WORLDWIDE
eDISPATCH
- 1 APRIL 2009 - 0035Z
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Dedicated to Emergency Communications by RADIO
EMCOMM MONTHLY
Official
Journal of the World Radio Relay League
www.wrrl.org
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VOL. 5 -- No. 9
www.emcomm.org
APRIL 2009
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The EM PHILOSOPHY
- SIX WOMEN
SHORT CIRCUITS - News and Announcements
FEEDBACK,
MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
The EM
ADVISOR - "Q and A"
ICS
PERSPECTIVES - by
WRRL NEWS
and NETS
TRAFFIC HANDLING
NETWORK
NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE -
FORM OR FORMAT?
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS -
Stuff for
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
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The EM PHILOSOPHY
SIX WOMEN
On November 3, 2006 over 100 horses were stranded on a
small island in The Netherlands. After all official attempts to effect a
rescue had failed, six brave and innovative women undertook the job. Working as
a team, along with other rescuers, they successfully rescued the horses.
This rescue is an example of a human response of the highest caliber. The
link below takes you to one of the most moving and inspirational videos we have
ever seen. It epitomizes the
EM
Philosophy...when all other
efforts have failed, get the job done! Their mission was to
rescue horses. Our mission is to get messages delivered "when all else
fails." If you missed the six minute video (with a great sound track), you
can view it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8iSYMkFO2A&feature=related
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SHORT CIRCUITS
RECENT NET FREQUENCY CHANGES:
(Due to foreign SWBC interference after the change to daylight
saving time in the U.S.)
LINCOLN NOON NET - LNN
(CTZNN) M-W-F
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS at 1200 CTZ on 7214 kHz ± LSB.
All emcomm stations in the Central (U.S.) Time Zone, PLUS the Eastern and
Mountain Time Zones are invited to check in.
JEFFERSON NOON NET -
JNN (PTZNN) DAILY
DAILY at 1200 PTZ on 7214
kHz ± LSB. (7204 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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REGARDING FONTS AND EMAIL ADDRESSES
When setting up a new email
address, consider that,
In the Times New
Roman font (which a lot of computers have set as the default
font), the figure 1 and the lower case L ( l ) display exactly alike.
This makes it difficult for someone to transcribe correctly. ALSO
consider avoiding using the _ (underscore) and/or the . (dot) in your email
address. Since punctuation is not used in
RADIOGRAMS (except the
slant bar /). If an email address is included in the text of a
RADIOGRAM, these
symbols have to be spelled out. -
Editor
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NEW NVIS
ANTENNA PAGES
A well done
NVIS antenna page is on the EmComm East 2009 website at:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/emcommeast2008/NVIS.pdf
ALSO VISIT OUR
OWN NVIS pages at:
http://www.emcomm.org/projects/
http://www.emcomm.org/antenna/default.asp
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EMCOMM WEST
May 1-3, 2009 -
Circus Circus, Reno, NV
www.emcommwest.org/
EMCOMM EAST
October 3, 2009
- St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY www.emcommeast.org/
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A HAVEN FOR
SPARE PARTS
An interesting N.Y. Times story - "A Haven for Spare Parts Lives On in Silicon
Valley."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/technology/personaltech/05basics.html
Submitted
by Peter Rosenberg, AC7SB, Fall City, WA
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FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
Message received by Marty
Woll, N6VI, Chatsworth, CA:
"I read your comments about the March issue of EMCOMM MONTHLY. Nice job.
I am sure you have advised our volunteer group(s) how informative this
newsletter is to communicators and the fact that it is free, leaving no reason
not to subscribe to this informative forum. I have recommended EM to our
ACS* members in the past, however it bears repeating how valuable a learning
tool this helpful resource can be to dedicated operators. Additionally, as
you have mentioned in your message handling instructions, it brings everyone
together for a common understanding of what is an acceptable standard format of
use. Thank you for your continued high standard of education and training,
ensuring that all of us can be the very best emcomm resource possible.
Kindest regards, 73,:
Truman Van Dyke III, KE6JCA
LAFD ACS Operations - COML,
COMS, COMT, INCM, RADO
---------------------------------
Marty adds:
"Truman is a professional LAFD firefighter and is part of the command staff with
L.A. City's Fire Department-managed ACS. I'm now the training officer for
ACS and recently taught a class on formal message handling. I referenced
your DVD during the course. He is encouraging hams to sign up for Emcomm
Monthly and that's a good thing. I've been pushing that for several years
now. BTW, you wrote an outstanding commentary on Capt. Sullenberger and
Cactus 1549. The parallels with what we do are spot on."
Marty Woll, N6VI
Vice-Director, ARRL Southwestern Division
Ass't DEC, ARESLAX
BCUL 15, LAFD ACS
CERT III
EM
COMMENT: Thanks Marty and Truman. It is feedback
like yours that keeps us at all going. And to you...keep up the great
work! (NOTE: It was my pleasure to meet Marty when I was in SoCal a couple
of years ago. Check out N6VI at QRZ.COM) -
Editor
*ACS = Auxilliary Communication Service. Provides volunteer emcomm
operators for government agencies by incorporating RACES with non-amateur
communication services such as FRS, GMRS, CB, public service band, email,
telephone, etc.
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FOLLOW
UP ON SUPPLY OF .50 CALIBER AMMO CANS
Last month (March EM) we
mentioned a possible interruption in the supply of used surplus gov't issue
(GI), .50 caliber ammo cans. These steel boxes are strong, waterproof,
dustproof, and inexpensive. They are of value to emcomm operators since
they make excellent protective cases for radio gear (plus other equipment and
supplies.) We asked our readers: "if anyone can document this to please
let us know." We received varied responses.
On the "negative side" one reader wrote: "That is correct. They have been
ordered to destroy them. It seems that the insurgents were using them to hold
IED's."
(If that
is accurate, it wouldn't surprise us, but doing that would make about as much
sense as destroying commercial airliners because terrorists used them to attack
the WTC! - Editor)
On the "positive side" Sam Saladino, NW9T, of South Beloit, IL did some research
and reports: "I found that this rumor has been floating around since at
least 2007. Explanations have ranged from the government wanting the boxes
to be sold for scrap, to the government switching to plastic boxes.
"I've found these websites still advertising steel boxes for sale at a cheap
price:"
http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?engine=froogle&productID=920
$9.99
http://www.usmilitarysurplus.com/surpluscatalog/product_info.php?products_id=841
$7.50
(Editor's
note: EM does NOT endorse, nor receive any "kick backs" from any of these
suppliers. We list them solely as a service to emcomm operators.
Caveat Emptor!)
"On a message board I visited during a quick look around, some asked: "Why
would the government ban the sale of ammo boxes, and still continue
to sell them at surplus government sales?" I checked and found that
you can buy entire pallets of used ammo boxes at surplus auctions from the
government.
"I also found this notice on a pallet of 50 caliber ammo boxes: "LOT
(340)APPROX. 50 CAL AMMO CANS. DIMENSIONS APPROX. 11" x 6" x 7".
ON PALLETS WITH LIDS IN SEPARATE BASKET. MUTILATION NOT REQUIRED." <http://cgi.govliquidation.com/auction/view?id=2232154&convertTo=USD>
Since it says MUTILATION NOT REQUIRED, so it sounds to me like they can be used
with no problem. So there you go, 340 50 cal ammo boxes, auction
opening on March 17 at Midnight Eastern Time and closing on March 19 at 5:00 pm
Eastern Time. If you got it for the opening bid of only $150.00
that works out to about $0.44 per ammo box.
EM
COMMENTS:
Thanks for
the in-depth "investigative report" Sam. The auction closed at $2370, or
about $7 per box. - Editor
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THE EM ADVISOR
The staff of
EMCOMM
MONTHLY 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.
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Q: "Thanks for all the news bulletins I
receive. Keep up the good work. Maybe you can help me. I have a
friend, David ZS1DA, who has a Jeep® Wrangler (petrol V6) and has installed his
HF rig and ATU in it. Now here the fun starts!! When the engine is
switched off, no QRM! However, with the engine running, S9 QRM from the
engine management system / spark plug distribution system. Do you do know
any hams in and around your neighborhood who drive a petrol Jeep® with possibly
the same problems and do you know what rectified the issue? I would
really like to get in touch with them. Hope to hear from you soon."
Pierre D. Tromp, ZS1HF, WRRL 206, HAMNET, Western Cape, SOUTH AFRICA
A:
Thanks Pierre, it's sure nice to hear from you! What year is your
friend's Wrangler? Is it equipped with EFI? (My vintage 1965 CJ-5 is a
carbureted "four-banger," so I don't have any computers to contend with! :-)
My guess is that the culprit is an on-board computer. I don't have any
immediate suggestions to offer, but will ask
EM
readers with any possible solutions to offer to contact you direct at: zs1hf@telkomsa.net -- Visit HAMNET at:
http://www.wrrl.org/hamnet/index.htm -
Editor
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ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR,
Associate Editor and ICS Advisor
This column will continue last month’s discussion regarding how home stations
might provide some EMCOMM support during major incidents. As noted in the March issue, some
amateurs, for a variety of reasons, may want to help but are simply unable to
respond in the field to emergencies and disasters. There are a number of important tasks
that need to be performed by the EMCOMM unit, but to assign them to a
field-capable volunteer might mean that an essential field position is
unstaffed. Here is where the
"homebound" can step in.
Radio traffic in response to an emergency/disaster is important and it needs to
be documented. There are multiple
reasons why documentation is important.
Just one of those reasons is to aid in the after-action
critique/evaluation of the incident response.
The home-based station may be in a good position to monitor and audio
record all radio traffic involving the EMCOMM unit response to the incident. Whether done by a tape recorder or via a
computer sound card, this is important data to compile and is the type which a
“ham at home” can gather.
Every group, including EMCOMM groups, have need for logistical support during
their operational periods. Food,
water, fresh batteries, fuel, notepads, sunscreen, etc….all may need to be
replenished if the event is of long duration.
The ham at home can be a valuable resource in determining what is needed,
where it is needed, and when it is needed and then making arrangements to
procure same and have it delivered.
Finally, events of long duration cannot be handled by the initial crew of
responding radio operators. There
will be a need to relieve them with fresh operators. The home-bound station can help team
leaders determine staffing needs, and recruit and schedule replacement operators
as necessary.
In summary, the home station has more than ample opportunities to be of service. More on this subject will be discussed in
the May issue.
73 from NE Oregon de N7WR
n7wr@wrrl.org
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WRRL NEWS and NETS
Pacific (and Mountain) Time Zones: PTZNN (aka Jefferson Noon Net/JNN)
daily at 1200 PTZ on 7214/± kHz (7204 and 3911± kHz alternate)
Central (and Eastern) Time Zones: CTZNN Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at
1200 CTZ
on
7214± kHz
∙ WRRL NET
on MONDAYS on 14.280 MHz USB (listen up or down the band as much as 20 kHz)
2000Z (When on Daylight Saving Time) and 2100Z (When on Standard Time)
∙ WRRL
STATION MAP UPDATE
Map showing the location of WRRL stations can be viewed at: http://www.wrrl.org/map
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TRAFFIC
HANDLING
“For want of
a letter, a word was lost.
For want of a word, a message was lost.
For want of a message, a life was lost.”
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"Record Message Traffic, by skilled operators, and by RADIO (only)!"
It's about Dependability, Accuracy and Accountability!
NET and TRAFFIC HANDLING
UPDATES:
LINCOLN NOON NET - LNN
(CTZNN) M-W-F
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS at 1200 CTZ on 7214 kHz ± LSB.
All emcomm stations in the
Central (U.S.) Time Zone, PLUS the Eastern and Mountain Time Zones are
invited to check in.
JEFFERSON NOON NET -
JNN (PTZNN) DAILY
DAILY at 1200 PTZ on 7214
kHz ± LSB. (7204 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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"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 SECTION
FORM OR FORMAT?
(An EM basic studies
training module by the EM / WRRL Staff)
Each
month we receive several messages questioning or challenging the value of the
universal record formal message FORMAT (RADIOGRAMS). Most are
pushing for the adoption of the ICS213 "Speed Memo" (which is cumbersome, and
was not designed for nor intended for radio message traffic.) In the last
issue of EM we focused on TACTICAL communications, but we received three such
letters...all from emcomm "leaders" praising and/or promoting ICS213 and
landline and infrastructure-dependant radio-computer-hybrid systems for emcomm.
Apparently we have not been "getting through" ... so
we'll try
again.
In addition to
TACTICAL
emcomm, an equally important purpose of amateur radio emcomm is to deliver
third-party message traffic, FROM
anyone, anywhere, anytime,
TO
anyone, anywhere, anytime, when the normal means of communications fail, are
overloaded, or are shut down by "the authorities."
"Anyone, anywhere, anytime" includes locations where there is NO computer
terminal available, or telephone service (including cellular telephones), and/or
other commercial services are down and/or out. In a major disaster, normal
postal service may also be disrupted for weeks or even months. While
"anywhere" includes EOCs and "served agency" offices, it also includes
evacuation centers, shelters, community centers and churches, and
neighborhoods. Anywhere
is wherever a need for emcomm exists on behalf of the general public.
See "basis
and purpose" FCC Part 97.1
Two main components are necessary for radio amateurs to send, relay, and deliver
third party message traffic via radio. The first is, of course,
the hardware.
A power source, a radio transceiver, an antenna, and a key or mic. Most
amateurs are capable of setting up and operating the radio equipment. The
second is,
the ability
to communicate intelligently and in a clear, concise manner using standardized,
proper operating procedures. This article deals only with the latter.
As soon as written languages were developed, messages began to be sent from one
location to another. Usually hand carried by foot courier, rider, or by
boat. From the earliest times, the message was considered sacred. To
prevent tampering, epistles, (messages or letters) were either written on
scrolls or placed in envelopes and sealed. It was common practice for the
originator to seal the message with beeswax plus a stamp impression using a
"signet ring". If the message arrived at its destination and the seal was
intact, the recipient knew that the message had not been compromised.
Millions of letters are mailed and delivered every day in sealed envelopes.
First class mail is still considered "sacred" and cannot be legally opened and
read, much less tampered with, except when authorized by postal inspectors with
a reasonable cause.
Consider a RADIOGRAM to be the same as FIRST CLASS MAIL. THE MESSAGE IS
SACRED TRUST! Of course a RADIOGRAM is not private,
but handling third-party messages is considered a serious responsibility by all
skilled and ethical radio operators. A MESSAGE MUST NEVER BE MODIFIED,
either intentionally or accidentally along the route. By using the
universal RADIOGRAM message format, radio operators can relay and deliver
messages with a high degree of reliability, accuracy, and speed. Using
radio messages can be passed and delivered without reliance upon any landline or
infrastructure based systems.
Too
many hams are hung up on the FORM, as opposed to the
universal
message FORMAT.
In radio message traffic, no "FORM" is ever actually sent over the air.
Attempting to send a "form" is unrealistic. The RADIOGRAM, is the only
message FORMAT that is truly universal, and is the most effective method that
has ever been developed to forward messages rapidly by radio. It is simple
to learn and use, and works flawlessly in any mode. It can easily be
changed back and forth from one mode to another. (Morse can even be sent
using a blinking light.) Why anything so simple has been made to look so
complicated is beyond comprehension.
In the June 2008 issue of EM
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2008/june2008.htm
we said:
"The best
tool for radio message traffic is still the universal RADIOGRAM format.
A long time ago, landline and radio telegraphers, and (later) voice radio
operators, figured out that the universal RADIOGRAM format is the best way to
reliably relay message traffic. It still remains the best method,
especially under compromised conditions. It is not unique to amateur
radio, nor it is a proprietary, nor is it an ARRL/NTS invention. It is the
direct descendant from the Western Union telegram, world-wide cablegram,
commercial maritime and aeronautical radiograms, and has been used by military
and naval services around the world for about a hundred years."
FYI: The IARU (International Amateur Radio Union) has mandated
that only the universal RADIOGRAM format (minus a provision for handling
instructions)* be used in their upcoming "2009GlobalSET" on April 18.
NOTE: Monitor all you want...but this SET is not open to emcomm stations "at
large".
Ref:
http://www.iaru-r3.org/dcom/IARU-msg1.pdf
EXAMPLE: During or following a disaster, an emcomm
volunteer operator is located near an evacuation center with a Handie Talkie.
(Remember those long lines and crowds following Hurricane Katrina?) An
evacuee asks if he or she can send a message to relatives. The radio ham
already knows how to correctly FORMAT a message without searching for a guide
book or a form, and pulls out a piece of paper, originates a RADIOGRAM, and gets
it into a local net.
NO
FORM IS NECESSARY AND NO FORM IS EVER SENT OVER THE AIR.
FYI: THERE IS
NO "MORATORIUM" ON OUTBOUND TRAFFIC IN A DISASTER OPERATION. There is often a
48-72 hour "moratorium" on sending INBOUND WELFARE inquiries. This gives
relief agencies time to register victims and possibly know where they have been
relocated.
The
RADIOGRAM FORMAT is like a short letter.
Following the preamble (a tool used solely by the radio operators passing the
traffic), it is a simple as P, 1, 2, 3...!
As we all learned in grade school it begins with:
1. To whom and where it is going. (The addressee).
2. The message text. (Just like any other short letter.)
3. The signature. (Who the message is from. And, if a reply is
requested a return "address" or another way to contact the sender.)
AT
THE TOP (ABOVE THE ADDRESSEE) IS THE PREAMBLE
The preamble is for the radio operators only. It provides a record of
the message, that the message can then be accurately and efficiently relayed
by multiple stations (if necessary), and may include any special instructions.
THIS
PROCEDURE MUST REMAIN THE SAME FOR ALL MODES. A RADIOGRAM MAY ORIGINATE BY
LOCAL FM, BE RELAYED VIA SSB, CW, OR A KEYBOARD MODE, AND SWITCED BACK TO FM FOR
DELIVERY VIA A LOCAL VHF NET.
The
originating station places the PREAMBLE at the top of the message (above the
address).
1. First, he/she assigns a number (NR) to the message. This NEVER changes for
that message. (Just like a number on a personal check.)
2. Next, he/she assigns a PRECEDENCE: EMERGENCY, priority, welfare,
routine. (EMERGENCY, P, W, and R in CW.)
3. Next, he/she adds any special Handling Instructions (HX) - (Optional, and
often not used.)
4. Next, follows the station of origin. (His/her call sign)
5. Next, is a one or two digit CHECK. (This is the number of words, number
groups, mixed groups in the TEXT.)
6. Next, comes the place of origin. (Example: Summerfield, IA)
7. Next, using the 24 hour system, is the TIME. (Time is optional, and if
it is anything other than "Z" (ZULU), you must specify. (Example: 1530EST)
8. Last item in the preamble is the DATE. MONTH (Three letter abbreviation
followed by one or two figures. Example: MAR 15.)
Six,
seven or eight simple items*. ALWAYS sent in the same order!
Then, after two skilled operators have established contact, the receiving
operator knows that when he/she hears: "Follows message NR13" (number wun,
thuh-ree, on 'phone), the next thing heard will be the PRECEDENCE (Skilled
operators do NOT say the prowords like "PRECEDENCE" -- you would NOT send it in
CW so why say it on 'phone?)...and so on. The PREAMBLE is said or sent
like this:
NR19
R HXG WB9FHP 25 PAOLI IN 0655Z FEB 10
Add a few prowords (procedural words on 'phone) or prosigns (in CW)** and with a
little practice, it becomes easy and natural to handle message traffic
accurately and efficiently, and it's also an enjoyable and rewarding skill.
By using the universal format, messages can easily be transferred from phone to
CW to keyboard and back without ANY modifications.
FYI: Skilled traffic handlers DO NOT waste time by saying or sending extra (and
unnecessary words) like: "check," "originating station," "date," "going
to," or "message text is," etc. Simple huh?
You
can remember the PREAMBLE order by memorizing the mantra:
“No •
Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
(NUMBER • PRECEDENCE • HX • STATION OF ORIGIN • CHECK • PLACE OF ORIGIN • TIME •
DATE)
Most experienced traffic operators use plain paper to copy a message for relay
or delivery.*** For the final delivery of a RADIOGRAM, it can be written,
typed, printed, or pasted onto just about anything. Even an ICS213!
However, a WRRL or ARRL or your own station's RADIOGRAM FORM is nice is when the
message is delivered via FIRST CLASS MAIL or by special courier.
As for the final delivery of a message, using a telephone is fine, as long
as you actually deliver the message the addressee. We do NOT advocate
leaving messages on answering machines or "voice mail" device, or sending a
message blindly to a computer via email, since there is no way to know if the
message ever got to the actual addressee.
* HX is considered optional. The same for TIME. (If they're not
needed...don't use them.)
** Most common (used in ALL RADIOGRAMS) on 'phone is the proword "BREAK" and in
CW is the prosign BT. Both are followed by a short pause in
transmission between the address and the text and again following the text but
before the signature. (The pause allows the receiving station to ask for a
"fill" if necessary.)
***
http://www.emcomm.org/products/images/radiogram1.jpg
***
http://www.emcomm.org/products/images/stamp_impression.jpg
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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.
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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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NEW SUBSCRIBERS - WELCOME!
• Fred Jones, WA4SWF,
Louisa, KY - ARES® EC, KY Emergency Management PIO
• Jim Wylder, KE6OJ, Silverdale, WA - Kitsap County ACS, RACES,
ARES®
• Jeff Miller, K7JJM, Skagit County, WA - ARES® AEC, RACES
• Oliver Jolly, WW5OJ, Philadelphia, MS - ARES®
• Adam Karsin, KG4WWH, Clearwater, FL - ARES®, RACES
• Jack Eyster, KI6PPW, Woodland Hills, CA - LAFD ACS, LAFD CERT
• David Malin, AA6RV, Canyon Country, CA - ARES®, LAFD ACS,
LASD DCS
• Ralph Rosen, K6RBR, Calabasas, CA - LAFD ACS
• Robert Hanson, W6RH, Newbury Park, CA -ACS, ARES®, RACES
• Rosalind Clifton, KG6TRT, Winnetka, CA - ARES®, LAFD ACS
• Jack Root, KD6VSB, Los Angeles, CA - LAFD ACS
• Jim Sage, WB8TWM, Columbus, OH - ARES®, RACES, MARS, Red
Cross
• Donald Kemp, NN8B, Hanoverton, OH - Navy MARS, ARES®, RACES
• Billy Jackley, W7DMV, Holladay, UT - ARES®, ERC
• Leon Taylor, KI6WDZ, Sacramento, CA
• Davina Nolten, KE7JQV, Federal Way, WA - ARES®
• Samuel Maree, ZS1SAM, Cape Town, South Africa
• Jaime Manuel L. G. A. Sousa, CT2JBD, Talaíde, Lisbon,
Portugal
• Harry E. Bell, Jr., WA8BNS, Zanesville, OH - ARES®, MARS
• Vicki Dickerson Ball, KI6TNT, Yuba City, CA - ARES®
• Barbara Conciatori, KI4VOV - Palm Harbor, FL
• Frank D. Holt III, KB2VYZ, Somers Point, NJ - ARES® AEC,
RACES, CERT
• Steven Aamodt, K7SJA, Hillsboro, OR - NDMS, Oregon Disaster
Medical Team
• Barry Thaysen, K3UG, Copperopolis, CA - ARES®, RACES,
Cal-Fire VIP
• Jonathan Zimmerman, K6JGZ, North Hollywood, CA - LAFD ACS,
ARES®
• David Carleton, KF7AJJ, Las Vegas, NV - ARES®, SKYWARN
• Sean Fox, WD6FOX, Canyon Country, CA - LAFD ACS, LAPD CEMP,
SAR
• Jim Snyder, AJ4NO, Knoxville, TN - ARES®
• Robert Petty, WB7SGL, Denver, CO
RECENT CONTRIBUTOR$ - Thank you for your support!
The individuals listed below have recently made monetary contributions to help EMCOMM MONTHLY
and
EMCOMM.ORG survive.
•
No contributions were received this month.
EMCOMM MONTHLY 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. "We do it the old fashioned way!"
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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The opinions expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily reflect the
EM
philosophy, the editorial position of
EM,
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 MONTHLY
contact: D. W. Thorne at: k6soj@wrrl.org or
write:
EMCOMM MONTHLY,
EM STAFF:
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
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EMCOMM MONTHLY -- The Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League - WRRL®
EM
is published 10 times a year (September through June) and is copyrighted (c)
2009 - All rights reserved.
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