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+
+ + MARCH IS RED CROSS MONTH + + + “I was only one woman alone, and had no power to move to
action full-fed, sleek-coated, ease-loving, pleasure-seeking, well-paid, and
well-placed countrymen in this war-trampled, dead, old land, each one afraid
that he should be called upon to do something.” THE EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN No. 149
|
| RATING | COLUMN / SECTION: |
| 89.2 | SPECIAL FEATURES |
| 83.4 | PROJECTS |
| 80.0 | TRAINING |
| 75.0 | EC CORNER |
| 70.0 | SHORT CIRCUITS |
| 70.0 | NET NEWS / REMINDERS |
| 66.7 | NEW SUBSCRIBERS |
| 61.6 | SKYWARN |
| 56.8 | WASHINGTON REPORT |
| 56.6 | OREGON REPORT |
| 55.0 | NEVADA REPORT |
| 28.3 | USE THE SEARCH FEATURE AT EMCOMM.ORG |
There are no big surprises here, but it does give our
editorial staff an indication that we are already placing an emphasis in the
proper places.
Here are a few random comments about subjects our reader’s would like
to
see in future issues:
• “More about operating and traffic skills.”
• “More about message delivery.”
• “More about CW operating and antennas.”
• “More about portable/emergency setup and operating.”
• “More about how to get involved. How to join organizations.”
• “More about message word counts. All traffic handling on voice and
CW.”
• “More about (please repeat) message handling.”
• “More about telephone trees, public awareness, ‘shadowing’.”
• “How to turn client chaos into a 35 word who, what, when.”
EDITOR’S COMMENT: That last one came from an EMCOMM operator who I happen to
know, is also an attorney. I think I know what he is saying: “Get to the
point and just say what you mean!” As Sgt. Joe Friday, LAPD714,
frequently used to say: “Just the facts, ma’am.” This is a good idea
for all EMCOMM operators. But...35 words is too long. Traffic
operators are only allowed 25 words.
ANYWAY: A huge THANK YOU to all who participated in our FEBRUARY SURVEY.
we’ll try to fill some of those requests. - de K6SOJ
+ NET REMINDER
(2nd Wednesday) - 12 MARCH 2003
• Sacramento Valley Section ARRL Net (Stations outside SV section welcome).
• 1900L 146.085- (127.3) SV Section ARRL Net (south central valley area).
• 1930L 3987± kHz LSB (1982 kHz alternate).
+ 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 +++
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ WHAT ABOUT THIS QRO AND QRP THING?
by Ed Ewell, K7DXV - Associate Editor for Training - ewell@e-isco.com
You know most of the transceivers we have on the air operate at
100 watts of output power. Well is this enough power, or too much?
Some stations insist on running QRP, or reduced power, and will
this be enough to provide reliable communications?
You have to QUADRUPLE (X4) your signal to DOUBLE your signal
strength at
the receiver. If you drop your power by one-fourth, your receiver signal
strength will be one-half less, or drop 1 S-unit.
You are working a station running 100W and he is S8. If he drops
his power to 1/4th, or 25 W, his signal strength should drop about
1-S-unit,or to S7. If he drops another 1/4th, to about 6W, he should
drop another S unit, or to about S6. We see the difference between 100W
and 5W QRP is about 2 S-units. You can see that running 100 watts of power
is not always necessary, so do we do it just because it feels good?
Now let us drop down more to 1W that is about another S-unit, then to
250mW another S-unit, etc. OK, we are getting down to the S4 noise level on
40M. At this power level we hope the guy on the other end has only a S3
noise level on his end.
Low power QRP stations transmit at 5 watts or less, and operate CW
modes most of the time. The above example of power levels is not
a problem because if the received signal is at the noise floor, (the S
meter level with no receive signal) or above, QRP signals will be heard
with no problem on CW.
Stations that operate on SSB at reduced power will have usable
signals at 25 watts of power. Yes you may operate lower than this
However you have to be above the noise level for clear communications.If the bands are good, and propagation is good, you will not need to
operate at high levels of power on transmit.
Why use a linear amplifier at 1500 watts of power? The stations that use
amplifiers are usually net control stations, relay stations, stations that
have to communicate with stations that have poor antennas, receivers,
temporary antennas, and are in high noise levels. ARES stations can be in
poor locations and receiving conditions can be noisy. The relay station can
usually hear the portable stations, also net controls can hear them, but
all stations need to receive net control or the relay station. The
amplifier can help when needed.
This has been a presentation about power levels, I did not consider the
receiver sensitivity , antenna type, noise levels, or propagation.
Ed Ewell 73 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 5 MARCH 03:
NCS VHF - N7GK
NCS HF - N7TOD
NCS RENO - N7TOD
STATIONS REPORTING:
JA14 N7GK VHF/HF
JA78 N7IXS/N7VTK HF/VHF
JO60 KB7EKF HF
KL07 KA5EZM HF
KL49 K7DXV HF
KL98 N2RSI/N2RSN HF
CU39 K7SEG HF
SY08 KG6AFA VHF
SY39 AB6UE/KD6WZC HF
SY42 KE6MZT/K6SOJ HF
MO37 N6SSQ VHF (via K6QQ)
MO39 K6QQ HF
RENO NWS AREA:
WA24 N7TOD VHF/HF
WA92 W7TOC HF
DO18 KD7MXR HF
LY29 KK7KS HF
VISITORS/OTHER:
---- KD7QDK Reno, NV
---- KB7JZN Reno, NV
---- W7ARC Silverdale, WA
TOTAL: 19
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;
or,
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 on 145.090 MHz
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: “WHEN AND WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD”
(Or: When no one can find the forms and the computers are all fouled up.)
by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
This is not really a “Special Feature” article. Rather, it is a
look at
what sometimes goes on behind the scenes between an EC and a SEC. It is,
for the most part, raw and unedited. It is offered here...only “for what
it is worth”. The name and location of the EC has been withheld to
“protect the innocent”...
An EC wrote: “I have been giving some thought to the way I would like
to
organize operators and handle traffic in an actual emergency. I haven't
seen any forms that made much sense to me to help handle those concerns, so
I came up with the attached documents. Please look them over and tell me
how what I have devised can be improved, or whether I am reinventing the
wheel."
---------------------
The SEC’s Reply:
You remind me of myself...back when I was so "gung ho" about
all this!
(Before I became "jaded" and burned out! :-) This is NOT
an attempt to
dampen your enthusiasm...it is to encourage you...I am so glad to have you
on our team...we desperately needed some "new blood"...and we still
could
use more in our section.
Your forms look O.K. to me...go for it. I have found, however, that
such
innovations often get lost in the shuffle during an actual emergency...and
just don't get used. My standard "universal" form is an 8x10,
spiral bound
“college rule” notebook! I sometimes find them on sale for as low at
15¢
each. When I find them at that price, I usually buy a pile of them!
They
make good logbooks, staff rosters, stationary, message forms, and on and
on.
You will eventually learn...that a skilled and experienced radio operator
(or other knowledgeable emergency worker) can function with whatever they
have available. This does not only apply to forms...it applies to just
about EVERYTHING. Remember the motto: "IMPROVISE, ADAPT,
OVERCOME"
- Sgt. Gunny Highway (Clint Eastwood...in the movie: “Heartbreak Ridge”).
In addition to plenty of notebooks, I suggest you keep a huge supply of
3x5 lined index cards. They make excellent “time cards” for scheduling and
recording hours worked by volunteers.
3x5 cards are also valuable for a myriad of other functions. For
example, they can be used very effectively in evacuation centers/shelters
for registration of victims* (one card per family)...better than pages in a
book...since they can be alphabetized...and moved to another file box when
the person or family leaves a shelter and goes elsewhere. If you are
interested in “high tech” filing systems...then keep a supply of 3x5 cards
in various colors! I firmly strongly believe in "K-I-S-S"!!!
My "bias" is based upon many years in emergency work, (mostly
medical)**.
Sadly in today's world, if some people don't have the "proper form"
(or
whatever)...they can't seem to function. I know...most agencies will
REQUIRE us to use their forms...(if they can find them at the time!)
So
be it...
The only other "form" I like to have a good supply of is blank
RADIOGRAMS. Keep about 100 in your ready kits.
HANDY TIP: (As long as I’m on the subject or “keeping it
simple”.)
Don’t dump that old portable (non-electric) typewriter that you have
squirreled away in your attic or basement. I keep my old “Royal”
portable
along side my other major-incident-ready-kit gear. If you don’t have one
of these vintage “mills, yard sales, flea markets, thrift shops, etc. are
good places to look. Finding replacement ribbons for these gems can be
tricky. I found a ribbon for mine at a small “mom and pop” stationary
store. (Forget OFFICE DEPOT and STAPLES.)
Anyway, I didn't mean to sound so "preachy"...you just struck a
nerve...carry on OM...you’re doing a FB job!
73 Dave
* I am aware of the politically correct term "client". I have
even heard
"customer" suggested as a "PC" term to use instead of
“victim”. But I
say...if your home just got washed away in a flood, or just destroyed by an
earthquake, you are a VICTIM!
** Believe it or not: I once had to fill out 17 forms to document, treat,
charge out supplies, and provide follow up instruction for ONE single minor
wound! Oh yes, the current "PC" term for “wound” is:
"alteration to the
integrity of the skin". (At least that's what was in vogue just
before I
hung up my stethoscope and bandage scissors.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
+ 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 ===