Exercise Handshake

Exercise Handshake is a monthly exercise held in the Maritimes on the last Tuesday of each month.

The exercise begins at 7pm AT and covers Trunk Mobile Radios (TMR2) and amateur radio.

The exercise began in December 2008 as a way for everyone to test their radios in a non emergency and know how to use them when needed in a real emergency or disaster.

Amateur radio operators who are affiliated with local EMO centers in the Maritimes are encourage to take part in the exercise each month.

Modes used during the exercise are VHF/UHF via the MAVCOM system of repeaters, HF on 3.675 MHz, packet and soon will include Winlink.  See below.

Many EMO centers will also ask amateurs to check into the net using their TMR2 radios

When checking into the net include the following information.

 Name, callsign, location, repeater, number of operators, radios and modes available

Backup power (Battery, solar power, wind power, generator) 

🖥️PACKET

The Codiac Amateur Radio Group (CARG) EOC operates Net Control for Exercise Handshake Packet Radio Mode. Information from the received messages are compiled and sent to Exercise Handshake organisers.

Participating stations are asked to connect to their local BBS and send a message to the CARG EOC using its tactical call sign:

EOC7CA.

Send your information as a Private message with subject 'Exercise Handshake' to the following address:

EOC7CA@VE1MPF.#MCTN.NB.CAN.NOAM

Please send your message on Tuesday before 9PM.

The information to be included in your message is as follows:

    1. Affiliation: <EOC/Club/Group/Individual>

    2. Number of operators: <#>

    3. Station Capabilities for Emergencies: <HF, VHF, UHF, TMR, Packet, etc.>

    4. Backup Power: <Battery, Generator, etc.>

* Replace the text between the '<' and '>' with your station  information.

📧WINLINK

Exercise Handshake Winlink Check-Ins


Send your Exercise Handshake Check-Ins via Winlink by addressing your message to "HANDSHAKE" with the subject line "Exercise Handshake" throughout the day on the last Tuesday of the month.


All check-ins are encouraged to use the standard WINLINK Check-In Form found on Winlink Express. An example is found below.


Participating stations are encouraged to send their messages "over RF" by connecting to a VHF or HF Winlink gateway; however, telnet check-ins will also be accepted.


Please include the following information* in the body of your message:

* Replace the text between the “<” and “>” with your station information.


If the NCO is capable, you may also make a VARA HF Peer to Peer on Center Frequency 3.596 (Dial Frequency 3594.50) if the frequency is free between 7- 8pm AT.
Make sure your message is (SEND AS Peer to Peer) and also in your Open Session (VARA HF P2P)


If you have any questions about Winlink or checking in using these modes, please contact Jim VE1JBL at themaritimeamateur@gmail.com or  John VE1CWJ by email at ve1cwj@gmail.com



National HF Emergency Communications Frequencies


The following frequencies and modes have been pre-determined for suggested use of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service during a declared emergency, or a disaster declared or otherwise, occurring anywhere in Canada. These frequencies have been registered with the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) for its listings of Canadian national emergency frequencies in IARU Region 2.

These are suggested frequencies and should not be construed as meaning that other HF frequencies may not be considered for Emcomm operations.

No Amateur Radio operator or group has exclusive ownership of any particular frequency on any band and, while common sense and courtesy logically would dictate that other Radio Amateurs should keep clear of frequencies being used for emergency or disaster operations, the affected ARES Net Control Station (NCS) must be prepared to move up or down from the pre-determined frequency, as required, in order to conduct operations. Entering into an on-air argument must be avoided.

 


80 M

3.675 MHz LSB (VOICE)  Used in Exercise Handshake

Alfa

3.535 MHz (CW)

Golf

3.596 MHz  (DIGITAL) Testing for Exercise Handshake Peer to Peer (Winlink)

Mike

40 M

7.135 MHz LSB

Bravo

7.035 MHz

Hotel

7.096 MHz

November

20 M

14.135 MHz USB

Charlie

14.035 MHz

India

14.096 MHz

Oscar

17 M

18.135 MHz USB

Delta

18.075 MHz

Juliet

18.096 MHz

Papa

15 M

21.235 MHz USB

Echo

21.035 MHz

Kilo

21.096 MHz

Quebec

10 M

28.235 MHz USB

Foxtrot

28.035 MHz

Lima

28.096 MHz

Romeo

 

The frequencies may also be used during a local ARES exercise or for RAC/ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) operations held annually each Fall, provided such operations do not interfere with those of higher priority.

Each frequency has been given a tactical designation to facilitate quick change to another pre-determined frequency and/or mode by simply indicating the designation. Use of the tactical designations, while optional, is encouraged.

In all cases, these frequencies must be considered as being “plus or minus” to allow for QRM or other conditions impeding useful communications.

Should two or more ARES units wish to use a frequency at the same time for a simulated emergency exercise, consideration should be given to making the exercise “joint” and to work together.  Failing that, the frequency should go to the ARES group that first began operations there. Of course, if a real emergency should occur during the exercise and the frequency is required, the unit conducting the exercise is expected to cease transmissions immediately, relinquish the frequency and stand by in case assistance is requested.

Comments and suggestions concerning this list may be submitted, or for further information, please contact the Community Services Officer .