The National Cancer Institute held its annual Emergency Preparedness Fair on Wednesday, August 20. Montgomery County ARES members, along with members from the NIH Radio Amateur Club (NIHRAC) demonstrated amateur radio communications capabilities from HF to microwave frequencies.

The MCACS van was on display with its complement of HF/VHF/UHF equipment. We set up a broadband NVIS HF antenna and deployed a 2m/1.25m/70cm base station antenna atop the van’s 50-foot pneumatic mast. We also demonstrated the van’s VoIP telephone system and streamed live video from a remote camera to the van via a broadband microwave link.

We interacted with members of the public as well as representatives on other agencies and organizations active in disasters response and recovery. A few visitors expressed interest in obtaining an amateur radio license and we directed them to resources in the community. There was even at least one local elected official in attendance.

Even without an audience from members of the public, this annual event provides a good opportunity for our members to practice setting up and using the resources of the van.

Participants included (in no particular order) W3DCA, AC3N, KC3MIX, AA3IL, KC3CK, K3MRI, WA2WDT, K3XIT, and KN3U.