Be sure to check our Calendar for Net Information and Meeting Information...

The Frozen Prairie Exercise simulates the aftermath of a 7.5 magnitude earthquake on the New Madrid Fault that impacts the state of Illinois. The epicenter is located near the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which affects much of Southern Illinois. 

This exercise is designed to test the ability of Illinois Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) operators, ARES AUXCOM, the Illinois National Guard, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), and ITEX portable communications units to maintain vital communication links during a major disaster scenario, including civil unrest in urban areas.

The exercise will specifically focus on radio communication between southern Illinois and northern Illinois using CW (Morse Code), SSB (Single Sideband, FT8, and Winlink. Additionally, public civil unrest following the disaster will test the ability of amateur radio operators to manage and relay emergency messages while navigating a high-stress environment.

All amateur radio operators are invited to send our net control operators SIMULATED messages

DuPage County ARES volunteers will be participating in the Frozen Prairie SET on February 7, 2025.  Volunteers will be handling traffic for the North Zone in Illinois (Districts 2, 3, and 4)

Below is an outline of our participation:

9:00am-9:30am – DuPage County ARES on 40m as Net Control Operators for North Zone

Task

• Receive simulated messages from amateur radio operators in the North Zone of Illinois (Districts 2, 3, and 4) and from central and south zones.
• Send simulated messages to Central and South Zone

Net Control Operators – The following volunteers will be net control operators – Tom – KD9JSA and Joe – KD9UEG

9:30am-10:00am – Traffic handling (All Modes)

Task

• Receive simulated messages from amateur radio operators in the North Zone of Illinois (Districts 2, 3, and 4) and from central and south zones.
• Send simulated messages to Central and South Zone
• Winlink – Amateur radio operators to send simulated messages to ILEASWin.Link@ileas.org (Send messages in 213 format)

K9XD Repeater Net Control Operator - Howard KD9WSV and Joe KD9UEG

Winlink – Tom KD9JSA will monitor Winlink for messages

10:00am-10:30am – 70cm – Simplex – GMRS

Task

• Receive simulated messages from amateur radio operators in the North Zone of Illinois (Districts 2, 3, and 4) on the K9XD Repeater 444.875
• Receive simulated messages from amateur radio operators on Simplex 146.475
• Receive simulated messages from GMRS operators on the Rugged 575 Repeater

K9XD Repeater Net Control operators – Tom – KD9JSA and Joe – KD9UEG

Simplex Net Control operators – Tom – KD9JSA and Joe KD9UEG

GMRS Rugged Repeater Net control operators - KEVIN-KD9ZDR

10:30am-11:30am – Digital Modes

Task

With most volunteers in our group not equipped with DMR or CW, DuPage ARES will participate in the SET with the following

• BM DMR 31171 – Tom KD9JSA will monitor frequency
• JS8 – 144.475 – All amateur radio operators will be invited to participate in passing simulated messages on JS8.

12 Noon – NC9IL

Task

• Statewide check-in 7.227

 Help us keep DuPage County safe and prepared by supporting the DuPage County Amateur Radio Emergency Service. Your contribution can make a big  difference. Click on the link below to 'Buy Our Volunteers A Coffee'  and ensure that our dedicated team has the resources they need, from  essential equipment to training materials and maintenance for our Auxcomm Trailer. Your generosity also provides refreshments for our volunteers during events and activations. Every little bit counts. Thank  you for your support!

 If you're considering a larger donation to support our organization, we deeply appreciate your generosity.  Please reach out to us at admin@dupageares.org, and we'll gladly send you a donation request through Venmo. Your contribution plays a crucial role in enhancing our capabilities,  ensuring we can continue serving our community effectively. Thank you for your support and dedication to emergency preparedness!

 Your donations will be received by DuPage County Amateur Radio Emergency Services, Inc. a 

501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization.  Your donation may be tax deductible, consult with your personal tax advisor.