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"Man who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt man doing it."
-- Old Chinese Proverb
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THE EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN - No. 199 - 24 February 2004
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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 - Washington Associate Editor and Webmaster
Ed Ewell, K7DXV - Assoc. Editor Training / Technical Consultant
Ed Trump, AL7N - Alaska CW Net Manager and Alaska Correspondent
Sgt. Dave Nicholson, KB6PNT - Assoc. Editor and SAR Advisor
INTERNET: www.emcomm.org E-MAIL: k6soj@arrl.net
A.R.R.L. HQ: www.arrl.org/ (Check it daily!)
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RADIO WATCH MONITOR CALLING TRAFFIC EMCOMM GUARD
EMCOMMWEST: 7111 KHZ DAY / 3711 KHZ NIGHT / 146.52 MHZ 24/7
ALASKA WATCH/TRAFFIC/CALLING: 3534 / 7042 / 14050 KHZ
NEVADA ARES MONITOR/CALLING SSB: 3965 KHZ
NATIONAL RADIO EMERGENCY NETWORK: 7068 / 10122 / 14050 KHZ
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L = Current local time in the [PST winter / PDT summer] zone.
Z = Universal Time Coordinated - UTC (same as ZULU and GMT).
==============================================================
HOMELAND SECURITY ALERT LEVEL: ELEVATED (YELLOW)
===============================================================
IN THIS EDITION ...
+ NEW SUBSCRIBERS
+ SHORT CIRCUITS
+ FEEDBACK
+ COMING EVENTS
+ TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
HOW TO WRITE TEST MESSAGES
RADIOGRAM TIPS
+ NWS SKYWARN SECTION
+ ECWB INFORMATION
========================================================================
+ WELCOME NEW SUBSCRIBERS -
James Kuerbitz, KC8QNE, Oscoda, MI ARES EC and RACES Officer Iosco Co.
Steve Pack, WB7VAS, Chehalis, WA - ARES, RACES, Lewis County SAR
+ SHORT CIRCUITS -
The RADIOGRAM practice session scheduled for last Wednesday night
did not happen. See announcement in COMING EVENTS re. tomorrow night.
Jerry Wellman, W7SAR, include a nice mention and overview of the
ICS-ARCT plan in his Search and Rescue column in the March issue of
Worldradio magazine. Thanks Jerry for doing such a great job promoting
amateur radio EMCOMM in your column for many years!
A one-year {hyphenate} subscription to Worldradio is $15.
Worldradio
2224 Beaumont Street, Ste. D,
Sacramento, CA 95815
EMCOMMWEST 2004 - RENO, NEVADA - MAY 22-23, 2004
UPDATE IN "COMING ATTRACTIONS" BELOW. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
+ FEEDBACK, SQUEALS, WHISTLES, SPURIOUS EMISSIONS, and...MUSINGS -
"With regard to Jake Hickoks question on ARES ID Cards in ECWB #198,
I agree with him. The ARES cards furnished by ARRL are pretty much useless
in today's "Incident Security" timeframe. We have not used these cards in
two years, and have adopted our own version that has a digital photo, name,
amateur call sign, and the ARES logo on the front. The back side has Ht.,
Wt., eyes, hair color, age
and date of birth. Also verification of the
EC or DEC. The cards are carried in the vinyl pocket of a reflective arm
band* on the left upper arm and are visible to incident security personnel
when arriving at a scene in a vehicle. This also keeps them from flopping
around like the "hang around the neck" I.D. displays. No SS #'s are used.
- Chuck Heron, KD7BWG, Payson, AZ - Executive Officer Gila County EMCOMM
and Gila County ARES DEC.
COMMENT: In the SV Section we are now issuing computer generated digital
photo ARES ID cards. We made them look as close to the traditional ARES
cards as possible. Our goal is to have all 429 ARES of our members (from
20 counties) re-registered and issued new cards by end of 2004. The whole
program cost around $500 to set up and there is a cost involved for each
card generated. We ask each member to donate $2 per card to cover costs.
* "The Armband ID {omit periods} Reflective Pass Holder":
http://www.stuart-inc.com/prod_items/id210abr.htm
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+++ COMING ATTRACTIONS +++
+ NET REMINDER - TOMORROW - (4th Wednesday of the month)
Sacramento Valley Section ARES Net.
ARES stations anywhere are welcome.
1930L 3987± kHz LSB (1982 kHz alternate)
+ ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS IN SSB
SENDING STATION: K6SOJ - RECEIVING STATION: WO6P
MESSAGES will be transmitted on 3987 kHz ± 10 kHz.
TRAFFIC will begin shortly after the ARES NET. (Approx. 1945-2000)
NON-HF HAMS AND SWLS ARE INVITED TO LISTEN AND COPY.
RENO, NV VHF stations: The RADIOGRAM(S) will be re-transmitted on the
Western Nevada Noon Net (WNNN) on 147.12+ (123.0) on Thursdays.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR COPY FOR ACCURACY: Messages will be published in
the ECWB the following Tuesday.
A SPECIAL CERTIFICATE IS AVAILABLE to anyone who submits a correct
copy of at least one of the transmitted RADIOGRAMS postmarked within
three (3) days of the practice session.
Use standard ARRL RADIOGRAM format and send to: EMCOMM, PO {omit periods} Box 99,
Macdoel, CA 96058. (Enclose a #10 self-addressed stamped envelope.)
+ "ARC...EXCURSION WEST!" - LATEST UPDATE...
The latest news is that the crew of ARC ECRV-4712 will be driving it from
Falls Church, Virginia to Sacramento, California sometime in February.
They are planning to be on-the-air (HF and VHF) operating as "ARC EXCURSION
WEST" (tactical); amateur call: K6OG). Watch the ECWB for updates. View
ARC ECRV-4705 (a sister unit that is stationed at Grand Canyon Chapter
Phoenix, Arizona) at: www.emcomm.org/red_cross/index.html
+ COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMY - SHORELINE, WASHINGTON (near Seattle)
March 20-21, 2004
Shoreline Conference Center
Saturday Keynote Speaker: Jerry Boyd, KW7J
Information: www.CommAcademy.org
Open to anyone with an interest in emergency communications, volunteer or
professional. The presentations are designed to promote the development of
knowledgeable, skilled emergency communicators who will support their local
communities during a disaster or emergency response.
+ UPDATE - EMCOMMWEST 2004 - RENO, NEVADA - "THE CROSSROADS OF THE WEST"
May 22-23, 2004
Fred W. Traner Middle School
(Near the junction of I-80 and U.S. Hwy 395)
Added this year: "RENO SPRING HAM SWAP"
VE TESTING
ADDITIONAL INFO AND FREQUENT UPDATES:
www.emcommwest.org
===================================================================
+++ TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION SECTION +++
Ed Ewell, K7DXV, Associate Editor for Training and Technical Advisor
-------------------------------------------------------------------
+ HOW TO WRITE TEST MESSAGES - by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (EMCOMM) is the transfer of
information that is of a critical or emergent nature, by amateur radio
operators, when normal systems fail or are overloaded. Third party
information that is critical to the saving of lives, prevention or
mitigation of injury or suffering, and the protection of property.
This radio communication service is separate from, and does not depend
upon, any "infrastructure" (power grid, landlines, etc.). It is provided
free of charge to private and public agencies as well as the general
public.
In order to fulfill our mission, ARES leaders and members are constantly
planning, training, and practicing tactical and message traffic RADIO
communications. This is accomplished in meetings, classrooms, and by using
"home study" methods. These skills are then practiced and tested on
regular local and regional nets and during special drills and exercises.
-...-
Before we get to this weeks subject, first a few comments about the use
of ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS in RADIOGRAM texts. Generally speaking they
should be avoided, especially in messages to members of the general
public. Further, it is essential that all messages be composed is such a manner
that they CANNOT BE INTERPRETED IN ANY OTHER WAY (by the addressee) except
in the way that is intended.
It is NOT necessary the traffic handlers along the route understand
the message! (rewritten) If you mail a postcard to a friend, all you care about is
that the addressee receives and understands your message.
If a postal worker happens to read it, I doubt very strongly that they will contact you
and say, "This doesnt make sense. Is that really what you wanted to say?"
Ridiculous? Of course, yet I have heard traffic handlers discuss and
comment about messages they are relaying. Good traffic handlers receive and
send messages word-for-word and letter-for-letter.
Some originators prefer to spell out all numerals. That may reduce
errors especially in Morse traffic. A figure in CW may be incorrectly
copied, but EIGHT spelled out is hard to miss.
However, no matter how a message was originated...it is unforgivable for
an {article agreement} operator to change one "jot or tittle" along the way!
HOW TO COMPOSE A TEST MESSAGE -
It is often harder to compose a TEST MESSAGE that an actual message.
Here are a few TIPS:
1. TEST MESSAGES are fictitious and are used as training tools in classroom
practice sessions, on-the-air training sessions, test exercises and drills.
2. A PRACTICE MESSAGE is an actual RADIOGRAM that is to be relayed and
delivered. It is usually of a non-essential nature and was originated
solely to provide experience
3. ALL must be done properly and set a good example. Dont try to change
or improve a method that has been time-tested, and proven to work well!
4. BREVITY should be demonstrated. It is one of the skills needed (but
often lacking) in message traffic. (Read more about BREVITY in:
ECWB #104 www.emcomm.org/svares/archives/number105.htm
ECWB #162 www.emcomm.org/svares/archives/number162.htm
5. Test messages may be "serious sounding" such as:
TEST MESSAGE X WATER RISING
SEND BOATS TO NORTH REEF
ACCESS
Or, they may be "whimsical and fun" such as:
TEST MESSAGE X SUSHI IS
CALLED BAIT IN BAJA CALIFORNIA
Or, they can be "instructional" such as:
TEST MESSAGE X ON VOICE
SPELL HOMONYMS X EXAMPLES TO
TOO AND TWO X FOR
AND FOUR X ALWAYS USE
ITU PHONETICS
6. TEST (or practice) messages should be simple. But they may include some
"tricky words" to test the skill of the handlers. In reality there is no
such thing as a "tricky word" in a message, since radio operators only
send/forward/receive what is written in front of them. However, the human
mind often plays tricks. Recently the first name of an addressee in a
message was "Jo", but the receiving operator copied it as "Joe". Our minds
have a tendency to "fill in" what we expect is coming. BEWARE, train your
brain to copy everything exactly as it is heard. If you are not sure...ask
for a "fill". Never "R NR _____ " until you are sure you have it 100%
correct! And sending stations PLEASE...never sign off until the receiving
station has sent R NR _____ (CW) or said: ROGER YOUR MESSAGE NUMBER ____ .
7. ALL messages not intended to actually be delivered should have TEST R
in the preamble and TEST MESSAGE X as the first three words of the TEXT.
-...-
+ RADIOGRAM TIP # 2:
In "test messages", the text should ALWAYS begin with: TEST MESSAGE X.
These three "words" are counted in the "check".
(This means that you have a maximum of 22 additional words.)
-...-
RECITE the "Traffic Handlers Mantra" (below) OFTEN to help memorize the
eight parts of the preamble. ASSESS your current ability. TAKE the
"TRAFFIC HANDLERS CHALLENGE" at: www.emcomm.org
(main page)
=========================================================================
Previous training bulletins are archived at:
www.emcomm.org/svares/training/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE TRAFFIC HANDLERS "MANTRA":
"No Prepared Ham Should Copy Priority Traffic Delayed"
"No Prepared Ham Should Copy Priority Traffic Delayed"
"No Prepared Ham Should Copy Priority Traffic Delayed"
(NUMBER-PRECEDENCE-HX-STATION OF ORIGIN-CHECK-PLACE OF ORIGIN-TIME-DATE)
========================================================================
+++++ REFERENCE/RESOURCE SECTION +++++
------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ ICS-ARCT GUIDE: www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
+ PHONETICS: www.emcomm.org/svares/training/itu_phonetics_10_30_2001.htm
+ NVIS PROPAGATION MAPS - http://home.earthlink.net/~w0ipl/NVISprop.htm
+ GEAR AND EQUIPMENT LIST: www.emcomm.org (Click on GEAR LIST)
+ TRAFFIC HANDLERS CHALLENGE: www.emcomm.org (click bar on main page).
+ ARRL FSD-218. The famous "pink card" that contains (almost) "everything
you ever needed to know about RADIOGRAMS". An electronic version of the
FSD-218 is available at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#fsd-218
+ NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) Methods and Practices Guidelines:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/
+ PACIFIC AREA TRAFFIC NETS: http://home.earthlink.net/~k7bfl/nwnets.html
+ NATIONAL RADIO EMERGENCY NETWORK (NREN): http://68.43.101.30:81/nren/
+ DIGITAL DIMENSIONS: www.emcomm.org and click on: Digital Stations.
+ DIGITAL EMCOMM YAHOO GROUP (packet, SSTV, APRS, etc.):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cadigitalemcomm/
+ U. S. AIR FORCE Search and Rescue SURVIVAL MANUAL (AFM 64-5 Aug. 1969) -
Reference Charts - (Print and Save)
GROUND-TO-AIR (close-in) VISUAL SIGNALS:
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Ground_to_Air_Signaling_mid.jpg
GROUND-TO-AIR EMERGENCY CODE:
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Ground_to_Air_Emergency_Code_mid.jpg
MIRROR (and other) SIGNALING:
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Mirror_Signaling_mid.jpg
+ HIGHWAY CAMERAS MASTER INDEX PAGE NOW EMCOMM.ORG -
http://www.emcomm.org/highway_cameras.htm
===========================================================================
+++ NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SKYWARN SECTION +++
=== MEDFORD -- RENO -- SACRAMENTO -- EUREKA ===
=== CALIFORNIA/NEVADA/OREGON NWS OFFICE MAP: ===
www.stormready.noaa.gov/stormmaps/ca-cwa.htm
=== NWS - ARRL MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: ===
www.arrl.org/FandES/field/mou/weather.htm
l
=== REGIONAL NWS SKYWARN NET: WEDNESDAYS AT 1915 PTZ on 3987
Consult your SKYWARN coordinator for your area for local net information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ MEDFORD NWS (WX7MFR) SKYWARN NEWS AND INFORMATION -
OREGON: Curry, Coos, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake
Counties. CALIFORNIA: Modoc and Siskiyou Counties.
Jim Reynolds, KD7MLO, Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Gary Peterson, N7GK, SKYWARN Coordinator
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, Asst. SKYWARN Coordinator
THE MEDFORD NWS WINTER WEATHER SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE IS AT:
MEDFORD NWS SKYWARN WEBSITE: www.emcomm.org/skywarn
------------------------------------------------------------------
+ RENO NWS (WX7RNO) SKYWARN NEWS AND INFORMATION -
RENO FORECAST AREA MAP: www.emcomm.org/reno/index.html
Wendell Hohmann, KD7ZEU, (Interim) Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Matt Parker, N7TOD - SKYWARN Coordinator
http://renoskywarn.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------
+ SACRAMENTO NWS SKYWARN NEWS AND INFORMATION
Kathryn Hoxsie, KC8CLO - Warning Coordination Meteorologist
--------------------------------------------------------------
+ ARIZONA SKYWARN - http://www.arizona-skywarn.org/
--------------------------------------------------------------
+ CANWARN (Canada "SKYWARN")
http://hamster.ivey.uwo.ca/~dcolvin/canwarn/what.htm
========================================================================
+ EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN GENERAL INFORMATION
SUBSCRIBE TO EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN: www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm
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 dedicated EMCOMM operators. We accept no commercial
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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, PO 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?"
THANK YOU TO THESE RECENT EMCOMMWEST SUPPORTERS:
"This Space Available"
To those that would like to support our work, send only whatever you
think the ECWB and EMCOMM.ORG is worth to you.
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 youre 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!
The "EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN" - Copyright (c) 2004 - 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
=== ECWB #199 END ===
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