Delaware Simplex Test
To determine VHF/UHF simplex coverage throughout Delaware, each participating station transmitted a message at a predetermined time and all of the other stations evaluated their reception of the message.
Messages were sent at one minute intervals starting at the North end of the state and progressed southward using the statewide VHF simplex frequency.
The next cycle went South to North. The process was repeated using each county’s primary simplex frequency and then their secondary simplex frequency.
In addition to stations at DEMA and each county EOC, there were stations at served agencies including schools (shelters) and hospitals. The tests were done during both daytime and evening to look for propagation differences.
There were approximately 90 messages sent during the two day event.
KCARC operators were reliably able to contact all of our Kent county sites on 3 simplex frequencies and contact with DEMA, NCC EOC and Sussex EOC on the statewide 2m simplex frequency.
KCARC had multiple participants involved with this test. Some of their setups are shown below. (Click on an image to enlarge)
Bob – N3JLY Twenty feet high diamond x200 military pole set.
KB3PRW & KC3WTP (John) operating on generator power, Diamond X-300-A atop 30’ military pole set, Yaesu FTM-500 @ 50 watts out. We were located on the east side of the school between the high and middle schools. Pictures were taken during set-up BRFORE safety markings were applied to guy liners, etc.
Paul – N3BUH using a Max Gain Systems fiberglass 40-foot pushup pole at 30 feet with a Diamond X510 HD dual band antenna on a tilt over trailer hitch mount.