May MDC Digital EMCOMM Challenge

MDC Digital Emergency Communications (EMCOMM) Challenges provide a training opportunity for Winlink, VarAC, and/or Fldigi radio operators to sharpen their skills for service in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), or in other public service organizations. Challenges simulate internet down scenarios, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks, and primarily use peer-to-peer (P2P) messaging protocols that require relays. Winlink VARA FM, VARA HF, and HF Radio-only are supported. VarAC HF and VarAC FM provide feature rich EMCOMM platforms. Fldigi HF messaging is incorporated for interoperability with ARES groups that use the ARRL Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System (NBEMS).

The challenge details for May 2026 have been sent to participants. Anyone can join the ARRL Maryland-DC (MDC) Section Winlink message distribution list and participate in MDC Digital EMCOMM training activities. Interested parties should send a Winlink message request to MDCWINLINK-1 and they will be added to the distribution list. The information that you will need to participate in monthly Check-ins and Challenges will be sent out via Winlink messages. Challenge Announcements are sent approximately 2 weeks before each challenge.

If VarAC or Fldigi is your mainstay and you wish not to use Winlink, please send your commercial email address to bill.n3xl [at] verizon.net, Subject: MDC Distribution List, and you will be added to the list. The commercial email distribution option is not open for Winlink users.