Assignment Overview
You will be simulating a deployment to a typical field location such as a shelter, school, fire station, neighborhood CERT command post, or other location. Your assignment will be to set up a communications station and send/receive several messages. If you don't have packet equipment, you can use one of the pre-configured stations that will be available. You will receive a detailed assignment briefing when you check-in at the Packet area.
Schedule
There is no fixed schedule for the Packet assignment. If you are also participating in a Net Control assignment, you need to manage your own time to ensure that you make your Net Control assignment on time.
Station Equipment Configuration (non-MAC Eval)
If you are not participating in a MAC Evaluation, then you can determine how simple or complex you want to make your station. Some examples:
- No equipment:
- There will be a couple of pre-configured stations available for those who wish to participate in the assignment but do not yet have their own packet equipment.
- The use of these stations is on a first-come, first-served basis and there has been a wait in the past. So if you have your own gear, please bring it.
- Simple:
- PC
- HT with internal TNC (such as a Kenwood TH-D72A) or external TNC
- Note that a HT is not recommended for an EmComm packet station since packet operates in simplex mode and a user with an HT will not be heard by most of the others on the frequency, thereby creating interference by causing "doubles". But for the purposes of this drill, it's o.k. to use an HT.
- Sufficient battery power (see Go Kit recommendations)
- Card table and folding chair
- Sign indicating radio communications
- Safety equipment (something to keep people from tripping over your coax, antenna tripod, or other gear)
- Typical
Indoor setup
- PC (add sun shade since you will actually be outdoors)
- Roll-up J-pole antenna with 30 foot mast and sufficient coax to reach from outdoors to indoors
- TNC and Mobile radio with at least 25 watts (please use minimum power in the park)
- Sufficient battery power (see Go Kit recommendations)
- Card table and folding chair
- Sign indicating radio communications
- Safety equipment (something to keep people from tripping over your cables, antenna tripod, or other gear)
- Complex/Outdoor setup
- PC with sun shade to make screen readable
- Roll-up J-pole antenna with 30 foot mast and sufficient coax to reach from outdoors to indoors
- TNC and Mobile radio with at least 25 watts (please use minimum power in the park)
- Printer
- Sufficient battery power (see Go Kit recommendations)
- Pop-up shelter, table, chairs
- Sign indicating radio communications
- Safety equipment (something to keep people from tripping over your cables, antenna tripod, or other gear)
- Generator and DC power supply (a fire extenguisher is also required if you bring a generator)
- Some type of rolling cart to help you move your equipment from your car to the field location
- Refreshments for folks who stop by to see what you're doing!
In all cases, you'll need at least the minimum equipment required for the drill, which includes the standard forms. (See the main drill page for a list of minimum equipment.)
Some things to keep in mind:
- You can make your setup as complicated as you want
- You can take as long as you want to set up, operate, and pack up
- However, if you want to perform more than one activity at the drill, you will need to manage your own time to ensure you will have time left to participate in the other activity.
Station Equipment Configuration for MAC Evaluations
If you are requesting a MAC evaluation for either the P3 or P2 qualification during your assignment, then:
- For P3 Evaluation
- If you do not have equipment, a standard station, including PC, TNC, radio and antenna will be provided.
- If you want to use your own equipment, the setup must meet the requirements defined in the Performance Standards and Best Practices.
- For P2 Evaluation
- You will need to set up a station which includes the equipment required for a MAC P2 qualification as defined in the MAC Program Handbook.
- The setup must meet the requirements defined in the Performance Standards and Best Practices.
This page was last updated 14-Mar-2015