WORLDWIDE
eDISPATCH
- 1 DEC 2009 - 0300Z
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Dedicated to Emergency Communications by RADIO
EMCOMM QUARTERLY
Official
Journal of the World Radio Relay League
www.wrrl.org
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VOL. 6 -- No. 2
www.emcomm.org
WINTER 2009-10
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The EQ PHILOSOPHY
- Guest Editorial
SHORT CIRCUITS - News and Announcements
BACK
TO BASICS
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
The EM
ADVISOR - "Q and A"
WRRL
NEWS and NETS
TRAFFIC HANDLING
NETWORK
NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
QSH - WHAT IS YOUR "EQ"?
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE
- ON LEADERSHIP
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for
NEW
SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
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The EQ PHILOSOPHY
A GUEST EDITORIAL by Paul Cavnar, K7IN, WRRL 20
VoIP, IRLP, Echolink and other internet-dependent modes of communication
While most of us are well aware of these modes, there are serious problems and
deficiencies looming just over the horizon that need to be considered.
Recently a bill proposed in congress would grant the President the ability to
"shut down" our internet in order to protect government and military systems as
well as vital infrastructure from cyber attack and denial-of-service attacks.
While this may seem a good idea on the surface, it will instantly bring
nationwide communications and commerce to a standstill if implemented. It
will also render VoIP, IRLP, Echolink and other internet-dependent modes
completely useless. While I am all for embracing new technologies, let's
not toss out what has been proven over and over for many years because, very
simply, it works.
Should our President decide he needed to isolate our American internet from the
rest of the world, our ability to communicate, do business, or function via the
internet could be crippled. Except for hard-line telephone
connections or radio, communications would be rendered useless at that
time. All primary internet hub locations would be isolated from each other and
from all outside connections.
Regardless of who has the authority to sever these links, it is still subject to
abuse since that decision to shut down will come from those in government who
are just advisors to the President and whose honesty and integrity I
personally do not trust. Our nation can easily be brought to a
standstill if our internet is "shut down" because virtually every facet of our
lives is dependent upon the internet in one form or another.
So, while these internet-dependent modes are a great idea and can certainly move
information efficiently under normal conditions, a good emcomm plan should not
be depend on them for handling emergency traffic. There is nothing that is
more reliable than a direct radio link between stations operating on independent
or emergency power. That, my friends, is the absolute "bottom line" so, as
the saying goes, "when all else fails..."
Let's not abandon our
emcomm
fundamentals just because it's easier to turn on a computer.
We still need to know how to get the message through efficiently and
accurately. And practice makes perfect. I am not saying to toss your
computer out the window. But also keep the dust off of your J-38.
Don't get caught up in the fragile new technologies and lose your basic ability
to communicate when needed. - Paul Cavnar, K7IN
k7in@att.net
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SHORT CIRCUITS
CQ
VHF
MAGAZINE
Readers of
CQ
VHF
may have noticed that an article from the December 2008 issue of
EM was
published in the FALL 2009 issue of that fine magaizine (p. 36-37).
(We admit that we are slightly flattered!)
A Navigator's Definition of Latitude and Longitude:
1 - Latitude is where we are lost.
2 - Longitude is how long we've been lost there!
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BACK TO BASICS
Improper use of the terms "mobile" and "portable" continue to be commonplace. Therefore
we (again) present this EQ basic studies training module.
While the
FCC rules (Part 97) no longer require an amateur operator to identify if they
are operating as a
fixed,
mobile or
portable
station, doing so is a mark of good operating, and it is also important
in public service nets. Saying "mobile" or "portable" after a call sign is
proper and helpful. The NCS may ask you to take a turn in net before others
since there is no guarantee that a signal will continue to be received.
If
mobile or
portable
is not stated, it is assumed that the operator is at his fixed (home) location.
(In Morse, a
SLANT BAR
followed by
M
or P
may be used....e.g.
K6SOJ/M)
In addition, it is important to state your location correctly and accurately.
(See: "What is your Location?" in the December 2008 EM at:
www.emcomm.org/em/2008/dec2008.htm or the
Fall 2009 issue of
CQ VHF
magazine. This informs the NCS and others in a net your
current location, in case there is any traffic for, or queries about that area.
(E,g, - weather and/or road conditions.)
The terms
mobile
and
portable have nothing to do with the size or type of radio you
are using. If you are at your home location (the location stated on you
FCC license), you cannot be mobile, even if you are operating from your car
parked in your yard or driveway or parked on the street in front of your house.
If you are using a handie-talkie in your home back yard, you are not "portable"
even though HTs are often used for portable or mobile operation.
Here's the "straight scoop:"
Fixed
operation: Radio communications conducted from a specific
geographical land location shown on the station license. Normally, this
is your home shack.
Portable
operation: Radio communications conducted from a specific,
definable, geographic location, other than what is shown on the station license.
E.g. - a temporary field assignment, or a vacation home or campsite. Even
if you are using a 200 lb. vintage "boat anchor" transmitter, you are still
portable!
A portable station may even include numerous antennas and several
transmitters running up to full legal power with a 12 kW diesel generator on a
truck or trailer!
Mobile operation: Radio communications conducted while in
motion or during stops at unspecified locations. E.g. - Using a VHF or
UHF rig while driving your car, truck, RV or a hand-held transceiver while
jogging or while backpacking.
"Maritime mobile" and "aeronautical mobile" are appropriate. Definitive
terms such as: "pedestrian mobile", "wheel chair mobile", "bicycle mobile",
"equestrian mobile", "railroad mobile", are also interesting to hear and
acceptable. -
EQ
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FEEDBACK,
MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
PROS and CONS*...on the September issue of EMCOMM MONTHLY
DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE?
"While I do not read all of every publication, I do enjoy the depth of knowledge
contained and (that it is) searchable." - Ann Foster, KØANN, Minneapolis, MN
COMMENT: Thank you, Ann, for the kind words and for your
donation to help support
EMCOMM.ORG
and
EMCOMM
QUARTERLY. - Editor
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I PERSONALLY THINK...
"I personally think you have the best interest in EMCOMM at heart as you do
these newsletters. I also think that doing it once a month is more
advantageous that doing it once a quarter. I, too, used to do an
EMCOMM-type newsletter called "STONEFLY" back in the 90's. We had lots of
followers, and it was free. Finding time to write the newsletter was
difficult, but I found one can borrow information from other websites, etc.
It then got to a point where I had to rely on "guest writers", because
information was needed to get my monthly edition out.
"Will you get subscribers or donations to pay for this....probably not, but you
may want to consider asking other people to write a monthly column for you and
then you put that in the newsletter. Maybe you can get co-editors to take
turns putting the newsletter together for you each month. There is a wide
array of ways to get out your newsletter on a monthly basis. I think the
information is out there and people would assist if asked......just something to
think about over your morning coffee."
John E. Peterson
Department of Homeland Security
Office of Emergency Communications
COMMENT:
Thanks John. If you look back over the past 10 years of both ECWB and EM,
you'll notice that there have been many guest writers and even some "borrowing"
of articles from other sources. But I usually avoid re-hashing items that
have been published elsewhere, and have always tried to present original
material. However, most of our contributors have either dried up as far as
producing new material or have simply "burned out" or have moved on to other
interests.
(Above EQ
Philosophy excepted). I am as strong a believer in
"delegating" as many tasks as possible as anyone...but I'm sure you'll agree
that
that also takes a lot of time and energy, sometimes more than if you
just do something yourself! I am having my morning coffee
now...(made fresh yesterday!) - Editor
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REACT
"You should do an article on REACT. Someone told me that it is on its last
legs--something that seems to echo your statements on amateur radio dying. Its
sad, but if someone were to call for help on CB channel 9, there is a good
chance that no one would get back to them. By the way, I enjoy your newsletter."
- David Salt, KC2KQB, Bloomfield, NJ
COMMENT:
In "the seventies" I served as the Director of Disaster Services for the Orange
County (CA) Chapter of the American Red Cross. There were two active REACT
teams in our county that provided a worthwhile level of communications support
in addition to the local ARES® unit. As we all know, the
Citizen's
Band Service deteriorated into an unregulated, undisciplined,
wasteland of radio anarchy. Many REACT units moved to FRS, GMRS, etc. and
other "CBers" became licensed amateurs. Sadly, very sadly, amateur radio
seems to be headed down the same road. -
Editor
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REACTION
"I have been reading the EMCOMM Monthly for quite a while, and although I find
your fascination with the code a little appalling, otherwise I have enjoyed most
of the articles.
"However, in view of that odd fascination and Jerry Boyd's comment about
socialism, I think it is time to take a pass on the EMCOMM MONTHLY. Trying to
turn all hams into nineteenth-century telegraphers has not got much to do
with emcomm reality, and Jerry's "socialism" mention is simply absurd on it's
face and tells me more about Jerry's knowledge of politics than anything else.
"You have the freedom to say what you want and I will fight alongside you for
that freedom, But I have the freedom to ignore what you are saying. So
please drop me from the mailing list." -
Name
withheld
COMMENT: Sorry that you no longer want to consider other
viewpoints. As far as our "odd fascination" with telegraphy is concerned,
it still is the simplest and most efficient way to get a message through using
only minimal equipment. Don't even need a radio...a blinking light or horn
will do. The A1A radio mode (CW) is still the only radio method that works when
"all else fails." -
Editor
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TWO VOTES FOR
REAL
HAM RADIO?
"For your efforts on behalf of REAL ham radio, thank you. With all the bad
stuff I see coming down the pike for our nation, your work becomes even more
important. Enclosed is a little something to defray expenses." - Jeff
Montgomery, WB4WXD, Palestine, TX
"Quarterly instead of monthly for the WRRL Journal.....that will turn out to be
fine. The important thing is to keep EMCOMM basics alive and in the
spotlight. Thank you for all you have done to achieve that with the monthly
letter. Please enjoy whatever slack the quarterly schedule will afford you
because you have earned it. I will continue to support WRRL and EQ. Thanks
again." - Bob Shelby, W7FPY, Springfield, OR
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GPS and the USNG SYSTEM
"I enjoy your EMCOMM newsletter. However, there is one area that we should
start learning concerning GPS. Emergency Management, FEMA, the Military,
and the Professional Search and Rescue (SAR) groups are moving to the US
National Grid System. Within the next two years, the process of plotting
maps for the entire US will be finished. Currently, maps of the coastal
areas are complete. Basically, these areas are already complete because of
the chance for hurricanes. Our local ARES group has had the privilege of
working with Texas Task Force One's K-9 search and rescue groups, and they have
already been using the US National Grid for several years. This group was
one of the first groups called in to New York City after 9-11 to help search for
victims. Once you learn the US National Grid, it is much easier to give a
location and to find them on a map." - Mark Garton, W4ZFH, Brazos County, TX
ARES EC
COMMENT:
I consulted with three respected SAR and navigation experts. Here is a synopsis
of what they say:
1. The USNG system has been around for many years.
2. USNG is basically UTM adds alpha-numeric grid designatiors to additional
squares of their own. (These are not shown on any maps except USNG maps.)
3. We are not aware of any national mandate or even suggestion that the NSNG
system be used.
4. We have yet to see a GPS receiver set up for it.
5. Most western U.S. SAR teams are now using UTM (for many good reasons) and DD
MM.mm (decimal minutes, not seconds) as a secondary system.
6. More information about USNG is at: http://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/0705/usng1of2.html
7. More information about UTM is at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Transverse_Mercator_coordinate_system
As far as emcomm is concerned this all falls into the "nice to know" category.
SAR, fire service, and other emergency personnel must know and practice whatever
navigation "system" is being used in their agency and region. And it
doesn't hurt to know what system and/or methods others may be using..."just in
case."
As communicators, our job is to accept clear, accurate and concise messages and
transmit, relay, receive and deliver the message to the addressee with 100%
accuracy as rapidly as possible. The subject of the message (including
whatever system is being used to state a POSN) is irrelevant.
The GPS is a wonderful tool. But it is not fail safe. What happens
if the GPS unit or the battery dies, gets dropped, lost or falls overboard?
What happens if an asteroid hits a GPS satellite or big brother shuts down the
system to prevent terrorists from using it? A sextant and chronometer will
still work, and let none of us ever forget the basics of land navigation
(orienteering) using compass, ruler and map, and the stars.
Finally, in addition to POSN (lat/long and/or UTM) it's also wise to learn how
to provide a legal definition of a particular location. (Baseline,
meridian, range, township, section, 1/16 of section, etc.) -
EQ
* If
pro
is the opposite of
con...what
is the opposite of
progress?
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THE EM ADVISOR
The staff of
EMCOMM QUARTERLY is happy to answer your questions to the best
of our ability. Some are
"FAQs" (Frequently Asked Questions) and others are of a specific nature.
Each month, we will answer questions that may have value to other emcomm radio
operators. Technical questions are forwarded to our Technical Advisor, Ed
Ewell, K7DXV. Questions about our ARCT program or NIMS/ICS are forwarded to
Before submitting a question, we ask our readers to check the FAQ page
first...your question may have been asked before. Also, please consider
checking our site search page at:
http://www.emcomm.org/search.htm to see
if your question may have been previously addressed in
EMCOMM
MONTHLY. Thank you.
ABOUT A
RECENT FCC RULING
Q:
"What does
EQ think
about the recent FCC ruling* by Laura Smith, FCC's incoming Special Counsel for
Amateur Enforcement regarding licensed amateurs employed by public service
agencies not being permitted to use the amateur frequencies while on the job?
-
Synopsis of questions from several readers.
A:
At least this new interpretation by Ms. Smith of FCC of Part 97.111 and
97.113 makes an exception for life and death emergencies and for periodic
drills. This ruling is no doubt a reaction to a trend that we have watched
develop over the past ten years or so where over-zealous hams have been trying
to increase the amateur radio ranks by recruiting employees of both public and
private service agencies, such as fire services, law enforcement agencies,
health departments and hospitals. Much of this push was through what is
commonly called one or two-day "ham crams."
The object was to learn the answers to the questions and to heck with the rest
of it. The promoter's theory was that there would then be licensed hams
already on duty in many agencies institutions that could be utilized to provide
amateur radio emcomm.
Truth be known, most of these "ham-cram" graduates have no idea what Ohm’s law
is, nor could they draw a simple tank circuit. Some can't even program
their own radio, and most will never string up an emergency wire antenna and
operate QRP CW. Proper operating and traffic handling procedures were not
taught or learned. We doubt that many of these could even pass the Boy
Scout Radio Merit Badge exam. (See QSH section below.)
But this latest FCC ruling seems to be an over-reaction and is a classic example
of "throwing the baby out with the bath water." I have personally been on
many search and rescue operations where amateur radio was necessarily used
properly and to good advantage. While most of the SAR personnel that were
licensed amateurs were volunteers, the SAR Coordinator was usually a paid deputy
(also a licensed amateur.)
Under the latest interpretation of FCC Parts 97.111 and 97.113, members of a SAR
team who are licensed amateurs would not be able to contact the SAR Coordinator
on an amateur frequency. In order to "get around" this, it would require
that a ham ride along with the SAR Coordinator. This of course is
ridiculous and a waste of the human resource!
Participating in periodic drills with amateur radio emcomm groups is not
objectionable. What is objectionable is when public entities use amateur
radio not as a supplement during actual emergencies, but when they use it as a
substitute for routine public safety communications.
The real travesty is that much of the amateur radio service has neglected its
mission of
service
to the public (Ref. FCC Part 97.1) who often needs our
communications support during disasters and other emergencies. Much of the
focus in recent years has been to align emcomm units with public safety
agencies and thereby receive a nifty ID card, or badge and/or uniform. In
reality, agencies do not normally need amateur radio support. -
EQ
*NOTE:
54% of U.S. voters voted for "change" last November. This is only one of
many changes that no one expected or wants or makes sense. Watch for more
"change" from the FCC coming down the pike in the months and years ahead.
Related article at:http://www.hdscs.org/employee.html
REPEATING
WHAT IS HEARD ON PUBLIC SERVICE FREQUENCIES
Q: "I
am trying to get opinions on this recent issue. I scan public service
frequencies for road reports etc. along with my amateur radio as a normal
routine while travelling. Recently, I reported a car accident that I heard
on a scanner frequency and gave out a traffic advisory as I was aware of a
fellow ham that was going to be within the area of the car accident, and that he
should avoid the scene if possible. Later that evening I was informed that
I could not repeat what I heard on a scanner frequency and was told that if I do
this again he/she will report me to the federal authorities. So, if I
transmit what I hear on a scanner frequency, am I in violation of this US
Federal Law?" -
Name
withheld
A: Technically
speaking, this "nit-picker" is correct.* However, the commercial news
media eavesdrop and report on what they "scan" from public service frequencies
all the time and no one seems to complain. I don't hesitate to pass
travelers' advisories, weather warnings and other safety related information
along via amateur radio circuits, if doing so might save a life or some
property. I just would NOT say where or how I heard about it.
It is important to remember that, with very few exceptions, broadcasting
(one-way transmission of information that is not
solely
of interest to radio amateurs is illegal on amateur frequencies. Ref. FCC
97.3 (10) and (26). Be sure to make your announcement(s) as part of a
two-way
contact or in a
net setting.
It is OK to pass along verified and accurate information, but be very careful
when offering directions. Do NOT speculate or make risky recommendations over
the airwaves. I monitored an incident a few years ago when a
well-intentioned ham took it upon himself to direct a trucker around a major
highway closure during a severe winter storm. The truck jack-knifed on a narrow
mountain pass and blocked the secondary road for many hours. In this
example, directing a truck up over a narrow mountain pass in a winter storm
was unwise and could have resulted in injury or death. However, if an
alternate route(s) had been designated by highway or law enforcement officials,
then it would have been acceptable. There are no hard and fast rules that
apply to this. Common sense
and good judgment must prevail...and ALWAYS err on the side of safety! -
Editor
* US
Communications Act of 1934, Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986,
Telecommunications Disclosure & Dispute Resolution Act of 1992, Digital
Telephony Bill of 1994, and ET Docket 98-76 of June 1, 1999. An in depth page
on this topic is at:
http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/federal4.html
NOTE:
EQ has not reviewed everything presented on that site, and therefore cannot
verify its accuracy.
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WRRL NEWS and NETS
∙ REGIONAL
EMCOMM NETS
(ALL SERIOUS EMCOMM STATIONS WELCOME):
Pacific (and Mountain) Time Zones: PTZNN (aka Jefferson Noon Net/JNN)
daily at 1200 PTZ on 7204/± kHz (7214 and 3911± kHz alternate)
Central (and Eastern) Time Zones: CTZNN Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at
1200 CTZ
on
7214± kHz
∙ WRRL NET
on MONDAYS on 14.280 MHz USB (listen up or down the band as much as 20 kHz)
2000Z (When on Daylight Saving Time) and 2100Z (When on Standard Time)
∙ WRRL
STATION MAP UPDATE
Map showing the location of WRRL stations can be viewed at: http://www.wrrl.org/map
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TRAFFIC
HANDLING
“For want of a letter, a word was lost.
For want of a word, a message was lost.
For want of a message, a life was lost.”
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"Record Message Traffic, by skilled operators, and by RADIO (only)!"
It's all about Dependability, Accuracy and Accountability!
NOTE:
"Record Message Traffic" means that a record is kept of all traffic you handle,
(for at least a period of one year), in the event a question comes up later.
It also
documents
that YOU did your job properly and correctly! (Assuming that you
did...of course.)
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EMCOMM and TRAFFIC HANDLING NETS
LINCOLN NOON NET - LNN (CTZNN) M-W-F
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS at 1200 CTZ on 7214 kHz ± LSB.
All emcomm stations in the Central (U.S.) Time Zone, PLUS the Eastern and
Mountain Time Zones are invited to check in.
JEFFERSON NOON NET - JNN (PTZNN) DAILY
DAILY at 1200 PTZ on 7204 kHz ± LSB. (7214 and 3911 kHz alternate)
Stations in the MTZ (and CTZ, if the band is very long) are also welcome!
The LNN and the JNN are for operators who want to learn and/or practice proper
net operating procedures and standardized traffic handling skills.
Stations in the MTZ (band conditions permitting) can potentially participate in
both of these nets, and thereby provide a relay circuit between the east coast
and the west coast on 40 meters three times a week! It is
anticipated that the LNN will eventually become a daily circuit.
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THE “TRAFFIC HANDLER’S MANTRA”
(Recite often to help remember the eight parts in preamble):
“No
• Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
NUMBER • PRECEDENCE
•
HX
(Handling Instructions) •
STATION OF
ORIGIN •
CHECK
•
PLACE OF
ORIGIN •
TIME
•
DATE
To help you to memorize the eight parts of the preamble,
RECITE
the
"Traffic Handlers Mantra" often:
“No
• Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
ASSESS your current traffic handling skill. Take the
"TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE" at:
www.emcomm.org (main page)
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NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (N.E.T.S.)
The NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE
uses designated watch and calling frequencies. Public service
amateur radio operators everywhere are invited to monitor these frequencies
whenever possible. But when disasters or other incidents occur, emcomm
operators are asked to warm up their radios and "light up" the NATIONAL EMCOMM
TRAFFIC SERVICE..."24/7". Active operators know which bands are most
likely to be "open" depending upon the time of day, season, etc.
During disasters and for other emergencies, the frequencies are "open nets".
When traffic becomes heavy, they will become "command and control"
frequencies with a net control station "triaging traffic" and directing stations
with traffic to another (traffic) frequency. (At least 5 kHz away.)
Proper net procedures are essential.
NETS
does not maintain regular schedules and does not handle routine "make work"
messages such as birthday greetings, "your license is about to expire", "book
messages", etc. NETS
is intended to
supplement
and
fortify other networks by providing a vehicle for emcomm
operators to originate, relay and deliver legal radio message traffic (I.e. -
"first class mail") of any precedence, at any time, from and to anyone and
anywhere--especially during disasters or other crises. NETS
stations will cooperate and use other networks that are known to be capable of
accurately and efficiently handling RADIOGRAMS.
NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (NETS) WATCH • MONITOR • CALLING • TRAFFIC
FREQUENCIES
All
listed frequencies (except 60 meters) are nominal. Actual nets may be up or
down as much as 20 kHz
SSB:
• 1982 kHz
• 3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
• 5332 kHz "Up" to other 60M channels as necessary. 50W maximum ERP.
(Activated during actual incidents.)
• 7214 kHz
• 14280 kHz
•
CW:
• 1911 kHz
• 3540 kHz
• 3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
• 7111 kHz
• 10119 kHz
• 14050 kHz
•
•
GULF STATES (LA, MS, TX, AL)
- 7111
kHz 1100Z-2300Z / 3570 kHz 2300Z-1100Z
During EMERGENCIES: 7111 kHz daytime, 3570 kHz nighttime.
(Times approximate depending on band conditions and changes in sunrise/sunset.)
VHF/UHF FM
• LOCAL EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 146.55 MHz
• RED CROSS EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 147.42 MHz
• NATIONAL CALLING SIMPLEX - 146.52 MHz
Frequencies listed may be on or near other established net frequencies.
As a matter of operating courtesy, always move up or down a few kHz to avoid QRM
when a frequency is in use.
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QSH -- (I HAVE HUMOR FOR YOUR STATION)
EM’s Quiz, Survey, and [attempt at] Humor Section...
WHAT
IS YOUR "EQ"?
(Emcomm Quotient)
BEWARE...Think before you answer. Some of these may be "tricky" questions!
1.
A G5RV is:
A. An general five-band antenna designed for a motor home or a travel
trailer.
B. A type of coaxial cable
C. A multi-band HF antenna that is deployable for portable use, but usually
requires an antenna matching unit.
D. A multi-band HF antenna that works well on all bands without an antenna
matching unit.
E. A new flu virus.
2.
Most modern mobile transceivers are designed to work best on:
A. 12.0 vdc
B. 13.8 vdc
C. 120 vac
D. 120 vdc
E. Plugged directly into a wall outlet
3.
The ARES® is the public service arm of the:
A. RACES
B. The Salvation Army
C. The American Red Cross
D. FEMA
E. The National Association for Amateur Radio
4.
RACES is a:
A. A membership emcomm organization sponsored by local or state Civil
Defense
B. An amateur radio auxiliary communications service for local and state
governments
C. Under DHS/FEMA
D. Local radio club
E. Includes the Citizens Band Service
5. A
"D CELL" is a:
A. Common flashlight battery
B. Part of a battery
C. A weird cancer cell
D. A cell block at the Graybar Hotel
E. Half of a women's brassiere
6. A RADIOGRAM is:
A. A form used solely by the NTS (National Traffic System)
B. A form designed by the ARRL
C. A universal message format used by many landline and radio services
D. For CW operators only
E. The weight of one gram of RF power
7.
SATERN is:
A. The sixth planet from the Sun
B. A small car built in Tennessee
C. Salvation Army Radio Team
D. Satellite emcomm net
E. An American professional wrestler
8.
NIMS is:
A. National Incident Management Service
B. National Incident Mobile Service
C. National Incident Management System
D. Not In My State
9. NAAR is:
A. National Association for Amateur Radio
B. A hair removal creme
C. New American Amateur Reserve
D. North American Association of Retirees
10. NETS is:
A. National Traffic System
B. New England Traffic Service
C. National Emcomm Traffic System
D. National Emcomm Traffic Service
Correct answers below
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A FURTHER CHALLENGE - ASK YOURSELF
Can you meet the Boy Scout radio merit badge requirements?
Email from Bill F. 9/29/09
at
http://www.boyscouttrail.com/boy-scouts/meritbadges/radio.asp.
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"SHOW US YOUR SHACK"
•
"SHOW US YOUR SHACK"
is at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/shacks
• Send a picture of you
AND
your shack (all in one frame and in JPG or JPEG format) to:
k6soj@wrrl.org
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FEATURE ARTICLE
ON LEADERSHIP
We often hear, "Where have all the leaders gone?" A few weeks ago the
subject of leadership came up on the SEC "reflector." One participant
asked if anyone knew of any courses available on how to be an effective leader.
There were ZERO replies. One reader commented: "The last leadership
training that I had was in the Air Force (my age is showing). It all
proved very useful, even for today."
A valid question...and it applies to much more than amateur radio. The
lack of effective leadership permeates our entire society. It would be next to
impossible to write a book or to provide a course on "How To Be a Leader."
However, there are certain qualities and traits that are obvious in effective
leaders...whether they are at a local level or on the world stage. Here are a
few observations on leadership that we can all seek to emulate.
LEADERSHIP is not "discipline-specific". An effective
leader will be able to lead in any discipline in which he or she is familiar.
It is a common misconception that a leader must be a master of all the
disciplines he or she "commands." The captain of a ship does not need to
know how to maintain an engine, cook for a thousand, or cut hair. In emcomm, a
leader does not need to copy Morse at 30 wpm or how to build a Class A
amplifier. A LEADER is someone who is able to recruit, identify, and
effectively
utilize the human resource and/or specialists.
LEADERSHIP is a natural talent. Some people are born
leaders...others simply are not. Effective leadership can be developed,
but there must be some natural ability. Leaders often do not step forward
until they are needed.
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must be a good communicator. In both
verbal and written skills. If you can't spell or speak effectively, you
will have little respect.
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must be a good listener...but not swayed by
everything he or she hears.
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must be fair. Able to avoid prejudice,
yet make decisions when necessary. Even when they are unpopular.
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must also know how to be a follower.
Everyone must answer to someone.
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must be willing to WORK! Leadership is
not about titles, certificates, and name badges. I have seen too many
"leaders" appointed or elected and then do little or nothing. Some are never
heard from again!
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must have the ability to see the whole picture,
and not be distracted or sidetracked. In other words, STAY FOCUSED!
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER earns respect by setting an example to follow.
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must be able to take criticism, both
the deserved and the undeserved
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must be firm, but not be arrogant. There
is an old saying:
"The test of
someone's character is to give them a little power."
AN EFFECTIVE LEADER need not necessarily be physically able.
Moses stammered and needed Aaron to do the speaking. FDR led us through
the dark days of World War II...from a wheelchair.
AN EFFECTIVE LEADER
must be able to delegate. And avoid "micro-managing.
"Never
tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you
with their ingenuity." (General George S. Patton, Jr.)
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must know his or her own limitations.
Both of skill, ability and where their authority ends.
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must learn and know the skills, abilities, and
limitations of those (s)he would seek to lead.
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must not be afraid to, or be ashamed to admit
it when he (or she) is wrong. Or be willing to say, "I don't know, I'll
have to look that up."
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must know how to set and evaluate
measurable
goals and objectives.
AN
EFFECTIVE LEADER must be able to accept failure, re-group, and
then move ahead.
YOU
WILL BE AN EFFECTIVE LEADER "If you can talk with crowds and
keep your virtue, "Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch" -
(Rudyard Kipling in
IF)
AND
REMEMBER THIS: LEADING AND MOTIVATING (unpaid)
VOLUNTEERS
is the most difficult task of all!
======================================================
EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
View at:
http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/
$10.00 each or 2 for $18.00 - postpaid
Or, outfit your emcomm team by ordering:
10 for $70.00 - postpaid (shipped to one address)
Mail check or money order to:
EMCOMM, P.O.
BOX 99, Macdoel, CA 96058
RADIOGRAM TRAINING DVD
Features D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, as the instructor. The session was taped
live at the U.S.F.S. facility at
Send check payable to:
EMCOMM,
MORE EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS AT:
http://www.emcomm.org:80/products
=====================================================
NEW SUBSCRIBERS - WELCOME!
•
Bob Baker, K5LLF, Missouri City, TX - RACES, ARES®
• David Childress, KD5MML, Maxwell, TX - ARES®
• Ben Gillis, K5TBN, Houston, TX - ARES®, RACES
• Gerard Hickey, AD7ZE, Issaquah, WA - ARES®
• Michael Carey, KD7GHZ, Spokane, WA - ARES®, RACES
• David Scott, KE7WVK, Arlington, WA
• David Norman, N7ORM, Silverdale, WA - ARES®
• Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, Markdale, ON - ARES®
• Daniel Lindholm, KDØHQB, Kansas City, MO - RACES
• Howard A. Baker, KD8DBF, Grand Marais, MI - ARES®, EC
Schoolcraft County, Alger County Sheriff Dept EUPSAR
• Tony Mondaro, N2HWC, Harrison, NJ - Hudson County RACES
• Marty Machado, W6TOC, Rocklin, CA - ARRL
• Howard Curtis, AJ4SK, Raleigh, NC
• Ray Thompson, WØIVB, Fairplay, CO
• Fred Lorch, VA3STG, Teeswater, ON - ARES®
• Mike Johnson, NØVF, Broomfield, CO - Boulder County ARES®
• James Hilton, KI6NKZ, Corning, CA - ARES®
• Joe Bruno, KE5YWO, Seguin, TX - ARES®
• Sam Sumner, W4ZKM, Kingston, TN - ARES®, Roane County
Division of Emergency Communications
• Bernie Roche, VE3OTR, Toronto, ON - York Region ARES® EC
• Ray Buck, KJ4ETN, Harriman TN - ARES®
• Ralph Farr, KJ4FQR, Dawsonville, GA - Dawson Co RACES/ARES®,
CERT, Gainesville Medical Reserve Corps
•
Steve Lloyd, KR6TFD, Murrieta, CA - RACES
• David Meola, KI4AZX, Bristow, VA - ARES®, RACES
• Ken Baremore, WØKRB, Battlefield, MO
• Frank Forrester, WN4NC, Horse Shoe, NC - Henderson Co ARES®
• John Quinn, N9JZX - Mills River, NC - ARES®
• Paul Webster, KA9JWX, Merrillville, IN
• Gregory Hartnett, KCØYMH, Louisburg, KS - ARES®, RACES
• William Marinucci, WB2GHC, Churchville, NY - Monroe County
ARES®, RACES, ARMY MARS, SATERN
• Bob Bullock, K6REB, Santa Maria, CA• Donald
R. Fuhs, KEØCQ, Claremore, OK - ARES®, RACES, SATERN
•
John LeBlanc, KE5JZM, Lutcher, LA - ARES® EC
• Ed Tump, KC9GWK, Trevor, WI - Army MARS
• Eric Rench, WS6L, Roseville, CA
• Gene Vialle, KCØYIM, Louisburg, KS - ARES®
• John Hardin, KE4ZWD, Seneca, SC
• Patricia Conway, KG6GCZ, Reseda, CA
• Jack Farrance, N3BZ, Ft. Wayne, IN
• Stan Broadway, N8BHL, Radnor, OH
• Carolyn Usher, KG6YUM, San Bernardino, CA - RACES
• Michael D. Voleski, KD8JUF, Mentor, OH - ARES®
• Matt Welch, W8DEC, Painesville, OH - ARES®
• James Dilger, KJ4QMK, Venice, FL - ARES®
• Luis Cardez, KB1TJM, Stamford, CT
RECENT CONTRIBUTOR$
- Thank you for your support!
The individuals listed below have made monetary contributions to help EMCOMM QUARTERLY
and EMCOMM.ORG survive.
•
Jeff Montgomery, WB4WXD, Palestine, TX
•
Christopher A. Myers, KB1NEK, Shelburne Falls, MA
•
H. C. Knief, W4DK, Etowah, NC
•
Charles Nehrbass, N7TGB, Sun Valley, NV
• Bart Lee, K6VK, San
Francisco, CA
• Joe Cunningham, KF4ETH, Freeport, FL
• Frank Forrester, WN4NC, Etowah, NC
• Richard Cloyd, WO6P, Shingletown, CA
• Bob Shelby, W7FPY, Springfield, OR
• Ann Foster, KØANN, Minneapolis, MN
EMCOMM QUARTERLY and EMCOMM.ORG are
private (non-government, non-commercial) endeavors and are funded by
donations from emcomm operators who are concerned about preserving the ability
of amateur radio operators to be prepared to provide skilled, accurate and
efficient emergency communications during times of disaster or other events
where normal channels of communication may be interrupted or overloaded.
If you have benefited from our efforts, and would like to support this work in a
tangible way, you may do so by sending a check or money order payable to:
EMCOMM.
Mail to: EMCOMM,
SORRY: We have no PayPal®, credit card, or other methods to accept the electronic transfer of funds.
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
• ICS-ARCT GUIDE:
www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
• WRRL ARCT Page
www.wrrl.org/arct_program/
• TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE:
http://www.emcomm.org/thc
• OPERATING PROCEDURES: www.wrrl.org/operating
• PHONETICS:
www.wrrl.org/operating/itu_phonetics.htm
• RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES:
www.wrrl.org/operating/icao_radiotelephony.htm
• GEAR AND EQUIPMENT LIST:
www.emcomm.org (Click on GEAR CHECK LIST)
• FEMA TRAINING COURSES:
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/crslist.asp
• FEMA TRAINING COURSE IS-700 (NIMS):
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700a.asp
• ARRL FSD-218. The famous “pink card” that contains (almost) “everything
you ever needed to know about RADIOGRAMS”.
An electronic version of FSD-218 is at:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#fsd-218
• NTS page by W7ARC:
http://www.w7arc.com/nts
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) Methods and Practices Guidelines:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/
• PACIFIC AREA TRAFFIC NETS:
http://home.earthlink.net/~k7bfl/nwnets.html
• MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NETWORK:
http://mmsn.org/
• BEAUFORT WINDSPEED SCALE: http://www.zetnet.co.uk/sigs/weather/Met_Codes/beaufort.htm
• NOAA/NWS WINDCHILL CHART:
http://www.weather.gov/os/windchill/index.shtm
• STANDARD TIME ZONE SCALE: http://www.travel.com.hk/region/timezone.htm
• HOSPITAL DISASTER SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (HDSCS): http://www.hdscs.org
• U. S. AIR FORCE Search and Rescue SURVIVAL MANUAL MIRROR SIGNALING (AFM 64-5
Aug. 1969)
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Mirror_Signaling_mid.jpg
SUBSCRIBE TO
EMCOMM QUARTERLY
www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm -- IMPORTANT:
Many internet service providers (ISPs) are installing "SPAM filters" in their
system that may block
EMCOMM
QUARTERLY both inbound or outbound (if you try to forward it to
someone). To ensure that you receive
EQ
and
SPECIAL BULLETINS add: @cot.net, @wrrl.org, and @emcomm.org to
your "Whitelist" with your ISP. Contact your ISP if you have any questions.
ABOUT ADDRESS CHANGES:
Every month, a varying number of
EQ
are returned as "undeliverable addressee unknown" or "rejected due to containing
possible objectionable material". Our very limited, all-volunteer staff does
not have the time, energy, or desire to track down everyone who changes their
email address and forgets to notify us. Also, if a subscriber installs a "spam
filter" or a "parental control device" and neglects to tell the filter that it's
"OK to let EQ
pass through", we do not have time or patience to jump through secret hoops, or
solve puzzles, to allow us to send email to you.
If you change your email address,
be sure to notify us at: www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm ...
that is, if you want to continue to receive
EQ.
EMCOMM QUARTERLY is originated in
10, 12, 14,
and 18 point Arial font and transmitted in
HTML
format. Occasionally, selected portions are set up in the
Lucida
Console font. HOWEVER...we have received a few reports that on
some computer screens...EQ
appears unformatted in
Plain Text
or
FUBAR. ("Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition.") If this
happens to you, you can always view
EQ,
as it is intended to appear, at:
www.emcomm.org/em
Upon request
EMCOMM QUARTERLY will
be transmitted in
plain text
format to visually impaired subscribers who use an email-to-audio conversion
program, and/or other subscribers whose computers do not process email in HTML
format.
EMCOMM QUARTERLY and EMCOMM MONTHLY archives:
www.emcomm.org/em
SEARCH FEATURE AT EMCOMM.ORG
www.emcomm.org
The opinions expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily reflect the
EQ
philosophy, the editorial position of
EQ,
or its staff.
ARES®
and
Amateur Radio Emergency Service® are registered service marks of
the
American Radio Relay League Inc., and
are used with permission.
For
permission to reproduce material in
EMCOMM QUARTERLY and EMCOMM MONTHLY
contact: D. W. Thorne at: k6soj@wrrl.org or write:
EMCOMM,
EQ STAFF (also WRRL Board of Directors):
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ - Editor and Publisher - k6soj@wrrl.org
Bill Frazier, W7ARC - Associate Editor and Webmaster -
w7arc@wrrl.org
Ed Ewell, K7DXV - Technical Advisor -
k7dxv@wrrl.org
Ed "FB" Trump, AL7N - Traffic Editor and Alaska Correspondent -
l.trump@att.net
(View "bios" at:
http://www.wrrl.org/staff.asp pictures at:
http://www.wrrl.org/shacks/default.asp
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Correct answers to WHAT IS YOUR "EQ"? --
1c, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6c, 7c, 8c, 9a, 10d.
All
10 correct: EMCOMM GENIUS!
8
or 9 correct: Above average.
6 or
7 correct: Average.
4 to
5 correct: Improvement needed.
0 to 3 correct: Hobby operator only.
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EMCOMM QUARTERLY -- The Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League - WRRL®
EQ
is published four times a year (March, June, September and December) and is
copyrighted (c) 2009 - All rights reserved.
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