Our regional ARES group conducted a comprehensive disaster simulation involving six counties last month, and I wanted to share some key takeaways. We simulated a cyberattack that caused widespread power outages, requiring us to operate using "simplex" directly from radio to radio. This presented several challenges as it is difficult to reach all operating locations from a single point, requiring operators to relay messages to more remote stations.

Major lessons:

• Simplex range planning is critical - we needed more relay points than anticipated
• Digital modes (Winlink) proved invaluable when repeaters went down
• Go-kit battery life under continuous use was shorter than expected

Anyone else participate in similar multi-agency exercises recently? What were your biggest surprises?

Great write-up! We had similar findings during our spring exercise. Amateur radio operators equipped with go kits provide an agile and adaptable opportunity for connecting communities when power and traditional communications are interrupted. Did you guys test any mesh networking or were you strictly point-to-point?

The simplex range issue is huge and often overlooked in planning. These areas may benefit from scheduling drills and exercises to keep operators ready to respond in emergencies. Drills also ensure that professionals and ham operators are comfortable working together. We're adding more hilltop portable sites to our plans.

Excellent points about battery life! The equipment used during the exercise was in a "go kit." Operators used battery power during the exercise as a proof of concept but real-world continuous operation is very different from practice. Adding solar panels to my kit after reading this.