Montgomery County ARES

We are focused on public service

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a volunteer-based organization composed of licensed amateur radio operators who provide communication support during emergencies and disasters. Montgomery County ARES assists public safety agencies, emergency management teams, and relief organizations when traditional communication systems fail or become overloaded.

By providing essential communication links during times of crisis, ARES plays a critical role in supporting public safety and disaster response. The service reflects the amateur radio community's long-standing commitment to public service, technical skill, and preparedness in times of need.

Discover More About ARES

Upcoming ARES Events

In-person meetings: (no on-air net on these days)

Thursday, July 17, 2025 - operation of equipment

Thursday, October 16, 2025, Winlink demonstration

7:00 PM CT, Conference Room, Red Cross Building,

5015 Woods Crossing Montgomery, AL 36106

Schedule for weekly on-air MGM-ARES nets

The ARES net will be every Thursday at 7:30 PM CT on the 146.84 W4AP repeater. If this repeater is off the air, we will meet on the 147.18 W4AP repeater or (if needed) on 146.400 simplex.

First Thursday of the month: Skywarn information

N4UZZ Net control station will present Skywarn information

Where and how and what to report

How to stay weather aware, Safety

Second Thursday of the month: Simplex message relay test

KO4UWY Net control will send a message by simplex

Which will be relayed by at least two other stations

Accurate receipt of the message will be assessed.

Third Thursday of the month: Geographic knowledge of Montgomery County

K4JLN Net control quizzes stations on knowledge of locations

Best routing to locations

Locations of bridges, schools, fire stations

Fourth Thursday of the month: Preparedness equipment (batteries, etc)

KK4IB How long will your battery last?

Back-up batteries and how to charge

Discussion of interoperability

Fifth Thursday of the month: Simplex message relay test

N4UZZ Net control will send a message by simplex

Which will be relayed by at least two other stations

Accurate receipt of message will be assessed

Our goals for Montgomery ARES

This task list reflects the competence and capabilities that are expected of our members.

• Hold a Technician Class or higher amateur radio license.

• Tune and operate the Icom IC-2820H mobile radio at the EOC and the Red Cross

o Put the radio into DSTAR mode

• Tune and operate the HF radio at the Red Cross station

• Voice operations on local repeaters and simplex channels on VHF/UHF.

• Serve as net control and operate a directed net

• Pass traffic accurately on repeaters and simplex.

• Know the locations of hospitals, EOCs, the Red Cross, and potential shelter sites.

• Complete paper copies of ICS-213 message forms.

• Know the location of bridges and flood-prone areas in Montgomery County

• Participate in two on-air drills per year

• The following tasks are optional:

• Use NBEMS to pass ICS-213 messages. (optional)

• Use Winlink on HF to pass messages to out-of-state stations. (optional)

• Set up and test temporary HF antennas. (optional)

The following courses are recommended:

• FEMA ICS-100, 200, 700, and 800

• ARRL Emergency Communications 101