TO: OR-NorCAL-NorNV Regional VHF and HF A.R.E.S. Stations
SECs, DECs, ECs, AECs in OR District 5 and CA Districts 1, 2;
ARRL Officials and other HF EMCOMM stations
Selected EMCOMM and Public Safety Officials
FROM: D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ, SEC, SV Section (North)
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
ACS Officer MAR III California OES
THE “5-1-2 BULLETIN” 10 OCT 2000 - No. 23
“WHERE PREPAREDNESS...IS JOB ONE”
1 - SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST (SET) REPORT
2 - NWS WX SPOTTER TRAINING - TONIGHT!
3 - EMCOMM ON 160M - SOME CONCERNS
4 - IF YOU HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ...
5 - COMING ATTRACTIONS
6 - REGIONAL ARES NET - REMINDER
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 - THE SV ARES SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST IS BEHIND US! Here is a synopsis
of the SV section-wide component of this year’s SET, ( plus a brief
account of the Siskiyou County team’s response.) NOTE: DECs and ECs
who wish to submit a synopsis on the SET for their area(s), for inclusion in next
week’s 5-1-2 BULLETIN, are encouraged to do so.
The SET was commenced on October 7 at 1400L when individual counties began to
activate local (VHF) nets. ARES stations within participating counties checked
in to their
local NCS. At 1430L the northern California HF ARES net was activated by
K6SOJ (SEC SV north in Macdoel, CA) on 7232 KHz , and check ins were logged
from relay stations from many counties. The hourly “cycle” of
local VHF nets on the hour; followed by HF nets at the bottom of the hour (per our
mutual aid plan) worked well.
The county-by-county tally is as follows:
OREGON:
KLAMATH COUNTY, NCS - KD7JEC, AEC; KK7VO, (Keno); WA7IZU, KA7RAM, KD7ODE, KC7ODD
(Klamath Falls).
SV SECTION DISTRICT 1:
MODOC COUNTY:
NCS - N6SSQ, EC; K7NCE, AEC, (Alturas); AD6RV (Lookout) , AEC; KD6ITD (Canby).
SISKIYOU COUNTY: (The Siskiyou SET was a “simplex only” exercise - no
repeaters allowed) NCS - KE6MZT, EC; AB6UE, RACES ARO operating W6BML (Mt.
Shasta ARC
station and south county alternate EOC) served as the south county relay.
KD6PCE, W6FKI, KO6DW (Weed), KD6WZC, (Hammond Ranch). KF6TMB
(Scott Valley relay) and WA6UUR (Ft. Jones). KD6WZA (Happy Camp relay) and
KF6DPL (Happy Camp). VHF (2M PACKET: KE6MZN (Hornbrook).
DISTRICT 2 - WO6P, DEC (Shingletown, Shasta County)
BUTTE / GLENN COUNTY:
KF6YKQ, HF relay (Paradise); N6NPN (Chico); KO6TW, (Orland); KI6MX, (Orland).
SHASTA COUNTY:
WD6BXN, HF relay (Burney)
SV SECTION (south):
AD6CT (Sacramento), NCS (also Sacramento RACES)
WA6SLA ( SEC-south) portable
DISTRICT 3:
YUBA COUNTY:
WA6FKC, HF relay (Brown’s Valley)
DISTRICT 4:
K6EKB, DEC (El Dorado Hills, El Dorado County)
EL DORADO COUNTY:
AD6CN, AD6CO (So. Lake Tahoe)
PLUMAS COUNTY:
WD6FGB, EC / RO (Cromberg)
NOTE: Van (WD6FGB) reported that the Plumas County SEC had been completed
earlier in the day. He reported that 14 stations had participated...100% on
emergency power. KF6PQM, ARO (Meadow Valley)
NUMEROUS MESSAGES (RADIOGRAMS) and other pieces of traffic were passed.
(The total count is not available yet.)
At 1630L the last “cycle” was dedicated to having the participating ECs
forwarded their county’s ARES “Status Reports to their DEC or SEC.
“SET 2000” for the SV section was
concluded at 1730L with a final roll call, and each HF relay station checked out.
A CRITIQUE of this section-wide SET will take place on the REGIONAL ARES NET
this Wednesday (October 11) at 1900L on 3987 KHz LSB. It is not for me
to be in the
position to “thank” everyone. Everyone knows when their TEAM has done a
great job...and all the TEAMS can truthfully say it was... “a job
well done”! NOTE: If I left anyone out who participated and should be
mentioned...it was inadvertent...please let me know...and I offer my most humble and
sincere apology(s). de K6SOJ
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2 - SKYWARN NEWS
Randy Miltier, K7RPM, SKYWARN Coordinator for Medford NWS.
A SKYWARN Program is being developed for Southern Oregon and Northern California.
SKYWARN is the National Weather Service program of trained volunteer
spotters reporting
severe weather.
A "Weather Spotter" class will be held Tuesday, October 10th, 2000 at 1900L
at the Jackson County Parks Dept. Auditorium, 200 Antelope Rd. in White City.
The auditorium is
actually located on Mosquito Lane off Table Rock Road. (Near the Search
and Rescue base.) The class will be approximately two hours long and you
can sign up as a WX spotter after the class. Talk-in: 147.100+ (Central Point)
repeater.
WEEKLY SKYWARN NET: Sundays at 1930L on the Mt. Ashland 147.26+ repeater (WX7MFR/R)
The NWS/Medford “service area” consists of nine counties: Coos, Curry,
Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, Josephine, Lake, (OR); Modoc and Siskiyou (CA). If
you have any questions concerning the ham radio part of the program, contact
Randy/K7RPM k7rpm@arrl.net or
Gary/N7GK
on 147.26+.
++++++++++++++
3 - 160M THE “TOPBAND” AND EMCOMM. Most EMCOMM operators know that there
are times when the 160M band, may be the best band for public service
communications.
Especially for local ground wave or NVIS in the 30-300 mile range. (The
“Y2K” episode last New Year’s Eve, proved this to be VERY
true.) During an emergency operation, HF communications on the higher
frequencies may be difficult. Or, propagation may be
non-existent. And, the other more popular bands, may be log-jammed.
Historically the 160M (“top band”) has been a fairly exclusive band.
Somewhat limited, mostly due to two factors: 1) the traditional lack of
availability of the 1.8 to 2.0 MHz
band in commercial “all band” ham gear; and the need to have a fair
amount of real estate to string an effective antenna. But over the past two
decades, most modern “all-band” transceivers, now include the
“gentlemen’s band”.
The following comments are a compilation from correspondence received from several
sources. Some “topband” operators are concerned about use of the
band by uninformed
operators who may not be aware of long-standing, “unofficial
gentlemen’s agreements” with regard to band planning and courteous
operating.
++++++++++++++++
Hello Dave,
I would like to thank you for keeping your 160M net operations up near the top end
of the band. (Editor note: The northern California ARES (alternate) 160M net
frequency is 1987 KHz. The California OES/ACS (nighttime-alternate) 160M net
frequency is 1992 KHZ. ) Many of the Top Band DX chasers, myself included, are
very concerned with the influx of new hams coming on 160M and operating any
place they desire without knowing of the gentlemen's agreement which has
existed for many years as to which portions of the band is to be used for SSB. To
be even more specific which portions have been traditionally used for DX rather than for
just local rag chewing.
Many hams are simply uninformed. Others may say, “I have a license and I’
ll operate wherever I want”, without regard for the serious DX operators.
Traditionally, 1800-1840 KHz has been agreed upon (again “gentleman's
agreement”) for CW only. 1840 on up for SSB/AM/digital, etc. In the 1800
to 1840 segment, Japanese hams were recently granted a CW window by their government
allowing them to operate from 1810 to 1825.This, is in addition to their previous window
from 1907.5 to 1912.5. So we are now typically lookingat a new window for DX
from 1810 up to 1840 for CW DX. The SSB DX window has for many years been from 1840
up to approximately 1850.
Most DX signals on 160M are truly below being weak and without beverage antennas they are
not audible to operators using dipoles at low heights. What is happening now is that
the
160M band is being invaded by many hams operating SSB in the DX windows, just
chatting with their old buddies a few hundred miles away and not aware that weak (even
ESP) DX is below them since they do not have the ability to hear them and refuse to QSY
even when asked politely and nicely.
I am certain that you respect and understand the band segments on Top Band...but I
wanted to remind or draw to your attention that you are exposing lots of hams to a new
band and would only wish that some time you lightly and/or casually advise
them that when they get bold and decide to operate that band outside your net
that they adhere to the traditional windows. The only major deviation from the
normal windows is when a CW or SSB contest takes place on 160M...when all hell
breaks loose. Fortunately this only occurs a couple of times a year.
We would appreciate it, David, if you would nicely inform your net participants on
160M, that us "old farts" are trying desperately to work some new ones
(countries) between normally sun set and sun rise.
(name withheld)
+++++++++++++++++
Another ham wrote (edited):
Unfortunately, for the last two sunspot cycles (since the departure of LORAN)
conditions have gotten worse with various groups of new 160M users showing up on the
band with low wire antennas, big amps and deaf receivers (QRN), operating in
the 0 to 300 mile range. Of course 160 is perfect for that, particularly when
75 meters "goes long". All of the newcomers know nothing about the
history and cooperation that used to characterize "the gentlemen's
band" and frankly, they (often) don't care.
They simply find a frequency and stake it out ... if it happens to be 1832 or 1855,
who cares?
I understand the concerns of the Europeans about maintaining a common window for
"simplex" SSB contacts but, unless they want to work the same few W1, W2
and W3 big guns every night, they would be better off with split frequency
operation in any case. I don't know what the international allocations are
any more, but I would argue in favor of a US CW/Digital sub-band that extends
high enough to protect the old "Russian Allocation" at 1850-1855. I seem
to remember several South American countries that had allocations at 1850-1875
(only) as well.
If one looks at the other HF bands, the CW/Digital allocation is at least 40% below
28 MHz (50% on 80, 50% on 40, 100% on 30, 43% on 20, 42% on 17, 44% on 15 and 40% on
12) ... even as a percentage of all amateur frequencies between 3.5 and 30 MHz
CW/Digital subbands represent 33%. A narrow mode allocation of between 65 and
80 KHz is easily justified based on precedent.
The issue of narrow/wide subbands was not pressing in the 60s, the 70s and even the
early 80s ... the LORAN restrictions with their narrow subbands, the 250 watts or
less night time power and lack of "store bought" rigs and amplifiers
kept many away from the 160M band. The very weak signals (particularly with
many of the DX limited to 10 watts) kept a majority of the activity on CW
anyway.
Now that anybody with a checkbook (or credit card) can go to the nearest ham store
and pick-up both a rig/amplifier for 160 and start rag chewing across town without
even listening for the weak signals ... conditions can only get worse. They
started to get worse the very first
night high power was allowed on the band. A very well known east coast 80
meter SSB "DX-er" fired up on 1833 rag chewing with his buddies ...
would not even listen when told of a weak LU on CW under him.
Unless we want to see the band turn into another 3850 to 4000 MHz, there is no choice
except for band segmentation. "Peer pressure" has long lost its effect in
US Amateur circles. With the soon to come influx of new General, Advanced and
Extra licensees who have no interest beyond their own gratification, the only DX
anyone will work on 160 M will be via "nets" unless something is done
quickly.
+++++++++++++++
Editor note - I agree with their comments and concerns. As far as I am
concerned, ARES and other EMCOMM operators, ought to ALWAYS set an example for
courtesy and considerate operating, and remain informed of band plans.
(REMEMBER...just because there is no required “band plan” for a particular
band in the U.S., does not excuse us from operating where we may be
interfering with stations “working” hams in other countries that may
be required to operate (transmit) in a very narrow portion of U.S. allocated
band. And also, U.S. hams may be “working them split” outside (but
probably near) the foreign “window”. MY RECOMMENDATION:
Let’s keep all EMCOMM operations above 1.950 MHz de K6SOJ.
++++++++++++++++++++++
4 - IF YOU HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT OR SOMETHING OF INTEREST TO REPORT about your
ARES team or other EMCOMM unit...and would like it posted in the 5-1-2
BULLETIN...just send it to:
k6soj@arrl.net
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
5 -REMINDER: WEDNESDAY NIGHT NET --- TOMORROW!
1900 to 1930L - The OR-NorCAL-NV Regional ARES " early net" is on 3987 kHz
+ or - (7232 or 1982 kHz alternate) This net is open to all ARES and other EMCOMM
1930 to 2000L - OR/NorCal/NV A.R.E.S. LEADERSHIP NET 3987 + or - (7232 or 1982 kHz
alternate) NCS: K6SOJ
(NOTE: All ARES Leadership (ECs, AECs, DECs, and SECs), and ARRL OES and ORS,
from any District and/or Section are welcome to check in as visitors. If you wish to
be on the discussion list (second round), just indicate that when you check in.)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
6 - COMING ATTRACTIONS...
*** STATEWIDE HOSPITAL DISASTER EXERCISE - NOVEMBER 9, 2000
*** The INTERCONTINENTAL TRAFFIC NET
*** EMCOMM 2001 - MARCH 31, 2001 - PALO CEDRO, CALIFORNIA ***
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
website address: www.qsl.net/k6soj
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ECs and AECs: WE NEED YOUR HELP - BE A NET CONTROL OPERATOR!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
IF YOU ARE A PRIVATE OR GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE AGENCY, OR JUST A
"MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC"; AND YOU NEED EMERGENCY OR DISASTER RELATED
COMMUNICATIONS...JUST CALL "5-1-2". WE'RE OPEN...24 HOURS A DAY!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++