On July 15, 16, 17, and 18, FEMA Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) Bothell, will deploy to Whidbey Island near Oak Harbor with their Forward Communications Vehicle (FCV). The exercise will provide an opportunity for antenna testing at 5330.5 Khz USB (actual transmitted center frequency will be 5332.0 KHz) between 1200 to 1300 Pacific Time every day with the amateur radio community. Amateur radio operators (General and higher) are encouraged to contact the FCV (call sign WGY9502) for signal quality checks. Only voice mode will be tested. The FCV will test its whip antenna, as well as a AS-2259 Near Vertical Incidence (NVIS) antenna and a C&S Antennas LFH230 fanlite.

General and higher amateur radio operators may set Effective Radiated Power (ERP) up to 100 watts. For more information on the special 60 meter channels, see http://www.arrl.org/60m-channel-allocation

Thanks,
Terry Starzl
Telecommunications Specialist (RF)
FEMA Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS)