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For Serious Emergency Communication RADIO
Operators
EMCOMM MONTHLY
“PREPAREDNESS
is our most important PRODUCT”
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IN THIS ISSUE...
Welcome to the October issue of EMCOMM
MONTHLY. Following SHORT CIRCUITS,
EM PHILOSOPHY
compares: “Record Message Traffic” with “Hard Copy”.
After EM ADVISOR
and readers' FEEDBACK,
Jerry Boyd, KW7J revisits “Who Should Be The Ham IC?”
in
ICS PERSPECTIVES.
Next, Bart Lee, KV6LEE, (who was on the lower side of
Manhattan on 9/11/01)
says: “Turn off the Tone Squelch!”
- NETWORK NEWS is followed by EMCOMM
TRAFFIC.
RETRO REVIEW / QSH reports and comments on last
months survey followed by a new survey
about the use of VHF CW
and/or SSB in EMCOMM. Be sure to
check out EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS. A new item is introduced this
month. As usual, NEW SUBSCRIBERS, CONTRIBUTORS,
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS, plus our handy REFERENCE
SECTION completes the October issue of EM
.
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SHORT CIRCUITS
• Alaska CW Net (AWCN) / Traffic Watch 80 M
Frequency Change
(See NETWORK NEWS section below)
• RECOMMENDED READING
In the October issue of
WorldRadio, our own Jerry Boyd, KW7J, inaugurates a new
quarterly column.
Also, be sure to read Jim Wades,
WB8SIW, column Net Communications in the Traffic section.
The EM PHILOSOPHY --
“Record Message Traffic” vs. “Hard Copy”
One of the arguments
often presented promoting computer generated and automatic
forwarded
message traffic is that “the served agencies
prefer hard copy”.
But is “hard
copy” as reliable and secure and accurate as it is touted to be?
While
computerized messages may be less susceptible to human error, they can be
modified and/or
tampered with along the circuit route. Whole lines, paragraphs, even
entire messages may
be “lost” in transit.
Mechanisms to trace an automated computer
forwarded message are unreliable and essentially unknown. The
common assumption is, that automated systems are so reliable that operator
accountability is unnecessary.
Whatever is received by the addressee is assumed to be accurate
and complete.
One example of this inaccuracy is right in your
own computer. Chances are your station calendar
and clock (or wrist watch) is more accurate
than the internal clock in your computer. When a trained
traffic handler writes TOR (time of receipt)
or TOD (time of delivery) on a RADIOGRAM and initials it,
he or she is certifying that the time and date
are correct. But much more important is that he or she
is certifying that the text of the message is
100% accurate...and that there has been NO tampering.
Another consideration is that if amateur radio
frequencies are used for even one link in the system the message content
falls under the regulations in FCC Part 97. Did any commercial
traffic slip through? Was all “government” traffic authorized by
an appropriate Civil Defense official? Did anyone include
any profanity? The SYSOP or designated control operator is held
accountable to ensure that
all traffic is legal. The use of a skilled traffic handler
at every relay station will ensure that the
message traffic is legal.
But no matter what mode is used along the route,
or whether it be the NTS, the ARES,
or some other EMCOMM organization, sending a
message using the time-tested formal message (record) traffic procedure
(RADIOGRAM), is still the most reliable method ever developed.
If skilled and dedicated
radio traffic handlers are involved at every relay station, it
ensures that the message is accurate and complete; and will either be delivered, or
the originating station will be notified
via a service message. A message that has been forwarded and
signed off is analogous to a first class letter.
In fact, it is similar to certified mail. If
handling instructions of HXC or HXD are included in the preamble it is
very close to certified mail...return receipt requested!
Want hard copy? A written (or typed)
RADIOGRAM that has been “signed off” (initialed
and dated) by a skilled radio operator, it is essentially CERTIFIED as
correct and accurate!
Formal message traffic should always be written
in ink or typewritten. Erasures or “white
out” is improper. When a mistake is made, it should be lined
through, corrected, and initialed.
RADIOGRAMS may be sent, relayed, and received
with very simple and rudimentary
equipment. Messages are often originated by an operator with only a
HT, a pad of paper and
pen, and the proper KNOW HOW. Imagine...a formal message
traffic EMCOMM station that
only requires a few AA cells for power!
The message is then sent to a net traffic relay
station, is acknowledged, and the originator retains
the original “record”. Traffic handling really is...fun!
And... it is accountability at it’s simplest
and best! - EM
NOTE: See QSH
in this issue for related information
FURTHER: Below is a URL with
an essay by David Ring Jr., a Merchant Marine Radio Officer.
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The EM ADVISOR -
Todd Lovelace, KI4ADK, Jacksonville, Florida
writes:
"Awesome
organization and website. I came looking for ideas on how to make my
employer
(an electric utility) and community less prone
to communications disaster in emergency situations...
we depend entirely on cell phones and trunked
radio systems. I am looking for ways to convince management to consider an
emergency backup radio system....any ideas? Also, How does one
join EMCOMM?
Good questions Todd.
The answer to the last part of your question is that there is no
"membership"
in EMCOMM, per se'.
"EmComm" is a generic term (abbreviation) for Emergency
Communications, and includes messages of all four
precedence when normal means of communications have failed or are
overloaded.
In the amateur radio service
it includes the ARRL/ARES/NTS, RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency
Service (as defined in FCC part 97.407); and in some areas of the country
other groups.
You can join
the ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) which is the public service arm
of the ARRL. Contact your local EC, Section EC, Section Manager, or ARRL HQ in Newington, CT.
Amateur radio operators can also register
(there is no "membership" in RACES) with a local or state
government RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) unit.
Contact your local or state Office of Emergency Services or Civil
Defense.
There are also other EMCOMM groups that are
usually limited to providing EmComm to one specific organization
or another.
If
your power company/employer is publicly owned, it probably would be
classified under "government" (in which case RACES would be
most appropriate.) If it is a private business, then amateur
radio communications are permitted only in life and death emergencies.
EM
suggests you attempt to persuade your company officials to develop a
comprehensive emergency communications plan, and implement
an auxiliary radio communications system independent from any
infrastructure. If your power company is publicly owned, it could
use assigned public service
band frequencies, and use a RACES unit for back up utilizing
amateur radio. If it is a private business,
a "business band" emergency radio
system could be developed.
In all instances the
system should be able to operate solely on battery or generator power,
should include portable and mobile capability,
and NOT depend upon any commercial landline
service such as the telephone company or the
Internet.
Convincing officials that they need more than
cell phones and trunked radio systems may be difficult.
The sales representatives that peddle these
complex systems are very good at convincing customers
that anything except what they are pushing is
obsolete. Some vendors even offer “trade in”
value for "obsolete" radio equipment
and then have it destroyed to keep it off the used or surplus market.
I have heard of
several instances where an agency held on to their old radio gear and
system
”just in case.” If my memory is
correct, the City of Seattle did just that, and even kept the
"obsolete" system operational. When an earthquake struck a couple
of years later, their trunked system was inadequate. Police and fire units
switched back to their old system and were able to communicate.
Currently there is a
“big push” by some radio amateurs to put their EMCOMM eggs in some
of these “high tech” baskets.
(I'm not. I can’t afford all that stuff and it’s too
complicated for me.)
But for those who choose to spend their money on
those systems, EM suggests: “Don’t
dump your QRP CW fixed or portable station! Also, don’t
neglect your manual communication skills!”
We have received a few reports about how QRP
CW “came to the rescue” and was used effectively for
EMCOMM in the recent hurricane disasters.
We recently heard about one
high-ranking public official who quipped: "amateur radio is
as antiquated as a Model T". We doubt that he has ever
seen the old movies of Model T Fords,
(with their tall narrow wheels),
going through deep mud when nothing else could pass! - EM
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS... and
SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
“One stop shopping
for all things EmComm, very nicely done. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for an outstanding resource.” - Jeffrey Kemp, NI1V,
North Adams, Massachusetts
“Finally, a
dedicated EmComm Webpage that has both answers and ideas. I've
served
under 4 SMs in 12 years, this is the first thorough page on EmComm I've
encountered.
Great job es TNX!” - Dennis Zonia, K1VSG, SEC Western
Massachusetts
ICS PERSPECTIVES
Who Should Be The Ham IC? - Revisited - by Jerry Boyd,
KW7J
Of the many books and
articles I have written over the years on the subject of amateur radio
EmComm, none has provoked the response that last month’s column did. I
have been
accused of not knowing the ICS system, and several implored me to retract
the suggestion
that ham radio needs its own "IC" when responding to major
incidents.
A few facts might help put it in perspective. I
have used ICS as a professional public safety
manager since the inception of ICS in 1971. I have been an IC in both the
law enforcement
and fire professions more times than I can remember. And, I am certified
as an ICS instructor.
So where did I go wrong in that column? I re-read
it and re-read it and re-read it. No where
can I find where I suggested the ham "IC" ought to call
him/herself that. I simply suggested
that the ham radio EmComm structure should have an "IC" in major
incidents and suggested
who that might be. Period! That is the difference, I guess, between
concept and words. I’ll
take the blame for not making that clear.
Hundreds of public safety entities are using the
ICS internally with their own "in-house" IC
when responding to incidents in which the ICS is being used to manage the
entire operation.
That approach is being used daily, very successfully, and without any
confusion with the "real"
IC. I only meant to suggest that amateur radio EmComm reap the same
benefits as their
professional partners by adopting the same approach.
Rather than argue the point that the term
"IC" could be used internally within EmComm
groups (as it is used internally in public safety organizations) without
confusing that person
with the "real" IC, let’s agree to use another term. EmComm
"leader" seems to work. The
point however has nothing to do with semantics. It has to do with
recognizing the need for an
ICS type structure within EmComm groups which I can assure you from real
life experience
makes working within the overall ICS structure much easier. "nough
said"!
Turn off the Tone Squelch! - By Bart Lee,
KV6LEE
What?! Yes, turn it off. In
an emergency an amateur radio operator will be under stress
and may well be trying to get into an unfamiliar repeater or emergency
net. She may or may
not be able to look up, or put in, the tone. If not: No
Communications. Is this any way to run
a disaster response?
Most repeaters I've heard do not announce
their tone. All too many repeaters do not
appear in directories. Almost no drill nets announce the tone before
their invitation to other
stations to check in. Few radios can determine the tone in use. The
result? No
Communication. Is this any way to run drills? What's the point of
inviting nearby operators
and agencies to check into the drill net if the tone squelch keeps them
out?
I actually had exactly this problem, and it
was no drill, in New York on September 11,
2001. Does anyone want to have it again in any such circumstances?
Yes, tones protect against interference,
but they also in fact can prevent emergency and
drill communications. There is at least one repeater council requiring
tones as a condition of
coordination. Readiness for emergency service suggests that the norm
should be no-tone
repeater operation with tones imposed (and announced regularly) only when
the repeater
faces interference in fact. This will usually only be in unusual
propagation conditions such as
ducting or six meter skip.
Repeater operators can help by announcing the
tone at each ten minute repeater
identification. Public service and other net control operators can
help by frequently
announcing the nature of the net and the tone employed, if any.
Public service amateur radio
organizations can post and publicize, as well as announce, their tones.
but in the end the tone
squelch is a barrier to communication exactly because it is meant to
prevent input to
repeaters. This has its uses, but emergency service and disaster
responses are not among
them. Reasonable priorities should put squelch tones in their place: a
special tool for
occasional use as needed, but not a permanent barrier to all but the
regulars on the net or
repeater.
George Hughes, WØWEB, President of the San
Francisco Amateur Radio Club suggests
that at least in Northern California, tones were going to be the same for
each county.
Coordination does not, however, presently require this. In his view,
though, without tones, the
day-to-day interference problems are too severe. For San Francisco,
in the last earthquake,
our emergency net on W6TP (a no-tone repeater) ran well and no tone was
required to reach
the net control station, but it suffered interference (off the "back
of the beam") from a Santa
Cruz station during the net. On the whole, I think it's better to
forgo the tone and deal with the
interference on a case by case basis, rather than exclude emergency
traffic from operators
who don't know, can't find or can't (under the circumstances, such as
mobile operation)
implement a tone.
This note is an entirely private rumination, but
my service for the Red Cross in New York in
2001, and for the last five years with the San Francisco OES/ACS and ARES
has brought me
to this conclusion. Others are similarly concerned; see QRZ.com:
http://www.qrz.com/ib-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=3&t=69931
Correspondence is
invited: Bart Lee, KV6LEE kv6lee@att.net
- San Francisco
NETWORK NEWS
Fairbanks, Alaska -- 6 September 2004
- To all Radio Amateurs:
From: Ed Trump, AL7N, Fairbanks - ACWN
Net Manager:
The Alaska CW Net (AWCN) / Traffic watch has changed it's 80 meter
frequency.
Due to equipment changes at AL7N, the 80M
Alaska Traffic Watch freq. is now 3540 kHz.
• Transmitter crystal controlled on 3540 Khz. 3570 and 3574 Khz
available if needed.
• Receiver can move to any 80 meter CW frequency, but watch is kept on
3540 kHz.
• Watch maintained as usual on 40 and 20 meter frequencies 7042
and 14050 kHz.
• Watch hours remain continuous as possible from 0100Z until 1600Z
Daily.
• Receivers on all three frequencies all the time. - "DE AL7N
QRU? QSX 3540 7042 14050
K"
NETWORK NEWS, provides
schedules and updates on regional, national, and international
specialty EMCOMM and TRAFFIC nets. NN is not intended to duplicate
other resources such as:
ARRL Net Directory: (ISBN: 0-87259-835-7) #8357
$5.00
ARRL Net Search: www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nets/client/update.html
EMCOMM.ORG NET DIRECTORY PAGE: www.emcomm.org/netdirectory/
RADIO WATCH • MONITOR • CALLING • TRAFFIC • EMCOMM •
GUARD
• 7111 kHz DAYTIME / 3711 kHz NIGHTTIME / 146.52 MHz
• ALASKA WATCH - 3534 / 7042 kHz / 14.050 MHz
• NEVADA ARES® MONITOR/CALLING SSB: 3965 ± kHz SSB
• NATIONAL RADIO EMERGENCY NETWORK: 7068 / 10122 / 14050 kHz •
• WEST COAST NET (WCN) Slow Speed Traffic/Training Daily 1900 Pacific
3702 kHz
• Alaska-Pacific Emergency Preparedness Net 1630Z 14.292 MHz
• IMRA TRAFFIC NET (INTERNATIONAL MISSION RADIO ASSOCIATION)
14.280 MHz USB M-F 1800Z (summer) 1900Z (winter)
• ARES(R) 146.55 MHz
• ARES(R)/Red Cross 147.42 MHz
• NATIONAL CALLING (and Wilderness Protocol) 146.52 MHz
• WILDERNESS PROTOCOL (ref. June 1996 QST, page 85).
Primary frequency: 146.52 MHz (FM simplex). Secondary frequencies: 446.0,
223.5, 52.525
and 1294.5 MHz. All stations (both fixed, portable or mobile)
monitor the primary (and
secondary if possible) frequency(s) every three hours starting at 7:00 am
local time, for five
minutes (7:00-7:05 AM, 10:00-10:05 AM, etc.) Additionally, stations
that have sufficient
power resources monitor for five minutes starting at the top of every
hour, or continuously."
WINCOM NETWORK
WINCOM is for EmComm stations in
Washington, Idaho, Nevada, California, Oregon,
Montana and anywhere else within range. Scheduled nets are on the
1st and 3rd Wednesdays
at 1930 Pacific Time zone on 3987 kHz (down) SSB.
The WINCOM NETWORK may be activated during
disasters, communications system
failures, and other emergency incidents as a regional SSB network
for tactical and/or formal
EMCOMM traffic. WINCOM is not intended to replace local or section
ARES or RACES nets,
but rather to supplement and provide regional support by skilled operators
who know each
other and work together on a regular basis.
EMCOMM stations are encouraged to monitor and/or
use these frequencies for routine
calling and for a RADIO WATCH during actual or potential incidents.
(During actual events
move message traffic at least 5 kHz up or down.)
Nighttime: 3987 kHz (down) 1982 kHz (down) alternate). Daytime: 7232
kHz (up)
NOTE: These frequencies may be in use for other scheduled state or
regional nets.
Always yield for scheduled nets. E.g. - JNN is daily at 1200 Pacific
on 7232 kHz SSB.
HELPFUL URLS
• NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AMATEUR RADIO STATION
http://www.fiu.edu/orgs/w4ehw/
• HURRICANE FREQUENCY LISTINGS
http://www.qsl.net/g3yrc/hurricane.htm
EMCOMM TRAFFIC
“For want of a letter, a word was
lost.
For want of a word, the message was lost.
For want of a message, a life was lost.”
CW NIGHTLY SLOW SPEED (10 WPM) TRAINING-TRAFFIC WEST COAST NET
(WCN)
• NIGHTLY 3702 kHz ± 1900 Pacific Time
SSB ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM TRAINING-PRACTICE NET (WEST COAST)
• 1st and 3rd WEDNESDAYS 3987 kHz ± 2000 Pacific
Time (approx.)
• BEGINS shortly after WINCOM and/or SV Section ARRL/ARES® NET.
• NON-HF HAMS AND SWLS ARE INVITED TO LISTEN AND COPY.
• A SPECIAL CERTIFICATE IS AVAILABLE to anyone who submits a correct
copy of at least one of the transmitted RADIOGRAMS postmarked
within
three (3) days of the practice session.
• Use standard ARRL RADIOGRAM format and send to: EMCOMM, PO Box 99,
Macdoel, CA 96058. (Enclose a #10 self-addressed
stamped envelope.)
NOTE: When band conditions are poor or there is thunderstorm activity in
the area,
the SSB training-practice net may be canceled. Listen
the following Wednesday.
HOW TO USE ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM
TRAINING AND PRACTICE SESSIONS:
1) Organize small “study groups” to
meet at a HF capable ham’s shack, an EOC or club station,
or the home of anyone with a short-wave
receiver. Pass out blank forms and have your members
copy the RADIOGRAMS. Follow the
on-the-air session with a discussion period and refreshments.
Have printed reference material, such as the
ARRL Net Directory on hand.
2) Tape record the on-the-air sessions
and play them back at your local meetings.
Provide blank forms and have your team’s
members copy the RADIOGRAMS.
Follow with a critique and discussion
period (and refreshments)!
Have printed reference material, such as the
ARRL Net Directory on hand.
3) A few ARES® units around the
country have been using the RADIOGRAMS published in EM
in training sessions...both on-the-air and/or in classroom settings.
Feel free to use any or all if it will be of help!
------------------------------------------------------
TRAINING RADIOGRAMS SENT DURING SEPTEMBER 2004 ON 3987 (SSB)
SENDING STATION -- K6SOJ
RECEIVING STATIONS -- WB6AGR, KA7FOO, W7DHN
--------------------------------------------
126 TEST R W6SOJ 19 KONA HI AUG 11
GLORIA ESTRADA
HOTEL CEVICHE
CANCUN MEXICO
52 998 555 4445
TEST MESSAGE X SUSHI MAGURO
AND SASHIMI ARE TASTE TEMPTING
TREATS HERE IN HAWAII X
NOT TO MENTION ONO
DON HONO
---------------------------
127 TEST R K6SOJ 15 MARGARITAVILLE VERACRUZ MEXICO AUG 13
DON HONO
3 KONA COAST DR
HILO HAWAII 96720
808 555 3404
TEST MESSAGE X WEATHER IS
HERE X WISH YOU WERE
BEAUTIFUL X GLORIA SAYS HELLO
JIMMY B
-------------------------------------------------------------
128 TEST P HXE J3IVN ARL17 ST GEORGES GRENADA 1321Z SEP 13
DR SIMON GRETZKY
300 PARNASSUS AVE
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94117
415 555 6100 X 43
TEST MESSAGE X ARL FOURTEEN
HURRICANE X ARL TWENTY FOUR
X CONTACT STATE DEPARTMENT AND
ADVISE URGENT
ROGER CALLAS J3IVN 14295 KHZ
--------------------------------------------------------------
129 TEST P HXC K6SOJ 20 PT REYES CA 1544Z SEP 13
ROGER CALLAS J3IVN
ST GEORGES MEDICAL SCHOOL
ST GEORGES GRENADA
14295 KHZ
TEST MESSAGE X STATE DEPARTMENT
OFFICIAL ADVISES EVAC AIRLIFT IN
PROGRESS X BE READY TO
BOARD AIRCRAFT AT 1800Z TODAY
SIMON GRETZKY MD
-----------------------------------------
THE “TRAFFIC HANDLER’S MANTRA” (Recite to
help remember the eight parts in preamble):
“No • Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic
• Delayed”
“No • Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic
• Delayed”
“No • Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic
• Delayed”
(NUMBER-PRECEDENCE-HX-STATION OF ORIGIN-CHECK-PLACE OF ORIGIN-TIME-DATE)
RETRO REVIEW -
“EMCOMM viewed through the Retrospect-O-Scope”
(Re-published from: ECWB # 174
2 September 2003)
MESSAGE FORMATTING - THE COUNTER
PERSON - by Ed Ewell, K7DXV
Let us suppose that
you are “working the counter” at an ARES station set up in an
emergency shelter. All
normal means of communications are “down”.
An agency official
comes to you with an important message that she has written out
on a piece of notebook paper. It must be
sent and received accurately as soon as possible.
The message must have security, as it has
private information in it. A quick count shows
that it is about 75 words.
As the “counter
person” * you are representing amateur radio. You also must
determine
if the message is appropriate for amateur
radio message traffic. How you greet and interact
with the “customer” is very
important. What you say and do will determine their impression
and any opinions they develop about amateur
radio.
If the entire 75 word
message is sent verbatim, it would take a lot of air time (it would take
three RADIOGRAMS); and the probably for error
would be much higher (what happens if one
of the 3 messages gets lost?)
The counter person
works with the originator to make sure that the message TEXT is
properly written, and in nearly all cases, the
thought, idea, or request expressed can be
said in 25 words or less.
First determine
the security classification and precedence. If the message is on
behalf of a
government or agency it must be signed by an
authorized official.
Always make sure that the third party is aware
that amateur radio communications
are NOT secure. (While some modes and/or
bands may be “more secure” than others,
DO NOT promise secure communications.)
If a
confidential or long message is necessary, and landline circuits are down,
consider using a courier. (Obviously
this is impractical over long distances or in extreme
weather, etc.) Also, secure (scrambled
or encoded) government radio (NOT amateur) circuits
may be available for EMERGENCY or
priority traffic.
Speed and accuracy
are determined by how the text is composed, not by how fast the
message is sent when actually
transmitted. A message is simply a communication from one
person to another. It will usually
be expressed in plain language (often hurriedly written and
often too wordy). It must be FORMATTED
into a text suitable for radio transmission.
Formatting an
original or draft a message into a RADIOGRAM text requires skill,
experience,
and the cooperation of the person or agency
who wants to send the message. Emphasis
must be on speed, security and accuracy.
Speed is accomplished
by using brevity. (E.g. - ARL numbered RADIOGRAMS, deleting
unnecessary and superfluous words.)
Brevity AND standardization promotes speed AND accuracy!
While it is true that
longer messages can be sent using digital modes; what happens when
the mode must change to CW or SSB or FM to
complete the delivery circuit?
Before the “station
of origin” sends a message, the final message text must be OK’d by the
person who is the signer. Once
signed, the message is taken to the radio room and handed
to the operator on duty. If it is
EMERGENCY or Priority make sure the operator is informed.
The station of origin
is then responsible for transmitting the message to the station nearest
the addressee or a relay station in the traffic circuit.
REMEMBER: All formal
traffic messages must be authorized or released in the name of the
originator. This is some times called the
releasing officer or official. Do not send a message that
has not been authorized or released.
Remember to keep it simple and accuracy and speed will
be there.
---------------------------------
* The “counter person” is every bit as
important as the sending operator(s). But, they do not
necessarily need to be a licensed amateur! Any person with good
“people skills” and a decent mastery
of the language can be trained to perform this
important function. Using non-hams for this will free
up your trained operators for radio
operating assignments. Also, the use of non-hams may even result in
some wanting to become licensed amateurs - EM
QSH !
EM’s Quiz, Satire ;-) , and [attempt at] Humor :-) Section
SEPTEMBER SURVEY RESULTS:
Last month EM asked: “In your opinion...of the
professions listed below , which is the closest in it's
“mission” to that of an amateur EMCOMM Operator?
Broadcast Engineer
Computer Technician
Disc Jockey
EMT - Paramedic
Fire Fighter
Gossip Columnist
Law Enforcement Officer
News Broadcaster
Political Commentator
Postal Worker
Public Service Dispatcher
Stand Up Comic
Weather Forecaster
RESULTS and COMMENTS:
72% of those who responded answered “Public Service Dispatcher”.
This reveals a lot about how we perceive
ourselves and what our roles are as EmComm operators.
Except for dispatching ARCTS (our
own Amateur Radio Communication Teams), actual
“dispatching” is rare
and only should occur under extraordinary circumstances.
Your editor once had a noteworthy
experience during a wildfire situation many years ago.
In this particular incident, four or five
“deuce-and-a-half” federal aircraft crash fire engines from a nearby
military base had been deployed.
There was no common radio frequency available between these engines and
fire command.
At the request of the
Fire Chief ( ICS has not been developed at that time), a ARES
operator equipped with a portable 2 meter transceiver and a mag-mount
antenna and borrowed protective fire safety gear was assigned to the
engines.
The ARES net control then was then--in
effect--the “dispatcher” for Fire Command for these
crews. But even in this example,
all traffic was “third party tactical". NO decision as
to where to
dispatch any fire engine should
ever be made by a radio operator. (Unless, of course,
he or she is ALSO the chief or
other IC.)
I say again: NO RADIO OPERATOR EVER MAKES
ANY COMMAND DECISIONS any more
than a radio operator aboard a ship makes
any command decisions regarding ship movement!
EmComm operators
originate very little radio traffic of their own. The only traffic they
should be originating in any incident, is only that which is
necessary to establish and maintain our own networks;
plus (of course) legitimate emergency
calls or reports!
Unnecessary
discussion and speculation about an incident is always inappropriate on
EmComm nets. Here are a few examples of inappropriate and appropriate
TACTICAL traffic:
Inappropriate:
“Send two strike teams to Highway 36 two miles north of Forestville.”
Appropriate: “Advise
incident command that the fire has jumped Highway 36 two miles
north of Forestville. Winds are out of the south at 20 miles
per hour.”
Inappropriate: “I am
opening a shelter at Oakville Intermediate School. Have Red Cross
send a shelter team.”
Appropriate: “ I am at the
Oakville Intermediate School. There are about 80 evacuees in
the parking lot. I am standing by for instructions.
Inappropriate: “Hey
Elmer! Nice to hear you on the net by golly! Where the heck
have
you been ...you old reprobate? Boy...this fire is really
kickin’ up!”
Appropriate: Wait until
the incident is over. Or better yet, hold these comments until
the next club meeting, and say in person.
As EmComm operators
our job is provide communications when normal channels have
been destroyed, failed, or are overloaded.
We are messengers. Pure and simple.
When the traffic is TACTICAL (as in the fire
example above)...we are only messengers.
When the traffic is formal, whether LOGISTIC,
WELFARE, or other ; and whether the precedence
be EMERGENCY, PRIORITY, WELFARE or
ROUTINE...we are only messengers.
Whether the mode is FM, SSB, CW, packet or
digital...it makes no difference. We are messengers.
Pure and simple.
It is true that many EmComm operators also serve
as fire fighters, law enforcement, medical,
SAR, or other public service professionals or volunteers. And
amateur radio is a valuable
back-up to the normal public service frequencies.
However, as radio operators, pure and simple, we
are only messengers. Our mission is to deliver messages as
accurately and as quickly as possible. That’s why 14% of
those who answered,
view amateur radio EmComm operators as being
similar to postal workers. In fact, in many countries, the radio
services and other electronic media are actually regulated by a
“Ministry of Telegraphs and Posts.” With all due respect
to the USPS, hopefully we will be able to deliver messages
considerably faster! - EM
EM'S OCTOBER SURVEY:
When the HF bands are dead and/or"long",
or full of QRM and/or QRN, and VHF/UHF FM is jammed or otherwise unavailable
2 meter CW and SSB are worth considering. 2M CW/SSB routinely has a
range of up to 300 miles with the proper antenna and 25-50 watts.
Also, 2 meter CW (and even 2M SSB) traffic is much more "confidential"
than VHF voice (and even packet for that matter) should more privacy
be desired. Very few members of the media and general public (also few hams)
will have VHF SSB and/or CW monitoring capability.
This month EM
asks:
1. Do you have a 2 meter SSB xcvr?
2. Do you plan to use 2 meter SSB for EMCOMM?
3. Do you have 2 meter CW capability?
4. Do you plan to use 2 meter CW for EMCOMM?
5. If you do not have a 2 meter CW or SSB rig, do you think
there is any advantage to having a few members on your team with that
capability?
The results will be published in the November EM
EMCOMM SPECIALTY
PRODUCTS
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
“License Plate”:
-----------------------------------------------
EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATIONS
------------------------------------------
• Raised BLACK letters on
WHITE background
• Durable Metal
• 6” x 12” with usual holes for mounting
• Mount on vehicle
• Place on visor or in window
• Use at fixed or field EMCOMM stations
• MADE IN U.S.A!
• $10.00 each or two for $18.00 [Postpaid to one address
includes all applicable taxes]
Send check or money order and shipping
address to:
EMCOMM
P O Box 99
Macdoel, CA 96058
• Allow 2 weeks for delivery
NEW!
RADIOGRAM RUBBER STAMP
• Use on plain paper
• Use on front of envelope
• 3/4” x 3” wood handle stamp
Order: WRGS - Wood handle (traditional) rubber stamp
$10.00 each postpaid
($8.00 if ordered with Message Service Cross stamp (below)
• Send check or money order to:
EMCOMM
P O Box 99
Macdoel, CA 96058
• Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for delivery
"MESSAGE
SERVICE CROSS" RUBBER STAMP
• Makes the “record” part of record message
traffic handling easy and efficient.
• Use on any message form or on plain paper.
• A message received and forwarded should be stamped twice (L lower / R
lower).
• Check TOR (Time Received) or TOD (Time Delivered / Forwarded).
• Available in two styles:
Order: SIRS - Self inking
rubber stamp - $15.00 each postpaid.
Order: WHRS - Wood handle (traditional)
rubber stamp - $12.00 each postpaid.
• Order yours today!
• Specify style, quantity, and shipping address, and send check or money
order to:
EMCOMM
P O Box 99
Macdoel, CA 96058
• Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for delivery
_
TOR |_|
TOD |_|
TIME
DATE
|
|
--------------------------|-----------------------
|
|
FREQUENCY
|
STATION
Drawing not to scale. Actual size: 1”(h) x 2¼”(w)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW SUBSCRIBERS
• Dave Jefferies, NØGMP, New
Underwood, South Dakota - ARES
• Robert C. Berg, K7RCB, Lake Shastina, California
• Carl Piojda, N9NMR, Zion, Illinois - ARES, SATERN
• Hugh “Ed” Empey, WA7ETH, Marysville, Washington - ARES EC
Snohomish County
• Russ Davis, N9PTK, Richmond, Indiana - Wayne County RACES
• Dennis Zonia, K1VSG, Webster, Massachusetts - ARES (SEC), RACES,
SKYWARN
• James Dry, KB2VRO, Branchburg, New Jersey - ARES, RACES
• Ben Genegabus, KD6KPO, Prunedale, California
• Steve McCary, WB7VYC, Ringold, Oklahoma - ARES
• Charles Christmann, K5CEC, Palcitas, New Mexico - ARES, RACES
• David Kanitra, WB2AZE, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey -
ARES DEC
• Sanford Lavine, KO6JF, Alameda, California - Oakland ARES, RACES
• Tammy Norem, KG6HJI, Fremont, California - ARES
• George Copeland, W7ZVD, Walla Walla, Washington - ARES
AEC, SKYWARN
• Todd Lovelace, KI4ADK, Jacksonville, Florida - ARES
• Taylor Jones, W5TEJ, Casa Grande, Arizona - Pinal County
Emergency Group
• Bill Boedeker, NM5BB, Los Alamos, New Mexico - ARES, RACES
• Max Cornell, KØMC, Marina, California - ARES, NTS
• Gary Vest, N5GWV, Lake Dallas, Texas
- ARES, DCARA
• Paul Graham, KD7MHF, North Bend, Washington - SECAST
(Snoqualmie Emergency Communications and Support Team)
RECENT CONTRIBUTORS -
Nil, Nada and Zero Zed
SOS - SUPPORT OUR
SUPPORTERS
When contacting these fine vendors
tell them that EMCOMM MONTHLY sent you!
Books, etc.
Jack (AC6FU) and Margaret (KE7AWA) Ruckman, Owners
www.hamradiobooks.com
ac6fu@arrl.net
(775) 577-2639
P.O. Box 309
Silver Springs, NV 89429
(Amateur Radio Books, ARRL patches, decals and other supplies)
EmComm-Products LLC
Robin Faulkner, N7GSU
Kathy Faulkner, KD7OTY
www.emcomm-products.com/index.html
(775) 521-6153
(775) 307-7101 (Fax)
PO Box 383
703 Sixth Street
Fossil, OR 97830-0383
(Manufacturer of the RADS 9-11 Rapid Antenna Deployment System)
Q. R. Zed Engraving
Gordon Yee, KI6UH
www.qrzed.8k.com
(415) 467-2235
P.O. Box 651
Brisbane, CA 94005
(Name badges, desk plates, signs, and more. Custom work.)
The Wireless Store
Manufacturer Distributor Niljon Antennas
Jerry Gosnell, Owner
1599 Faye Road
Akron, Ohio 44306-4115
(330) 701-9280 Toll free: 1 (877) 751-8125
http://www.niljon.com/
Authorized Dealer: WiFi-PLUS, Inc.
http://www.wifi-plus.com/
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
• ICS-ARCT GUIDE: www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
• TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE: www.emcomm.org (click bar on main page).
• TRAINING ARCHIVES: www.emcomm.org/svares/training/index.html
• PHONETICS: www.emcomm.org/svares/training/itu_phonetics_10_30_2001.htm
• NVIS PROPAGATION MAPS - http://www.w0ipl.com/ECom/NVIS/NVISprop.htm
• GEAR AND EQUIPMENT LIST: www.emcomm.org (Click on GEAR LIST)
• ARRL FSD-218. The famous “pink card” that contains (almost)
“everything you ever needed
to know about RADIOGRAMS”. An electronic version of the FSD-218 is
available at:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#fsd-218
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) Methods and
Practices Guidelines:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/
• NTS page by W7ARC: http://www.w7arc.com/nts/
• NATIONAL RADIO EMERGENCY NETWORK (NREN)
www.aa8vs.org/nren/ (or) http://68.43.101.244:81/nren/
• PACIFIC AREA TRAFFIC NETS: http://home.earthlink.net/~k7bfl/nwnets.html
• NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SKYWARN www.emcomm.org (click on NWS or links) or
Contact your EC or local SKYWARN coordinator for local net information.
• U. S. AIR FORCE Search and Rescue SURVIVAL MANUAL (AFM 64-5 Aug. 1969)
-
Reference Charts - (Print and Save)
• GROUND-TO-AIR (close-in) VISUAL SIGNALS:
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Ground_to_Air_Signaling_mid.jpg
• GROUND-TO-AIR EMERGENCY CODE:
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Ground_to_Air_Emergency_Code_mid.jpg
• MIRROR (and other) SIGNALING:
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Mirror_Signaling_mid.jpg
SUBSCRIBE TO EMCOMM MONTHLY www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm
EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN
archives:
www.emcomm.org/svares/archives/
SEARCH FEATURE AT EMCOMM.ORG
www.emcomm.org may be just
what you need!
EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG are
funded solely by the voluntary donations of serious 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. WWW.EMCOMM.ORG is “pop up free”. 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. Send to: EMCOMM, PO Box 99, Macdoel, CA
96058.
Your donation is an outright gift and is NOT tax-deductible.
The opinions expressed by individual
contributors do not necessarily reflect the
EM philosophy, the editorial position of EM,
or its staff.
EMCOMM MONTHLY - Copyright (c) 2004 - All rights
reserved
Published on the Tuesday before the first Wednesday of every month.
STAFF:
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ - Editor and Publisher
Bill Frazier, W7ARC - Associate Editor and Webmaster
Ed Trump, AL7N - Associate Editor and Alaska Correspondent
Jerry Boyd, KW7J - Associate Editor and ICS Advisor
John Moriarity, K6QQ - Associate Editor and Technical Advisor
Dave Nicholson, KB6PNT - Associate Editor and SAR Advisor
For permission to reproduce material in EMCOMM MONTHLY
contact: D. W. Thorne at: k6soj@arrl.net or write:
EMCOMM MONTHLY, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058 U.S.A.
COMING IN THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF EMCOMM MONTHLY :
• “HURRICANE TALES” - The Good,
the Bad, and the Ugly.
Excerpts from reports on Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne
• PLUS: NEWS... FEATURES... FEEDBACK.... QSH... and MORE!
• COMING SOON: “UNDERGROUND COMMUNICATIONS”
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