RACES
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service, or RACES, is what we operate under when called out by a government agency. This service provides specific frequencies for our use as well as limiting operation to only those registered as members of RACES. RACES rules are set forth in Part 97.407 of the FCC rules governing the Amateur Radio Service.
ARES
The ARRL says this about ARES, “The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.“
Membership
You do not need to be a member of the ARRL to join Androscoggin ARES or RACES. All that is needed is a desire to serve the community and an amateur radio license. We are hoping to expand ARES membership to GMRS licensees, and will update this page as needed. Contact the ARES Emergency Coordinator and an application will soon be on its way. There is a background check, and there will be some training. Both are painless!
Recent Events
Dempsey Challenge
The annual Dempsey Challenge was held this past September and amateur radio was there, once again, to provide backup emergency communications. This event covers most of Androscoggin county and spills over into Cumberland county. I'd like to thank the volunteers who offered the time and skills to help make this a safe event.
KB1DEB, N1KAT, KC1LFK, N1OXA, KC1SES, KC1TRE, WE1U, KC1UZK, N1VLZ, N1WFO, KC1YDG, KB1YYC, W2GPJ, KD3DEE, and KE4UCW