WORLDWIDE
eDISPATCH
- 1 JUN 2010 - 1700Z
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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. 4
www.emcomm.org
SUMMER 2010
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ANNUAL HURRICANE AND
WILDFIRE ISSUE
The EQ PHILOSOPHY - NEW SUBSCRIBERS
SHORT
CIRCUITS - News and Announcements
BACK TO
BASICS - Part II
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
The EM
ADVISOR - "Q and A"
WRRL
NEWS and NETS
TRAFFIC
HANDLING
NETWORK
NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
QSH - EQ
SUMMER 2010 NONCOMM CONTEST
SHOW US
YOUR SHACK
FEATURE
- WHEN REPEATERS FAIL
EMCOMM
SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW
SUBSCRIBERS
and CONTRIBUTORS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
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The EQ PHILOSOPHY
NEW SUBSCRIBERS
Some of our over 2400 readers may have wondered why we take the space to list
new subscribers in each issue. One reason is that it provides a list of
operators who are serious about emcomm. We suggest that regular readers
review the list each issue and look for operators in their area and contact them
to provide local support for one another. "June One" is traditionally
the start of the
"Hurricane Season" and the
"Fire Season" in North America. Now is a good time to
prepare by "networking" with other operators that you may not have met.
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FIRE SEASON IS NOW!
MAINTAIN YOUR FIRE AWARENESS AND READINESS
• Know and obey all fire rules, regulations and restrictions..
• Monitor for “Red Flag Watches/Warnings”.
• Survey your location's perimeter/horizon hourly (or more
often).
• Report all suspicious smoke immediately.
• Carry a shovel, rake, water hose, bucket, radio, and
personal safety gear when traveling in rural or remote areas.
• Keep a dedicated hose of sufficient length ALWAYS ready at
home.
• Tell your family, friends and neighbors to do the same.
•
REMEMBER...EARLY REPORTING MAY PREVENT A MAJOR DISASTER!
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SPECIAL
FIRE,
HURRICANE
and
TORNADO
SEASON
EMCOMM "LICENSE PLATE" OFFER
For your vehicle, shack or mobile emcomm unit.
Special prices (Orders must be postmarked by June 30)
1 for $9.00 - postpaid (regular price $10.00)
2 for $16.00 - postpaid (regular price $18.00)
Or, outfit your emcomm team by ordering:
10 for $60.00 - postpaid (when shipped to one address)
View at: http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/
Mail check or money order to: EMCOMM, PO BOX 99, Macdoel, CA 96058
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SHORT CIRCUITS
YAAK ON-THE-AIR
http://www.emcomm.org/yaak
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PERSONAL GO KITS
"I really appreciate all the information shared in the EMCOMM QUARTERLY very
much and look forward to the issues to learn something new! In January
2009 EMCOMM MONTHLY carried an article on a new Yahoo Group called “Radio Jump
Kits” which is basically about sharing the design considerations and
construction of Radio ‘Jump’, ‘Flyaway’ or ‘Go’ Stations and their support
equipment for Emcomm/Portable operations. The group has been a great
success with members from many Emcomm services sharing information and pictures
of their portable/transportable radio kits.
"With the increasing interest in personal survival and convenience readiness for
numerous reasons including deployed Emcomm support, I have started a companion
Yahoo group called “Personal Go Kits” and am hopeful it will be as successful.
As with the startup of the Radio Jump Kits group, when I decided to build a
Personal Go Kit, I could not find a central location to find lists of contents
and see pictures of existing Personal "Go Kits" or "72-hour Kits’ and learn from
others on their successes and failures in building one. This group is an effort
to create that central location for all.
"The URL for the group site is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Personal_Go_Kits/.
We are looking for members that have built or are interested in putting
together any size of ‘Personal Go Kits’. Initial response has been very
favorable and all are welcome to participate that have the same goal of having a
completely self contained "grab and go" personal survival kit while supporting
Emcomm missions." - Gary J
Takis, K7GJT, Vancouver, WA
Editor's note. A comprehensive (everything but the kitchen
sink) gear list is at:
http://www.emcomm.org/gear_list.htm
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EMCOMM EAST
EmComm East
returns to Rochester, New York on September 18, 2010.
From Jeff Wigal, WY7Q:
"We are very excited to host the 3rd annual EmComm East emergency communications
conference on September 18, 2010.
"EmComm East is an ARRL-sanctioned amateur radio emergency communications
conference, where amateur radio operators involved in EmComm can attend training
sessions on technical topics, learn from served agencies, obtain VE testing for
license upgrades, and interact with other EmComm operators from all over the
area.
"We are currently seeking presentation proposals. If you have an idea for
a presentation, or if you know of someone who might be willing to present, let
us know. Just drop us an e-mail at program@emcommeast.org. The
deadline for presentation proposals is July 1.
"Please help us spread the word. Send this announcement to your local amateur
radio club, ask your local Emergency Coordinator to spread the word, anything
you can do to help promote the conference is most appreciated.
"Please visit our website at www.emcommeast.org for more information,
or to sign up for e-mail announcements. You can also drop us a line at
info@emcommeast.org. We
look forward to seeing you in September!"
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BACK TO BASICS - Part II
Make Good Operating
Procedures A Habit!
|
REMINDERS FOR OPERATORS WHO CARE ABOUT PROPER 'PHONE PROCEDURE:
It's
FOXTROT... not FOX
It's
KILO ... not KILOWATT
It's
QUEBEC ... not QUEEN
It's ROMEO ... not RADIO
ROGER means: "I have received and understand your transmission." It does
not mean yes, affirmative, I agree, or I will comply. (WILCO)
AFFIRMATIVE means: "Yes" (in answer to a specific question),
Ref. www.wrrl.org/operating/itu_phonetics.htm and
www.wrrl.org/operating/icao_radiotelephony.htm
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"HERE AND THERE"
The late Doug DeMaw, W1FB, said it well in his classic book Help for New Hams
(ARRL 1994): "Try not to develop the bad habit of using the words "here" and
"there when they aren't needed. You'll hear hams who include those words
as often a four or five times in a single sentence. Example: 'Your signal
is good here. How is my signal there? My rig here is the same model
you have there.' The words here and there serve no purpose in those
sentences. Dialog of this kind is boring and annoying to those who haven't
developed this dreadful habit."
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FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
THREE ANTI-KUDOS
NR 1
"I found your article (LOWERING THE BAR) totally disgusting. If you would
actually listen to what is going on, you would find that the foul language,
splattering signals, and rudeness is coming from the long time licensees, not
the new comers. Your implication that all newly licensed hams are bad is
totally unfounded. The FCC has made their decision and your organization, like
the ARRL needs to GET OVER IT." -
Doug
Aldrich, WØWSP,
NR 2
"OK, raise the bar...then what? Since I don't hear well and do a lot of
PSK31, will you require that I have 20/20 eyesight? That would raise the
bar even higher. Your suggestion is just plain stupid. CW is a
relic, a quaint mode that continues to grow although there is no licensing
requirement to learn it. As I explore the digital modes which really
interest me, are you saying I should give that up and concentrate on being the
equivalent of a railroad telegrapher? I'm a 75 year-old ham who wasn't
licensed until I was 69 and took up the hobby to keep the old gray matter
perking. I also worked in broadcasting for 30 years and another 15 in
various forms of journalism. There are many forms of communication.
Don't try to force everyone into some archaic notion of what a 'real ham' is." -
Norm
Medland, W6AFR, Roseville, CA
EQ
COMMENTS:
When Samuel F.B. Morse* invented and patented the telegraph, it was a
visual device. The "receiver" consisted of the electrical signal moving a
stylus on a moving roll of paper. (Hence, "tele-graph")
Each character was composed of a group of "shorts" and "longs" and the
receiving operator then read the marks and translated them to letters or numbers
and finally wrote out the message. But it wasn't long before the operators
began to
automatically recognize the sounds the"printer" made when a message
was incoming, and they knew what the message was before they even looked at the
paper! Needless to say, the slow visual process was soon replaced by aural
reception.
The Morse Code has never been limited to sound. For example, a flashing
visual
light. The most commonly known is the "Aldis lamp"** which was used
extensively in World War II to
maintain
radio silence. People have even used a flashlight or
automobile headlamps to send a distress message. No radio or computer
needed! There are many hams who are "handy-capable!" "20/20"
eyesight and/or perfect hearing are not required...but being able to spell is
essential to effective communications. Some of the best traffic
handlers (CW and/or voice) are blind, and some even use keyboard/CRT modes
using character-recognition-to-voice software. Some hearing impaired
operators use bone conduction via a headset for CW communications.
I read over
LOWERING THE
BAR again, and couldn't find anyplace where we said or implied that
newly licensed hams are the problem. When newer hams display poor or
rude operating habits it is no doubt the result of patterning their habits
from older hams. We acknowledge that the majority of the worst
offenders are a bunch of pompous old "know it all" hams, often running full
legal power (or more), and expensive antenna arrays. BTW: I DO listen to what
is going on...and often what I hear makes me want to barf.
EQ
and the
WRRL would never try to "force" anyone into anything. While
LOWERING
THE BAR was somewhat "tongue-in cheek," the proposed new license
class would be an optional goal to be achieved.
Oh yes, the "hobby" aspect is secondary to the amateur service. The word
hobby does
not appear in Part 97. A few years ago, in a court case (re. antenna
restrictions), a ham defended his "hobby" before a Federal administrative law
judge. The judge ruled that his court had no interest or jurisdiction
in disputes about "hobbies," and lectured the ham about wasting the court's
time. He then threw the case out. -
Editor
*
The Spring 2010 issue of
Invention &
Technology
has an excellent article on Samuel F.B. Morse and the Patent Office. Check
your library.
**Aldis lamps were widely used for ship-to-ship communication
during World War II because they allowed the fleet or a convoy to maintain
radio
silence.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signal_lamp
Also see Heliographs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliograph
EXCERPT from wikipedia page: For night communications (during the Boer War),
the British used some large Aldis lamps, brought inland on railroad cars, and
equipped with leaf-type shutters for keying a beam of light into dots and
dashes. In the early stages of the war, the British garrisons were besieged in
Kimberley, Ladysmith, and Mafeking. With land telegraph lines cut, the only
contact with the outside world was via light-beam communication, heliograph by
day, and Aldis lamps at night.
NR 3
"After reading the newest issue of EMCOMM Quarterly, I have a few question
regarding your pretty harsh editorial: How long were you in Haiti and
where did you set up your EMCOMM operations? Are you in Chile now or in
route
(sic editor) to that country? In what parts of the
Northeastern US were you operating EMCOMM from during the devastating snow
storms that interrupted communications for days if not weeks this year? Is
there a bio available somewhere that lists all of the EMCOMM services that you
have provided in your lifetime to the Nation? The World? I simply ask
these questions to see the qualifications of the author of this very insulting
editorial. Most EMCOMM operators provide their valued service locally without
mention in the media. Most of us don't want it for personal reasons. We do
what we do locally because when it comes down to it, this is where we live,
work, go to school, retire to and realize that no one else will do it.
Please, tell me again why I should join WRRL????? With extreme
disappointment." -
Gene McPhee,
N3XUS, Ft. Lewis, WA
REPLY: Sorry to disappoint you Gene, but I have never been to
Haiti or Chile. But if I were younger, and in good health, and could
afford to go, I would love to be right in the middle of the action in Haiti or
Chile. However, I would choose to serve on a USAR team or with a medical/health
service, because those services are my first love. I spent many years preparing
for the services that I have performed. I've paid my dues, and if you are
interested, you may read a partial summary of my personal bio at:
http://www.wrrl.org/staff.asp .
USAR teams and most medical units that respond to these incidents are either
paid professionals and sponsored by agencies that are funded or they are
military/naval personnel. The problem with the ARCT concept is that those
who are young and fit enough, are too busy supporting their families, and those
who are retired and can afford to go are often too old and decrepit (like me.)
But I still hope that someday someone in the U.S. will be able to form a viable
ARCT that could deploy for up to two weeks. A sponsor would be needed...
Thank you for serving in your local community. That's more than most hams
do. Sorry, I can't think of any reason why you should join the WRRL. -
Editor
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THREE KUDOS
NR 1
"Re: Lowering the Bar. I agree with you. There is no chance of the
ADVANCED-EXTRA. However, there is nothing stopping a group from initiating
it from within. Testing could be over the internet, except for the code and that
could be worked out. It seems that the WRRL would be the ideal group. -
Gary Paar,
K7ZNP, Enterprise, OR
NR 2
"I have just recently began reading your great newsletter and I am very
impressed. I publish a monthly newsletter for our ARES group and was wondering
if I might copy the occasional article or link, with proper acknowledgement. -
George
Davis, VE3OGP, AEC, Oakville ARES Group
REPLY:
Permission is hereby granted per your request. Please mention this credit:
"Reproduced courtesy of
EMCOMM QUARTERLY and the
WRRL"
Thank you for asking. -
Editor
NR 3
"I totally agree with your evaluation concerning ARCT. EmComm needs these
trained teams, but we as EmComm operators have become lazy! Most EmComm
ops don’t want to do anything concerning training. But, should an emergency
occur, they all want to help out. While wanting to help is great, training
is necessary for effective EmComm communications today. Here in the ARRL EPA
Section, Berks County we have only a handful of Emcomm operators who make an
effort to stay current and it shows. Our county officials seldom if ever
call on us for help. I suspect that other parts of the country have similar
situations. It’s time we get off out butts, get properly trained and
participate." -
Edward R.
Breneiser, WA3WSJ, Berks County (PA) ARES/RACES AEC
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BROKEN ARROW
(I'm) "Unsure if it was an if over-site on my part or not, but I am also with
the Broken Arrow Emergency Management group. Thanks." -
Rolland Gene
Watson, KE5LTS, Tulsa/Broken Arrow, OK
No problem Gene. "Broken Arrow Emergency Management group" was left off
due to space limitations. I like to keep each New Subscriber to one line,
and if I had abbreviated it, no one would have known what BAEMG was. -
Editor
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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.
Q:
"Recently I had the experience of attending a presentation about EMP (Electro
Magnetic Pulse). I left convinced that while an EMP event is not a
certainty, it is a definite possibility. So, I'm interested in
learning about Faraday cages to protect radio and other electronic equipment.
Do you have, or know of anyone else who has, knowledge of the specs for such a
"cage." There are numerous designs on the web, but who knows how
effective they are. Thank you for your time." -
John Howell,
KC2NHK, New York, NY
A: EQ has covered the subject in the
past. We "googled" Faraday cage and learned that there
is a lot of information available. You may have also viewed these
already, but if not here are three that came up:
http://www.endtimesreport.com/faraday_cages.html
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100211130814AAGmUNZ
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage
To any readers that have first-hand experience with building or using Faraday
cages, EQ would like to hear from you. - Editor
* READ MORE ABOUT EMP
(Electromagnetic Pulse)
A recent (2008) update by The Heritage Foundation:
http://www.heritage.org/Research/HomelandSecurity/bg2199.cfm
From
EM
archives:
http://www.emcomm.org/archives/number112.htm
http://www.emcomm.org/archives/number113.htm
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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
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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 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.
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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)
EQ’s Quiz, Survey, and [attempt at] Humor Section...
EQ
SUMMER 2010 NONCOMM CONTEST AND AWARDS PROGRAM ANNOUNCED!
WWINLINC*
proudly announces their 2010 contest awards program.
(*World Wide International Network of Landline Idealistic Nerds
and Cyberoperators.)
award categories:
wwcce:
work 100 counties via email.
wwdxe:
work 100 countries via email.
wwccm:
work 100 email stations in 100 counties using mobile email. (cell phone texting,
"black berries" etc.)
wwdxm: work 100 email stations in 100 countries using mobile
email. (cell phone texting "black berries" etc.)
wwdx10-10:
work 10 dx email stations 10 times each.
(each e-station must use each of 10
different
email aliases.)
other rules:
1. no radios (this includes amateur radio, gmrs, frs, cb, etc.) may be used to
solicit email contacts.
2. email messages must be printed out and saved for one year in the event the
judges wish to verify.
3. 10 bonus points for each email done on a battery or solar powered computer.
4. 1 bonus point for every spam message deleted within 5 seconds.
(spam ads for ciagra, vitallus, letvita, hot chicks, and solicitations from the
bank of mwogodogdoo, are exempt.)
5. 10 bonus point for every email message that actually has some redeeming
value.
6. 1 bonus point off for every mispelled word or use of upper case in first
letter of a proper noun.
7. 10 bonus points for every time your computer locks up during an email contact
and you reconnect with
the other e-station within 10 minutes.
8. cell phone output power for mobile email is limited to 500 milliwatts.
9. no elevated outside or roof-top cell phone antennas.
10. 100 bonus points for non-laptop mobile 110 vac computers with crt using a
dynamotor for power.
11. 100 bonus points if you make all contacts on the boss' time and using a
company computer.
12. 100 bonus points if the internet goes down while you are online.
13. 100 bonus points if all contacts are made using a "vintage" (over 2 years
old) computer.
Winners will received a virtual certificate. (Virtually worthless.)
All awards are free and are issued on a first-come-first-served basis.
(But please include a $25.00 processing fee.) Awards and contest period
ends 31 December 2010. "Good luck in the contest!"
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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
Query: "I am interested in emergency service radio. This past February we
had a blizzard which is unusual for this part of the country. I live in
north central West Virginia near the WV. PA. border. For four days Ham
Radio was the only reliable form of communication with the western end of
Monongalia county. We accomplished this through our repeater. This
made me think, what if the repeater went down? How would we communicate?
Which brings me to the point of this email. I would like to establish an
NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave), net here so when another emergency
occurs we will have another tool in our tool box to work with. The problem
is I don't know where to start. Most of the Hams in this area that I have talked
to seem to be interested but don't know any more about where to start than I do.
I just discovered your web site and thought you might be able to shed some light
on the subject. Any ideas or information you can provide would be greatly
appreciated." -
Larry Wiley,
KC8AYW, Morgantown, WVA
WHEN REPEATERS FAIL
Reliance upon repeaters or repeater systems for emergency communications is not
wise. It is not uncommon for a repeater to fail, or be knocked out by some
external force (e.g.- lightning, high winds, etc.). Repeaters can also be
very "political."
Since the beginning of radio, the focus by most amateurs has been to see how far
they can reach out with their signals. While DXing is an enjoyable
pastime, it is rarely needed for emcomm, DON'T RULE IT OUT COMPLETELY FOR PUBLIC
SERVICE! The ability to effectively pass traffic over long distances is often
important, even lifesaving!
HF signals propagate either by a) line-of-sight; b) ground-wave (follows the
contours of the earth); or c) sky-wave.
Line-of-sight is usually good for a few miles.
Ground-wave is usually good from about 20 to 50 miles. NVIS
sky-wave
takes over at about 50 miles, and depending upon the frequency selected is good
out to 500 miles. Beyond that, we are in the general area of low-angle DX.
NEAR
AND FAR
Very often, a 40 meter signal at mid-day, can be heard near and far, all
three types of propagation at the same time! To explain propagation,
whether low-angle DX or NVIS, or somewhere in-between, I often use this
illustration: Just as a billiard ball can be bounced toward a
particular pocket by controlling
the angle
that it hits the bumper of the pool table, so do radio signals "bounce"
(actually
refract
is more descriptive) off the ionosphere. Now, envision the earth as a
round pool
table with the ionosphere as the circumference or boundary.
This "bumper" is constantly expanding and/or contracting in concentric circles,
and varies in density often depending upon the time of day, the season, recent
solar activity and/or the sun-spot cycle. This phenomena is a science unto
itself and is not the subject here. Just know that for local and regional
emcomm, NVIS HF (usually in the 40 and 75/80 meter bands) can provide reliable
communications over mountain ranges and under the most extreme conditions.
The big advantage is that we are not dependent upon some remote mechanical
device.
NVIS
MADE SIMPLE
I (and others) have experimented with simple (1/2 wave doublet, G5RV, etc.)
wire HF NVIS antennas as low as actually lying on the ground to 3 feet above
ground, and they work amazingly well! A lot depends upon ground (earth)
conductivity and how far down below the surface the moisture content may
be. However, I recommend that any antenna be at least 8 ft. above the ground to
prevent someone from tripping over it.
Remember that the higher you elevate a flat (horizontal) antenna (e.g. a simple
wire doublet or G5RV) above earth ground, the more the NVIS effect will be
lessened. A little height will allow for better line-of-sight and
ground-wave propagation. I find that 25-30 ft above the earth works fairly well
both near and far. Also the higher you go, the more directional it will
be. An Inverted V antenna, at any height, will be less directional, but
the NVIS effect will be less than a "flat-top."
Reference: http://www.emcomm.org/projects/nvis.htm
OTHER "REPEATER FREE" OPTIONS
Also, to avoid reliance upon repeater(s), don't rule out VHF simplex.
Don't believe the myth that VHF is strictly "line-of-sight!" I routinely
communicate PTP (Point-To-Point) over 50 miles on 2 meter FM simplex using only
a simple ground plane antenna 20 ft. up...and with a mountain range between my
station and the other! And over 100 miles routinely using a 13
element Yagi. I also communicate 300 miles on 2 meter SSB and/or CW using
a 13 element Yagi (horizontal polarized). A skilled relay operator in the
right location doubles these ranges! Also, consider six meters simplex FM,
SSB, CW for emcomm.
REGULAR NETS
There are so many variables, regular participation in nets will provide you with
the experience and knowledge of what works and what doesn't!
As far as of lack of interest in serious emcomm by hams is concerned...I wish I
had the answer! All you can do is to try to explain that skilled and
disciplined operators become that way and also maintain their skills by
regularly participating in regularly-scheduled properly-run
(non-repeater) public service nets. If there isn't one in your area...why
not start one?
======================================================
EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
View at:
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$10.00 each or 2 for $18.00 - postpaid
Or, outfit your emcomm team by ordering:
10 for $70.00 - postpaid (shipped to one address)
Mail check or money order to:
EMCOMM, P.O.
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RADIOGRAM TRAINING DVD
Features D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, as the instructor. The session was taped
live at the U.S.F.S. facility at
Send check payable to:
EMCOMM,
MORE EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS AT:
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=====================================================
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RECENT CONTRIBUTOR$
- Thank you for your support!
The individuals listed below have made monetary contributions to help EMCOMM QUARTERLY and EMCOMM.ORG survive.
•
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•
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•
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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
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If you change your email address,
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as it is intended to appear, at:
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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
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l.trump@att.net
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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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