On Saturday, June 6, 2026, amateur radio operators across the region participated in an ARES rapid deployment exercise that included both repeater-based and simplex net operations. The Essex County portion of the activation was centered at Eagle Rock Reservation, providing an excellent elevated operating location for portable and mobile radio testing.
Representing the Essex County effort at Eagle Rock were Stan, K2EXX; Maurice, KB2SUL; Mike, KC2NJ; and Rich, KD2WJR. Many additional operators participated from Essex County and beyond, including members of WEARC, Roseland, and the broader amateur radio community.
The exercise focused on the fundamentals of emergency communications: rapid station setup, field power, portable antennas, simplex voice operations, and basic message handling. Operators were encouraged to deploy from realistic ARES service locations such as public buildings, assembly points, and other field locations where communications support might be needed during an actual emergency.
The June 6 exercise was built around a simple but important premise: keep it fast, practical, and realistic. Participants assembled portable or mobile stations, verified antenna and power arrangements, and then joined both repeater and simplex nets using local 2 meter, 70 centimeter, and 10 meter frequencies as conditions permitted.
The objective was not to create a complicated drill, but to practice the basics that matter most when infrastructure is limited or unavailable. Simplex communication remains one of the most important amateur radio capabilities during emergency and public service operations, especially when repeaters, internet connectivity, or commercial systems are unavailable.
During the exercise, operators practiced net procedures, tactical call signs, and basic traffic handling. The county Emergency Coordinator opened the county net, and net control responsibilities were handled by stations in strong positions to hear as many participants as possible. Tactical call signs based on town or location were used, with stations identifying properly with FCC call signs.
Eagle Rock Reservation served as a strong location for the Essex County deployment. Its elevation and open operating environment made it well suited for testing simplex coverage and evaluating how portable stations perform under field conditions.
This type of exercise is valuable because it gives operators a chance to test their equipment before it is needed. Batteries, antennas, coax, radios, programming, message forms, and operating procedures all benefit from real-world practice. Even a short field exercise can reveal what works well, what needs adjustment, and what operators should improve before the next activation.
The June 6 activation also helped strengthen coordination among local amateur radio organizations. Participation from Essex County, WEARC, Roseland, and operators beyond the county demonstrated the value of keeping the amateur radio community connected, trained, and ready to assist when called upon.
ARES exercises like this are not only for experienced emergency communicators. They are also a great way for newer operators to build confidence, learn net procedures, test portable equipment, and become more comfortable operating away from home.
Upcoming Net: FIFA Red Cross Prep Net
All amateur radio operators are invited to participate in the upcoming FIFA Red Cross Prep Net on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
The net will take place on 443.450 MHz from 10:00 AM to 10:15 AM.
Check-in is simple. Just provide your call sign and town.
ARES affiliation is not required. All licensed amateur radio operators are welcome and encouraged to participate.
The more stations that check in, the better the community can understand local coverage, operator availability, and regional readiness.
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