The Maryland-DC Digital Emcomm Challenge is a monthly training activity sponsored by Maryland-DC ARES to familiarize operators with advanced features of Winlink and other digital modes that are useful for emergency and disaster communications. All ARES members in the MDC section are encouraged to participate. (We have a few participants from neighboring sections as well.) One purpose of the Challenge is to encourage the regular use of Winlink among amateur radio operators.

It is easy to participate. All you have to do is send a Winlink message to tactical call sign MDCWINLINK-1, asking to be added to the mailing list for the challenge. You’ll receive a Winlink message each month with instructions for that month’s exercise. You can ask another MCACS member to help if you are new to Winlink and other digital modes.

The monthly challenges usually do not require you to be on a certain frequency at a specific time. The exercise period runs for four days, starting on the first Thursday of the month. Participants can complete one or more tasks for that month’s challenge at a time of their convenience during the four-day period. On the second Tuesday of the month, participants are asked to send a Winlink Check-In message to the exercise coordinator to complete the challenge.