W6MLP
Milpitas ARES®/RACES
Join Us
Membership in Milpitas ARES/RACES [MARES] is open to all persons living and/or working in Milpitas holding a valid FCC-issued Amateur Radio License. There are no annual dues or fees. The only requirement for membership is an FCC issued Amateur Radio License and an interest in serving your community.
If you hold a valid Amateur Radio License:
Complete the ARES Registration Form.
Near the bottom of the form select Milpitas from the drop down selection box of cities. (See example to right).Contact the Milpitas Office of Emergency Services at (408) 586-2810 to register for RACES as a Disaster Service Worker [DSW].
Join us Tuesday evenings at 7:15 PM for our regularly scheduled net on 145.430 MHz, -offset, 85.4Hz PL or on 224.720 MHz -offset, 100Hz PL.
Join the Milpitas ARES E-mail list to stay informed of activities and nets.
Review the material listed in the Resources section of this site.
As time allows take some training classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Milpitas ARES/RACES [MARES]?
MARES is a special interest group within Amateur Radio that provides radio communications for the good of the community. - What does MARES do?
MARES makes available radio communications for various community events as well as emergency situations. - Why should I join MARES?
Each Amateur has their own motivation for joining MARES. Whether it's a sense of community spirit, an application for your equipment and talent or just a day out of the house, your participation will bring you a sense of satisfaction and comradery with your fellow Amateurs. - Why participate in non-emergencies?
These are quite important. Since true emergencies rarely happen we use participation in these events to constantly hone our skills. As well as providing community support, this also helps advertise Amateur Radio to the general population. It also demonstrates to agencies, that we normally serve, that we are active. - Should I be concerned about the stress of emergency events?
While the word "emergency" can be very intimidating, the fact is our role will always be to provide communications only and, as such, we are usually away from the action, hence stress is minimal. You are free to decline any assignment that you do not feel comfortable with. - Should I join up if I can't participate in all the nets or events?
By all means. Our goal is to have sufficient numbers of members, such that no one has to participate in all events, unless they want to. Taking part in those activities that you can will make you better prepared to serve when the need arises. - Do I need some special knowledge to be a member?
You already demonstrated the basic knowledge when you passed your Amateur exam. We simply reinforce some of these things and establish operating procedures (e.g., frequencies to use, how to operate within a net, use of ICS, etc.). - Am I obligated to attend all events once I am registered?
While a call is intended to facilitate a "first response" to happenings, consideration is given to the fact that you have a life outside Amateur Radio (hopefully) and may not be available all the time. We will work around that. During an emergency your first responsibility is your family. - How will I remember everything I need to know?
The county has a well written Standard Operating Procedures that details everything required. This, along with practice events, training, and weekly nets, usually does the job. - As a new Amateur, should I get more experience before joining?
Not at all. When you passed your exam, you already demonstrated that you have the basic ability required to contribute to the cause. - Can I participate if I'm not registered?
You would not expect a new employee at your place of work to be fully useful on their first day at work. Likewise, without training and experience you would be of little help in a real emergency. You need to practice by taking part in our weekly nets, drills, and public service events to hone your skills so that when a real emergency exists you are ready to go--that is not the time to learn.
Last Updated: September 25, 2009