WORLDWIDE
eDISPATCH
- 23 SEPTEMBER 2010
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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. 7 --
No. 1
www.emcomm.org FALL 2010
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IN THIS ISSUE
The EQ PHILOSOPHY - SIGNS, SIGNALS, WAYMARKS and INDICATORS
SHORT
CIRCUITS - News and Announcements
BACK TO
BASICS - Reminders
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
The EM
ADVISOR - "Q and A"
WRRL
NEWS and NETS
TRAFFIC
HANDLING
NETWORK
NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
SHOW US
YOUR SHACK
FEATURE
- LET'S SIMPLIFY OUR TRAFFIC SYSTEM
EMCOMM
SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW
SUBSCRIBERS
and
CONTRIBUTORS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
∙
-
∙
-
∙
The EQ PHILOSOPHY
SIGNS, SIGNALS, WAYMARKS and INDICATORS
The use of signs, signals and waymarks has been around since the dawn of time
and probably pre-date any codified written language. The oldest sign or
waymark arguably is the cross. Two lines drawn on the earth or scribed on a
tree to form a simple
X
or +.
Another early sign or symbol would be the simple arrow --> indicating a
direction of travel. Today, we are bombarded with signs, symbols and logos
everywhere we go. A few years ago a world-wide survey was conducted to
find out what signs/logos were recognized in the most countries. The most
universally recognized was the red
Coca Cola®
dot! Placing second was the Red Cross
+.
In amateur radio communications, signals are rated using the RST system (RS for
voice). E.g.. - "Your signal report is 57." ("Radio check" is an
improper and useless term. Obviously the radio is working or there would
be no reply. It provides NO information as to readability, signal
strength, tone, propagation/fading (QSB), noise (QRM and/or QRN), etc.)
SOS
...---...
(International Morse for DISTRESS) is an important and easily recognizable
signal. If heard, it immediately gets your attention! Skilled
communicators use many special signs and symbols. For example the letter O
is never used or said for ZERO which is written as Ø. The symbol for
degree º is used when recording temperature as well as degrees of latitude or
longitude. The radio communications list is endless.
Non-radio signs and signals are important. The wail of a siren on an
emergency vehicle, or a pair of red flashing railroad crossing lights are a
common example of an auditory and a visual warning signal. They both
demand that we had better pay attention! Road signs are waymarks.
They can be simple mile markers, directional, STOP or SLOW, or a street
sign. Electronic billboard signs along highways are becoming more and more
common. It is important for emcomm operators to pay attention to signs as
well as signals. (Ref: "What Is Your Location?"
in the December 2008
EM
FEATURE SECTION at:
www.emcomm.org/em/2008/dec2008.htm )
"Mile-markers" or "bench marks" also mark
time. Here
are few significant benchmarks in amateur radio emcomm:
1935
- AREC (now ARES®) and in
1949
the NTS were organized. Both have changed from the original intent over
the years. In many areas the ARES® remains a viable public service
organization mostly providing local communications and coordination in support
of community events such Walk or Bike-A-Thons, parades, etc. plus emcomm for
local emergencies. Very little emphasis is placed on originating or
handling third party message traffic. This is mostly due to the fact that
the infrastructure rarely breaks down even in storms and/or disasters and most
public service agencies rely upon their own communication systems. Also the
general public is unaware that amateur radio can take a message and get it
delivered.
Sadly, the ARRL/NTS is a mere shell of what it once was. Email and a
myriad of other non-radio modes have siphoned off much of the interest in a
regular, non-commercial, radio-based system to handle message traffic.
Another factor is that the generation of radio operators, who saw the value in
maintaining a national corps of skilled emcomm operators not dependant upon
commercial services and not using complicated and often confusing systems or
modes (computers), is rapidly fading away.
Most NTS activity today is traffic solely between amateurs wishing birthday
greetings, or "your license is about to expire" notices, etc. In most
areas, the general "disconnect" between local ARES® units and the ARRL/NTS
continues to be a problem.
I don't handle a whole lot of message traffic myself, but it is a rare treat
to handle a RADIOGRAM when sent or forwarded in the correct format and using
proper procedure. It gets very discouraging when poor operating skills are
"the norm" and this by some older operators who either never learned the
importance of doing the job right --
every single
time -- or are just lazy or don't really give a hoot!
(One of our readers recently commented: "In my experience, except for the canned
and trivial "happy birthday" and "license expiring" pipeline fillers, errors are
the rule instead of the exception. Every message that I've originated has
been corrupted and ruined enroute. It's bound to happen when anyone is
allowed to handle traffic with no quality control or minimum-required skillset.
All it takes is one weak link in the chain." )
1999
- The first
EMCOMMWEST
was held at Palo Cedro, California.
2000
- The weekly
"5-1-2
Bulletin" which soon became The EMCOMMWEST
BULLETIN was published.
2004* - marked the first issue of
EMCOMM
MONTHLY. In the July, August and September** issues we
explored the somewhat rhetorical question:
What
Killed Amateur Radio?
Looking back and reading those articles again, we are convinced that we were
correct. The decline in interest and subsequently the number of radio
amateurs that see the value of maintaining a corps of skilled, disciplined
emcomm operators, capable of originating, relaying and delivering third party
message traffic during disasters and other communication breakdowns and using
only basic equipment, is slowly but surely fading away.
2009
- (September) we announced that
EMCOMM
MONTHLY would become
EMCOMM
QUARTERLY.
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2009/sept2009.htm
Among other reasons, we were simply running out of (new) material, and the idea
of re-hashing what we have said again (and again) was somewhat boring.
Granted, what we teach and preach is of interest and of great value to new hams
and new readers who are interested in public service.
LOOKING BACK...ON THE "+" SIDE
We are convinced the our efforts (EM, EQ and WRRL)
have made a difference in delaying this decline. We have inspired many
existing emcomm traffic operators to "hang in there" and we know that there are
many emcomm volunteers who have discovered what real emcomm is all about, have
developed an interest in the same, and have progressed in their skills and
ability to an amazing degree. And we (the whole EQ and WRRL Team) accept
whatever credit may be due for what we have been able to accomplish and/or
preserve.
LOOKING BACK...ON THE "-" SIDE
Resource typing is the "standard" in most emergency services and ARCT*** is the
only simple and systematic amateur radio resource typing system that has ever
been proposed. Sadly, ARCT has not widely caught on as much as we hoped,
but it is in use in a few places. The reluctance to support it has nothing
to do with it being a flawed or complicated system. (Although some have
tried to make more complex than is necessary.) It is because the majority
of hams see amateur radio as "only a hobby" and are apathetic about public
service (which, by the way, is the
basis and
purpose of the amateur service as defined in FCC Part 97.1.).
Another reason is that ARCT did not originate with someone else. The NIH
(not invented here) syndrome. Also, it would take very long for any
non-ham observer to listen in to what is on the amateur bands, and conclude that
99% of ham radio today is hobby activity, that the majority of transmissions are
by unlearned, undisciplined, and sloppy operators that are often discourteous
and/or illegal!
But at least
EM, EQ and
WRRL tried...valiantly. In 2005 we came very close to
final approval of the ARCT system by FEMA . But after Hurricane Katrina
and other subsequent disasters, the bureaucracy failed. The final blow
was when a new "administration" took over in 2009 and apparently the slate got
wiped clean and all records of the progress we had made were "lost".
INDICATORS
Most modern hams are used to LED or LCD indicators for signal strength, audio
level, or whatever. These are the radio equivalent of "idiot lights" on
your car or truck instrument panel. But most of us old-timers prefer
analog meters. S-Meters, forward and reflected power, power output, line
voltage, plate voltage, grid current, plate current, "real meters", voltage and
CPS (cycles-per-second) on an AC generator, etc. We are those who know and
enjoy the smell of ozone, or the sacred incense rising from lead-solder flux
or a slightly over-cooked capacitor. We love the sound of static and
fading and the warm glow of vacuum tubes. This gestalt**** makes up a
portion of what has been called The MAGIC OF
RADIO. Sadly, this "magic" is foreign to today's
"appliance operators."
Here is a short list of indicators that are reflecting the need for some
changes:
1. Our operating expenses (web and internet service fees, domain registry, etc.)
remain fixed or have increased. But (sadly), not one single monetary
contribution has been received since the summer issue of
EQ.
This is the first time period between issues that this has happened. We
acknowledge that "the economy" is in the toilet and that times are tough (except
for the ruling elite).
EQ
and
EMCOMM.ORG do not carry paid advertising and have always
depended upon voluntary contributions plus the sale of our
EMCOMM
LICENSE PLATES, DVD's and
RUBBER
STAMPS -- some of which are sold at our cost. This
indicates that what we are doing isn't worth even few bucks to most of our
readership. However, we do say THANK YOU
to those of you who have sent a few "green stamps" our way over the years.
We are NOT asking for any more donations. When our residual funds are
exhausted...we will "sign off" for good. This meter reads:
ZERO.
2. The stream of literary contributions of items of interest to emcomm operators
that are original material has also dried up. This meter reads:
S1.
3. Sloppy, rude, incompetent, and ILLEGAL operations are more and more common on
the airwaves. Jammers, hecklers, and other varieties of Neanderthals
cruise around the bands demonstrating their shortcoming in the "manhood
department." Two meters is the new ham radio version of CB. And the HF
bands aren't far behind. Our editorial staff is discouraged by this trend.
Two of our staff have given up on amateur radio almost entirely. Others of
us have reduced our emcomm activity to only a few surviving public service nets.
Nets that don't sound like a "good 'ol boys" ragchew. It is hard to remain
as "cheer leaders" for the amateur service when pure radio has almost been
over-ridden by computers and other non-radio technologies and when your interest
is waning. The meter on this subject reads:
S2
4. Aging, fatigue, and burn-out are a significant factor. Let's face it,
the "graying" of amateur radio is a reality, and every week we hear of another
key going silent. EQ
has now become pretty much a one-man show and the editor-publisher is
experiencing the wear and tear of aging. As he said in September 2009,
"I'll not list all of the physical problems that I am experiencing, but will say
that arthritis and bilateral Depuytren Contractures have crippled my hands to
the point that it is painful and increasingly difficult to type. And long
hours on the keyboard exacerbate the condition." This meter reads:
S3.
(From
the September 2009
EQ ) http://www.emcomm.org/em/2009/sept2009.htm
5. Finally, no one likes to hear or read the same rhetoric over and over and we
at EMCOMM QUARTERLY have finally come to the realization that we have done just
about all we can do. We apologize to recent subscribers. Please do
not think you are being left out in the cold. Back issues of
EMCOMM
MONTHLY and
EMCOMM QUARTERLY are
archived at: www.emcomm.org/em There is a wealth of
useful and entertaining information and we encourage you to review them. There
is also a handy "site search" function to locate topics that have appeared in
previous issues. This meter reads:
S3.
EMCOMM.ORG will
continue and our website www.emcomm.org will remain active
at least until our residual funds are depleted. Also we will issue
occasional
EMCOMM
BULLETINS to our subscribers during widespread disasters and
other occasions as needed. Items for sale (E.g.-
EMCOMM
LICENSE PLATES) will remain available while the current supply
lasts.
Therefore the winter issue (December, 2010) will be the last issue of
EMCOMM
QUARTERLY.
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
Editor - Publisher
* June 2004:
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2004/June2004.htm
** July 2004:
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2004/July2004.htm
Aug. 2004:
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2004/august2004.htm
Sept 2004:
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2004/september2004.htm
*** ARCT: http://www.wrrl.org/arct_program/default.asp and
http://www.emcomm.org/ARCT/default.asp
**** Fuzzy German word with no exact English equivalent, variously defined as
completeness, configuration, essence, form, manner, organic structure, totality,
and wholeness.
POST SCRIPT
As for now, the WRRL
will continue and hold out as one of the last
amateur
radio organizations standing.
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
SHORT CIRCUITS
BAND CONDITIONS
"When band conditions get rough...the tough keep going."
GATA SOUND AND RECORDING
Remember Richard Webb, NF5B? Richard and Kathleen were radio operators who
provided communications between LSU Medical Center New Orleans and the outside
world for six days immediately following Katrina. Kathleen is
wheelchair-bound and Richard is blind. The dual-purpose remote recording truck
they have been working on for about four years is now operational.
Its secondary purpose is a mobile emergency communication station. See:
http://www.gatasound.com/
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
BACK TO
BASICS
Make Good Operating
Procedures A Habit!
|
REMINDERS FOR OPERATORS WHO CARE ABOUT PROPER 'PHONE PROCEDURE:
Ref. www.wrrl.org/operating/itu_phonetics.htm and
www.wrrl.org/operating/icao_radiotelephony.htm
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
THANKS
Thanks for all the good information and suggestions about looking at
the upcoming hurricane season. One thing to consider if we do have
an active season is the problems we will see from the Gulf spill
and the ability for a hurricane to 1-disrupt the cleanup and 2-pick up
the sheen and volatile dispersant used and carry them far inland as
materials in rain. It's going to be an interesting season and ham radio
in general and proper message handling in particular will be a needed skill set.
73 and thanks for all you do. -
Jeff Montgomery, WB4WXD, Palestine, TX
(June 1)
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
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.
Q:
I hope you don't mind a few questions about your simple NVIS. I'm a new
Ham and am really enjoying working public service events and just now getting
involved in the local RACES group. Do you think a mag mount would
establish a good enough ground plane for the wire? I was going to give it
a try this week end from the QTH to see what kind of SWR I have. Second
question on the 40 meter 33 ft. section, what is at the other end of the wire?
Is it a lug mainly for weight to get it in the air or to tie to? I really
enjoy the WRRL Emcomm newsletters. Thanks again. Dave Holmes, W5SYF - Ft.
Worth, TX
A:
A mag-mount should work satisfactorily. Get the largest and
heaviest base magnet than you can, and put it in the center of the largest metal
roof vehicle you have. On the far end, I use a large solder lug (soldered
on) with a hole large enough to accept a nylon cord. A bungee cord that
will reach to whatever you are attaching the end to will also work. But
you can use any dielectric material. PVC, Bakelite, dry wood, glass, etc..
I keep a supply of assorted plastic pipe parts in my shop. A 1/2 or 3/4"
tee with a hole drilled through each end makes an excellent center insulator for
a G5RV or half-wave doublet. But as with most everything, you won't know
until "you do the experiment" and run a few tests. -
Editor
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
WRRL HF
NETS
(ALL SERIOUS EMCOMM OPERATORS WELCOME)
∙ REGIONAL
EMCOMM NETS:
Pacific (and Mountain) Time Zones: PTZNN (Jefferson Noon Net/JNN) daily at
1200 PTZ on 7204/± kHz (7214 and 3911± kHz alternate)
Central (and Eastern) Time Zones: CTZNN (Lincoln Noon Net/LNN) Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays at 1200 CTZ
on
7183± kHz
∙ WRRL NET on 2nd
and 4th 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
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
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.)
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
EMCOMM and TRAFFIC HANDLING NETS
LINCOLN NOON NET - LNN (CTZNN) M-W-F
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS at 1200 CTZ on 7183 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.
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
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)
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
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.
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
"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
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
FEATURE ARTICLE
LET'S SIMPLIFY OUR TRAFFIC SYSTEM - REVISED
- by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
(Original published in the July 2005 issue of EMCOMM MONTHLY -
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2005/july2005.htm )
Let's begin by reviewing the definition of emergency communications:
1. Emcomm is simply the ability to transfer a message or other information from
one place to another under emergency or other adverse conditions when normal
channels of communication fail, are overloaded, or are otherwise not
available. An emcomm station should be free-standing and independent and as
technically simple as possible. It should NOT rely upon ANY commercial services
and/or "infrastructure". (Internet, telephone, email, power companies,
etc.)
2. In the amateur radio context,
third-party
non-commercial messages are accepted, relayed, and delivered (as
rapidly as possible) by skilled amateur radio operators using their own radio
equipment.
3. Messages may be TACTICAL or FORMAL and have a
precedence
of either: EMERGENCY, PRIORITY, WELFARE or ROUTINE.
4. In a wide-scale incident, there must be a system in place in order for
messages to reach the addressee.
REMEMBER:
the local postal service and telephone service will likely be interrupted, and
may not be restored for days, weeks, even months.
5. This process is relatively simple. Nearly every licensed ham can
learn these skills in a few hours. All it takes to learn this skill is
some basic instruction, practice, and participation in net operations on a
regular basis.
6. This is NOT "rocket science". All a message needs is: an address,
the message itself, and who it is from. It also needs some simple
record and
routing information to facilitate an accurate and timely delivery.
7. An
established
route (net system) and standardized methods of relayed messages is
absolutely essential.
The problem is that most ham operators never learn traffic handling and most
never (regularly) participate in emcomm and/or traffic nets. Another
problem is that some who do, attempt to make the whole process
overly complicated.
Most public service hams realize that the once-mighty ARRL/NTS is fading
away and agree that "something needs to be done". Cheap long-distance
telephone plans and email have made it difficult to maintain any sustainable
level of participation in the 56 year-old-service. HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
SEASON'S GREETINGS, or YOUR LICENSE WILL EXPIRE SOON messages are,
frankly...passé.
Seven years ago this writer (I was the Sacramento Valley SEC at that
time) submitted a formal written proposal to a special ARRL committee as to how
the NTS could be salvaged by integrating with the ARES®. In fact, the proposal
was submitted twice
through the appropriate channels. Sadly, no response was ever received as
to whether or not the proposal would be considered. (Read that proposal in
the July 2005 EM.
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2005/july2005.htm )
WHAT EMCOMM OPERATORS CAN DO TO IMPROVE THEIR CAPABILITY:
1. Pledge to learn and maintain the skill of message traffic handling. Use
only the
universal
RADIOGRAM format. Forget the ICS-213 message form for
radio-relay work. It was not designed for that purpose and does not work.
2. Maintain an emergency station to the best of his/her ability and budget.
3. Become "a regular" on both your local and regional traffic nets.
4. Learn (and practice) all you can about proper operating procedure and
on-the-air etiquette.
5. If your EC, DEC, SEC or other EMCOMM leader is asleep, senile, semi-comatose
or just inept ...ask some hard questions. Shake things up a bit!
DELIVERING A MESSAGE WHERE THERE IS NO AMATEUR STATION NEAR THE ADDRESSEE
An reader asked: "Does anyone have any good suggestions or solutions to moving
traffic into areas which do not have a station staffed by a skilled operator?"
This is a very real problem. Amateur radio will never be capable of
meeting the needs of everyone, in every place, at every time. But we could try!
In the June 2005 issue we said: "We
envision a network of 60,000 amateur stations (10% of the 600,000 licensed radio
amateurs in the U.S.), plus others around the world at outposts, villages,
towns, or cities on land, plus as many maritime mobile stations as possible.
Each with the ability to accept and receive record message traffic!" As
far as we're concerned, it's a disgrace that the majority of licensed amateurs
are hobbyists, take their amateur privileges for granted, and display little
interest in
service to
the public.
ABOUT COURIERS
Message by courier is as "old as dirt". Motorcycle, Moped and bicycle
couriers should be included in overall planning. Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
clubs and associations are another very worthwhile resource. How about
horseback (backcountry equestrian organizations) or small watercraft/boating
clubs? What about cross-country and marathon runners? Consider enlisting the
support of local motorcycle, bicycle, equestrian, boating and running clubs.
These methods should be seriously considered. But
all
couriers must understand how to transport and deliver messages in a safe, secure
and reliable manner.
Messages should each be in a sealed envelope (addressed). They should be
transported in sturdy waterproof container and may be locked or sealed.
A "fanny pack" or a canvas shoulder bag works well. Israeli Paratrooper,
Swiss Army, or other over-the-shoulder courier bags are commonly available
from military surplus outlets. Also, an inexpensive hard tube carrier can
be easily made from a 16-20" piece of 2 or 3" diameter schedule 40 PVC
pipe. Permanently seal one end using an end cap and PVC glue.
Cement a threaded adapter with a screw off cap on the other end. A handle
or carrying strap can be made from inexpensive cord or webbing. These can
then easily be secured to a bicycle, motorcycle, or horse. Be sure
that courier bags and tubes are clearly labeled: "If Found Return To:__________.
∙-∙-∙
======================================================
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
(While current supply lasts)
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!
EQ lists new subscribers so existing readers can look for other emcomm operators
in their area and hopefully provide support for one another.
• Robert Sellars, KB2FEL, Old Fields, WV -
ARES®
•
Larry Trotter, KI6YUK, Quincy, CA - ARES®, RACES, ARC, PCDSW, EOC
•
Stanley Klakamp, K8LL, Bowling Green, OH
•
Tom Muzzin, VE3THR, Barrie, ON - City of Barrie and South Simcoe ARES® Group
•
Ken Johnson, W3GFM, Erwin, TN - ARES®, SKYWARN
•
Chandlee White, KJ4ADX, Greensboro, NC - Guilford County ARES®,
Greensboro Chapter of American Red Cross
•
James Crosby, K4JEC, Crozet, VA - ARES®
•
Ted Hopkins, KC2LRH, Cincinnatus, NY - ARES®, Remcom, CERT
•
Donna Hinshaw, AG6V, Petaluma, CA - CERT in Petaluma
•
Carl Gosline, KJ4VLC, Warner Robins, GA - SKYWARN, ARES®
•
Kenneth Jackman, M.D., WA2DPM, Saranac Lake, NY - ARES®, RACES, SARNAK (SAR of
the Northern Adirondacks), WALS (Wilderness ALS)
•
Joseph Rouillier, KD5JBC, Thornton, CO - ARES®
•
Dane Luckey, KJ4RVZ, Navarre, Fl
•
Jay Musikar, AF2C, Palm Coast, FL - AREC, RACES
•
Les Hovland, AEØX, Seneca, MO - ARES®
•
Jim Perry, KI6RYE, San Francisco, CA and West Linn, OR - NERT,
ACS
•
Michael Harrigan, N2YTU, Vermontville, NY - RACES, Franklin
County Public Health, Adirondack Amateur Radio Association
•
Rick Coleman, KE5FHL, Buda, TX - WRRL, ARES®, Baptist Men Disaster Relief
•
Robert McMillan, VE6XMB, Raymond, AB
•
Jeffrey Waldrop, KDØKUR, Johnstown, CO
•
Richard Bopp, KCØNPA, Shakopee, MN - DCEC
•
John Knott, N4JTK, Orlando, FL - ARES®, RACES, REACT
•
Richard Green, N7CUD, Vancouver, WA - ARES®, RACES, Red Cross
•
Craig Blaine, WB2FVE, Westerville, OH - ARES®
•
Ray Maxwell, W7TAP, Reno, NV - ARES®
•
Francis Jenkins, GW8JJZ - Aberavon, Wales, UK - RAYNET
•
Robert Decker, K7BD, Duvall, WA - MARS
•
Kent Hathaway, K7DXP, West Jordan, UT - ARES®, RACES
•
Jim Piper, N6MED, Truckee, CA - ARES®
•
Robert L. Reedholm, WA6IJD, Phoenix, AZ
•
Michael A. Ellithorp, KF6OBI, Willows, CA - ARES®
•
John Hursey, N8GNV, Willows, CA - ARES® EC, RACES, Red Cross
•
James Kantor, KCØARX, Clearwater, MN - ARES®
•
Jerry Juhala, KT6CRT, Alameda CA - ARES®
•
Andrew Sankey, KB1TGL, Gouldsboro, ME - Hancock County EMCOMM
•
Dennis Hamilton, AD4PS, Okeechobee, FL - MARS, ARES®, RACES,
FEMA DISASTER RESERVIST
•
Howard E. Jackson, W1WMJ, Ashland, OH - WRRL, SATERN, ARES®, SKYWARN
•
Arthur Putnam, N7MNK, Moyie Springs, ID - ARES®
•
Kevin Slovick, KS4FUN, Pleasant Hill, CA - ARES®
•
Dewey Thrush, KB8UB, Munith, MI
•
Brent Cater, W5FRG, Clarksville, AR - ARES®, RACES, SAR
•
James Walls, KB3TOF, Greenville, PA - RACES
•
Russell Koogler, KJ6KKQ, Paradise, CA - ARRL
•
Colin Jones, KDØDQT, Bailey, CO
•
Brian Bell, KC2VMV, Rochester, NY
•
Ancil A. Lynch, 9Z4FI, San-Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago
•
Dave Holmes, W5SYF, Fort Worth, TX - Tarrant County RACES
•
Harold Middleton, KDØMLO, Brooklyn Center, MN
•
Philip Shaver, KJ6GQW, Rancho Mirage, CA - RACES
•
Scott Fisher, KJ4ULJ, Roanoke, VA - ARES®
•
Steve Murphy, KE7WAQ, Nibley, UT
•
Chris Rolfe, M3OZP, Folkestone, Kent, UK - Radio Amateurs
Emergency Network
•
Nita Lyman, KE7DRT, Port Angeles, WA - ARES® AEC, Olympic
Medical Center
• Chris
Church, KCØZYI, Grandview, MO - RACES, ARES®, CERT
•
Gary Davis, KE7MQF, Bountiful, UT - ARES®
•
Allan Munnik, VA7MP, Langley, BC Canada - RACES
RECENT CONTRIBUTOR$
- Thank you for your support!
The individuals listed below have made monetary contributions to help EMCOMM QUARTERLY and EMCOMM.ORG survive.
•
• Out of over 2450 subscribers: ZERO
•
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
• PUBLIC SERVICE COMMUJNICATIONS MANUAL:
http://www.arrl.org/public-service-communications-manual
• 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
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ABOUT ADDRESS CHANGES:
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EQ
are returned as "undeliverable addressee unknown" or "rejected due to containing
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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
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and 18 point Arial font and transmitted in
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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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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) 2010 - All rights reserved.
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