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* Also see band plans on Useful Links page ** Links marked with a double asterisk will take you to another website.

MCACS operates a communications van to support our mission. The van was originally used for research by a DC-area company, and generously made available to the Amateur Radio community when no longer needed. It is equipped with a 48-foot pneumatic mast and a 7 kW generator, among other amenities. The van is designed to be…

List of Montgomery County Emergency Support Functions ESF #1 – TransportationESF #2 – Communications and TechnologyESF #3 – Debris Management, Stormwater Management, Dams, and LeveesESF #4 – FirefightingESF #5 – Emergency ManagementESF #6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human ServicesESF #7 – Resource Support and Logistics ManagementESF #8 – Public Health and Medical…

When in doubt, the ITU Phonetic Alphabet should always be used. This phonetic alphabet is an international standard and is used worldwide, not only by Amateur Radio operators, but also by military, maritime, and aviation interests. We also provide the APCO Phonetic Alphabet for reference. The APCO alphabet is commonly used by law enforcement organizations.…

The following table lists the local repeaters most often used by MC ARES for its activities. An abbreviated list in ICS-205 format can be accessed this link. NOTES * The MARC 146.955 repeater has exceptional coverage of the DC area, and may be used by MC ARES for initial callup, situational awareness, and regional coordination.…

The simplex frequencies in the following table correspond to both the ARRL Band Plan and the regional (T-MARC) band plan, and should be used for net operations. On a related note, a generic communications plan in ICS-205 format can be accessed using this link. Please also see the discussion below the chart with suggestions for…

(page updated on 4/27/2026) Local Winlink RMS Gateways Notes: Winlink Tactical Addresses † If you are configuring a laptop to be used for Winlink at one of these facilities, you will need to obtain the password in order to retrieve messages addressed to that facility’s tactical address. Before sending a message to another facility’s tactical…

(updated 5/19/2025) Access Park in the visitor parking lot across from the main entrance. When facing the building from the parking lot, the visitor entrance is at the far right of the building. You will sign in immediately inside the entrance. If the receptionist is not expecting you, ask to check in at the security…

(Updated 2/24/2023) Access Park in the parking garage. If meeting a hospital staff member, check in at the information desk inside the main entrance. When participating in a radio drill, it is easiest to use the emergency room entrance. Bypass the reception desk and head directly to the security office. If someone stops you, tell…