The regional office of the American Red Cross periodically conducts communications exercises with support from amateur radio organizations. Montgomery County ARES and MCACS are regular participants. In these exercises, participants set up portable HF stations at various Red Cross facilities throughout the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake region and exchange messages using Winlink, simulating an…

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…

On 10 February 2026 at 7:30 pm, MCACS will conduct our monthly Hospital Drill. This drill will run less than two hours and will include the facilities listed below. You will want to arrive a half-hour before net time to sign in with security and get set up. Should you need access more than a half-hour before net…