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Dedicated
to Emergency Communications by RADIO
EMCOMM
MONTHLY
Official
Journal of the World Radio Relay League
www.wrrl.org
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--- SPECIAL EDITION ---
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
The EM PHILOSOPHY - ANNOUNCING THE WRRL
WHY THE WRRL?
SHORT CIRCUITS
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS... and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
The EM ADVISOR
ICS PERSPECTIVES
NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
RETRO REVIEW - "What is Your Location?"
QSH - "A Blast from the Past"
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE ARTICLE
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
The EM PHILOSOPHY
“Preparedness is our Most Important
Product”
EM believes that every radio
amateur has a moral and patriotic obligation to give
something back to his or her community and country. We would
be happy if just 10% of all U.S. radio amateurs (60,000)
obtained the training, skill, experience and be ready to perform
this vital service to the public. EM
believes that every EmComm operator should strive to
learn all that he or she is capable of learning. Continually
perfecting our art, always practicing good operating
procedures, and remaining supportive and active (on the air). Thereby
growing and excelling in the skills that are
necessary to provide a useful and reliable communications service.
In December 2004, EM said:
The amateur EmComm “community” is currently
fragmented into many groups and organizations. EM
is considering sponsoring a "one-stop all-encompassing",
world-wide Registry of (Amateur Radio) EmComm Operators who are
capable of providing emergency communications during natural and
man-made disasters, communications systems failures, and other
incidents that require skilled communicators using their own
fixed, mobile and/or portable stations. The registry would
be all-encompassing and open to any serious amateur operator
who is available and capable of providing infrastructure free
communications using his or her own equipment and (when necessary)
without any commercial power source or landline based
communications systems such the telephone, email, Internet,
etc. The registry would be open to all currently licensed
radio amateurs, of any license class, that are serious about
proficient radio emergency communications. Every registrant
will attest that he or she is capable of handling tactical AND
formal record message traffic (RADIOGRAMS) accurately, in a timely
manner, in at least one mode. Registrants would pledge to
maintain their station(s) in a state of readiness, and participate
in at least one NTS, ARES®, or other EmComm traffic net at least
once a week.
In January 2005, EM said:
Hams in the United States need to get back to the
"Basis and Purpose" of the amateur service as defined in
FCC Part 97.1. EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG
are considering developing an "International Registry of EmComm
Operators" that will provide a database of stations capable of
handling message traffic worldwide and to preserve the Morse
language....the only truly universal language. If hams do not
preserve our art and science they may be forever
lost! All EmComm operators should learn and practice these
most basic skills, before they "advance" to other modes
and new technologies.
Now...after one year of
intense research and planning...we proudly announce the:
The World
Radio Relay League, Inc.
Over the past two decades or so, the number of
radio amateurs actively engaged in public service and/or
emergency communications has (per capita) significantly declined.
Commensurately, support for the ARRL and/or ARES® is also
in a state of decline and significant attrition has occurred.
For example, in my home section (Sacramento Valley) ARRL membership
has dropped from 30% to 21% in the past twenty years. This
attrition is due to a variety of reasons. Some of this is due
to dissatisfaction with the organizations and agencies involved. Other
reasons may be the emergence of other technologies and
interests or societal changes.
The amateur radio service has become confused, conflicted,
complicated, and fractured. In many areas it is now essentially
ineffective as far as its ability to provide a coordinated,
non-commercial, communication service to the public. In some
cases it has sold out to political, commercial and special
interests. Petty politics, bickering, infighting, and
incompetent and ineffective leaders have disillusioned many
operators.
The RACES provision in FCC Part 97 was implemented over 50 years
ago. Today few amateurs and emergency managers have any
idea as to what FCC Part 97.407 says or means. In
the past decade or two, amateur radio emcomm has become even
more fragmented, and both government (looking for loopholes to
"get around" the restrictions of 97.407) and
non-government organizations with their own agenda(s) have siphoned
off many naive hams into their own special interest emcomm
groups.
For many years the ARRL promoted "one strong
facility" for amateur radio emcomm and for 13 years sponsored
the Amateur Radio Public Service Corps (which included the ARES®,
the NTS and RACES). But somewhere along the
way, the ARRL dropped the ball and stepped aside as far as retaining the preeminent
leader position for amateur radio emergency communications is
concerned.
Other groups have stepped in, organized their own emcomm units, and
have attempted to fill in what was once provided by
the ARRL. Today, with declining numbers of skilled emcomm
operators, there is an increasing number of organizations
competing for the shrinking number of qualified emcomm
operators. To further complicate matters, we now have
multiple government agencies such as ACS, SKYWARN and
SHARES. Add to that SATERN and other religious
based units. We have even heard of Red Cross "club"
stations popping up! Many motivated and well-intended operators
have tried to stay involved by joining as many of these emcomm
groups as possible. This, of course, creates a serious
conflict for the individual volunteer who simply wants to help with
public service emcomm. The end result of all this has
been chaos and very poor utilization of the amateur radio
resource, with an end result of having no viable circuits in
which third party message traffic can be effectively relayed and
delivered.
Another key concern is that with every
passing day local, state and federal government agencies are converting to extremely
sophisticated automated communication systems. These
"push a button and connect systems" do not
require a skilled radio operator. And while these high
tech systems may work most of the time, when they fail
they are usually serviceable only by factory specialists who must be
brought in. Most local governments have a radio service
technician on staff or on call, but many are not trained to
repair these complex systems. We are now seeing non-government
agencies also adopt these "no skilled operator needed"
systems.
Many amateur operators are buying into this "push a button and
operate" technology. But what happens when all the stuff
breaks down? How many of us can even trouble shoot and repair
a modern ham transceiver? How many of us even know someone
else who can service our rigs? Most hams will have to package
up their rig and ship it to a factory service center. And
wait...up to three months.
But what most hams can do when a rig dies,
is pull out a back up transceiver, string up a simple antenna, plug
in a key or mic, connect it to a battery (possibly from an abandoned
car) or a small generator; and within minutes they can be
back on the air using frequencies all the way from 1.8 MHz
to 450 MHz (and beyond) at their disposal! How many public
service agencies can make that claim? If their facility or
system is damaged or wiped out in a disaster...it will be weeks,
maybe months, before they are restored to service. If we hams
place our "eggs in the same basket" as the
agencies...what good are we?
Radio amateurs who do not learn the basics of ham radio (soldering,
how to match an antenna, tune a vacuum tube transmitter, format
a RADIOGRAM, and send it in voice and/or Morse, etc.) will
be of little value when catastrophic incidents occur. Many emcomm
operators have become frustrated with some of the
trends they are witnessing.
Sometimes it is easier to just
start over. Therefore, a new organization has emerged.
Perhaps it is just what you have been waiting for.
The World Radio Relay League, Inc. (WRRL) became a reality
on December 1, 2005. It is, simply stated, about radio
communications and is an attempt to get back to the
basic concept of a league of radio amateurs, capable
(skilled and properly equipped) of relaying message traffic by
radio, accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner; whether it be
local tactical messages or RADIOGRAM traffic world-wide.
WRRL will work to accomplish this via the National EmComm Traffic
Service (N.E.T.S.) and any and all other nets worldwide, where
proficient operators are available to handle message traffic. From
anywhere to anywhere. And at anytime.
The WRRL is not about serving this, that, or some other agency,
organization or special interest group. It is not about
RACES, ACS, SATERN, MARS...or even the ARES®. It is about one
thing...and one thing only: COMMUNICATIONS. Specifically,
emergency communications by radio. Primarily by
amateur radio operators. On behalf of whoever,
wherever, and whenever a message needs to be delivered. The
WRRL mission is pure and simple. It is "service
to the public". (Ref. FCC Part 97.1. The
public, is defined as, anyone that has a message, of any
precedence, they need delivered by radio. It does not matter
what agency or organization they may be affiliated with...or if no
agency at all.
The WRRL is about preserving the ability of the amateur service to
deliver messages accurately and in a timely manner when normal means
of communication fail, are overloaded, or are otherwise not
available.
The WRRL believes that there are still radio amateurs who are
serious about (or who are potentially serious about) public service
and who are interested in making a difference by originating,
handling, and delivering third party traffic using short-wave
radio. We also believe that these operators are not
necessarily interested in huge bureaucratic organizations,
official titles and levels, and so forth.
The WRRL believes that
multiple administrative layers are time consuming and
counter-productive. In an earlier time a hierarchical
system may have worked well. The WRRL will be governed by a
dedicated, six person, board of directors. There will be no
county units, districts, sections, or geo-political subdivisions. It
will consist solely of radio operators with fixed, mobile and/or
portable stations, who communicate by radio.
(There will, however, be qualified and registered TYPE I ARCT
leaders.)
WRRL member stations will be encouraged
to identify with a tactical call sign (in addition to their amateur
call) normally associated with their location. Examples:
"N7WR Baker City Oregon" "AL7N
Fairbanks" "9Y4IBN Trinidad"
"AF5G Kingman". Our goal is 60,000 trained,
skilled, and experienced operators worldwide.
WRRL members are asked to cooperate
with other stations and networks that are capable of handling record
message traffic.
WRRL members will, when necessary to pass traffic, assist other operators
and networks that need help with their operating
skills.
The WRRL does not, in any way
whatsoever, intend to compete with, or undermine, the ARRL--The
National Association For Amateur Radio. We are not suggesting
that anyone resign from the ARES® or any ARRL official
appointments. But, we are hoping that radio
amateurs who (for whatever reason) have dropped out of the
ARRL and/or ARES® in recent years will see that the WRRL and
its "K.I.S.S." approach to emcomm may rekindle
their interest in public service communications. The WRRL is
designed to expand the amateur resource by focusing
solely upon public and emergency communications service to the
public; and to provide support and coordination
to dedicated radio amateurs who are serious about maintaining
an international pool of skilled radio communicators with
strategically located stations.
The WRRL has three main
programs:
1. EMCOMM MONTHLY
- The Official Journal of the WRRL. It will
continue to be a free publication supported by reader contributions
and WRRL Members.
2. NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (N.E.T.S.) will be
open to all emcomm operators whether they are WRRL members or
not.
3. AMATEUR RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS TEAMS (ARCTs) - This program
is currently being developed. It will assist in the
preparation of and deployment of pre-registered TYPE I
ARCTS to disasters and other incidents. Jerry Boyd,
N7WR who is highly qualified and experienced in public safety
administration (ref. Meet the Board below) will administer this
program. ARCTs that are deployed by WRRL will interface,
coordinate, and cooperate, (as much as possible) with existing local
and/or other emcomm units. WRRL ARCTS will be field
self-sufficient and carry simple, highly portable, field radio
gear capable of operating under severe conditions and
using simple and reliable methods. Existing teams and
(yet to be formed teams) will be coordinated by WRRL. Every
team will have its own leader(s) and specialists. A
typical team will have 24-30 registered and active members to ensure
that they can deploy at least one TYPE I ARCT (12 operators
that can set up a VHF-HF base station and four mobile/portable
stations within a stricken area (i.e. - a "mini"
network) and also will communicate with wider area networks. Deployable
portable repeaters will also be encouraged. A national
dispatch center staffed 24/7 is also being planned. WRRL ARCT
members will wear distinctive patches that proudly indicate from
where they are based. (With state, city, or other team
name), You can view some sample patches at: http://www.wrrl.org/supplies.asp
(This program will be explained in much greater detail in the
January 2006 issue of EM.)
The WRRL promises to not spread itself
too thin by attempting to please the other interests of radio
amateurs. You will find technical and "how-to"
articles in EMCOMM MONTHLY,
but only as they pertain to emergency communications.
The WRRL pledges that it will not
subject itself to influence or the control of commercial, political or
other special interests.
The WRRL has a policy of ZERO TOLERANCE
for illegal transmissions. (Failure to properly identify, out
of band operation, excessive power, broadcasting, willful or
malicious interference, etc.) Any member that has been fairly
documented as engaging in any illegal operation will
be dropped from the membership roll without recompense.
Our society and times have changed.
We are witnessing (whether we admit it or not), a general
demise of the amateur service in it's historic role. It
has become so bogged down in its own self-preservation that it has
become cumbersome, time consuming, and counter-productive.
WRRL will have no campaigns for re-election and no life
memberships. If you don't like the way the WRRL is doing
things...just don't pay your annual dues.
HOW TO JOIN THE WRRL:
Read the WRRL Constitution and
By-laws at: www.wrrl.org
If you are a licensed amateur radio operator who
subscribes to our mission and purpose and who is serious
about effective emergency and other public service communications
and who meets the WRRL membership requirements you are
cordially invited to join the WRRL..
Membership Requirements:
1. Must be a currently licensed, active, amateur radio
operator in country of residence.
2. Must maintain an active amateur radio station capable of
operating under emergency conditions.*
3. Must be dedicated to operating in accordance with all national
and international rules and regulations.
4. Must strive to maintain the highest standards of on-the-air
operating proficiency and courtesy.
5. Must be capable of handling record message traffic in at least
one mode.**
6. Must make member station available for message traffic during
times of emergency.
7. Must make application per WRRL requirements and pay annual dues
as prescribed.
** You can perform a self-evaluation
on your traffic handling knowledge by taking the TRAFFIC
HANDLER’S CHALLENGE at: www.emcomm.org
( Click on: "Traffic Handler's
Quiz". If you do not score 80% or above, we suggest you
brush up on your traffic handling skills before applying.)
You do not need to know all the
nuances and fine points (such as ARL NUMBERED RADIOGRAMS or
"book message" procedures) to be an effective traffic
handler.
To be an effective WRRL operator you just need to know and
practice good, solid, simple, basic, universal RADIOGRAM
procedures.
Print out and complete a WRRL member
application form available at www.wrrl.org Enclose a
check or money order payable to: WRRL for your initial
fee of $5.00, plus your first year dues of
$5.00. ($10.00 total) -- (Specify U.S. $ if foreign) Mail
to:
WRRL
P.O. Box 99
Macdoel, CA 96058
U.S.A.
NOTE: There is no
"online" joining or "online" payment
arrangement. (Please don't ask or suggest that we do
it.)
What you get for your
initiation fee and annual dues:
Persons whose application is postmarked on or before
December 31, 2005 will receive a special CHARTER MEMBER
certificate. All WRRL members receive a MEMBERSHIP
CERTIFICATE with a WRRL registration
number. (These are assigned in the order in
which applications are received. Those who join early
will have the distinction of having a low(er) number. Members
who drop out will be re-instated when their dues are paid...but will
be issued a new (higher) member number.)
Most important, you will have the
satisfaction of knowing that you are a member-supporter of The
World Radio Relay League and EMCOMM MONTHLY.
OUR GOAL: 60,000 Trained, Skilled, Experienced EMCOMM
Operators with Stations Ready and Willing to Serve the
Public!
===============================================================
MEET THE WRRL BOARD OF DIRECTORS at: www.wrrl.org
===============================================================
Why the WRRL?
by Jerry Boyd, N7WR, WRRL 1st
Vice-President and ARCT Program Administrator
Since
word of the formation of the WRRL first began to circulate within
the ham radio community, I
have been asked why the WRRL was formed, and, why I decided to
become involved. The
answers are straightforward, but first some background. I have been
continuously licensed as an amateur radio operator since 1958,
active in what we now call amateur radio Emcomm since 1961, and a
public safety professional since 1967.
For almost my entire “career” in amateur radio I have
been involved with the ARRL, holding numerous appointed and elected
positions, including Section Manager.
I am currently involved in the ARRL Field Organization as an
ARES ® EC and I am a life member of the League.
The
WRRL, as you will read elsewhere, is in no way intended to compete
with the ARRL. In a
general sense the ARRL does a good job of representing the interests
of amateur radio and both needs and deserves our continuing support.
That is not to say that I agree with everything the League
does. I don’t.
One of the areas of ARRL deficiency, in my opinion, relates
directly to Emcomm, and it is Emcomm issues that the WRRL was
created to address. Even
in the Emcomm arena the League has done much good work.
However, in my view, its Emcomm operations through ARES ®
are based on outdated and no longer effective principles.
For whatever reason(s) the ARRL seems unwilling or unable to
recognize that the landscape of amateur radio Emcomm changed
significantly and forever following 9-11-2001.
If we are to remain a viable player in the Emcomm arena we
need to immediately adopt the ARCT (Amateur Radio Communications
Team) system which is on the brink of formal recognition by the
federal government through the National Incident Management System
Resource Typing program. We
must also, as quickly as possible, develop a formal and effective
mutual aid/assistance program to bring properly trained, properly
equipped resources to bear in a timely fashion in major
incidents.
The
“last straw” which led to my decision to join in an effort to
address Emcomm issues more effectively through the formation of WRRL
was Hurricane Katrina which occurred just a few months ago.
While positive contributions were made by amateurs, they
could and should have been more timely, more widespread and better
organized. We in the
amateur community made some mistakes.
In my view, if we make them again in a similar scenario our
future as Emcomm providers (at least to government entities if not
the private sector) will be very much in doubt.
And, without that role being prominent in our portfolio the
future of our radio service is very much in jeopardy.
Keeping
in mind that the WRRL is not in competition with the ARRL, and that
its focus is on Emcomm, I urge all active amateurs who share a serious
commitment to emergency communications to join with us in this
fledgling endeavor. You
will be in good company.
Jerry Boyd, N7WR, n7wr@wrrl.org
=============================
∙-∙-∙
SHORT CIRCUITS
∙ NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE - Skywarn Recognition Day: December
3, 2005 - 0000 to 2400 UTC
The NWS will have amateur radio operations from many offices
throughout the United States on 80 to 70 cm. Details at: http://hamradio.noaa.gov.
∙ THE
NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (N.E.T.S.)
30 METER WATCH FREQUENCY HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 10.129 MHz
(10.109 MHz, and other nearby frequencies, are
just too popular.)
∙ VIDEO
PRODUCTION HELP NEEDED
We are looking for someone who has access to professional
grade equipment to produce VHS and/or DVD training videos, in
fairly small quantities, (from a VHS-C master) at a reasonable price.
Contact the editor at: k6soj@wrrl.org
∙ REVISED
and UPDATED: The
Traffic Handlers Challenge at: www.emcomm.org
(click bar on main page).
∙
VOICE OF AMERICA - Ever get tired of listening to your
scanner, local repeater, or local NPR outlet? While
working in your shack, shop or office, try a little shortwave broadcast
listening for a pleasant change. The VOA African
Service is on 15.580 MHZ (AM) from 1800 to 2200Z (plus
other SWBC frequencies and times). Saturday and Sunday "NIGHTLINE
AFRICA" at 2030Z is informative and entertaining. At
2100Z it is followed by an hour of Classic Jazz. (America's
"secret weapon".)
∙ EmComm-Products
LLC -- (A blatant "plug") -- Check: http://www.emcomm-products.com
and note the message scrolling across the page. They are now in
production of the new RADS 9-11/A-1 and RADS 9-11/G systems and are
closing out all remaining RADS 9-11/A models. The demo is the only
one left and is being offered at nearly $100 below list price.
∙ EXTRA-CURRICULAR
READING: "Aftermath Of Disaster" by Martin K.A. Morgan - American
Rifleman, December 2005
If you
are not a AR subscriber, and don't have a friend or neighbor who is, check
your local library. (Hopefully, it hasn't been banned.)
∙-∙-∙
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS... and
SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
To whom it may concern:
"Please accept my check as a contribution to EMCOMM
MONTHLY. I find it very informative and it gives me
a lot of information. I hope you continue with such a good
newsletter." -- Larry Fields, WD8ITF, Barberton, OH
COMMENT: Thanks Larry. It is people like
you that make it possible for us to continue. -- Editor
To the EMCOMM MONTHLY Staff:
"Thank you for the work you are doing. I've been a RACES
training officer for about a year. What I thought EMCOMM was then
is completely different today. My RACES officer introduced me to
your web site shortly after I became a trainer. Will train the
trainer. I have become an EMCOMM convert. I have never
really cared for HF or Morse code for that matter. I believe I
know where you are coming from now. I'm studying code and getting
started on my General class.
My problem is trying to build the fire under some
people like the fire you built under me. I can get them to agree
that this is the direction we should be going, but to get them to take
the first few steps appears to be impossible. I have built lessons
out of some of your archives and newsletters. I get excited and
others just sit there. I've told them that there is more than just
a 2 meter repeater out there. I've talked about ARCTs. They
say they like my classes, but that's about as far as it gets. But
enough of my woes. I just wanted to tell you that you're doing a
great job. Please keep it up. --
Russ Davis, N9PTK, Richmond, IN
COMMENT: All of us at EMCOMM MONTHLY
know far too well the frustration you are experiencing. I have no
idea how many times most of us have thought about "throwing in
the towel". It is letters like yours that gives us hope and
keeps us going! -- Editor
THE
EM ADVISOR
Q:
"I served in combat in SE Asia, and we had an
absolute rule ... as soon as we could manage after a mission, as many as
could got together and we did a "Lessons Learned." I'm
not sure we always "learned" all of them, but we did learn a
lot. We learned that we all had to land on the same mountain top
to complete our mission and we got to the point where, in the middle of
the night, we could get 20 guys out of the C-130 fast enough (less than
10 sec) so that we all landed together, so much so that my guys started
landing on me. We reviewed every mission, those that went well and
those that didn't. and we logged everything that came out of those
sessions. I can't prove it, but I'm fairly sure that, because of
those sessions and application of what came out of them guys, and maybe
me, survived who wouldn't have otherwise. I have two questions that
I would like to see addressed in EMCOMM MONTHLY:
1. What is the relationship of EMCOMM, RACES, and ARES?
2. What was learned from the Katrina/Rita/Wilma natural events?
What has the EMCOMM community learned from the three recent disasters?
Have there been any "lessons learned" sessions? Are they
scheduled and publicized? Are there reports? There seems to
be some info in your post, but it's sort of buried in other stuff I'm
probably not interested in, and it seems a bit anecdotal at best.
In fact, much to most of what I hear about amateur involvement in the
recent disasters tends to be anecdotal, not always, but often
self-praise, and rarely factual about exactly how and how well the prior
planning worked, how needs were adequately met or not, how they could
have been met better, and what, if anything, should be changed?
I know that hams made a massive effort and difference in the
disasters. What I have not been able to find is exactly how did
they do it? What specific things worked well, what worked but
maybe not well, what didn't work at all? What were the sources
of the problems? Were they unique to a specific incident?
We had three back to back hurricanes -- Were there a common set of
problems? Were there solutions to problems encountered in
Katrina that were applied to similar problems in Rita and Wilma that
worked? That didn't work? It is specific, factual info I'm
looking for.
In my experiences in providing emergency communications for the
Western States Trail events, bicycle rides and charity events, the
major issues always seem to center around the operating relationship
between the communicators and the people in charge at a location,
rather than the radio. There certainly needs to be some
established operating procedures and operators need to be trained.
Equipment and infrastructure must be established and tested. Back-ups
and alternate methods need to be established for times when the
infrastructure (e.g. repeater system or cell phones) goes down.
More times than I'd like to count over the 50+ years that I've been
licensed and active and participated in emergencies and drills, I
would arrive, set up and check in, and the local officials really
didn't know who I was, why I was there, or how to use our
communication service. We have finally begun to succeed getting
the officials on-board for the WS Endurance Run and Tevis Endurance
Ride, but it has taken many years to reach this point.
In the interest of full disclosure: As I said, combat gave me
some rather harsh perspectives on mission definition, conduct, and
success. A civilian career in engineering afterwards only served
to deepen those perspectives and the knowledge that only facts count.
We ALWAYS conducted a review after every proposal, win or lose.
We conducted reviews during larger projects, and the fundamental rules
for all were:
1. Check egos at the door.
2. If it's not factual, it doesn't matter.
It's quite possible my perspectives on hams and emergency
communications are overly intense. -- Fred Jensen, K6DGW, Auburn CA
A: Well Fred, ol' buddy, if your
"perspectives on hams and emergency communications are overly
intense" that makes (at least) two of us! Your questions
and comments are valid, thought provoking and constructive. You
seem to be right in tune with the EM PHILOSOPHY
and the mission of the newly formed WRRL.
Your
letter is very timely and this is probably a good time as any to
review: "What is the relationship of EMCOMM, RACES, and ARES?"
Volumes have been written on this topic. But as you say:
"If it's not factual, it doesn't matter." Here goes:
The term "EMCOMM" is simply
an abbreviation for the generic term "EMergency COMMunications".
It includes all wireless services and possibly some back up
landline services (such as a temporary field telephone or telegraph
system).
ARES® is a registered service mark
for one of the public service arms of the ARRL (American Radio Relay
League) a private, non-profit, non-government organization. The
other public service arm is the NTS (National Traffic System).
Unfortunately there is little (if any) interface between the two.
The traditional role of the ARES® is to register members for
"service to the public" often through "served
agencies", which are primarily non-government organizations
(NGOs).
RACES is a sub-section within FCC
Part 97.407 that makes allows for government
(local or state civil defense and/or office of emergency services) to
legally use the amateur frequencies, but with certain
limitations. During times of emergency, local and
state governments are permitted to utilize amateur frequencies and
amateur operators who have registered with a local or state
government agency.
In recent years, there has been a
proliferation of "splinter" amateur radio emcomm groups.
For example, in some states, you will hear about ACS (Auxiliary
Communications Service). ACS is an expansion of the RACES to
include non-amateur radio services such as FRS, GMRS and
"Citizens Band" operators in service to government.
In my state (California), in addition to the state OES ACS, there is
now other government communication ACS units. The Calif. Dept.
of Transportation (CalTrans); The Calif. Dept. of Health
Services/Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA); and the Calif.
Dept. of Forestry all now have their own auxiliary emcomm units.
In the private sector, there has also
been a proliferation of "splinter" amateur radio emcomm
groups. SATERN (Salvation Army) and other church based
organizations such as LDS/Mormon and Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) have
their own organizations. We have even heard that, in some areas, American
Red Cross chapters are sponsoring their own amateur emcomm
"clubs". This is in spite of the fact that the ARRL
has a "Statement of Understanding" for the ARES to
provide emcomm with the Red Cross as well as several other
NGOs.
This of course has resulted in
very poor utilization of the amateur resource as well as our
frequency spectrum. With all due respect to Frank Sinatra, this
has resulted in everyone doing it "my way" and
confusion and chaos is the end result. Many hams don't know
which group to sign on with, or what cap, badge, or vest to wear! Many
sign up with as many agencies or organizations as possible hoping
that will increase the probability of them "being called
out".
All of this is contrary to the ICS/NIMS
concept of simply: "COMMUNICATIONS". It is
also diametrically opposed to the WRRL's philosophy of: "A
message is a message is a message". And that trained radio
amateurs can and will deliver the mail when a disaster strikes.
Now...to your second question.
Again, as you say: "If it's not factual, it doesn't
matter." We have all heard the glowing accounts about how ham
radio worked so well during the recent hurricanes. Some of us
have also heard and/or witnessed the lack of, or unsatisfactory,
coordination; and the very poor operating practices displayed by
so-called traffic handlers. Anyone who has ever served in any
disaster operation (or war) is familiar with the status report
term: SNAFU (Situation Normal All Fouled Up.) Even with the best
of planning and preparation...there are always problems. And
as far as Katrina, Rita, and Wilma are concerned, it would probably be
safe to say that the SNAFUs were multiplied many times over.
(This is in NO WAY intended to point the finger at any of the heroic
radio amateurs who spent countless hours, days, weeks on duty
providing skilled emergency communications.)
The value of post critical analysis never goes away. Since no
one on the EMCOMM MONTHLY staff was deployed
to the recent disasters, we only know what we have read and heard.
THEREFORE...we are hereby soliciting written factual and
first hand narrative summary and reports from our readers who
were directly involved. (Please be as concise as
possible. And please...no "candy coating".)
We are interested hearing about the successes, the failures, the
lessons learned, and suggestions as to how the response could
have been better. The goal is to factually inform all of us
and thereby improve the amateur response in the next catastrophe.
Selected stories will be edited (if
necessary) and published in EMCOMM MONTHLY.
∙-∙-∙
Q:
I recently read this comment on another source:
"The ARCTs author, K6SOJ, avoids
providing his favorite list of suitable training courses by
citing the fundamental requirement that the team must be
composed of people with sufficient knowledge, skills and experience
to accomplish the mission." Would you please send me your
list? Thanks for your time.
-- Ron Whitecotton, AC5VN, Gary,
Texas
A: A specific
list of pre-requisites for registered ARCTs (and ARCT members) is
currently being developed. (If we were to announce it
prematurely...it is at risk for becoming doctrine
and makes it more difficult to implement a more
permanent plan later. As of now, the closest
thing we have to a "list of suitable training
courses" for ARCT members is:
1. Basic ICS/NIMS
course.
2. The
American Red Cross Introduction to Disaster course or Level 1 of the ARRL/ARECC
or equivalent training.
3. Staying
current with EMCOMM MONTHLY training
modules.
4. Traffic
handling training classes, which are offered around the country on a
sporadic basis, (but with little standardization). One
was recently presented in
Redding, CA that was
videotaped. It may become the basis for a video or CD training
component which will be available for a nominal fee.
5. The Traffic
Handlers Challenge at: www.emcomm.org
(click bar on main page).
As
the ARCT program continues to emerge, some "team
requirements" will also be developed. One that is
currently under consideration is that every TYPE I ARCT deployed
must have 1 or 2 members with a current first aid or EMT certificate.
(More about this in the January 2006 EM.)
One of the reasons a specified a list of training requirements
for ARCT members has not been released is that the program is still
in the development phase and we are still anticipating final
approval from the DHS/FEMA.
However, let us ALL always
remember: whether we are first responders, doctors or nurses,
radio operators/communicators, or any other discipline that requires
skill and experience, a batch of courses and a wall full of
certificates are no guarantee as to how well any of us will
actually perform. "A pedigree is no guarantee that
a dog will hunt!" Formal training courses are
only the beginning. Training should never end. But training,
when added to practice and experience, will usually produce a proficient
emcomm operator. One of the historic problems with amateur
radio is that standards for performance are difficult to measure and
enforce, plus there has been little (or no)
requirements for accountability. -- Editor
∙-∙-∙
ICS
PERSPECTIVES - by
Jerry Boyd, N7WR
This column was actually prompted by a question asked in one of the
ARRL’s Emcomm Courses that I mentor. It is a question which,
more often than not, is answered incorrectly by students. In my view
what that really points to is the need to “beef up” the NIMS/ICS
content of those courses, because I really don’t think most students
come out of them with an adequate understanding of what NIMS/ICS is all
about.
The question is: does your EmComm group use ICS and, if so, to whom do you
report in a major incident? Almost all students say that, yes, their
group uses ICS and then go on to say that they report to the IC of
“xxx” county search and rescue or “yyy” fire department. Two
problems with such an answer. One, the amateur radio EmComm group
might use ICS internally but most don’t. The real question is
whether or not the entity, which requests amateur radio EmComm assistance,
uses NIMS/ICS. If it’s a government agency they should/must.
The second problem is students seem to assume that if they are called upon
they will work for the agency they are accustomed to working with day to
day. Maybe yes, maybe not. “xxx” SAR group may not be the
one in charge and a member of the SAR group may not be the IC. Of
greater importance is the fact that seldom if ever does the EmComm group
work directly for the IC….if they do it’s either a small incident or
ICS is not being used properly. Under ICS, communications providers
work for the communications group leader under the logistics section, not
for the IC.
Some will say I’m nit-picking. But from my perspective if a system
is going to be used it needs to be used correctly. It’s kind of
the same position EM takes on message handling.
There is a correct way to initiate, handle, and deliver messages. To
do it incorrectly invites error. Errors, in emergencies, can have
serious, negative consequences.
∙-∙-∙
NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE
(N.E.T.S.)
The NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE
uses designated watch and calling frequencies. Public
service amateur radio operators everywhere are invited to monitor these
frequencies whenever possible. But when disasters or other
incidents occur, emcomm operators are asked to warm up their radios and
"light up" the NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC
SERVICE..."24/7". Active operators know which bands are
most likely to be "open" depending upon the time of day,
season, etc.
During disasters and for other emergencies the frequencies are "open
nets". When traffic becomes heavy they will become
"command and control" frequencies with a net control
station "triaging traffic" and directing stations with traffic
to another (traffic) frequency. (At least 5 kHz away.)
Proper net procedures are essential.
NETS does not maintain regular schedules and does
not handle routine "make work" messages such as birthday
greetings, "your license is about to expire", "book
messages", etc.) NETS is intended to supplement
and fortify other networks by providing a vehicle for EmComm
operators to originate, relay and deliver legal radio message
traffic (i.e. - "first class mail") of any precedence, at any
time, from and to anyone and anywhere. Especially during
disasters or other crises. NETS stations will cooperate and
utilize other networks that are known to be capable of accurately and
efficiently handling RADIOGRAMS.
NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (NETS) WATCH • MONITOR •
CALLING • TRAFFIC FREQUENCIES
All listed frequencies (except 60 meters) are nominal. Actual
nets may be up or down as much as 20 kHz.
SSB:
• 1982 kHz (May be activated during incidents.)
• 3987 kHz (And down because most "RACES" activity is
above 3.990.)
• 5332 kHz "Up" to other 60M channels as necessary.
50W maximum ERP. (Activated during actual incidents.)
• 7232 kHz (up)
• 14280 kHz (up)
• ALASKA ONLY: 5167.5 kHz (USB emergency traffic only)
CW:
• 1916 kHz (May be active during incidents.)
• 3711 kHz
• 7111 kHz
• 10129 kHz (NOTE CHANGE FROM 10109 kHz)
• ALASKA 3540/7042/14050 kHz
VHF/UHF FM
• ARES® 146.55 MHz
• ARES®/Red Cross 147.42 MHz
• NATIONAL CALLING (and Wilderness Protocol) 146.52 MHz
• WILDERNESS PROTOCOL (ref. June 1996 QST, page 85).
Primary frequency: 146.52 MHz (FM simplex). Secondary frequencies: 446.0,
223.5, 52.525
and 1294.5 MHz. All stations (both fixed, portable or mobile) monitor
the primary (and
secondary if possible) frequency(s) every three hours starting at 7:00 am
local time, for five
minutes (7:00-7:05 AM, 10:00-10:05 AM, etc.) Additionally, stations
that have sufficient
power resources monitor for five minutes starting at the top of every hour,
or continuously."
NOTES:
1. "Up" or "down" should be in increments of
3-5 kHz SSB (except 60M); 1-2 kHz minimum CW.
2. If traffic is heavy, nearby frequencies should be designated by NCS at
least 5 kHz away from NC.
3. 60 METER BAND (USB):
CH NOMINAL CARRIER
A 5332kHz 5330.5kHz
B 5348kHz 5346.5kHz
C 5368kHz 5366.5kHz
D 5373kHz 5371.5kHz
E 5405kHz 5403.5kHz (common US/UK)
Some of the frequencies listed may be on our near other established net
frequencies.
As a matter of operating courtesy always move up or down a few kHz to
avoid QRM when a frequency is in use.
TRAFFIC TIPS
“For want of a letter, a word was lost.
For
want of a word, the message was lost.
For
want of a message, a life was lost.”
THE “TRAFFIC
HANDLER’S MANTRA” (Recite often to help
remember the eight parts in preamble):
“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
SUGGESTION: To help you to memorize the eight
parts of the preamble, RECITE the "Traffic
Handlers Mantra" often:
“No • Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority •
Traffic • Delayed”
ASSESS your current traffic handling skill, take the "TRAFFIC
HANDLER’S CHALLENGE" at: www.emcomm.org
(main page)
TRAINING MESSAGE SENT NOV 23 FOLLOWING
WINCOM NET ON 3987 kHz
(Sent by K6SOJ -- Received by KF6YKQ)
-------------------------------------
144 TEST R W6SOJ 25 MACDOEL CA NOV 24
MILES STANDISH
CABIN NUMBER ONE
PLYMOUTH PLANTATION
NEW ENGLAND
TEST MESSAGE X YOU ARE
INVITED TO HUGE FEAST TOMORROW
IN CLEARING BEHIND VILLAGE X
COME AS YOU ARE X
BRING VENISON AND WILD TURKEY
WILLIAM BRADFORD
--------------------------------------
∙-∙-∙
RETRO REVIEW - “EMCOMM viewed through the
Retrospect-O-Scope”
Updated from EMCOMMWEST
BULLETIN #154 15 April 2003 and EMCOMM MONTHLY August 2004.
WHAT IS YOUR LOCATION?
- by D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ
An EM basic studies training module
If you hear someone ask: “What is your location” or say: “Say
your location” (on phone) or send: QTH? (on CW); how do you reply?
The correct answer will vary considerably based upon the time,
place, and situation. To effectively and appropriately “state your
location” takes knowledge and experience in proper operating procedures
plus a little “common sense”.
If I break a pile-up working a DXpediton Station I would say to the
DX: “You are 59 in northern California”, that is needed (or
desired). If I say much
more, I will probably be ignored (or worse), and run the risk of being
labeled “a lid”. However, "armchair operators" in other
countries may be interested in knowing what county or city I live in, or
some other geographical or historic information about the area in which I
live. E.g. - “I’m 40 miles northeast of Mt. Shasta which
is 14,192 high.” VHF and UHF operators are often interested in
knowing from what grid square your signal is originating. E.g. - (On
phone) “I am in Siskiyou County, California, CN91."
Most stations in a net will want to know a station’s approximate
location since they may have message traffic to a certain general area.
Say your location in a manner that most people will recognize about
where you are. When working DX or stations around the U.S., I usually
say my location as: “I am located in northern California, 15 miles south
of the Oregon border”. (The reason I add the second clause is
because many people think of Sacramento and San Francisco as “northern
California”, and I am actually 300 miles north of those population
centers!) I might also add, “200 miles inland from the Pacific
Coast”, and/or add “Siskiyou County”, or the name of my nearest
town...“Macdoel”. It all depends upon the type of contact.
In EMCOMM work, whether it is local VHF, or in wider area HF nets and
contacts...the guidelines change. Things must be more
specific! When reporting an EMERGENCY incident (e.g.-a automobile
accident, or some lost hikers just found in the woods and urgent help is
needed) all of the examples given above are useless to first responders!
Once contact with another station is established, the location being sent,
must be accurate and SPECIFIC. It must be stated in such a way
that rescuers can find it and in such a way that the location stated CANNOT
be mistaken for ANY OTHER PLACE! It must also be sent in a way that
the receiving station and/or agency will recognize any landmark
references you are saying. (Of course you
must know where you are!) When reporting to a
station who will be relaying to message to local authorities who
(hopefully) are familiar with local roads, landmarks, and other
topographical features. Here are some examples of "How
to "say your location”-
• “I am reporting a house fire at 811 North Flame street,
Belltown. Cross street 8th Ave.”
• “The accident is on HWY 97, approximately 14 miles south of
Midland.”
• “I am on HWY 39 one quarter mile north of mile marker 14 in Cormorant
County.”
• “The smoke is on the west side of Sheep Mt. at about 5500 ft. elev.”
• “I am broke down east of Interstate 5 approximately 20 miles in, on
forest service road 46N32W in the Goosenest Ranger District.”
Suppose you are enjoying a boating vacation and are called upon to make a
distress call from somewhere on the shores of Lake Powell. Your home
is far away and are not familiar with the area. After calling
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY on 20M, you establish contact with a capable station in
Palm Beach, Florida, you say:
• “I am reporting an EMERGENCY on Lake Powell in Utah. Houseboat
explosion with 14 injured persons.” <pause> “Notify
Utah State Police.” <pause> “We are six miles
northeast of the fuel dock at north end of lake.” <pause> “I
am standing by for your reply.” The receiving station then confirms
that the information has been received and understood.
As long as the signals are sufficiently readable, the receiving station MUST
maintain control of the frequency. If other stations “break”,
he/she should say: “I am handling
EMERGENCY traffic. All stations please stand by and monitor unless
called.” I was once in the process of handling an actual emergency
situation and had to ask five stations, all of whom "wanted to help”,
to please stand-by. Good intentions and a willingness to help...MAY
delay a rescue. If you hear actual emergency traffic in progress:
LISTEN CAREFULLY, WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING YOU HEAR, AND STAND BY IN CASE YOU
ARE NEEDED.
The receiving station would then call the Utah State Police direct, or call
their own local or state police, or even the Coast Guard, confirm to the
calling station that the incident has been reported to a competent
authority, and provide an ETA if appropriate.
The calling stations and that receiving station
should maintain contact until help has arrived. Possibly even after
first responders are "on scene". (They may not have contact
with the dispatch center.)
If you are low on battery power, minimize your transmissions, ask the
receiving station to maintain a radio watch (and keep the frequency clear)
and make a schedule as to when you will call again. E.g. - “I will
call every ten minutes”; or, “I will call you at the top and bottom of
each hour.”
Other traffic from the reporting station might include: “We will
signal with smoke or aerial flare when rescue craft are spotted.”
And, if your have a GPS receiver: “Our position is 37 degrees
30.3 minutes North by 110 degrees 28.7 minutes West.” (ECWB #176
covers how to send geographical coordinates.)
http://www.emcomm.org/svares/archives/number176.htm
How you reply to the question "Say your location" will vary
depending upon the time, place, and situation. To
effectively and appropriately “say your location”
takes knowledge, experience, and (most
important)..being able to THINK clearly under pressure!
How NOT to “say your location”: Here are a few actual
voice replies to the query: “What is your location?”...actually
heard on the air. Sadly, some of these were during actual emergencies.
“I’m at home.” (I guess this person believes
that he is so well known that everyone must know where he lives!)
“I’m on the highway...just past the SPEED LIMIT 55
sign.”
“I’m near the big green gate.”
“I don’t know. Honey, where are we?”
“I’m in bed.” (Probably better if you just
let that one go.)
“I’m on Interstate 5.” (That’s a long road. But
that does narrows it down to about 2000 miles. Might as well have said
"I'm on Main St.)
“I’m at the college.” (Too bad you never attended.)
One day as I was serving as net control for a regional
net. A station checked in, and identified as being in northern
California. I was interested in knowing more and asked, “Can you be
more specific as to your location?” He replied by saying the name of
a mountain peak (with which I was not familiar). I queried the
operator again who replied by giving his “lat/long”. Well, I guess
I got what I deserved! But, without having a map of his area handy
(with latitude and longitude lines), a
ruler, and maybe a divider...I still had no clue as to his location.
So...be careful what you ask for...and be ready for it!
∙-∙-∙
QSH -- (I HAVE
HUMOR FOR YOUR STATION)
EM’s Quiz, Survey, and [attempt at] Humor
Section...
Blast from the Past -- "The
Civilian Defense Corps"
"SHOW US YOUR
SHACK"
• Send a picture of
you AND your shack (all in one frame and in JPG
or JPEG format) to: k6soj@arrl.net
• Our "SHOW US YOUR
SHACK" page is at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/shacks/index.html
∙-∙-∙
FEATURE
ARTICLE
Our scheduled feature for this month will not
appear due to the length of this issue.
In the January 2006 issue watch for:
The Emergency
Management Cycle
by James Wades, WB8SIW, Executive
Director, Michigan Net, QMN
National Radio Emergency Net, P.O. Box
457, Allegan, MI 49010
=========================================================================================
EMCOMM SPECIALTY
PRODUCTS
=========================================================================================
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
“License Plate”:
-----------O-------------------------------------------------O----------
EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATIONS
-----------O-------------------------------------------------O-----------
• View this item at: http://www.emcomm.org/products/
• Raised BLACK letters on WHITE background
• Durable Metal
• 6” x 12” with usual holes for mounting
• Mount on vehicle
• Place on visor or in window
• Space to "customize" with your
county or city's name, or your call sign using one-inch vinyl letters
(available at hardware stores)
• Use at fixed or field EMCOMM stations
• MADE IN U.S.A!
• $10.00 each or two for $18.00 [Postpaid to one address
includes all applicable taxes]
Send check or money order and shipping address to:
EMCOMM
P O Box 99
Macdoel, CA 96058
• Allow 2 weeks for delivery
TRAFFIC
HANDLER'S SUPPLIES:
RADIOGRAM
RUBBER STAMP
• Use on plain paper
• Use on front of envelope
• 3/4” x 3” wood handle stamp
Order: WRGS - Wood handle (traditional) rubber stamp
$10.00 each postpaid
($8.00 if ordered with Message Service Cross stamp (below)
• Send check or money order to:
EMCOMM
P O Box 99
Macdoel, CA 96058
• Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for delivery
"MESSAGE SERVICE
CROSS" RUBBER STAMP
• Makes the “record” part of record message traffic
handling easy and efficient.
• Use on any message form or on plain paper.
• A message received and forwarded should be stamped twice (L lower / R
lower).
• Check TOR (Time Received) or TOD (Time Delivered / Forwarded).
• Available in two styles:
Order: SIRS - Self-inking
rubber stamp - $15.00 each postpaid.
Order: WHRS - Wood handle (traditional)
rubber stamp - $12.00 each postpaid.
• Order yours today!
• Specify style, quantity, and shipping address, and send check or money
order to:
EMCOMM
P O Box 99
Macdoel, CA 96058
• Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for delivery
NEW SUBSCRIBERS
• Heidi Hoffer, KC7CCL, College Place, WA - ARES®,
RACES
• Gary Stratton, K5GLS, Shreveport, LA - ARES® LA SEC
• Ronald Phelps, KC5FGO, Sulphur, LA - ARES®, RACES
• James J. Bookter, Jr., N5NVP, Leesville, LA - ARES®, ARRL
Official Emergency Station
• Needham J. Thompson, W4CTH, Seguin, TX - ARES®
• David Hatch, W1SER, Rough and Ready, CA - RACES, ARES®
• Jim Coulter, K7QCK, Sequim, WA - RACES, ARES®, CERT
• Jim Walden, W6ESJ, Santa Rosa, CA - ARES®
• Don Campbell, KG4IYH, High Point, NC - ARES®, SKYWARN, Emergency
Management
• John Kane, W5JAK, Longmont, CO
• John Holman, N4TVS, Louisville, KY
• Otmar Schreiber, W2UH, Chatham, NJ - RACES, ARES®
• Bill Gustavson, KG6GNI, Woodland, CA - AEC Yolo County ARES®
• Richard Hall, WB4TNH, Nashville, TN - ARES®
• Craig Gaevert, KG6THE, Santa Rosa, CA - ARES®
• Gary Smith, W6GVS, Dowagiac, MI - Cass County ARES®
• Michael Alexander, WA5OBF, Keller, TX - Tarrant County RACES
• Anand Choudri, KC2KPG, Rochester, NY - ARES®, RACES
• Paul Thutt, KC7PMU, Hillsboro, OR - Washington County ARES®, RACES
• Jim Schroeder, W1JCS, Middleburg, FL - Clay County ARES®
• Jeff Hammer, N9NIC, Indianapolis, IN - MARS, REACT, RACES, ARES®,
SKYWARN
• Everett Wittig, WB7VNF, Bisbee, AZ - Cochise County RACES,
Bisbee ARES® EC
• Railey W. Macey, III, KG4YUP, Dothan, AL - Houston County RACES, ARES®
• Michael Hyman, K6DBF, San Diego, CA - NREN
• Alan Lisitano, KB1JYY, Southington, CT - ARES®
• Greg Geyer, NØLLH, Beloit, KS
• Paul Gates, KD3JF, Glen Burnie, MD - ARES®
• Jerry Reimer, KK5CA, Spring, TX - ARES®
• Jude Miller, KB5FSG, S.E. United States - Federal Reserve System
• Robert R. Martin, KB1IZU, Clarksville, NH - ARES® EC W. Coos County
• Don Mackinnon, VE4DJ, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada -
ARES® SEC Manitoba
• Joe Dorn, W5VEX, Belton, TX - Williamson and Bell County ARES®
• Michael P. Jogoleff, WA6MBZ, Santa Barbara, CA - ARES®
• Richard Driscoll, Jr., KD5URB, New Caney, TX ARES® EC District 14
(Northeast Harris County)
• Coleman Callaway, N4IM, Georgetown, TX - ARES®
• Michael Moreau, VE3LKI, Port McNicoll, ON - Former Asst SM - Ontario
Section
• David G. Wilkie, AL7LH, Ormond Beach, FL - ARES®, RACES (VARECS -
Volusia County Amateur Radio Emergency Services)
• Bill Hosking, W7JSW, Scottsdale, AZ - ARES®
• David Houser, WA9OTP, Spruce Pine, NC
• James Punderson, W2QO, Island Heights, NJ
• John Rader, AA7ZV, Puyallup, WA - RACES, ARES®, ECRT
• James Frohoff, K7RNR, Bainbridge Island, WA -
ARES®
• Bill Brown, KB1MOV, Hanover, NH - ARES®
• Jim Gerwitz, AC7FN, Scottsdale, AZ - RACES
• Gayland W. Grant, WB9SKB, Eldorado, IL - ARES® EC, RACES
Officer
RECENT CONTRIBUTORS - Thank you for your support!
(The individuals listed below have made recent
donations to help EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG
survive.)
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• HOSPITAL DISASTER SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (HDSCS):
http://members.aol.com/emcom4hosp/
• AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION MANUAL Chapter 6 - GROUND-TO-AIR EMERGENCY
CODE and GROUND-TO-AIR (close-in) VISUAL SIGNALS
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IN THE JANUARY 2006
ISSUE OF EMCOMM MONTHLY:
• WRRL TYPE I ARCTS PROGRAM
• "The Emergency Management
Cycle"
• PLUS...NEWS... FEATURES... FEEDBACK.... QSH... and MORE!
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
• The "SERVICE MESSAGE"
• The "PLANS AND TRAINING OFFICER"
• The "FIELD OPERATION DISASTER PORTABLE STATION"
FROM ALL OF US AT EMCOMM MONTHLY AND
WRRL:
MERRY CHRISTMAS,
HAPPY HANUKKAH, and best wishes for
a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!
EMCOMM MONTHLY -- The
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Copyright (c) 2005 - All rights
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