ARES – ARRL Illinois Section

MARS Announces Schedule of Dates for 60-Meter Interoperability

The Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) has announced dates in 2021 during which MARS members will operate on 60 meters for interoperability with the amateur radio community. Some dates coincide with quarterly Department of Defense Communications Exercises (COMEX).

All exercises will begin on channel 1 as the initial calling channel and move to other 60-meter working channels as may be appropriate.
Additional information can be found at:

MARS Announces Schedule of Dates for 60-Meter Interoperability

Illinois ARES Set

The SET Hotwash will be held on Monday, 5/3 at 7:00 PM using the IL ARES Zoom Room:

https://zoom.us/j/666446520?pwd=QVJLMUVhakpGUVpnNStNbzc4UUR1dz09

On Saturday, May 1, the Illinois ARES team will be doing a Simulated Emergency Test from 10 AM to 2 PM. The scenario is an earthquake in the southern part of the state. Simulated emergency messages will be passed locally, throughout the ARES districts and statewide to test message handling and net operation skills. Primary net operations and coordination will be on 3905 kHz. The Illinois Section ICS-205A can be reached through: https://ilares.org/ in the New Files In The Library Post.

An informal wellness net will begin at approximately 1 PM during the SET. All amateur operators are welcome to check in.

April SM Newsletter Posted

Thom, W9RY, has posted his April Section Newsletter. It can be found by using the link on the Resources drop-down menu, or by clicking here. The newsletter contains important information about the upcoming SET on May, 1.

New Files in the Library

Two new files have been added to our media library.

The Illinois Section ICS205a Master Comm List
The 2021 Annual Test Schedule For Amateur Radio Operations

Clicking on the above links will download the files to your computer. Both files are subject to frequent revisions. Notifications of revisions will be posted as necessary.

Member Notice Concerning ARES Connect.

Concerned by the low adoption rate of ARES Connect reporting software two years after its introduction by the League, the ARRL’s Director of Emergency Management Paul Gilbert (KE5ZW) instituted a review of the application. Following a review of all available information, ARRL leadership has decided to discontinue the use of ARES Connect and seek development of a software reporting package more tailored to the needs of ARES.

All ARRL Sections that have been using ARES Connect should plan to transition to the ARES Form 4 reporting form until a replacement system is identified. ARRL HQ will continue to support ARES Connect through June 30, 2021.