Operators participate in the Global Simulated Emergency Test by sending ALE text messages to the central IARU GlobalSET European headquarters relayed via the network of ALE Global HFN Pilot Stations. Hams activate their ALE stations, start scanning and sounding before the event, and send messages during the day of the event. In addition to the emergency practice, this provides valuable
knowledge of the resources that can be mobilized in the event of a real emergency.
HFN is the amateur Global High Frequency Network. The network frequencies and pilot stations are:
3596.0
7102.0
10145.5
14109.0
18106.0
21096.0
24926.0
28146.0
ALE Net: HFN
SLOT
1 [ User's callsign ]
2 KM4BA
3 KQ6XA
4 WA3MEZ
5 K7EK
6 VE2FXL
7 NJ7C
8 WD8ARZ
9 KN0CK
10 N0PWZ
Amateurs will attempt to link up with these stations and pass their emergency power capability in an AMD (Automatic Message of the Day).
While it is not clear, presumably May 3 begins at 0000 UTC, which is on the 2nd in the US. In fact, it is about an hour from this posting.
A "qrg" (frequency) file is available at hflink.com. If you join their Yahoo! group, you can also get the latest version of PC-ALE, which will scan (MultiPSK and SkySweeper won't). I've got it going here, and it seems much more sensitive than previous versions. Thanks to the hflink administrators for making it available to me.
It is important NOT to attempt to transmit ALE with amateur equipment unless you know what you are doing. It's not designed to change bands this fast unless you are using a good autotuner and antenna(s) for all bands. In addition, the amateur rules impose certain technical issues. Read the materials out on the Internet before trying this mode!!!!!!
