|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
|
1-5 of 5 messages
|
Page 1 of 1
|
|
MARS Intro
|
Reply
|
|
by K5END on October 13, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I'm looking into MARS and have some questions. I've read a bit from what I can find on some of the MARS websites.
I understand the answers to these questions may depend on whether the MARS under discussion is Marines-Navy, Air Force or Army.
Other than being FCC Amateur licensed, what are the requirements or testing for personnel to become a member/affiliate/participant/operator?
Is it open to non-veteran civilians?
What frequencies, if any, are used INSIDE the Amateur band plan?
What frequencies, if any, are used OUTSIDE the Amateur band plan?
Is CW mode used much or at all?
What data mode capability will an operator need to have?
Do the civilian members operate from, say, QTH or does it involve travel, uniforms, rank, etc?
|
| |
|
RE: MARS Intro
|
Reply
|
|
by K5END on October 13, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Sorry.
Don't know how I missed it but two previous threads circa October 6 answer some of the questions I had.
The remaining questions are open, however.
|
| |
|
RE: MARS Intro
|
Reply
|
|
by K3WVU on October 16, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Here are some answers for Army MARS:
<Other than being FCC Amateur licensed, what are the requirements or testing for personnel to become a member/affiliate/participant/operator? >
Army MARS operators must have at least a General license, and I believe you will have a year to upgrade to General if you do not. There is a basic training period which involves written tests and on the air training, and you also must complete four of the FEMA online courses. It's not difficult, and you will get lots of help. There is also a minimum quarterly participation requirement, which is satisfied by participation in nets held daily. You must have email capability and be able to operate Winlink by Telnet or by HF/VHF through PACTOR I, II, or III.
<Is it open to non-veteran civilians? >
Yes, any licensed ham over 18 (17 with a parents permission, can join MARS
<What frequencies, if any, are used INSIDE the Amateur band plan?>
MARS operations are all conducted OUTSIDE of the amateur bands.
<What frequencies, if any, are used OUTSIDE the Amateur band plan? >
The speicifc frequencies are for official use only, but most are close to the amateur bands.
<Is CW mode used much or at all?>
Not very much, although there is a weekly CW net for anyone who wishes to participate
<What data mode capability will an operator need to have?>
We use mainly soundcard modes such as Olivia, MT63, EasyPal and some others. We are currently testing WINMOR also. We use Winlink 2000 for traffic as well.
<Do the civilian members operate from, say, QTH or does it involve travel, uniforms, rank, etc?>
Most operating is done from the home QTH by HF, although some deploy during exercises, which is totally voluntary. In our region we have VHF repeaters which link into our HF nets, which allows ou to check iinto nets from your mobile or HT.
There are no uniforms or rank, although we do have state, regional and national staff positions, which are all volunteers.
It's a lot of fun, really. Give it a try!
73
Dwight AAR3DK
|
| |
|
RE: MARS Intro
|
Reply
|
|
by K3WVU on October 16, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
oh yes, one more thing. You must be prepared to modify your rig to operate outside of the amateur bands. It's quite easy with most modern radios.
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
Forum, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Forum Manager.
|
|
|
