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+
+ + MARCH IS RED CROSS MONTH + + +
-------------------------------------------------------
“The Red Cross in its nature, it aims and purposes, and
consequently,
its methods, is unlike any other organization in the country.
It is an organization of physical action, of instantaneous action,
at the spur of the moment; it cannot await the ordinary deliberation
of organized bodies if it would be of use to suffering humanity,...”
- Clara Barton, in
her 1901 report to the U.S. Congress.
THE EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN No. 148
- 4 MARCH 2003 -
A Weekly Bulletin for ARES and other EMCOMM Operators and Public
Safety Officials in “the west”...and beyond.
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ- Chief Editor - k6soj@arrl.net
Bill Frazier, W7ARC - Associate Editor, Washington - w7arc@arrl.net
Ed Ewell, K7DXV - Associate Editor/Training, Oregon - ewell@e-isco.com
Paul Cavnar, NN7B - Associate Editor, Nevada - nn7b@arrl.net
INTERNET: www.emcomm.org E-MAIL: k6soj@arrl.net
A.R.R.L. HQ: www.arrl.org/ (Check it daily!)
---------------------------------------------------------------
• RADIO WATCH • MONITOR • CALLING • TRAFFIC • EMCOMM • GUARD •
• 7111 KHZ DAYTIME - - - 3711 KHZ NIGHTTIME - - - 146.52 MHZ •
---------------------------------------------------------------
L = Current local time in the [PST winter / PDT summer] zone.
Z = Universal Tome Coordinated - UTC (same as ZULU and GMT.
IN THIS
EDITION ...
+ CALIFORNIA’S DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
PROGRAM AT RISK
+ COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMY 2003 - SEATTLE
+ EMCOMMWEST 2003 - RENO
+ WELCOME NEW SUBSCRIBERS
+ ERRATA
+ EC CORNER
+ FEEDBACK
+ FEEDBACK (READER’S SURVEY)
+ PROGRESS REPORT ON RED CROSS DUV / MOBILE COMM UNIT
+ NET REMINDER
+ KNOW CODE NETS (KCN)
+ TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
• THE BAND EDGE, HOW CLOSE IS TOO CLOSE?
+ NWS-SKYWARN SECTION
• Active SKYWARN Stations
• Reno NWS Section
+ SPECIAL FEATURE
+ TRIVIA QUESTION
+ CALIFORNIA’S
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS PROGRAM...AT RISK
Are You Worth Twenty-five Cents a Year?
An Editorial - by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
Every year thousands of “volunteer (unpaid) workers” donate millions
of hours of service to the people of the State of California. They are
Disaster Service Workers or “DSW’s”. They are registered with local
or state agencies and have taken the same “Oath Of Allegiance” that all paid
law enforcement, fire-rescue, and other public service employees must take. They
are nurses, doctors, pilots, social workers, rescue specialists, food service
workers, computer specialists, engineers, veterinarians, heavy equipment
operators, truck drivers, laborers, and...communications specialists (including
amateur radio operators). There are even a few
lawyers who donate their services.
The value of their donated services is immeasurable...but it must run
into the millions of dollars EVERY year!
For many years, the taxpayers of California have funded worker’s
compensation insurance coverage (while on authorized emergency or disaster
assignments) for these dedicated citizens through the “Disaster Service
Worker” program. The cost of this program is currently less than
$600,000 a year. (About $27 per volunteer per year.) This amounts to
less than twenty-five cents per year for each resident of California.
I have been involved in volunteer service since I joined the “American
Junior Red Cross” over fifty years ago. In those days volunteer service
to our beloved nation, our local community, and our neighbors was promoted and
encouraged within the public schools. That “value” never left me.
For far too many years I have served with numerous private and public
agencies. As a nurse, as an EMT, and as a radio communications specialist,
which is my current passion as well as various other roles. Some were
glamorous...some were not so glamorous. And, some were downright
unpleasant. I don’t view all this volunteer service as any great
sacrifice, since it has consistently provided me with a sense of reward,
accomplishment, and satisfaction; and the knowledge that...in some small way...I
have made a difference.
My wife and I are working class people. Over the years we have
invested over $10,000 in special equipment and gear for communications, search
and rescue (SAR), and other disaster work. Sadly, for the past few years
we have been forced to limit our involvement in these activities, since our
budget can no longer support the ever higher costs of fuel and other vehicle
maintenance costs.
Currently, the California Disaster Service Workers program is being
considered as being “expendable” by the Governor’s Budget Office.
This is backwards. In fact, I suggest that the legislature expand the DSW
program and find the funds necessary to include those thousands of volunteers
that serve during all disasters and other emergencies, through non-profit,
private, organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and
the Amateur Radio Emergency Service .
I am well aware that California (and most other states) are in a budget
crisis. But, do we really want to not provide medical care to the
“horses” that pull the wagon out of the ditch...when it slips in?
Disaster and other emergency service duty can be hazardous. It
doesn’t matter if it’s a volunteer trauma surgeon or the (proverbial)
“little old lady” working late into the night at a field kitchen serving a
hot meal to some weary fire fighter, or flood control worker, or a cold, tired,
hungry evacuee. They all deserve to be covered by worker’s compensation
insurance.
The courts have ruled that convicted, incarcerated, felons have a
“right” to free (taxpayer paid) health care. DSWs, at least
deserve the same!
For more information you can go to: www.osp.dgs.ca.gov/On-Line+Publications/Governor's+Budget+2003-2004.htm
Click on "General Government" (scroll down, right side of
page), then and go to page 34. Major Budget Adjustment Proposed for
2002-03.
A direct link is: www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/osp/GovernorsBudget04/pdf/gg.pdf
This is what you will see:
Reduction Issues in the December Revision $219,000 General Fund for the Disaster
Service Workers program. Major Budget Adjustment Proposed for 2003-04 Reduction
Issues in the December Revision $663,000 General Fund for the Disaster Service
Workers program. The statutory authority for this program is also proposed to be
eliminated.
Californians who wish to voice their opinion on this issue, should write,
telephone, or e-mail your assembly-person, state senator, or the Governor,
IMMEDIATELY! - DON’T SIT ON YOUR KEISTER AND WAIT FOR OTHERS TO ACT.
When writing:
• State your position clearly;
• Keep your comments short;
• Be polite.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Permission to reproduce the above editorial in its entirety is hereby
granted to newspapers and other media outlets provided credit is given to
the EMCOMMWEST Bulletin.
+++ COMMUNICATIONS
ACADEMY 2003 +++
• Seattle, WA
• March 22-23, 2003
• Shoreline Conference Center
• Details at: www.CommAcademy.org
+++ EMCOMMWEST
2003 +++
• ARRL PACIFIC DIVISION OPERATING SPECIALTY CONVENTION
• Reno, Nevada
• May 31, 2003 - hosted by:
• The ARRL Nevada Section and the Northern Nevada Amateur Radio
Service.
• RENO is known as “the Biggest Little City in the World”.
• It is also “The Crossroads of the West”.
• Information and registration now at: www.cvrc.net/emcommwest/
• History of EMCOMM • The EVENT • www.emcomm.org/emcomm/
• May 2002 QST Magazine story • www.emcomm.org/emcomm_story.htm
+ WELCOME
NEW SUBSCRIBERS -
• James Boyd, KB9VTM, Salem, Illinois
• Ken Reynoldson, KE6WC, Gualala, California - Mendocinio & Sonoma Co. ACS
+ ERRATA -
Recent SHORT CIRCUITS items should have read:
• Terry Cobb, K6ME of Janesville, CA, has been appointed as the new EC
for Lassen County. Terry has served as an AEC for several years and is
also the current CDF-VIP HAMCO for the Lassen-Modoc Ranger Unit.
• Ralph Lucas, W6RWL, of Sacramento, CA is the new Sacramento County EC.
+ EC CORNER
- “No job is complete until the paper work is done.”
REMINDER TO ECs: Monthly EC reports (FSD-212) for February are due. SV
Section ARES leaders may submit reports online at: www.emcomm.org/svares/reports/main.htm
+ FEEDBACK
-
Gary Self, WA6MUU, Redding, CA says:
"You talk about all the emergency organizations, but never say how a
“newbie” would get involved."
COMMENT: Thanks for your comments and participating in our survey. It is
helpful to hear what people are wondering about...and your question is a good
one, and I'm sure there are others that are wondering the same thing! In
upcoming issues of the EMCOMMWEST Bulletin, watch for a series about the
non-government organizations and government agencies where amateur radio
operators can fulfill Part 97.1 - Editor
+ “FEBRUARY
SURVEY” FEEDBACK:
The “February Survey” is complete. A summary will appear here NEXT
WEEK.
+ PROGRESS
REPORT ON THE “NEW” RED CROSS DUV / MOBILE COMM UNIT -
by Michael Colvin, W6CUJ, Yuba-Sutter EC
The “new” Red Cross DUV (a completely re-built 1968 GMC step-van)
that we have been waiting on for months is nearing completion, and I recently
saw the work that has been accomplished to date.
There are now ten (10!) NMO connectors on the roof of the vehicle
antennas, plus a “screwdriver antenna” has been installed. The
interior wiring and paneling is finished.
It is equipped with amber warning lights, has a PA system, has been
repainted, and it is nearly ready for the interior consoles to be installed.
When finished, it will have four VHF/UHF transceivers and an HF
transceiver; each of them will have TNCs for packet and digital
communications. There will also be public service radios and an external
public address speaker.
Robert L. Cross, K6EPH, has been the creative drive and energy behind
this ongoing project. Bob says he “is anxious for the ARES to have a
chance to work with the unit several times before it is actually needed for a
disaster”.
Editor’s Comment: This is a cooperative project between the Three
Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Yuba-Sutter ARES. Michael
has promised to forward some pictures of this “new” rig as soon as possible!
And we will announce when they are posted on the EMCOMM.ORG website.
+ NET
REMINDER (1st Wednesday) - Sacramento Valley Section ARES Net:
• 1930 PST on 3987 LSB (1982 LSB alternate)
• LOCAL ARES TEAMS are asked to have VHF >< HF relay stations
participate.
• VHF/UHF stations are encouraged to listen on HF and check in by relay.
• NET WILL ACCEPT FORMAL TRAFFIC NEAR END OF NET.
+ DAILY “KNOW
CODE NETS” [KCN):
1300 PST 7111 kHz “up”.
2000 PST 3711 kHz “up”.
These are 1 kHz above QRP CW calling frequencies. (EMCOMM operators
are encouraged to operate QRP.) The KCN nets are for those who want to
improve their Morse skills and make contact with other EMCOMM oriented operators
in a somewhat informal setting. If you do not hear anyone...try calling CQ.
Since many CW operators are reluctant to “break in” to an existing
QSO, or are not yet ready for a “round table” type format; it has been
suggested that the listed frequencies be used for calling, and consider moving
long QSOs or roundtables up a few kHz. Learn to tune around...and listen
to
what’s going on. Remember...stations using crystal controlled
transmitters may be operating “split”.
+++
TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION SECTION +++
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ THE BAND EDGE, HOW CLOSE IS TOO CLOSE?
by Ed Ewell, K7DXV - Associate Editor for Training - ewell@e-isco.com
Suppose I am a general class operator and I'm operating on a net on
7227kHz LSB. Is this operation legal? No. What if I am
operating on 7228kHz LSB? Am I "legal"? Probably...if all
technical requirements are met and the SSB is 3 kHz wide (or less). (3 kHz is
considered normal for SSB). However, if you are operating a linear
amplifier that has typical intermod distortion, your signal may be 5 kHz wide.
So beware, if you are using high power you must take extra care not to go beyond
a band edge.
Let's take a look at the rules. The core of this matter is found in
FCC part 97.307 which reads (in part): "Emissions resulting from modulation
must be confined to the band or segment available to the control operator."
The rule is saying that we are not allowed to have ANY emissions at ANY
level outside the band or segment you are allowed to operate on. If you do, you
are in violation.
The same is true about harmonics that cause interference. What may get
someone "busted" is if ANYTHING can be heard outside the band or
authorized segment. 7225kHz is the lower band edge for General Class licensed
operators.
Suppose you are getting interference from a station a few kHz away. First
of all, don't "jump" on that station! Secondly, do you really know
what is happening? Is the station overloading your receiver? If the
signal is S9 or better it could be. Is the station running a linear
amplifier? Your receiver will possibly be overloaded.
As I mentioned earlier, an amplifier can produce a signal 5 kHz wide
because of intermodulation, and there is no specific rule that says a signal has
to be only 3 kHz wide on SSB. Good engineering and operating practice
warrants that a narrow signal is desirable. If a station's SSB
signal is heard up and down the band, (sometimes called
"shot-gunning"), or produces spurious side bands, then the operator is
over driving his/her amplifier in the transmitter, or the linear amplifier; then
the transmitter is not "linear" in it's operation. This is a
violation as your signals are
not confined to your operating frequency.
Most modern transceivers have an ALC meter that will help you "stay
linear", just follow the manual. However, linear power amplifiers do have
automatic ALC circuits, but they are not normally used with the modern
transmitters.
If you have a linear amplifier use a peak reading watt meter and do not
over drive the amplifier beyond the power the amplifier will handle, or the
maximum authorized power for which you are licensed. Make sure that your
amplifier is heavy loaded to keep it linear, this will keep your signal
narrow. You should know how to do that.
The last tuning step with a linear amplifier is to heavy load it.
When a signal is monitored, use your attenuator, move the filters to wide and
listen outside of the band. I often hear signals that are over 2 kHz out of
band. If you switch your filter to narrow, you will not hear the signals, but
they are still there.
So in review, pay attention to the band edges. Remember that your dial
only indicates your transmitter frequency. A side band has your voice on
it...about 3 kHz away.
Official Observers monitor signals. OO's follow special guidelines, and
if you receive an advisory notice take it as a positive guide to help solve a
problem with your signal. You may not be aware of the problem. The bottom line
is, nets probably should not be closer than 5 kHz from the band edge.
Older transceivers with out digital frequency read outs can easily be off
frequency. In the example given above do not do down 5 kHz to handle traffic,
you will be in the Extra Class sub-band and the station you are in contact with
may not have privileges there. Remember to be careful in net operations near
band edges. Stay at least 3 kHz from the edge of the band or sub band. If
you are using high power, a good rule of thumb is 5 kHz. Ed Ewell, K7DXV
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Previous training bulletins are archived at: www.emcomm.org/svares/training/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
• THE TRAFFIC HANDLER’S “MANTRA”:
“No • Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic •
Delayed”
(NUMBER-PRECEDENCE-HX-STATION OF ORIGIN-CHECK-PLACE OF ORIGIN-TIME-DATE)
+++++ REFERENCE/RESOURCE SECTION +++++
• National Traffic System (NTS) Methods and Practices
Guidelines
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/
• DIGITAL EMCOMM YAHOO GROUP (packet, SSTV, APRS, etc.):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cadigitalemcomm/
• BEEN AWHILE SINCE YOU OPERATED CW? NEVER HAD THE ENJOYMENT OF MORSE
OPERATING? Then, take a look at: “A Beginner’s Guide to Making CW
Contacts” by Jack Wagoner, WB8FSV at: www.netwalk.com/~fsv/CWguide.htm
• AN EXCELLENT NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) TRAINING WEBSITE IS AT:
http://www.qsl.net/aresco/nts-top.htm
• ADDITIONAL (VERY) USEFUL information is available at:
http://www.remote.arrl.org/FandES/field/pscm/sec2-ch11.html
http://www.area-ham.org/tngdocs/ntsdocs/ntsman.htm
• CW “NETIQUETTE” (An excellent guide for the advanced operator):
http://www.qsl.net/n5lf/cw-nts.html
• FOR AN INTERESTING HISTORIC LOOK AT... “THE ART OF COMPOSING TELEGRAMS”:
www.metronet.com/~nmcewen/telegram.html
(Some of the information at the above URL may NOT apply to ARRL RADIOGRAMS)
===
NWS-SKYWARN SECTION ===
+ MEDFORD NWS (WX7MFR) SKYWARN NEWS AND INFORMATION -
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.emcomm.org/skywarn
MEDFORD NWS WX SPOTTER / SKYWARN NETS:
MEDFORD NWS WX SPOTTER NET: Wednesdays 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 Relay)
7232 LSB (up) DAYTIME
3987 LSB (down) NIGHTTIME
1982 LSB (alternate).
SKYWARN nets will be activated on these frequencies during severe weather
events.
• ACTIVE MEDFORD AND RENO NWS SKYWARN “HONOR
ROLL” -
NET LOG FOR 26 FEB 03:
NCS VHF - N7GK
NCS HF - KB7EKF
NCS RENO - N7TOD
STATIONS REPORTING:
JO60 KB7EKF HF
KL98 N2RSI/N2RSN HF
CU39 K7SEG HF
SY08 KG6AFA HF
SY42 K6SOJ HF
SY83 WB6IDM HF
MO39 K6QQ HF
RENO NWS AREA:
WA24 N7TOD VHF/HF
WA45 KD7QDL VHF
WA92 W7TOC HF
LY29 KK7KS HF
VISITORS/OTHER:
---- W6ADZ Reno, NV
---- K7WYZ Sparks, NV
---- W7ARC Silverdale, WA
TOTAL: 14
NWS SKYWARN NET CONTROL STATIONS -
DATE 147.26+
3987 LSB
MAR 5 N7GK
N7TOD
MAR 12 N2RSN/N2RSI K6SOJ
MAR 19 N7IXS
N2RSN/N2RSI
MAR 26 N7GK
KB7EKF
ADDITIONAL NWS NET CONTROL OPERATORS SOUGHT -
For more information contact:
Gary, N7GK, gpederso@OregonVOS.net
Dave, K6SOJ, k6soj@arrl.net
Matt, N7TOD, n7tod@arrl.net (Reno)
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.
+ MEDFORD NWS / SKYWARN WEATHER SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE -
--- Spring schedule of classes “to be announced”. ---
-----------------------------------------------------------------
+ RENO NWS (WX7RNO) SKYWARN NEWS AND INFORMATION -
• Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM): Roger Lamoni
• SKYWARN/Amateur Radio Liaisons:
- Matt Parker, N7TOD, Washoe County (NV) EC
- Mark Spencer, WA8SME, Mono County (CA) EC
SKYWARN NETS:
WEDNESDAYS 1905L 147.12+ (123.0) and 1915L on 3987 // Medford (OR) NWS
PACKET Information:
Frequency 145.050
Keyboard (Incoming WX Reports): WX7RNO
MBX: WX7RNO-1 (NWS/SKYWARN related traffic only please,
due to limited capacity of 5K)
KaNode: RNOWX (for contacting other local stations) (NOTE:
The call RNOWX for the KaNode is currently not recognized as a valid call by the
RNO node, a situation we are trying to get corrected. If you know of anyone
intimately familiar with the "The Net X1J4" netrom operating system
(used by the RNO node) that can offer us some advice, please let me know. RNOWX
is, however, recognized by YRGTN, the other high-level node in the area and
connections are possible along this route. Basically, YRGTN-RNOWX provides
back-up path for out of area connections in case RNO fails...which it hopefully
won't do again for a while).
+++ SPECIAL
FEATURE +++
Special Feature will return next week.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have a “first person” amateur radio related
“adventure”, or other story of interest, please feel free to submit it for
publication in the EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN. We can’t pay you for it, but if
you want to share it with others...send it along. It probably will get
(slightly) edited. NOTE: Before submitting long texts, please contact the
editor for a FORMATTING GUIDE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ TRIVIA
QUESTION: “What automobile (make and model) set the world’s
record for ALTITUDE fifty years ago?” This is no a trick question, (such
a car in an airplane, the lunar rover, etc.) - The first person to submit the
correct answer will receive a (fair quality) color photocopy of that momentous
occasion! Send answers to: k6soj@arrl.net.
+ BACK ISSUES OF THE EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN and (the former
5-1-2+ BULLETIN) ARE ARCHIVED AT: www.emcomm.org/svares/archives/
+ SEARCH FEATURE AT EMCOMM.ORG
Ever try to locate an article in a past issue of the bulletin? Or, maybe
you’re a new subscriber, and you are interested in knowing if a particular
subject has ever been addressed in a former bulletin. Or...maybe you are just
doing some research. The “site search” feature at www.emcomm.org
may be just what you need!
+ HOW IS EMCOMMWEST AND EMCOMM.ORG FUNDED?
There are no charges, dues, or membership fees for the EMCOMMWEST Bulletin or
EMCOMM.ORG. The domain name, server, and other costs for EMCOMM.ORG are
funded solely by a few very dedicated EMCOMM operators. If you have
benefited from our efforts, and would like to say thanks by supporting this work
in a tangible way; you may do so by sending a few green stamps, or a check made
payable to: EMCOMM. Mail it to: EMCOMM, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA
96058. A receipt will be issued upon request. (A SASE would be
appreciated). Your donation is an outright gift and is NOT tax-deductible. A
five dollar annual donation works out to less than 10¢ an issue.
“Brother...can you spare a dime?”
+ The “EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN” - Copyright (c) 2003 - D. W.
Thorne, K6SOJ
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce and re-circulate items from this
bulletin providing appropriate credit is given to the “EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN”
and/or the author or originator of the material. Send corrections, updates, etc.
to: k6soj@arrl.net
=== END OF BULLETIN ===
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