ARO Standard Operating Procedure

What to do in advance of an exercise or deployment:

• Print this Standard Operating Procedure or otherwise have them available even when Internet is unavailable.
• Print a copy of the NET Form 6 or load it with Adobe Acrobat Reader so you can fill it in using your computer.
• Print or otherwise have available a copy of a Stations Participating log form.
• Select at least two regional subnets according to your location. See Simplex Regions.
• Consider updating your radio’s memory channels using one of the 2023 Multnomah County ARES templates if you haven’t already done so.

What to do during the exercise or deployment:

• Tune your radio to the frequency for your region. Use this VHF Frequency Table using either a pre-programmed memory channel or by using VFO mode.
• Set your transceiver’s transmit power to a power level that should allow you to be heard by your subnet controller.
• Make sure your radio is not using a transmit offset as we will not be using repeaters for the subnets. See Operating Simplex. If you have trouble checking in, see What to do if you have trouble checking in.
• If you do not hear anything on the VHF frequency associated with your region after about 10 minutes, consider moving to the VHF frequency for a different region.
• If you hear the formal opening of the subnet log it. In any case log the name of the subnet on your NET Form 6.
• The subnet controller will check in operators. See Check-in and Check-out Procedures.
• Log your check in on your Form 6.
• Using a separate Stations Participating log, log other stations’ readability.
• Follow the instructions of your subnet controller.
• When the subnet controller asks for check outs follow their instructions and then log that check out.