Face: ARESDEC Storm Operations Training
2025-03-27 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Presentation on our Wx Spotting protocols used within the ARES R1D5 group.Here, at our March F2F, Jim N4JJR will lead us through some very important topics to ARES R1D5, including:

How to be a mobile storm spotter
How ARES activates and manages our members in the field
How to prepare / Wx Spotting GO-KIT
How to Wx Spot
When, what and how to report
How to Demobilize
How to Stay Safe

WHY DO WE DO THIS?
In most years, thunderstorms, tornadoes and lightning cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and billions in property and crop damages throughout the country. To obtain critical weather information, the National Weather Service (NWS) established SKYWARN® with partner organizations such as ARES. We participate to help keep our local community safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.

RMHAM University - Antenna Workshop
2025-03-08 08:30 - 12:00 | Cherry Creek Schools ESC, 4700 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO, 80111, United States
2024-2025 RMHAM U Season is here.
There’s no charge for our classes and everyone is welcome in person, or online.
Classes will be both in person at the Cherry Creek Schools Educational Services Center, 4700 South Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO but will but will also be simulcast on Zoom. Many of the classes are in the form of a lab, so we are looking forward to meeting in person. RMHAM University full length classes are scheduled from 8:30AM to Noon on the listed day. Once you sign up, you will have access to the zoom information in the registration system. You may ask questions via chat or via your microphone.
All of our courses are free to the public, but you will need to register to get the Zoom meeting information.
Today’s Workshop – Antenna Workshop
Antennas for HF and VHF. Transmission lines, different HF antennas (dipole, OCF, Zepp, bazooka, multi-band, trapped, vertical, beams), building and tuning wire antennas, yagis, trapped, etc. Oriented at practical considerations, stealth, size and height, etc.
Zoom Meeting ID: 851 4738 2641 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Presented by: Doug K2AD and Willem AC0KQ
Besides watching via Zoom, classes will also be in person at:
Cherry Creek Schools ESC
4700 S. Yosemite Street
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Face-to-Face: MC of Planned Events
2025-02-27 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Have you thought about volunteering to be the Mission Coordinator for an ARESDEC planned event? Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a Mission Coordinator? In ARES, we use Mission Coordinators for both planned events and ‘real-world’ activations. What does it take to be a Mission Coordinator? Are the demands on a Mission Coordinator different for planned events versus activation? Come to our Face-to- Face meeting to get these questions and more answered by experienced ARESDEC Mission Coordinators.
During this Face-to-Face meeting, we will do a deeper dive into the planning and execution of planned events and probably take 75-90 min. Jerry, AG7U plans to involve our District EC and the 2024 MCs (AD0UZ, K0WJF, N4JJR & W6AUN) in a panel type discussion (in addition to the presentation) to include their perspective and experience. We’ll include some Field Day lessons learned.
It will be well worth your time to attend and walk away with all the information you need to be an MC in 2025!
Chris KF0KFA and Chris K0BOM (NCS/ANCS respectively) at the Highlands Ranch Turkey Day 5K, (11/23/2023)

ARESDEC Presentation to American Legion Post 82 - Elizabeth, CO
2025-02-22 09:00 - 11:00 | American Legion Post 82 – Elizabeth, CO, 228 S Banner St, Elizabeth, CO, 80107, United States
On February 22, 2025, ARESDEC members will participate in a presentation to the American Legion Post 82 in Elizabeth, Colorado regarding what ARESDEC is, our mission, our services, the served agencies and communities we serve. As an all-volunteer public service organization, we are made up of FCC licensed and trained Amateur Radio operators who provide their own equipment to perform communications services for community events and in times of emergency.
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service of Douglas and Elbert Counties (ARESDEC) is one of 28 ARES districts in the state of Colorado. For more than 30 years, ARESDEC has been serving our community in times of emergency and disaster by providing volunteer communications services to public safety agencies and support organizations (i.e., American Red Cross and Salvation Army). We are a service organization comprised of amateur radio operators who donate our time, equipment, and expertise. We train our members to use best communications practices to effectively assist our served agencies.
If any ARESDEC members wish to participate in this presentation, please reach out to Operations@aresdec.org or W0KDE@aresdec.org.

DMR Hands-On Workshop
2025-02-15 09:00 - 12:00 | PUMC – Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S Pine Drive, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Each Spring, ARES R1D5 members assemble together to help each other update radio firmware and DMR code plugs in preparation for the busy schedule of events we support each year. We share tips and techniques to improve our understanding and use of DMR. Finally, we work together to test our DMR radios, code plugs and troubleshoot any issues we might find.
We will begin the morning at 0900 with a presentation by Jerry, AG7U on Roaming. Afterwards, we will break out into separate rooms based on a limited set of radio manufacturer / models, and with the help of top notch “Elmers” standing by, we will upgrade code plugs, firmware and troubleshoot any issues we are having with our DMR code plug.
So mark your calendar and bring your HT / mobile radio to the workshop. Hopefully you’ll leave with a radio that is ready for the upcoming season of planned activities and possible activations.
We will meet in the Youth Room 144 to start and break out to other rooms based on need and attendance.
If you are willing to be an Elmer during one of these DMR workshops, please reach out to Training@aresdec.org.

RMHAM University - Nerdfest
2025-02-15 08:30 - 12:00 | Cherry Creek Schools ESC, 4700 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO, 80111, United States
2024-2025 RMHAM U Season is here.
There’s no charge for our classes and everyone is welcome in person, or online.
Classes will be both in person at the Cherry Creek Schools Educational Services Center, 4700 South Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO but will but will also be simulcast on Zoom. Many of the classes are in the form of a lab, so we are looking forward to meeting in person. RMHAM University full length classes are scheduled from 8:30AM to Noon on the listed day. Once you sign up, you will have access to the zoom information in the registration system. You may ask questions via chat or via your microphone.
All of our courses are free to the public, but you will need to register to get the Zoom meeting information.
Today’s Workshop – Nerdfest
An eclectic assortment of talks on topics of interest to hams.
Zoom Meeting ID: 860 8788 6425 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Presented by: Multiple individuals
Besides watching via Zoom, classes will also be in person at:
Cherry Creek Schools ESC
4700 S. Yosemite Street
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Shelter Site Surveys
2025-02-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2024-12-14 09:00 - 15:00 | Rueter-Hess Reservoir, 9343 Double Angel Road, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
ARES® R1D5 is scheduled to conduct a survey of a publicly accessible facility designated by either the Douglas County Office of Emergency Management (DC OEM) or the Elbert County Office of Emergency Management (EC OEM) as a priority emergency shelter. This survey will allow preparation and update of an ARES® Key Location Form that details information necessary for deployed teams to respond to a shelter activation in a timely manner with the right communications equipment.
The crux of a shelter survey is propagation testing. We’ll be testing our primary amateur analog/DMR repeaters, Winlink RMS Gateways, and Simplex communication with either the Douglas County EOC or Elbert County EOC. The purpose is to determine how much antenna and radio capability deployed teams need to bring to the facility to operate effectively.
We can use ARES volunteers who wish to participate with their analog and/or DMR GO-KIT radio, Winlink computer, and speaker stand antenna to test voice/Winlink performance from the shelter. This is a great opportunity to test your equipment in the field.

ARES members are also welcome to participate in the survey without bringing their own portable GO-KIT equipment.
Survey participants need to wear their ARES uniform and Colorado Volunteer Mobilizer (CVM) identification badge.
AuxComm members deploying to the DC EOC or EC EOC should wear their AuxComm badge for access to the EOC + uniform.

If you would like to help out, share some camaraderie, learn how shelters surveys are accomplished, and see a premier Douglas County or Elbert County pre-designated shelter, contact Operations@aresdec.org.

RMHAM University - Designing Objects for 3D Printing
2025-01-25 08:30 - 12:00 | Cherry Creek Schools ESC, 4700 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO, 80111, United States
2024-2025 RMHAM U Season is here.
There’s no charge for our classes and everyone is welcome in person, or online.
Classes will be both in person at the Cherry Creek Schools Educational Services Center, 4700 South Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO but will but will also be simulcast on Zoom. Many of the classes are in the form of a lab, so we are looking forward to meeting in person. RMHAM University full length classes are scheduled from 8:30AM to Noon on the listed day. Once you sign up, you will have access to the zoom information in the registration system. You may ask questions via chat or via your microphone.
All of our courses are free to the public, but you will need to register to get the Zoom meeting information.
Today’s Workshop – Designing Objects for 3D Printing
This is a class following on the 3D Printing class concentrating on the software used to design 3D objects for 3D printing.
Zoom Meeting ID: 844 9084 0341 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Presented by: Jim Dixon KA6ETE
Besides watching via Zoom, classes will also be in person at:
Cherry Creek Schools ESC
4700 S. Yosemite Street
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

DC OEM Annual Exercise (DC IMT Comm Unit and AuxComm)
2025-01-24 07:30 - 13:00, 2024-11-08 08:30 - 12:30 | Douglas County EOC, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO, 80109, United States
ARES R1D5 AuxComm members and the DC IMT Comm Unit will team up with the DC EOC for the OEM annual exercise. More details to come. For questions, please contact our ARES R1D5 DC OEM liaison.

Face-to-Face: Knots for ARES and Ham Radio: An Update
2025-01-23 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Join us for the first Face-to-Face meeting in the New Year at 19:00.
Topic: Knots for ARES and Ham Radio: An Update
Be there for a knotty evening (see what we did there?) as our own Perry, W6AUN tests our knowledge of knots to see which knots we remember from our last Face-to-Face. Perry will take us through a few basic knots and will also demonstrate some cool knots you might knot have seen before. All his knots have practical applications for ARES and with a little practice, you’ll be able to put these knots to work for you. You cannot knot be there (again, did you see what we did there)?

Shelter Site Surveys
2025-01-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Elbert County, CO, 80106
ARES® R1D5 is scheduled to conduct a survey of a publicly accessible facility designated by the Elbert County Office of Emergency Management (EC OEM) as a priority emergency shelter. This survey will enable preparation of an ARES® Key Location Form that details information necessary for deployed teams to respond to a shelter activation in a timely manner with the right communications equipment.
The crux of a shelter survey is propagation testing. We’ll be testing our primary amateur analog/DMR repeaters, Winlink RMS Gateways, and Simplex communication with the Elbert County EOC. The purpose is to determine how much antenna and radio capability deployed teams need to bring to the facility to operate effectively.
We can use ARES volunteers who wish to participate with their analog and/or DMR GO-KIT radio, Winlink computer, and speaker stand antenna to test voice/Winlink performance from the shelter. This is a great opportunity to test your equipment in the field.

ARES members are also welcome to participate in the survey without bringing their own portable GO-KIT equipment.
Survey participants need to wear their ARES uniform and Colorado Volunteer Mobilizer (CVM) identification badge.
AuxComm members deploying to the DC EOC or EC EOC should wear their AuxComm badge for access to the EOC + uniform.

If you would like to help out, share some camaraderie, learn how shelters surveys are accomplished, and see a premier Elbert County pre-designated shelter, contact Operations@aresdec.org.

RMHAM University - Solar Power: Planning and Design
2024-12-21 08:30 - 12:00 | Cherry Creek Schools ESC, 4700 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO, 80111, United States
2024-2025 RMHAM U Season is here.
There’s no charge for our classes and everyone is welcome in person, or online.
Classes will be both in person at the Cherry Creek Schools Educational Services Center, 4700 South Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO but will but will also be simulcast on Zoom. Many of the classes are in the form of a lab, so we are looking forward to meeting in person. RMHAM University full length classes are scheduled from 8:30AM to Noon on the listed day. Once you sign up, you will have access to the zoom information in the registration system. You may ask questions via chat or via your microphone.
All of our courses are free to the public, but you will need to register to get the Zoom meeting information.
Today’s Workshop – Solar Power: Planning and Design
Design and planning for solar power, power requirement planning, storage, sizing panels, deciding mono/poly panels, mounts, sizing, etc.
Zoom Meeting ID: 886 5969 7697 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Presented by: Doug K2AD and John W0VG
Besides watching via Zoom, classes will also be in person at:
Cherry Creek Schools ESC
4700 S. Yosemite Street
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Shelter Site Surveys
2024-12-14 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-11-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Elbert County, CO, 80106

Highlands Ranch Turkey Day 5K Run
2024-11-28 07:30 - 12:00 | Shea Stadium, 3270 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
A public service/camaraderie Thanksgiving morning event where ARES R1D5 provides communications support to event staff via observers primarily using HTs on a Simplex frequency. We provide situational awareness for the event participants and event staff to ensure a safe and fun event for all participants. Historically, proceeds have gone to the Douglas County Fallen Officer’s fund.
Objective(s):

Safely and effectively provide communications support and incident awareness to the Highlands Ranch Turkey Day 5K event supporting the Douglas County Fallen Officers Fund.
Establish and Maintain an ARESDEC ICP to serve as an effective Incident Communication Center using Amateur Radio to maintain situational awareness and aid event management with regard to problems on the course involving incidents, accidents, or injuries.
Coordinate with law and other first responders as warranted. Maintain public safety communications to DCSO elements providing traffic control for the event.
Maintain ARESDEC personnel accountability via pre-event Check-in, Roll Calls, and Demobilization reporting when returning to their home QTH (or other planned destination).

After working up an appetite, everyone will get to enjoy their favorite Thanksgiving festivities including family, friends and food. Maybe sneak a nap and watch some football!

RMHAM University - Direction Finding Workshop
2024-11-16 08:30 - 12:00, 2024-11-12 08:30 - 12:00 | Cherry Creek Schools ESC, 4700 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO, 80111, United States
2024-2025 RMHAM U Season is here.
There’s no charge for our classes and everyone is welcome in person, or online.
Classes will be both in person at the Cherry Creek Schools Educational Services Center, 4700 South Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO but will but will also be simulcast on Zoom. Many of the classes are in the form of a lab, so we are looking forward to meeting in person. RMHAM University full length classes are scheduled from 8:30AM to Noon on the listed day. Once you sign up, you will have access to the zoom information in the registration system. You may ask questions via chat or via your microphone.
All of our courses are free to the public, but you will need to register to get the Zoom meeting information.
Today’s Workshop – Direction Finding Workshop
About 2 hours of class instruction on direction finding at field as well as regional scales followed by a field exercise. Covers everything from a simple HT ad a yagi to sophisticated direction finding equipment. Bring what you have for the fox hunt.
Zoom Meeting ID: 885 9008 1605 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Presented by: Chris K0SWE and Dan N0PUF
Besides watching via Zoom, classes will also be in person at:
Cherry Creek Schools ESC
4700 S. Yosemite Street
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Colorado State Simulated Emergency Test (SET)
2024-10-26 | Douglas County EOC, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO, 80109, United States
ARRL’s annual Simulated Emergency Test (SET) for Colorado is usually scheduled for the 4th Saturday in October each year. This nationwide exercise is the chance to test personal emergency-operating skills and the readiness of communications equipment and accessories in a simulated emergency-like deployment. The ARRL’s Amateur Radio Emergency Service ® (ARES®), the National Traffic System (NTS), the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), SKYWARN, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN), and other allied groups and public-service oriented radio amateurs are among those who are eligible to participate in the simulated exercise and to practice emergency operation plans, nets and procedures.
This year the Colorado ARES Section will organize a coordinated communications exercise for all Colorado regions and districts. The scenario and injects have not yet been developed or announced. The annual exercise promises to test our radio skills and equipment abilities. We will operate from each of our serve agency’s EOC and Hospital’s Emergency Radio room.
It’s a great opportunity to participate as if it were the real thing! Time and duration of the event TBD.
Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the date!

DC AuxComm All-Hands EOC Update meeting
2024-10-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Douglas County EOC, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO, 80109, United States
There will be an All-Hands meeting at 18:30 at the DC EOC for all AuxComm members. More information to come, but please plan on being in attendance. For questions contact our ARES R1D5 DC OEM Liaison.

Scout Jamboree at Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch
2024-09-27 - 2024-09-29 | Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch, 22799 Elbert Rd., Elbert, CO, 80106, United States
ELBERT COUNTY SUPPORT REQUESTED FOR SCOUT JAMBOREE (27-29 SEPT)
We’ve received a request from our Elbert County Partner Agency to support the event IMT/ICP for the 2024 Jamboree of ~3,500 Scouts at Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch. We understand this huge multi-Council camping event is held at Peaceful Valley about every four years.
The EOP (Emergency Operation Plan) is at an early stage, but appears the cross-functional ICP will be “up” round the clock for three days while thousands of Scouts are camped out. This will be a big deal for Elbert County with evacuation shelters designated and even the School District on standby to use their many buses for evacuation if required. It has not yet been determined where ICP will be located (i.e. local fire station, EOC, etc.).
Stay tuned for more details forthcoming!

Fall 2024 Winlink Software Refresher
2024-09-14 09:00 - 10:30 | Microsoft Teams
Are you ready? Ready for what you ask? Are you ready for the October Colorado Simulated Emergency Test (SET)? Well, to be “ready”, we all should be familiar with how to use Winlink to send basic messages over the airwaves. Some members have a good working knowledge of Winlink, and some us need a refresher. Well, here’s our chance to get a refresher.

We will meet together via Microsoft Teams for about an hour on a beautiful, September Saturday morning and walk through the basic functionality of Winlink. We’ll answer questions about where to download Winlink from, how to configure it, how to send and receive messages, create and send forms and create/send an ICS 213RR form using Winlink. This refresher is to prepare us for participating in the October Colorado state SET (Simulated Emergency Test) exercise. Everyone can participate from home for this year’s SET exercise. How cool is that? No need to travel.

Perry W6AUN will be our instructor.

PS. It will help if you can download and install Winlink prior to the workshop from www.winlink.org.

Fall Poker Run 2024
2024-09-08 | Rampart Range, CO, United States
Background: The Rampart Range Spring Poker Run is planned and run by the RRMMC (Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee). RRMMC is an all-volunteer, nonprofit corporation founded in 1972 to work with the Forest Service to promote and preserve dirt bike trail riding opportunities in the Rampart Range area of Pike National Forest near Sedalia, Colorado.
Twice a year, the Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee sponsors a non-competitive Poker Run for off-road motorcycle riders of all ages. There is a short course (approximately 15-25 miles) and a long course (approximately 50-55 miles). Riders of all abilities are welcome. Prizes are awarded on the basis of the poker hand drawn at the final check point. This is not a race. It’s an event.
ARESDEC provides tactical communications & situational awareness for event staff via staffing the following functions:
– EC Emergency Coordinator – overall ARES leader
– MC Mission Coordinator – ARES event planning, execution and safety
– COMM CENTER ARES Communication Trailer / ICP (Net Control, Alternate Net Control)
– CHEKPOINTS Each with two trained ARES Radio Operators (RADOs)
– ROVER Highly trained ARES mobile RADO
– FO (Forward Observer) Dirt bike mounted ARES member embedded in event (HT & APRS)
More details to come

BMW Championship, Castle Pines Golf Course
2024-08-20 - 2024-08-25 | Douglas County EOC, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO, 80109, United States
Assist DC OEM in providing SA of PGA Championship which promises to be the
largest sporting event ever held in DougCo. ARES EOC ESF‐2 support anticipated.
Requirement being refined with DC OEM.

July Face-to-Face - DC/EC OEM Visit with ARES R1D5
2024-07-25 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Now that Field Day is over and was a huge success, we’ll give a brief report on the activities and fun we had.
We will also be honored to have some of our served agencies with us. Douglas County Office of Emergency Management and Elbert County Office of Emergency Management leadership will be present, sharing their thoughts about their mission, goals, discussing how ARES R1D5 best serves these agencies and a Q&A session. We look forward to having them with us.
Please come and join us.

Face-to-Face Cancelled Due to Field Day Activities June 22-23, 2024
2024-06-27 19:00 - 21:00
See you at Field Day! Come join us!

ARRL Field Day (weekend)
2024-06-21 - 2024-06-23
ARRL Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. On the fourth weekend of June, more than 35,000 radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups or simply with friends to operate from remote locations. The event called Field Day, encourages hams to set up antennas and radios outdoors in the “Field” and make as many radio contacts with other hams as is possible in a 24-hour period.
The purpose of Field Day is to simulate a national level disaster where normal communications infrastructure is impacted over a wide area. Hams, also known as amateur radio operators, have a long history of providing communications during local and national emergencies and disasters. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) of Douglas and Elbert Counties has organized a Field Day location in the Parker area.
Setup begins at 12:00 PM on Friday, and the beginning of actual Field Day activities/communications start at 12:00 PM on Saturday and continuing for 24 hours until 12:00 PM on Sunday.
ARES of Douglas and Elbert Counties will be making ham radio contacts from a Field Day location TBD. The public is invited to check out Field Day and come see what ham radio is about.
Peter, W0OW (left) and Bill, KF0CWS (right).

Elbert County ICP (Incident Command Post) Training
2024-06-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Elbert County EOC, 751 Ute Ave, Kiowa, CO, 80117, United States
Elbert OEM and ARES have agreed to a date for ICP training that is required for those working volunteering to work the 2024 Elizabeth Stampede ICP. Other Elbert County EOC-badged ARES members are welcome to attend the ICP training even if they are not working the event.

Training Time:    1900-2100
Location:        Elbert County EOC, 751 Ute Ave., Kiowa CO 80117
Purpose:         The ICP training will prepare ARES members to monitor and operate public safety radio systems during the 2024 Elizabeth Stampede to enhance Life Safety, Incident Stabilization, and Property Protection.
Training Overview: Members will be familiarized with the Elizabeth Stampede EOP (Emergency Operations Plan), Public Safety radios, and ICP procedures including monitoring radios, maintaining Situational Awareness (SA), making Calls for Service, and reporting anticipated adverse weather to rodeo officials.

Spring Poker Run
2024-06-02 | Rampart Range, CO, United States
ARESDEC will provide tactical communications & situational awareness for Poker Run event staff. Full details still forthcoming. ARESDEC members should expect to provide APRS/LoRa tracking, checkpoint communications, Forward Observer (FOB), observe Poker Run operations and monitor the Net, report any emergencies, medical issues, and/or disabled bikes, and report rider activity like first rider through, sweeps passing through the checkpoints, and event staff arriving and departing.
Background: The Rampart Range Spring Poker Run is planned and run by the RRMMC (Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee). RRMMC is an all-volunteer, nonprofit corporation founded in 1972 to work with the Forest Service to promote and preserve dirt bike trail riding opportunities in the Rampart Range area of Pike National Forest near Sedalia, Colorado. Twice a year, the Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee sponsors a non-competitive Poker Run for off-road motorcycle riders of all ages. There is a short course (approximately 15-25 miles) and a long course (approximately 50-55 miles). Riders of all abilities are welcome. Prizes are awarded on the basis of the poker hand drawn at the final check point. This is not a race. It’s an event. Event Website: http://rampartrange.org/poker-run/
More details to come

Mad Gravel Race
2024-05-26 | Elbert County, CO, 80106
We are again planning to enhance our skills by providing APRS/LoRa tracking, Aid Station communications, and likely some Rover and SAG (support & gear) for a family of three races in Elbert County:

Hemi Hustle: 30 miles
Hemi Five-O: 50 miles
Hemi: 100 miles

Mad Gravel and The Hemi are part of the Junior Cycling Project non-profit organization. Donations and sponsorships will generate funds for junior development of the next generation in the sport of cycling.
More details to come

Face-to-Face: Vehicle Power Systems
2024-04-25 19:00 - 21:00 | NB – New Beginning Community Church, 10550 S Progress Way #100, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
At our April 2024 Face to Face meeting, we will be privileged to have Mike Pappas, W9CN lead a presentation on vehicle power systems. Everything you wanted to know about Vehicle Power systems but were afraid to ask:

Alternators and batteries
Voltage Boosters
Best practices for wiring radios to vehicle electrical systems.

If you’ve been wanting to install a mobile radio in your vehicle, but were unsure what is needed to accomplish the task, this presentation is for you.
We look forward to seeing you. All those who are licensed amateur radio operators, or those who are interested in ham radio are welcome to attend our monthly meetings.

Introduction to DMR Programming
2024-04-20 08:00 - 12:00 | PUMC – Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S Pine Drive, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Do you know what DMR is all about? Do you know how it works? Do you know how to code a DMR enabled code plug for your HT or mobile radio? If you answered ‘NO’, we have a workshop for you!
Brad / W0BDT will lead us through an Introduction to DMR programming workshop to help us understand DMR terminology and what it takes to create a DMR code plug. We will then break out into separate groups based on select radio manufacturer / models and be led by Elmers who will help us upgrade our code plugs, update firmware if needed and troubleshoot any issues we are having with our DMR code plug.
So mark your calendar and bring your HT / mobile radio to the workshop. You’ll leave with updated code plugs and a radio ready to use for the upcoming season of planned activities and possible activations.
We will meet in the Youth Room 144 to start and break out to Room 138 and other rooms as necessary.
If any questions, please contact Training@aresdec.org.

March Face-to-Face, Weather Ops (ARES) Training & DTRS Radio Demo
2024-03-28 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Face-to-Face (F2F) Meeting – Presentation on our Wx Spotting protocols used within the ARES R1D5 group.Here, at our March F2F, we will have two presentations:
1) Quick demo of our served partner agency, Elbert County OEM DTRS radios – short demo of the radio and how they work, what channels we are to use, etc.
2) Jim Rooney, N4JJR will lead us through some very important topics to ARES R1D5, including:

How to be a mobile storm spotter
How ARES activates and manages our members in the field
How to prepare / Wx Spotting GO-KIT
How to Wx Spot
When, what and how to report
How to Demobilize
How to Stay Safe

WHY DO WE DO THIS?
In most years, thunderstorms, tornadoes and lightning cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and billions in property and crop damages throughout the country. To obtain critical weather information, the National Weather Service (NWS) established SKYWARN® with partner organizations such as ARES. We participate to help keep our local community safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.

DC AuxComm Semi-Annual Meeting
2024-03-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Douglas County EOC, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO, 80109, United States
As a new thing for this year we are scheduling two “semi-annual” meetings for DC AuxComm certified members. Our first DC AuxComm meeting is scheduled on 3/25/24 in the Douglas County EOC. The purpose of this meeting is to become better acquainted with the EOC, to discuss EOC procedures, and to talk about the various communications equipment used by AuxComm members when deployed to the EOC. W6AUN will facilitate the meeting and discussions. Stay tuned for more details.

Weekly Net Cancelled due to NWS SKYWARN Weather Spotter Training
2024-03-21 20:00 - 20:30
For more information about NWS SKYWARN Weather Spotter Training see https://aresdec.org/event/national-weather-service-nws-skywarn-training/

NWS SKYWARN Weather Spotter Training
2024-03-21 18:30 - 20:30 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Greg Heavener and his team from the NWS are scheduled to provide our ARES District’s annual SKYWARN Weather Spotter Training.
The agenda consists of:

Basics of thunderstorm development
Fundamentals of storm structure
Identifying potential severe weather features
How to contact NWS and submit a weather report to NWS
Basic severe weather safety.

Even if you have attended this event in past years, SKYWARN training is great refresher of weather features we don’t see every day. In addition, it kicks off our season for weather spotting within Douglas & Elbert Counties over the Spring, Summer and Fall months.
This training session is open to the public. Seats fill quickly and there are a limited number of seats available at the venue.
Word to the wise – if you are particular on where you sit, you may wish to arrive a little early.
If you want to register for the workshop after the NWS activates this link, please go to: https://www.weather.gov/bou/spotters
See you at the workshop!

Shelter Surveys - Elbert County (rescheduled from 2/3/24)
2024-03-09 | Elbert County, CO, 80106
ARES® R1D5 is scheduled to survey one or more facilities designated by the Elbert County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) as emergency warming shelters. Such surveys allow preparation and update of Key Location Forms that detail information necessary for ARES to respond to a shelter activation in a timely manner with the right communications equipment.
The crux of the surveys is propagation testing. We’ll be testing our primary amateur analog/DMR repeaters, Winlink RMS Gateways, and Simplex communication with the Elbert County EOC.
· Our survey team will consist of one or two volunteers who can bring a GO-KIT radio (at least one DMR) along with at least a speaker stand antenna to test voice/Winlink performance from the shelters.
· Another member will support the survey from the Elbert County EOC.
We usually meet in Kiowa for breakfast and review our Game Plan before heading to the survey site(s). If you are an ARES R1D5 member who would like to share some camaraderie and help on this readiness mission, please contact Hal/KE0KFB, AEC-OPS.

February Face-to-Face: FCC RF Exposure Rules - Staying Safe & Compliant
2024-02-22 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Our February Face-to-Face meeting will deal with a very important topic that is of interest to every licensed Ham Radio Operator!
We are going to talk about how to stay safe and compliant with FCC Radio Frequency Exposure rules. How to keep your station safe and in compliance with FCC exposure and record keeping rules that apply to all licensed Amateurs. New FCC Rules have been implemented and the transition (i.e., grace) period ended on May 3, 2023. The presentation focuses on the use of the ARRL on-line calculators that are one (relatively easy) means of performing an RF Exposure Safety evaluation of your fixed and mobile stations.
When obtaining or renewing their FCC License, all Amateurs have certified that they have read and will comply with FCC rules regarding RF Radiation Safety. But did you know the method of determining whether your station needs to be evaluated and the new formula-based methods of ensuring compliance? All amateurs operating transmitters (except HTs) in the U.S. today are expected to comply and provide documentation to the FCC upon request. Can you? What do you need to do to get into and remain in compliance?
COME AND FIND OUT!!

American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR / AED/ First-Aid Certification Course
2024-02-17 08:00 - 17:00 | FD – Pradera Fire Station, 6120 Bridle Path Ln, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
We announce a special CPR / AED / First-Aid certification course available to ARESDEC members that has been requested by several members. This training is sponsored by the Colorado North Central All-Hazards Emergency Management Region https://www.ncrcolorado.org/.
Event Details:
Date/Time: Saturday, February 17, 2024 0800-1700 MST
Location: Predera Fire Station 184 (Franktown Fire Protection District Station 184)
6120 Bridle Path Ln
Parker, CO 80134
This class is for American Heart Association HeartSaver certification. The HeartSaver First-Aid course trains participants in first aid basics for the most common first aid emergencies, including how to recognize them, how to call for help and how to perform lifesaving skills. The Heartsaver CPR AED course trains participants in how to give CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely and effective manner. The training reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).
The full class size is only 18 seats. Although the training class is not planned until February 2024, we want to offer this to R1D5 members first, and if we still have open seats, the link below will be offered to other sister ARES chapters as we get dangerously close to the date.
To attend the class, please register online here
Once registered, you will receive a registration confirmation.
There will be a nominal $20 fee to attend the course, more information available on the webpage.
Helpful information on day of class about the location:

Please bring whatever drinks/snacks you wish to enjoy during the class – there are no operational vending machines on-site.
If on-site parking in Parker is full, just park legally along Bridle Path Lane.

If you have any questions, please contact us. We look forward to training together.
Contact:
Wade Forbush | K0WJF
AEC/Training Officer

Shelter Surveys - Castle Rock area
2024-02-09 08:00 - 13:00
ARES® R1D5 is scheduled to conduct surveys of four facilities designated by the Douglas County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) as priority emergency shelters. These surveys allow preparation and update of Key Location Forms that detail information necessary for ARES to respond to a shelter activation in a timely manner with the right communications equipment.
The crux of the surveys is propagation testing. We’ll be testing our primary amateur analog/DMR repeaters, Winlink RMS Gateways, and Simplex communication with the Douglas County EOC.

We’ll need one or two volunteers who can bring a GO-KIT radio (at least one DMR) along with at least a speaker stand antenna to test voice/Winlink performance from the shelters.
We could also use a badged DC AuxComm member to help support the survey from the Douglas County EOC using the installed AnyTone 578 transceiver.

We’re planning to meet in Castle Rock for breakfast and a review of everyone’s job, followed by a 0900 hard start for the surveys. If you would like to share some camaraderie and help on this readiness mission, please contact Hal/KE0KFB, AEC-OPS.

Face-to-Face Cancelled. Meeting Move to Jan 18th.
2024-01-25 19:00 - 21:00

Face-to-Face, Mission Coordinator 101/201
2024-01-18 19:00 - 21:00 | NB – New Beginning Community Church, 10550 S Progress Way #100, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Have you thought about volunteering to be the Mission Coordinator for an ARESDEC event? Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a Mission Coordinator? In ARES, we use Mission Coordinators for both activations and planned events. What does it take to be a Mission Coordinator? Are the demands on a Mission Coordinator different for planned events versus activations? Come to our January’s face to face meeting to get these questions and more answered by experienced ARESDEC Mission Coordinators.

Face-to-Face December 7, 2023 Knots for Ham Radio & ARESDEC Operators + Shelter Operations
2023-12-07 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Join us for the ARESDEC December Face-to-Face meeting on Thursday, 12/7 at 19:00 at the Douglas County Sheriff’s substation in Highlands Ranch. Remember December’s Face-to-Face meeting is earlier in the month than normal.

Knots for ARES and Amateur Radio
Be there for a knotty evening (see what we did there?) as our own Perry, W6AUN presents ten knots for ARES and amateur radio work. Perry will take us through a few basic knots and will also demonstrate some cool knots you might knot have seen before. All his knots have practical applications for ARES and with a little practice, you’ll be able to put these knots to work for you. You cannot knot be there.

Shelter Operations
Second, Hal KE0KFB will present “Shelter Operations”, a panel presentation covering expected Winter ARES missions, expert advice to maintain readiness, special considerations for Winter activation, Vehicular/travel safety, Shelter Operations and Communications. We will discuss Shelter rules as it applies to ARES activities and conduct while deployed at a shelter, Communication practices to adhere to deployed in a shelter and much, much more.
As we approach the winter season and the possibility of shelters being activated, we need to know how to deploy with confidence, competency and clarity in our mission.
See you December 7th 1900 hours MDT.

Turkey Day 5K 2023
2023-11-23 07:30 - 12:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
A public service/camaraderie Thanksgiving morning event where R1D5 provides situation awareness to event staff via observers primarily using HTs on a Simplex frequency. After our turkeys are in the over at home, our volunteers usually meet for Breakfast and then over to help out on this traditional Highlands Ranch Thanksgiving event. Historically, proceeds have gone to the Douglas County Fallen Officer’s fund.
Objective(s):

Safely and effectively provide communications support and incident awareness to the Highlands Ranch Turkey Day 5K event supporting the Douglas County Fallen Officers Fund.
Establish and Maintain an ARESDEC ICP to serve as an effective Incident Communication Center using Amateur Radio to maintain situational awareness and aid event management with regard to problems on the course involving incidents, accidents, or injuries.
Coordinate with law and other first responders as warranted. Maintain public safety communications to DCSO elements providing traffic control for the event.
Maintain ARESDEC personnel accountability via pre-event Check-in, Roll Calls, and Demobilization reporting when returning to their home QTH (or other planned destination).

American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR AED Course
2023-10-14 08:00 - 12:00 | FD – Pradera Fire Station, 6120 Bridle Path Ln, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
We announce a special CPR training class available to ARESDEC members that has been requested by several members. This training is sponsored by the Colorado North Central All-Hazards Emergency Management Region https://www.ncrcolorado.org/.
Event Date/Time/Location:
Date/Time: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 0800 – 1200
Location: Predera Fire Station 184 (Franktown Fire Protection District Station 184)
6120 Bridle Path Ln
Parker, CO 80134
This class is for American Heart Association HeartSaver certification. The HeartSaver CPR AED course trains participants to give CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely and effective manner. The training reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).
The full class size is only 18 seats. There has been a significant number of requests by our team for this class, so we think this will fill up quickly. Although the training class is not planned for until October, we want to offer this to R1D5 first, and if we still have open seats, the link below will be offered to other sister ARES chapters as we get dangerously close to the date.
We are sending this notification out now so you can go to the link below, complete the form and get registered as soon as possible.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/xtZpjaDP95G1eX8f7
Once registered, you will receive a registration confirmation.
There will be a nominal $20 fee to attend the course, more information available on the webpage.

Helpful information on day of class

Please bring whatever drinks/snacks you wish to enjoy during the class – there are no operational vending machines on-site.
If on-site parking in Parker is full, just park legally along Bridle Path Lane.

If you have any questions, please contact us. We look forward to training together.

Wade Forbush | K0WJF
Training Officer

Simulated Emergency Test (SET) 2023
2023-10-07 08:00 - 13:00
ARRL’s primary national emergency exercise designed to asses the skills and preparedness of ARES volunteers. Envision R1D5 participation from EOCs, hospitals, and home stations.

Face-to-Face September 28, 2023 ARRL National Traffic System (NTS)
2023-09-28 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Willem Schreuder/AC0KQ will help us enhance our message handling capability and prepare for the SET by presenting on NTS, Radiogram format and use, and leading a fun practical exercise to see just how good you are at sending and receiving messages over the air.

Elbert County EOC Orientation
2023-09-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Elbert County EOC, 751 Ute Ave, Kiowa, CO, 80117, United States
This orientation is provided to those R1D5 members who desire to be specially qualified to serve in the Elbert County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the ESF-2 Communications capacity. These specially qualified individuals , known as the ESF-2 Cadre, will be the first called when the ESF-2 function is required during an Elbert County EOC activation.
The two-hour orientation required to be on the ESF-2 Cadre:
Day/date: Wed 9/27
Time: 1800-2000
Place: Elbert County EOC in Kiowa, 751 Ute Ave, Kiowa, CO 80117
For additional information, contact the ARES R1D5 Elbert County Liaison, Kelly English/W0KDE.

State-wide SET Table Top Exercise
2023-09-16 09:00 - 12:00
SET 2023 Table Top Exercise (TTX) DATE CHANGE. Yesterday, our Regional EC announced that the Colorado ARES Pre-SET Zoom TTX was being slipped a week to 9/16. The on-line planning event is expected to start at 0900 and last a couple of hours. Purpose of the statewide TTX is to communicate the SET game plan and answer questions. A lot of moving parts this year.
A statewide pre-SET activity. Each District is being asked to assemble participants in one location for a statewide ZOOM call to go over our statewide Emergency Comms operation concept for the October SET to “Ensure all Districts are on the same sheet of music”.

Fall Poker Run 2023
2023-09-10 | Rampart Range, CO, United States
Background: The Rampart Range Spring Poker Run is planned and run by the RRMMC (Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee). RRMMC is an all-volunteer, nonprofit corporation founded in 1972 to work with the Forest Service to promote and preserve dirt bike trail riding opportunities in the Rampart Range area of Pike National Forest near Sedalia, Colorado.
Twice a year, the Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee sponsors a non-competitive Poker Run for off-road motorcycle riders of all ages. There is a short course (approximately 15-25 miles) and a long course (approximately 50-55 miles). Riders of all abilities are welcome. Prizes are awarded on the basis of the poker hand drawn at the final check point. This is not a race. It’s an event.
ARESDEC provides tactical communications & situational awareness for event staff via staffing the following functions:
– EC Emergency Coordinator – overall ARES leader
– MC Mission Coordinator – ARES event planning, execution and safety
– COMM CENTER ARES Communication Trailer / ICP (Net Control, Alternate Net Control)
– CHEKPOINTS Each with two trained ARES Radio Operators (RADOs)
– ROVER Highly trained ARES mobile RADO
– FO (Forward Observer) Dirt bike mounted ARES member embedded in event (HT & APRS)

Severe Wx NCS Training (GRLevel3)
2023-08-19 08:00 - 12:00
Aug 9th update: Delayed. Instructor deployed to wildland fire. More info forthcoming…

We’ve been having a very high number of Wx Net Activations and recently Activated twice on the same day! Spotters are doing a great job, but we’re a little thin in terms of R1D5 members that can successfully run a Severe Wx Net using weather radar software (such as GRLevel3).
Jim Rooney/N4JJR is planning to conduct a small workshop next month for the next generation of R1D5 Severe Wx Net Control operators. He’ll cover all facets of Net control from Script to logging and reporting observations. The crux of the workshop is the GRLevel3 viewer for NEXRAD Level III data helps our Net Control person vector spotters to the best spotting positions while minimizing risk of spotters getting banged up in from a hail core.
If you are ready to Step-Up to this or desire more info, please contact Jim N4JJR@aresdec.org
Flyer: WxNetControlGR3TRNG

Mini-SET
2023-08-05 09:00 - 13:00
A regional pre-SET activity. A follow-up to the May 20th Mini-SET, this is essentially a shake-out of the DMR Talk Groups from the EOCs that will be employed in the SET. Similar to the propogation tests we perform when we conduct a facility survey for our Key Location Forms. This will likely only require a coupe of DMR savvy members at each of our served EOCs.

Face-to-Face July 27, 2023 Batteries for Amateur Radio
2023-07-27 19:00 - 21:00 | NB – New Beginning Community Church, 10550 S Progress Way #100, Parker, CO, 80134, United States
Presenter: K1POO

Map & Navigation Workshop by DC SAR
2023-07-08 09:00 - 13:00 | HRLETF – Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Foundation, 6001 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO, 80125, United States
For a change of pace and some skills building, two members of Douglas County Search and Rescue (SAR) – Mike McDonald/K0LPM and Barry Mitchell/N0KV – are delivering a four-hour long classroom/field workshop for us Saturday July 8th at the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility (HRLETF).

WORKSHOP CONTENT
Originally, our workshop was titled “Orienteering for ARES” and was going to be more field focused. However, when developing the workshop Mike and Barry determined the training would be more useful to ARES if we spent a little more time in classroom on land nav basics and on-line mapping sources. The workshop was re-structured and given the title “Basic Map and Navigation Skills”. It still includes an outside component that will be completed at the law enforcement training facility.

WHAT TO BRING
– Notepad and pen/pencil
– Your smartphone of course
– If you have an old school magnetic compass, bring it
– Sunscreen
– A small day pack or grocery bag with handles if you don’t have a small pack
– Beverages. Bottled water, coffee, soda, etc.
– Snacks as desired.
“Power Rings” will be available before the start of workshop.

WORKSHOP DATE/TIME/LOCATION
Date: Saturday July 8
Time: 0900-1300
Location: Building G, Classroom G105
Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility
6001 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO 80125
HRLETF Map for Map and Navigation Workshop by DC SAR

Parking: Either the parking lot in front of the HQ building or the lot adjacent to Building G
Building Entry: Enter the SOUTH door of Building G, Door will be unlocked by 0830.

RSVP if you’re attending so we have enough “Power Rings”.

Face-to-Face Cancelled June 22, 2023 due to Field Day Activities June 23 - 25
2023-06-22

Spring Poker Run 2023
2023-06-04 | Rampart Range, CO, United States
ARESDEC will provide tactical communications & situational awareness for Poker Run event staff. Full details still forthcoming. ARESDEC members should expect to observe Poker Run operations and monitor the Net, report any emergencies, medical issues, and/or disabled bikes, and report rider activity like first rider through, sweeps passing through the checkpoints, and event staff arriving and departing.
Background: The Rampart Range Spring Poker Run is planned and run by the RRMMC (Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee). RRMMC is an all-volunteer, nonprofit corporation founded in 1972 to work with the Forest Service to promote and preserve dirt bike trail riding opportunities in the Rampart Range area of Pike National Forest near Sedalia, Colorado. Twice a year, the Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee sponsors a non-competitive Poker Run for off-road motorcycle riders of all ages. There is a short course (approximately 15-25 miles) and a long course (approximately 50-55 miles). Riders of all abilities are welcome. Prizes are awarded on the basis of the poker hand drawn at the final check point. This is not a race. It’s an event. Event Website: http://rampartrange.org/poker-run/

Mad Gravel Bicycle Race 2023
2023-05-28 | Elbert County, CO, 80106
ARESDEC will provide communication support for Elbert County OEM and the Mad Gravel bicycle race.
Event Website: https://madgravel.com/

Face-to-Face May 25, 2023 Field Day Planning & Go-Kit Reviews
2023-05-25 19:00 - 21:00 | HRSS – Highlands Ranch DCSO Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, United States
Field Day Planning – K6AUN
GO-KIT SHOW & TELL. Kudos to the Seven Staff Members signed-up to bring 10 various GO-KIT items for the requested static display/Show & Tell at the May 25th F2F. Other staff are welcome to bring in cool deployment kits/things. Hopefully this will be informative, especially to newer members, and generate some good discussion. (I know of one new member that will likely miss May F2F due to job travel – will try to photograph & catalog the displays for later follow-up by members who can’t be present at the May F2F.)
We’re planning to have the HR Substation open before 1830 at the May F2F to allow time to bring GO-KITs in and set them up, etc.

Mini Simulated Emergency Test (SET) May 20, 2023
2023-05-20 13:00 - 17:00

Face-to-Face April 27, 2023 EOSS
2023-04-27 19:00 - 21:00
Larry Noble/N0NDM, also with EOSS, promises a noteworthy April 27th F2F presentation: Amateur Radio in High Altitude Balloon Ops.
