Bulletin No. 82

"Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."
                             - Vince Lombardi

The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 27 November 01 - No. 82

A REGIONAL Bulletin for ARES and other EMCOMM Stations and Public Safety Officials in northern California, southern Oregon, northern Nevada, and
elsewhere.  D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, SV Section EC, Editor.

INTERNET: www.qsl.net/k6soj  E-MAIL: k6soj@arrl.net

+ IN THIS EDITION:
- SHORT CIRCUITS
- ECC - A NEW SECTION
- FEEDBACK
- CLUBS AND EMCOMM - EDITORIAL
- ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE - REPORT
- ARES TO MARS BY DECEMBER (updated)
- TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
- NWS-SKYWARN NEWS
- WX SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE
- ARES NETS REMINDER/SCHEDULE
- COMING ATTRACTIONS

+++ SHORT CIRCUITS -

+ HOT NEW ITEM!  JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!
The Shasta County ARES team is offering an ARES T-shirt to ARES members
anywhere.  A “hi-visibility” lime green T-shirt with pocket, sporting the ARES logo on the front and EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS in black on the back. All sizes through XXXL.  Pictures and on-line ordering (including credit card payments via PayPal) at: http://www.scares.org/shirts.htm

+ NWS/ARRL SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY - 1 December 2001
(Details in November QST - page 76. Full story at:
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2001/11/20/1/?nc=1
Also:  http://hamradio.noaa.gov/

+ ECC: “EMERGENCY COORDINATORS’ CORNER” -
Although the deadline is not until January 31, 2002, why not get your Annual SET Report behind you and off to ARRL HQ and your DEC and SEC before the holiday season really gets into high gear due?  You should have received a blank form in the mail by now, or you can download and print one at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#ec_set - (Form “A”)

+ FEEDBACK #1 -
From: Warren Olney, KB7EKF, AEC, Josephine County, OR

“We are continuing to work with Josephine County hospitals, to improve our
emergency communications capability.  Part of this effort is to add mobile
Pactor. Some months ago you had an article in a 5-1-2+ Bulletin, about a portable NVIS HF antenna system, which used the vehicle for one side of a
dipole. I wonder if you could re send that article to me.  The County Sheriff's mobile command post is often the first vehicle on scene, and our thought is to add mobile HF and the antenna in your article.

One suggestion about the Radiogram Practice Program: I found your reading
of the three messages, on Wednesday, a little fast. I have rewritten my set
of messages and they are on their way to you. I look forward to doing more
with the program.  (NOTE: Warren was the designated receiving operator in
the RADIOGRAM practice session on 21 November, so his point is well taken.)

On the subject of the ‘To Any Service Member,’ project, I am still looking
for a MARS station in our area willing to handle our messages. I do have a
number of volunteers ready to staff a table outside of Wal-Mart or other
suitable public location. I will be working on a news release this weekend
and will also talk to the Wal-Mart manager.”
73, Warren, KB7EKF

COMMENT:  Thanks Warren for your questions and comments.  The “Park ‘n
Talk” antenna info you asked about can be accessed at:  www.qsl.net/k6soj.
(Click on Antennas).  Since that article appeared, Bill Mason, KA7RAM, KF,
has taken it a step further for those who use a "screwdriver" antenna. He simply connects a 25 ft. (or so) length of wire to his antenna's “stinger” using an alligator clip.  The other end has a insulator and some lightweight cord, which can be attached to a post, a tree, or even a stake in the ground (for NVIS); or up to a tree for better low-angle radiation.

No problem on the sending the voice RADIOGRAMS slower.  On phone - it is
perfectly acceptable for the receiving operator to say: "speak slower" during one of the pauses or breaks.  And, in Morse, I have never never been shy about breaking in to send: QRS!

Sorry you haven't been able to find a MARS station in your area. I suggest you go ahead and do your event. If you want the public to listen as you send the traffic, you could do so via 2M FM simplex, to another ARES station, who could then relay the messages to one of the nets listed in this bulletin. 

Or, it could then be relayed to a Pactor station, and on to N2RSN/AAT0AQ (near Keno, OR) whose station/mailbox is on 24/7 on 7078.1 LSB.  If you have space for an HF antenna at your public display, why not set up a portable HF Pactor station at your event? - de K6SOJ

FEEDBACK #2 -

Ed Ewell, K7DXV, Klamath Falls, OR, writes:

“I looked with great interest at the information about EMSA (California Emergency Medical Services Authority).  I find that this is a weak link in Oregon.  It is assumed that ARES or RACES will cover this, but there is little training with the Hospital organization to practice together. As far as I know, the need for portable antennas, or permanently installed antennas with a feedline is not addressed.  Have you heard of HDSCS (Hospital Disaster Support Communications System)?  They are about 90 ham operators who have volunteered to provide back up internal and external communications for critical medical facilities in Orange County, California. Are they a specialized unit of an ARES unit in California?

They say that they are the first and largest ARES unit dedicated solely to
hospital support.  Does ARES provide support for medical services? I don’t
know how this works in Oregon.”

COMMENT: Good questions Ed.  In my opinion the ARES/NTS and RACES (include ACS) can and should handle hospital and mother medical auxiliary
communications, when their normal systems fail or become overloaded.  Why
re-invent the wheel?  Quite frankly, in some cases, “other” EMCOMM organizations have been formed due to lack of support for the ARRL/ARES, or
RACES/ACS.  I have heard of the HDSCS in Orange County and they are to be commended.  In a densely populated area, where there are plenty of EMCOMM amateurs, it makes sense to me.  (Provided that they coordinate and report to the EC for their area.)  In less densely populated areas, where there isn’t enough trained and disciplined EMCOMM operators, then it is better to integrate auxiliary hospital and other health related amateur communications into the existing ARES/NTS structure.  It is essential that a precedence of EMERGENCY, priority, welfare, or routine be assigned to all traffic.  In this day and age of rapid fire communications, health officials need to be informed that under emergency conditions, the communications will not be as fast as it is in normal day-to-day operations.  I don’t know how it works in Oregon...but I suggest that proficient and disciplined net structures and operations should be the goal everywhere.

+ CLUBS AND EMCOMM - AN EDITORIAL
By D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
Sacramento Valley Section Emergency Coordinator

Club (klub) n. 1. A heavy stick suitable for use as a weapon.  (A Wouff
Hong?)  2. A group of people organized for a common purpose.

It has been said that: “clubs are the ‘backbone’ of amateur radio.” Radio clubs existed long before the ARRL or the FCC.  And I, as the president of an amateur radio club, agree. Without “clubs”, amateur radio would be very different...if it even still existed!

“Clubs” are, by definition, political.  They come and go...as do their leaders.  Amateur radio clubs and associations are no exception.  Some are more structured than others. There are radio clubs that are general in nature, while others were formed to promote a specific area within amateur radio.  

There are DX clubs, contest clubs, QRP clubs, repeater clubs, kit building clubs, antique clubs (their radios, not their members), and who-knows-what other types.  Some clubs are purely social.  

Others are public service oriented.  While yet others have a different approach
towards building up, or “talking up”, amateur radio.

The ARRL/ARES, RACES, CDF-VIP, SKYWARN, etc. are not clubs.  Nor, are they a part of any club, or intended to be “controlled” by one club or another.
(I am well aware that in some areas there is long history of blurring the line of distinction.)  The mission of amateur EMCOMM organizations must continue....  with or without clubs.

A public or emergency service oriented ham who wishes to join the ARES, or
register with RACES, is not required to pay any dues, or join a club...if they do not wish.  The ARES and RACES (include ACS, CDF/VIP, and SKYWARN) are “club neutral”.  The ARES and RACES welcomes the support and cooperation of clubs and club members who choose to participate and follow the guidelines of the ARRL, the rules of the FCC, and good amateur operating practice.

In many areas there are multiple clubs.  An EMCOMM operator may join one,
or more, based upon what interests he or she may have, and/or which group
they may choose to support.  But there is no direct or “political” link between the ARES and/or RACES and “clubs”.  Clubs may not set policy for the ARES, and they do not appoint or elect its leaders.  Likewise, the ARES
does not set policy for “clubs” or appoint their leaders.

In order to enhance its EMCOMM capability, the ARES may (and often does)
enter into agreements with clubs and associations to secure permission to
use a club owned repeater, club house, or other equipment or property such
as a mobile communications van.

There are clubs that exist solely or in part to support their local ARES unit.  Others may have a completely different purpose.  Ideally, ARRL affiliated clubs will and report their public service activities to the EC responsible for the area in which they are based for inclusion in the his or her monthly reports.  (NOTE: RACES, CDF, SKYWARN, and other amateur EMCOMM unit leaders should also report their group’s activities to the EC to be included in the ARRL’s national database for ham radio public service.)

I suggest that all EMCOMM amateurs, whether ARES members and/or RACES registered, join at least one club whose mission and policy is one that they believe in.  Then, support that club, in whatever way they can.  You say there is no club in your area?  Or, there is no club that espouses what you believe amateur radio ought to be?  Then start one!  I helped found a club two years ago with the mission: “To promote and preserve the ‘basis and purpose’ of all aspects of the Amateur Radio Service; as defined by FCC part 97.1;  the ‘Amateur’s Code’;  and, the finest traditions and rich history of the amateur radio service.”  It now has over fifty members!  Get involved.  Run for office.  Don’t just be a “bump on a log” with a mic or key! “Clubs ARE the ‘backbone’ of Amateur Radio!”

+ SPECIAL RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSION REPORT -

The first in this series of training sessions was successfully conducted Wednesday (11/21).  (Ref. FEEDBACK # ! above.)  Reports from participating
stations are beginning to trickle in.  The GRAND PRIZE DRAWING from all
correctly copied RADIOGRAM entries (up to three per station) will be on December 15, 2001.  FIRST PRIZE is an genuine, new-in-box (NIB), “Gov’t. Issue”, crash-proof,  cockpit lamp that was manufactured for a W.W.II
Canadian Spitfire Fighter Aircraft.  A real “conversation piece”!  Included will be a 12v. bulb to make it functional as a nifty dashboard light or emergency desk light for your home station.  The winner will be announced in the December 18, 2001 issue of the 5-1-2+ Bulletin.

TEST (PRACTICE) RADIOGRAMS AS SENT ON 21 NOVEMBER:
-----------------------------
TEST 1 R K6SOJ 12 PLYMOUTH MA NOV 21

CHRISTOPHER NICHOLS
PLYMOUTH PORT
SOUTHAMPTON ENGLAND

TEST MESSAGE X TOMORROW WE
CELEBRATE GODS PROVIDENCE WITH FEASTING
AND THANKSGIVING

              CAPT CHRISTOPHER JONES
------------------------------
TEST 2 R K6SOJ 10 PLYMOUTH MA  NOV 21

JOHN ALDEN
PLYMOUTH MA

TEST MESSAGE X WHY DONT
YOU SPEAK FOR YOURSELF JOHN

               PRISCILLA
------------------------------
TEST 3 R K6SOJ ARL7 MACDOEL CA NOV 21
ALL EMCOMM OPERATORS

ARL SIXTY NINE ARES X
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

               D W THORNE
-------------------------------

RADIOGRAM practice sessions will continue following the ARES REGIONAL LEADERSHIP NETS every Wednesday night.
- Approximately 2000L on 3987 LSB + or -.
- One or more “test messages” will be sent by volunteer operators.
- The preamble and text of the RADIOGRAMS will be published in the 5-1-2+
Bulletin the following Tuesday, so participants can check for accuracy.
- You will need a supply of blank RADIOGRAMS.  They are available from
league HQ; or, you can print them out from:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/RADIOGRM.pdf
- ALL EMCOMM operators are invited to “practice” with us.  ARES leaders are
asked to encourage members on their teams to participate.
- Operators that do not have an HF station, can still practice.  All you
will need is an HF receiver.
- Later on, we may also do some sessions on CW.
- Watch the 5-1-2+ Bulletin for more information.
- Reference materials are:
-  The ARRL Public Service Manual; or go to:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/teacher/kemp/appendixa.html

“TRAFFIC HANDLING IS FUN AND REWARDING!”

ADDITIONAL (VERY) USEFUL information is available at:
http://www.remote.arrl.org/FandES/field/pscm/sec2-ch11.html
http://www.iea.com/~donf/pan/NTSMinutes.htm

+ ARES TO MARS BY DECEMBER - UPDATE

A few public service events have already occurred.  (See last issue.)
Press and other media releases have gone out in a few counties, and will
soon be seen in other counties.

Here are a few ways that interested ECs, club or other EMCOMM leaders can
prepare: (See 5-1-2+ Bulletin No. 79 for complete details)
1. Find out how many members of your team can/will participate, and have
them prepare by “brushing up” on their formal traffic handling skills.
2. Locate and identify MARS operators/stations in your service area that
will participate jointly with the ARES/NTS.
3. In the SV Section ECs, send:
name, amateur and  MARS callsign, and their county to: k6soj@arrl.net.

PARTICIPATING ARES/MARS STATIONS - (to date):
WD6BXN/NN0OJC/NN0GAE, Chuck Evans (Shasta County)
N6NPN/NNN0QAK, Steve Kaps, (Butte County)
AC6CO/AAR9VR, Zetta Friedel, (El Dorado County)
AC6CN/AAR9VS, Todd Friedel, (El Dorado County)
KB7OMN/AAR0JN, Barbara Dahl, (Klamath County)
WA7IZU/AAR0FD, Bob Welzbacker, (Klamath County)
N2RSI/AAT0HD, Terry Bell, (Klamath County)
N2RSN/AAT0AQ, David Bell, (Klamath County)

The above stations are invited to check in to the nets listed below as
often as possible.

PARTICIPATING NETS AND LINKS -

Southern Oregon / Northern California region:

DAILY: following the Jefferson Noon Net (JNN): 1200L on 7232 LSB

WEDNESDAYS: following the REGIONAL ARES LEADERSHIP NET: 1930L on 3987 LSB

24/7: VIA PACTOR: N2RSN/AAT0AQ (near Keno, OR) station/mailbox on 7078.1 LSB ARES to MARS traffic accepted. NTS format.  (More info: n2rsn@arrl.net)

NOTE: ARES leaders, club officers, and net managers - if you want your net
schedule(s) listed here...please send the information.

+ TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION SECTION -
(Previous training bulletins are archived at: www.qsl.net/k6soj)

+ DEVELOPING YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN - TIP #1
  Choose your pre-designated frequencies carefully.
  Use only established band plan frequencies.

  The ARRL band plan keeps 2M simplex channels 15 kHz apart.
  Check with your neighboring “OA’s” to make sure you don’t interfere.

2 METER SIMPLEX CHANNELS

146.415*
146.430*
146.445*
146.460*
146.475*
146.490*
146.505*
146.520  NATIONAL CALLING FREQUENCY
146.535
146.550  ARES (in some areas)
146.565
146.580
146.595
147.420  ARES / RED CROSS (unofficial)
147.435
147.450
147.465
147.480
147.495
147.510
147.525
147.540
147.555
147.570  ARES / SAR (in some areas)
147.585

 * May be repeater frequency (use with discretion)

+ NWS-SKYWARN SECTION
Jim Reynolds, KD7MLO, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Medford NWS
Gary Peterson, N7GK, Acting Medford SKYWARN Coordinator
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, Asst. Medford SKYWARN Coordinator

SKYWARN is the National Weather Service program of trained volunteer
spotters reporting severe weather.  The ARRL/ARES has a national “memorandum of understanding” (MOU) with the NOAA/NWS. 

MEDFORD NWS SKYWARN WEBSITE: www.qsl.net/mfrskywarn

+ NWS/ARRL SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY - 1 December 2001
(Details in November QST - page 76. Full story at:
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2001/11/20/1/?nc=1
Also check:
http://hamradio.noaa.gov/

+ WEATHER SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE -
The Fall classes sponsored by Medford NWS have all been completed.  Classes for 2002 will be announced as they are scheduled.

MEDFORD NWS WX SPOTTER / SKYWARN NETS:
The Medford NWS WX SPOTTER NET every Wednesday at 1915L on:
147.26+ / CTCSS: 123.0, (Mt. Ashland - Jackson County and more); 146.55 SIMPLEX (eastern Siskiyou and Klamath Counties); 146.97- (Likely - Modoc County); 3987LSB (1982 LSB alternate).

SKYWARN nets may be activated on these frequencies during severe weather
events.

NWS SKYWARN NET CONTROL STATIONS -

1st and 3rd Wednesdays:
147.26+   K6SOJ   SY42
3987 LSB  KE7WEU  JO25

2nd and 4th Wednesdays:
147.26+   N7GK  JA14
3987 LSB  N2RSN   KL98

ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEER OPERATORS NEEDED FOR NWS NET CONTROL OPERATIONS -
While we now have a total of four (4) NWS NC operators for Medford NWS,  we still would like about four more, either for regular or back-up duty.

For more information contact:
Gary, N7GK, gpederson@orednet.org , or:
Dave, K6SOJ, k6soj@arrl.net

NWS PACKET NODE ON MT. ASHLAND is on 145.030 MHz, ID is: skywrn. NWS is asking for SKYWARN and ARES packet stations to connect and let them know your location, the type of antenna and power you use to access the Mt. Ashland node. The “connect” to NWS packet bbs (direct) is 145.090 and the ID is NWSMFR. Then connect to NWSBBS, e.g., c nwsmfr. Then, c nwsbbs. The NWSMFR at nws mfr is a node.

Questions? contact Gary, N7GK e-mail: gpederson@orednet.org

Check in to the JEFFERSON NOON NET daily at 1200L on 7232 LSB (alt. 3987) for announcements regarding anticipated or actual severe WX.

+ REMINDER - 5-1-2+ REGIONAL ARES AND NWS NETS

DAILY:
1200 to 1230L: Jefferson Noon Net on 7232 LSB (3987 LSB alternate)
NOTE: ALL STATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO MONITOR AND/OR CALL ON 146.52 MHZ DURING THE NOON NET TO RELAY CHECK-INS OR TRAFFIC.

WEDNESDAYS:
1915 to 1930L: NWS WX SPOTTER NETS (see NWS-SKYWARN section below)

1930 to 2000L: A.R.E.S. LEADERSHIP NET on 3987 LSB (1982 LSB alternate)

ALL ARES and other EMCOMM leaders are welcome. A net roster is available
at: www.qsl.net/k6soj/nets/net.htm. Starting November 21, 2001 at 2000L (approximate) on 3987 LSB (+ or -): “ON-THE AIR” RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS

ARES REGIONAL NET CONTROL STATION SCHEDULE:
Nov.  7 Josephine Co. KC7IXX
Nov. 14 Klamath Co.  N2RSN
Nov. 21 SV SEC  K6SOJ
Nov. 28 Dist. 2 EC  WO6P
Dec.  5
Dec. 12
Dec. 19
Dec. 26 Dist. 2 EC  WO6P

+ ARES and other EMCOMM NETS - list at: www.qsl.net/k6soj/nets/index.htm

+ 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...send it to:  k6soj@arrl.net

+ COMING ATTRACTIONS ...