GBARC assists organizations with the construction of amateur radio facilities for emergency communications use.  In September and October we installed two VHF/UHF FT-8800 radios, a commercial Red Cross 47.20 MHz radio, and an IC-746 pro transceiver for HF.  Roof mounted vertical antennas were installed for each VHF radio and a 102-ft. G5RV for HF.  The station received the call W1MFC (for Mid-Fairfield County).

At the request of the Bridgeport OEM, GBARC in conjunction with the Derby OEM conducted an extensive test to verify communication capability from the Red Cross and Bridgeport EOC's to each of the potential 35 Bridgeport shelters.  Both hand-held and mobile transceivers were tested in the field on September 26, 2008 to gain a better understanding of antenna and power requirements needed for reliable communications.  The new Red Cross EOC was fully tested on VHF during this exercise.