Exercises
Disaster relief communication exercises enable amateur radio operators to check their preparedness for a natural disaster.
Our monthly Alpine Fault Net™ on the first Sunday of each month, combined with other special events, are designed to give operators the opportunities needed to improve their setup and hone operating skills.
Both base and field stations within the disaster region and in other regions play important roles in connecting communities until normal communication services are restored.
Disaster Region
Stations located within the disaster region are the gateway between affected communities and the Alpine Fault Net.
Volunteer amateur radio operators use HF radio to connect with other stations on the Alpine Fault Net, and PRS portables to connect with the local community.
Alpine Fault Net field stations are established in RF quiet locations close to the centre of town (school grounds and community parks.)
Every other station participating in the New Zealand wide Alpine Fault Net is focused on the needs of field stations operating from community centres within the disaster region.
Other Regions
Stations located outside the disaster region are the gateway between the Alpine Fault Net and destinations that are reachable using telephone and Internet.
Our volunteers forward messages using BAU (business as usual) communications such as telephone, SMS, and email.
Alpine Fault Net stations located outside the disaster region may also be called upon to relay messages between stations participating on the Net who are unable to hear each other.