Bulletin No. 89

EMCOMM 2002 REGISTRATION BEGINS TODAY 

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The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 15 January 2002 - No. 89 

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
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+ IN THIS EDITION:

- EMCOMM 2002 UPDATE
- B-B-Q STRAW POLL !VOTE!
- SHORT CIRCUITS
- EC CORNER
- SIMULATED POWER OUTAGE REPORT and FEEDBACK
- TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
- ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE UPDATE
- NWS-SKYWARN NEWS
- WX SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE
- ARES NETS REMINDER/SCHEDULE
- COMING ATTRACTIONS

+++ IMPORTANT +++  

+ EMCOMM 2002 UPDATE -  

+ REGISTRATION BEGINS TODAY -
The 3rd Annual “EMergency COMMunications EXPO” - EMCOMM 2002, will feature new classes, workshops and seminars.  Planning is now in high gear and the curriculum will be announced soon.  Watch this spot each week for progress reports and updates.  Register at:  http://www.emcomm2002.net/  

+ FOR LODGING INFORMATION IN THE REDDING AREA -
Click the link at the bottom of the registration page.  

+ THE CURRICULUM IS STILL A “WORK IN PROGRESS” - 
But here is a list of what’s planned (so far).  Seminars on: “The History and Role of Volunteer Organizations in America”, The WTC Disaster...a report by those “who were there”, “Back to Basics”, Traffic Handling Workshop, Incident Command System, ARES Leadership Seminar, American Red Cross course, “Introduction to Disaster Services”, NWS SKYWARN WX Spotter class. Also Vendors, VE Testing, Mobile EMCOMM unit parking lot display and contest, and a Special event station: W6E.  Watch the 5-1-2+ Bulletin for updates and a class schedule soon!  

+ “SATURDAY NIGHT B-B-Q” STRAW POLL PROGRESS REPORT -
The caterer has lowered the minimum number required, but we still need a few more persons to “commit”.  If you want to enjoy a fine meal with us on Saturday night...please vote (if you haven’t).  The B-B-Q will include:

  The price is $10 per person, pre-paid by April 1, 2002. Vote at: http://www.emcomm2002.net/  (Click on B-B-Q Poll.)

+++ SHORT CIRCUITS - (Brief, but important announcements)

+ GOOD “PRESS” FOR THE ARES -
http://news.statesmanjournal.com/article.cfm?i=35308
(Thanks to Will Calvert, K7KS, AEC Josephine County)

+ AND...TAKE A LOOK AT THIS! -
http://www.garmin.com/products/rino/
(From Sgt. Dave Nicholson, KB6PNT, Siskiyou County SAR Coordinator)
Thanks Dave.  And it’s probably only a matter of time... until someone includes 2M and/or 70cm in one of these! - editor

+ EC CORNER -
Sacramento Valley Section EC Reports Summary for December 2001:
Counties reporting: 10
(Amador, Butte/Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Placer, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama,
Yolo, plus Districts 1 and 2.)
ARES members: 151
Active nets:   10
Net sessions:  83
Public service events: 0
Emergency operations: 0
Volunteer hours:  520 (Includes only nets or actual events)

REMINDER: 2001 EC ANNUAL REPORTS (Form C) are due January 31, 2002. Print a copy at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/ec_ann.pdf
Send copies (via U.S. Mail) to: ARRL HQ, your DEC and SEC.

+ SIMULATED POWER OUTAGE EXERCISE AND COMPETITION #1 - RESULTS
On January 14, 2002, the NCS (K6SOJ) for the JNN (7232 kHz) declared a “simulated power outage” at 1215L.  All stations were asked to switch to emergency/auxiliary power and call the NCS as soon as they were operational.  Participating in the exercise (and the time they re-checked in) were:

Elapsed time ranged from between 30 seconds to 5 minutes.  FB!

FEEDBACK -
“Today's (1/14) test was great, every one was running around. But that’s necessary so we can be ready. Evelyn was bringing in the groceries, so I put the generator outside of the garage door and ran the cord to the radio.  (Evelyn is a mean generator starter ;-)  We got it started in the middle of the groceries. I think WK7Z had a lot of fun, he has been working on his generator and now it is operational.  Be ready, and have Nannette stand by to turn over the generator...”
73, Ed Ewell, K7DXV, Klamath County AEC

COMMENT:  FB Ed.  Now I know how you were able to get back on-the-air
in just a little over one minute!  (Evelyn)  And, how did you know that the
electric starter on my generator was named after my wife? - Editor

TESTS TO CONTINUE -
One more “exercise” will occur during January, on the JNN.
Here’s how it will “go down”:

1. Stations check in as usual using their normal power source.

2. Sometime after the first round of checkins, the NCS will declare that “a (simulated) widespread power outage has just occurred”, will identify, and STAND BY.

3. Net stations switch or connect to emergency power and call the NCS as soon as they are “back on the air” (using an auxiliary power source).

4. As stations check in (using emergency power) the NCS will note the time in the log.  Elapsed time will be recorded by the NCS, in the order of “re-checks” and will be announced the next day on the JNN and published in the following issue of the 5-1-2+ Bulletin.

5. Stations who normally operate “off the grid” may participate by simulating a failure in their normal power source, and by switching to a different system.

6. “Emergency power” is defined as:
    - A gas, diesel, solar, wind, pedal, or hydro powered generator...or any other       “off the grid” power source.

    - A Battery.  (Pre-charged “from the grid” is allowed.)

    - Going outside to your mobile unit.

7. If a station does not have emergency power for HF, they may go to a VHF
mobile, HT, or other emergency powered VHF radio and check in, PROVIDING
they contact a participating VHF-HF station (also on emergency power) and be relayed in to the NCS.

8. The “exercise” will end at 1300L or until all stations have checked in. (If you are unable to be operating by 1300L, you need to improve your response time.  ;-)

9. Stations who participate in one or both “tests”, and send a business size SASE to: 
    The SOJOURNERS
    P.O. Box 99
     Macdoel, CA  96058

will receive a SPECIAL QSL CARD that will confirm the number of minutes that it took them to switch to an emergency (or other back up) power source.

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

+ AN EXCELLENT NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) TRAINING WEBSITE IS AT: http://www.qsl.net/aresco/nts-top.htm
Thanks to Ed Ewell, K7DXV, AEC and Klamath County ARES Training Officer for finding this one!  It’s the best I’ve seen so far - de K6SOJ

+ RADIOGRAM TIP # 7 - On phone, the precedence should be said as:
“routine”, “welfare”, “priority”, or “EMERGENCY”.  In CW, it would be sent
as: R, W, P, or EMERGENCY (which is always spelled out).

+ RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS -

RADIOGRAM practice sessions are Wednesday nights following the ARES
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP NET - (Approximately 2000L on 3987 LSB + or -.)
- Test messages will be sent by volunteer operators.
- The RADIOGRAMS will be published in the following 5-1-2+ Bulletin, so
participants can check their copy 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
http://www.area-ham.org/tngdocs/ntsdocs/ntsman.htm

SURVEY OF PARTICIPANTS:
We would like to know who and how many are participating in these RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS, please send a short e-mail to: www.qsl.net/k6soj indicating that you are.  Better yet...send in for the special QSL card. Please include any comments or suggestions.  Thank you.

A SPECIAL QSL CARD is available to all operators who participate in any
Wednesday session, and submit a copy of a correctly copied RADIOGRAM by
regular mail.  All radio amateurs (including “no code” Technicians) are
invited to listen in and submit an entry.  Here are the rules:

1. Listen on Wednesdays at 2000L on 3987 LSB (+ or -). Three RADIOGRAMS will be transmitted.

2. Copy the entire RADIOGRAM(s) (preamble, text, and signature). Copy(s)
must be accurate and correct.  VERY minor (non-consequential) errors, MAY
be accepted.

3. Use an ARRL RADIOGRAM blank; (a “printer friendly” version is available
at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/radiogram2.pdf or, you may use a plain piece of paper.  However, your “copy” MUST be in ARRL RADIOGRAM format.

4. Send your completed RADIOGRAM(s) and a business-size (4 x 9.5”)
self-addressed stamped envelope (.34 cent stamp affixed) to: D.W. Thorne,  K6SOJ, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058.

5. Entries MUST be postmarked by the Monday that follows the practice
session, since the correct copy will be published in the 5-1-2+ Bulletin
the following Tuesday.

RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSION STATION SCHEDULE:

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As you can see from the above schedule, volunteer stations will SEND three
messages for two consecutive Wednesdays. Then, they will RECEIVE messages for the next two Wednesdays. If you want to “jump in with both feet”, and be a sending (then a receiving) station, please let us know.  Don’t let the
fear of making a “misteak” hold you back.  Operators who have not practiced
this will have one a hell of a time if they ever need to send a message.
Learn how to, or polish your old skills, BEFORE an EMERGENCY occurs!

OK...who will be next?  (Need a receiving station for Feb 13 and 20.)

+ TEST (PRACTICE) RADIOGRAMS AS SENT ON 9 JANUARY
SENDING STATION KC7IXX -- RECEIVING STATION WA7IZU
------------------------------------------
TEST 22 R KC7IXX 21 PROVOLT OR JAN 9

BRIAN FRITSEN
5412 PAYNE ST
GRANTS PASS OR  97526
541 831 5555

TEST MESSAGE X RECEIVED WORD
THAT H B SMITH WILL
SET UP NEXT POTLUCK X
HE IS COMING FROM NY
CITY

BILL
-------------------------------
TEST 23 W KC7IXX ARL18 BOONIE OR JAN 9

BARBARA VICTOR
1234 HOMESPUN LN
PORTLAND OR  97575
503 530 4321

TEST MESSAGE X ARL ONE
ARL TWO ARL FIFTY SEVEN
BE CAREFUL AND SEE YOU
SOON X 88

BILL
--------------------------------
TEST 24 R KC7IXX 18 PROVOLT OR JAN 9

BOB WA7IZU
DRN7

TEST MESSAGE X SENDING NTS
OR ARRL RADIOGRAMS IS FUN
EXCEPT FOR SOME WORDS X
EXAMPLE XRAY X

BILL
----------------------------
NOTE:  (Ref. T24) "DRN7" stands for: "Daytime Region Net 7". A net designator (e.g.- DRN7) should only be used as an "address", when no other address is available, and it is known that the addressee is a participant in the net named.  Anyway, since most RADIOGRAMS are "third party traffic", this is all academic.  The final X (word number 18) was an “error".  

It is improper to conclude with a "separator". "Initial X-RAY" (X) does not stand for "period".  Rather, it is a "separator" when used in the text. It might represent a period, a question mark, an exclamation, a semi-colon or colon, or some other punctuation mark.

+ 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

+ WEATHER SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE -
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 -

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, gpederso@OregonVOS.net; 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: gpederso@OregonVOS.net 

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 and/or 146.55 MHZ DURING THE NOON NET TO RELAY CHECK-INS OR TRAFFIC.

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

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:

------------------------------------
(ARES leaders* who are willing and available to serve as the NCS on one of
the blank dates above, please contact K6SOJ to be placed on the schedule.)
* SECs, DECs, ECs, AECs, OES, ORS, etc.)

+ 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 ...

PLUS: