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Dedicated
to Emergency Communications by RADIO
EMCOMM
MONTHLY
“PREPAREDNESS
is our most important PRODUCT”
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This edition of EMCOMM MONTHLY is jam-packed with
"where the rubber meets the road" information.
At least one full Farad of positive charged articles for radio
amateurs who are serious about public service.
CONTENTS:
The EM PHILOSOPHY
A TALE OF TWO SISTERS
NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE -- "NETS"
SHORT CIRCUITS
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS... and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
The EM ADVISOR
ICS PERSPECTIVES - A call
for a formal mutual assistance system.
NETWORK NEWS
NET OF THE MONTH - NREN and K6KPH
RETRO REVIEW - “The Doctrine of
Self-Containment”
QSH
STATION &
OPERATOR NEWS
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE ARTICLE -
"The Psychology of Disaster"
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
The EM PHILOSOPHY
The RIGHT FORMULA: (For
effective and efficient field communications.)
The RIGHT PEOPLE: Properly trained, exercised,
proficient, and disciplined communicators.
The RIGHT PLACE: Prepared
to operate. Whether at home, at an ECC, mobile or
portable.
The RIGHT TIME: Prepared NOW for emergency
communications later. Anytime they are needed.
The RIGHT EQUIPMENT: Simple, self-powered,
dependable, durable, and portable.
The RIGHT PLAN:
Structured and well defined. But not so rigid as to not
allow leaders to make course corrections.
As long as we continue to support the notion that
it is an effective utilization of the amateur resource for
individual agencies to recruit their own cadre of amateur operators, many
of whom are untrained, inexperienced and undisciplined; and who
(attempt to) set-up and operate "their own" networks,
amateur radio emcomm will continue to wallow in confusion, and our
mission of service to the public (Part 97.1) will be only mediocre at
best.
In large incidents especially, strategically deployed EMCOMM teams
(ARCTs) capable of handing message traffic, whether it be
tactical or formal, whether it be EMERGENCY, PRIORITY,
WELFARE or ROUTINE. It should make no difference if
the originator of a message is a private citizen or an official
with an NGO or a government agency. The important
thing is that each message have a stated precedence
and that the message is properly addressed. The originating
station may be a "no-code tech" using a HT
in a shelter, aboard a small boat with a damage survey team, or in a
radio room behind the counter at a full service amateur
field station.
The NIMS (ICS) mentions communications. Period. No
mention of 10 different communication units, systems, and/or
"agency specific" nets. I say again: "A message
is a message is a message". Sadly, little mention
was heard about NIMS/ICS, at any level, during Hurricane
Katrina. The ARRL had it right in 1956. See: http://www.emcomm.org/creed.htm
This the only way that amateur radio will ever come close
to providing effective communications!
9/ll was a wake up call. Then Katrina called. If we hit
the snooze button again...we might as well all become mere
"hobby hams". Then it will only be a matter of time
before "the feds" decide that the amateur bands are too
valuable for hobby use.
EM believes that every radio amateur has
a moral and patriotic obligation to give something back to his or
her community and country. But we are realistic. We would
be happy if 10% (60,000) of all U.S. radio amateurs obtained the
training, skill and experience and be ready to perform this vital
service to the public. EM believes that every EmComm operator
should strive to learn all the skills that he or she is capable
of learning, to perfect our art, always practice good operating
procedures, and by remaining active (on the air); thereby grow
and excel in the abilities needed to provide a useful and
reliable communications service to the public.
OUR GOAL: 60,000 Trained,
Skilled, Experienced EMCOMM Operators and Stations Ready and
Willing to Serve the Public!
A TALE OF TWO SISTERS - KATRINA
and RITA
The recovery phase of the
Hurricane Katrina catastrophe and Hurricane Rita is underway.
Over the next months and years many lessons will be learned (if we, as a
people, are willing to listen). Several of Katrina and Rita's
lessons are already evident. One is that it is unrealistic to assume
that "the government" is capable of protecting or
managing rescue and relief efforts for victims of major disasters, and
that the "infrastructure" is NOT fail-safe. (See related FEATURE
ARTICLE below.)
During Katrina several deficiencies regarding
emergency and public service communications were obvious:
1. Skilled, experienced, disciplined radio
amateurs capable of properly handling message traffic are in short
supply. This deficiency is only worsens every day...as a
generation of dedicated operators keys (or mics) go silent. The
most obvious deficiency noted during Katrina was the inability of the
amateur service to handle large quantities of message traffic.
Thousands of messages were either lost or mishandled due to incomplete
address, improper formatting, and inaccurate relay of message texts.
As I listened to some of the (so-called) traffic nets, I was appalled by
what I heard! It takes about two hours to learn the basics of
traffic handing.
-- IS THIS TOO MUCH TO ASK OF EVERY EMCOMM OPERATOR? --
2. There is a serious lack of over-all
leadership, planning and coordination. This is true at the highest
levels of both government and amateur radio.
3. Radio amateurs capable of mobilizing
quickly with highly portable, self-powered, multi-mode (CW/SSB/FM),
field stations are in short supply.
4. HF propagation patterns vary and are
constantly changing. Ignorance of propagation patterns abounds.
(E.g. - 20 meters is a poor choice for regional operations.)
5. Voice communications may drop out at any
time. Digital was rare or non-existent. CW will work when
nothing else will. (A QRP rig, a small battery, a key, a piece of
wire, a yellow pad and pencil in the hands of trained and experienced
operator will work wonders!)
6. Agency officials are not aware of the
importance of communications. And certainly not aware of the
potential of amateur radio!
But before we brag about how great
we are...and how effective we can be...we had better get our own house
in order!
From its inception, EMCOMM
MONTHLY has emphasized preparedness. Specifically: preparedness
through training, practice and experience. EM
is tired of waiting for others to act. In the next few months EM
will move ahead aggressively towards solving some of these problems. What
follows next is the first installment:
NEW NATIONAL
EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE - "NETS"
Hurricane Katrina and Rita displayed high levels of near heroic service
and extraordinary dedication by amateur radio operators and ARES®
leaders. But the regional EMCOMM capability within the
ravaged areas was quickly overloaded. In all disasters problems
will arise and failures will occur...especially in incidents
of this magnitude. But much could be prevented.
Providing that a plan is in place...and followed!
One very evident deficiency was that existing "nets" (some
ARRL/NTS, as well as others who are well known) were either incapable or
unwilling to accept WELFARE (W) message traffic. The NTS operators of
the Central Area and Fifth Region were overloaded beyond all
comprehension (if they were functioning at all). Others, who were
accepting EMERGENCY or PRIORITY traffic only, appeared untrained and
inexperienced in proper traffic formatting and handling procedures.
We attribute this to the steady decline of the NTS over the
past two decades and the lack of coordination between ARES® leaders and
the NTS Section Traffic Managers. The inability to move even
a small volume of message traffic efficiently was obvious.
EMCOMM MONTHLY has concluded that it appears
that no one else is serious about developing and promoting a simple
plan for an effective and comprehensive national emcomm
traffic radio relay plan. So we are going to try. We
believe that the more trained and prepared operators we have stationed
anywhere and everywhere...the better. It makes no difference if
they reside high in the mountains, on the coast, in a rural or urban
setting, or even "live aboard" a maritime mobile.
NOTE: Field response and mutual aid will always be a key
component to the over-all emcomm picture, so watch EM
in the months ahead for announcements regarding a plan to deploy Type
I ARCTS (full service EMCOMM teams) to major incidents. But our
first bold move is to implement the NATIONAL
EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE, or "NETS".
We predict that "NETS" will "catch
on" and become SOP during disasters and other incidents of all
magnitudes.
The NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE utilizes
pre-designated emcomm 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".
This is accomplished by monitoring one (or more) pre-designated
SSB or CW frequencies.
(Active operators will know which bands are most likely to be
"open" depending upon the time of day, season, etc.)
Consider these frequencies listed below as "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 and operating procedures are essential.
PLEASE NOTE
• Although NATIONAL is in the name, stations in other nations
are encouraged to use the NETS plan or its intended purpose.
• Although EMCOMM is in the name, message traffic of any precedence
is appropriate when normal communications are disrupted or overloaded.
• NETS does not keep (nor is limited to) regular schedules and
is not intended to handle routine "make work" messages.
It is not intended to replace the ARRL/NTS which
handles routine traffic (birthday greetings, your license is about to
expire, etc.), on regular schedules. NETS is
intended to supplement the ARRL/NTS by providing a method for
radio amateurs to originate, relay and deliver public service traffic,
at anytime...especially during disasters or other crises.
HOW THE NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE WILL WORK:
CONDITION NORMAL (no major incident in progress):
A station has a precedence welfare (W) message and wants to get it on
its way. It is mid-day (local), so the operator tunes to the
40-meter NETS frequency and listens. He (or she) hears nothing.
He keys his mic and says: "This is K6SOJ in northern
California. I have one welfare message for Arizona.
K6SOJ standing by." (In CW here is how it might sound:
V V V V V V DE K6SOJ K6SOJ BT BT
K6SOJ QTC ONE ARIZONA BT BT K6SOJ QTC ONE ARIZONA
AS K )
"K6SOJ this is WO6P in Surprise, Arizona. How copy?
Over."
"WO6P K6SOJ You are five nine. Are you ready to
copy?"
"K6SOJ W06P Affirmative. Send your traffic.
NOTE: Other emcomm and/or traffic related nets
are encouraged to use the listed frequencies on a routine basic.
This will get operators into the habit of knowing where to tune to get
a message delivered without having to wait for a NTS net.
DURING AN INCIDENT (a widespread disaster has
occurred and a net control is operating on 7232 kHz):
"This is W6SOJ, in Beaver Hollow, Montana, net control for the
NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE. I am standing by for
traffic."
"W6SOJ AF5G in Kingman, Arizona. How copy?
Over."
"You are 5x5 in Montana. What is the precedence and
destination of your traffic? Over."
"I have one welfare for Elk Run, Idaho. Over."
"AF5G stand by."
"AF5G W6SOJ. Welfare traffic is on 7241 kHz.
Contact N7WR. Over."
"ROGER. AF5G moving up. Clear."
There are volumes of books available about proper net
operating and traffic handling procedures. 90%, however, is
common sense, common courtesy, being able to think before you
"key down", and refusing to mimic inept or sloppy operators!
NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (NETS) WATCH • MONITOR •
CALLING • TRAFFIC FREQUENCIES
NOTE: Some of the frequencies listed below may be
on our near other established net frequencies.
As always, and as a matter of operating courtesy, move up
or down a few kHz to avoid QRM when a frequency is in use.
SSB:
• 1982 kHz (May be active 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
• 10109 kHz
•
ALASKA 3540/7042/14050 kHz
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)
∙-∙-∙
SHORT CIRCUITS
• KATRINA
AFTERMATH - NEWS FROM THE FRONT:
From Chris Robinson, KF6NFW via Joe Park, WB6AGR ARRL/OES
Modesto, CA --
R Sep 7 2132PDT: -- "I am in Baton Rouge. will be here for a long
while. am on communications team here. Got to meet some of the ECRV
operators, special thanks to ECRV 4708 today for information, no one else
could get the phone number for the Red Cross in Baton Rouge.
Not as scared or nervous about situation, it is tense but NOTHING like
what you are seeing on TV those are isolated incidents as of this
time. Will be traveling from shelter to shelter establishing
communications between centers. Electric is up in half of state now,
but to expect system failures here and there, same with cell sites. My
solar panel was broke during the shuffle, so have no way other then 110vac
when avail to recharge systems. Water is ok at this time, but
sticking to the bottled stuff. I have met many neat and helpful
people, as well as some of the not so nice ones. Well need to get
out of here, others wishing to follow in my steps and use this machine.
this is the only computer here connected for outside communications.
I am staying at the Our Lady of Mercy church/shelter here, and it is time
to go to bed to. My regards to all back home."
R Sep 16 1202PDT: -- : "I have been all over state. Sickening
sights. Have taken over the communications team at Cajun Dome in
Lafayette, LA, and ECRV management. -- Chris Robinson, KF6NFW
"My son Wayne, KB7OYI, has been helping with
relief efforts for two weeks. He is part of INTEL and is part
of a team that volunteered to setup laptops at Red Cross shelters.
He has a Blog that may be worth checking out." To
view the BLOG browse to: http://www.wirelessfort.net/blog/
-- Wes Allen, K7WWG, Beaverton, OR
If you haven't viewed the Katrina sound/slide show at: http://info.bgordon.org/katrina/katrinadocumentary.wmv it
is worth the seven minutes it takes to play.
It is a fitting and moving tribute to the human spirit! -- (Thanks
to Cas and Debbie Grys, KF6CUE / KG6GCQ of Winnetka, CA)
• GOOD PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION
FOR EVERYONE (PASS IT ON)
• MORE ABOUT WILD LAND FIRE SAFETY
Regarding poison oak and how to
protect yourself in a wildland fire. Don't you DARE wear neoprene,
polyethylene or ANY synthetic fabric in or around fire. Fire retardant
cotton, wool and Nomex are the only approved fabrics. A burn over wearing
these kinds of fabric will harm you far more than getting poison oak on your
skin.
(Via Mark
Hall, KD6ZEK, Littleton, CO - Fairmount F.D., Jefferson County IMT,
Eastern Great Basin IMT, FEMA Communications Specialist)
• ERRATA
Several readers have inquired about who
wrote last month's FEATURE ARTICLE: "The Logistics Officer".
OK. I admit it. It was me. (D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ).
(Sorry, I really didn't intend
to leave my name out.)
Also, a clarification about last month's HOW TO
WRITE TEST (SIMULATED) MESSAGES: Obviously a
simulated (fictitious) message cannot be delivered. Number 3
should have read: ALL actual messages (including
practice messages) should be forwarded and delivered. NO
MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES! (Unless, of course, the handling
instructions say otherwise.) If not, a SERVICE MESSAGE should be originated
with an explanation or request for more information.
• NEW BOOK for "DUMMIES"
"Two-Way Radios and Scanners for Dummies" by Ward Silver, NØAX.
It's not an amateur radio book, but it does cover all of the common
"civilian" radios that are likely to be used for emcomm
along side ham radio. Written partially with the emcomm
organization and volunteer in mind as a companion to "Ham Radio
for Dummies". It is a wide-ranging introduction to handheld
and mobile radios. The radio user has so many choices
available today that a guide is needed to choosing and using them.
Once the purchase is made, there hasn't been a lot of guidance on the
proper way to use radios. Licensing rules and methods are often
a mystery, as well. "Two-Way Radios and Scanners for
Dummies" brings together information from many sources into one
convenient volume that guides the radio user past and over these
obstructions.
The book shows how to get the best performance from radios and
scanners. Separate chapters are devoted to the common
"walkabout" personal handhelds, business radios, Citizen's
Band, Marine HF and VHF boating radios, along with an introduction to
Amateur Radio. For listeners, there is extensive information on
using a scanner or shortwave radio to listen to public safety and
government channels, aircraft, and NASCAR racing teams. A
chapter is devoted to using radios in emergencies, too, a key element
of disaster preparedness.
To help the reader get a radio on the air there are several technical
chapters. You'll find information on how to safely install a
radio at home or in a vehicle. A chapter on batteries explains
the different battery types and how to choose and maintain them.
An introduction to electronics and how radio waves work will whet the
appetite of the reader that wants to know more about what's
"under the hood." You'll learn about connecting your
computer to the radio to create a powerful team and there's even a
chapter to help you troubleshoot when gremlins come visiting.
The book explains the way each type of radio is operated as well as
any formal rules and licensing obligations. If you're not
familiar with getting a license from the Federal Communications
Commission, the book shows you how easy it is to file the necessary
paperwork. In order to help you find information about operating
and where you can find the channels you're interested in, the book
includes numerous Web sites and references. There is an
extensive glossary to help the reader cut through radio jargon. The
book includes a handy "Cheat Sheet" and the famous
"for Dummies" Parts of Ten that offer guidelines and tips to
the radio user.
Retail price $21.99. Available from the ARRL
soon on-line book stores such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
COMMENT:
This may be a good book to recommend to non-hams involved in Red
Cross, SAR, CERT, ACS, Neighborhood Watch , etc. - Editor
∙-∙-∙
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS...
and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
FORT BRAGG REPORT
"I
am in the Army and stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. I have
been interested in EMCOMM for a few years now and have always
searched the Internet for info to improve my skills. Your
site is the best I have seen. You keep it simple,
practical and useful. I am sure that as a result of
Hurricane Katrina we will all be reviewing our practices and
response capabilities to better server our neighbors our
communities, and our nation. Please keep up the good work
and be assured that operators in North Carolina know of your
work and commitment. -- Ophelia did little damage in
our area. Cumberland County opened four shelters
the day prior to the storm. The shelters are in public
schools that have been pre-wired and equipped with VHF
antennas, and have backup generator power. At the
county EOC, where I volunteered to help there are radios
and antennas in place. We can relay voice and packet
between vhf/uhf stations to the state capital in Raleigh
via HF. We enjoy a good relationship with the county and
officials know the value of the service that amateur radio
can provide to the community in good and bad times.
There are about 45 days left in this horrible hurricane season.
-- SFC Gene McPhee, N3XUS, Fort Bragg, NC
SOUTH AFRICA REPORT
"Greetings from Durban. Hope this email finds
you well. Thanks for including my name on the subscription
list for EMCOMM MONTHLY. I
will certainly email you news from this side of the world as
to what is happening. At the moment I have just finished
writing up about 10 new training modules, as I am on the
national training committee, which will be lodged with the
various Disaster Management agencies throughout South
Africa, so that the level of training will be known.
EM has a wealth of information which
we can learn from as far as the training is concerned.
Just some news about myself: A couple of months ago I wrote
the Canadian Emergency Coordinators exam and received my
certificate, which has a place of pride in my shack. So this
is why they have included me in the training team, and to
write the training modules. Well that's all for now. Will send
more news later. - Glenham Duffy, ZS5GD, Assistant
Provincial Director for Hamnet.
COMMENT: We are glad to have you as a subscriber Glenham
and we hope you will correspond from time-to-time. Feel
free to use any of the material in EM if
it will be of any value to your EmComm Teams. We would
appreciate it if you would mention:
"Courtesy of EMCOMM MONTHLY" www.emcomm.org/em/
-- Editor
∙-∙-∙
ABOUT "HOW TO MAKE A Ø
ON YOUR COMPUTER"
Re. September EM: While pressing the
"Alt" key, type in 0216 on the TEN KEY pad. (Do
NOT use Ø in email addresses which must be in ASCII characters
only.)
"The NUM LOCK key has to also be ON for this to
work." -- Hyrum Huskey, KB1KRS, Turners Falls, MA
COMMENT: Thanks Hyrum. On my computer the
NUM LOCK does not have to be down, but apparently it must be on
yours. For those who may be having a problem making an Ø,
try having the NUM LOC engaged. -- Editor
MORE ABOUT GPS SHUTDOWN
"GPS consists of 24 Satellites orbiting the earth
twice a day minus a few minutes each day, and a group of ground
based monitor and control stations. There are two sets
timing signals transmitted by each satellite, Selective
Availability (SA), and P-Code. The P-Code signals are used
by the U.S. Government and may be encrypted, thereby not
available to the general public. The SA codes on the other
hand may be turned off at direction of the government.
President Clinton made it very difficult for the SA signals to
be turned off. But in case of a national emergency, it may
be possible for the signals to be discontinued, but then the
amateur bands would probably be shut down also. The Galaxy
of GPS satellites is configured that a loss of one or more
satellites would not substantially degrade the system.
Only three satellites are required for a 2D position, three are
required for a 3D (Latitude, Longitude, and Altitude) fix.
Some of the inexpensive have up to twelve satellites in view at
times.
So in my opinion, while the GPS galaxy COULD be turned off it is
not likely under normal conditions. And the likelihood of
space debris knocking the system off the air is highly unlikely.
-- Jim Conley, NØOBG, Ballwin, MO
COMMENT: Thanks Jim for providing EM readers
with a "quickie course" on the GPS. I agree that
either circumstance is unlikely. But I think I'll hang on
to my compass, chronometer, sextant, SWBC receiver,
altimeter...and straight key. (Just in case.) -- Editor
∙-∙-∙
THE EM ADVISOR
Q: I
keep seeing the term "DWI". I don't know this one. Please advise
and don't think too poorly of me. I have been monitoring some of the nets,
man have they been busy for not yet being let into ground zero. I will pass
this to our EC and DEC. - George Copeland, W7ZVD
A: DWI stands for "Disaster
Welfare Inquiry". It is used to refer to one type of
"health and welfare" traffic message into a stricken area. In
most major disasters there is typically a two to three day
"moratorium" on incoming DWI's. In a RADIOGRAM it
has a precedence of W. The only dumb question...is the question
that's not asked. Thank you for asking...I'll venture a guess that
there are many others who have been wondering about that
one.
∙-∙-∙
Q:
I've been following EMCOMM for maybe six months now, and I am very
impressed. Keep up the good work. A couple of years
ago somebody, probably FEMA, somehow changed our official
classification to that of "First Responder," whatever that
actually means. Fear not -- I haven't chased an ambulance since
I was an EMT. Still, I wonder where I could find the
documentation for that. Also, do you know just who it was that
was so classified? Was it amateurs in general, or ARES
and/or RACES, etc.? - Dave Wallace, KA6GJN, Turlock, CA
A: EM
does not view amateur radio EMCOMM operators as
"First Responders". Here is what Jerry Boyd, N7WR,
our ICS Advisor says:
"First Responder is one of those
terms that was created to avoid having to itemize police, fire
EMS etc. It also has some $$$$ ramifications in that DHS
restricts grants to 'first responder' organizations. In fact,
very seldom are hams first responders. It usually takes a real
first responder requesting a ham radio response. Under DHS there
is no listing of first responders that includes amateur radio
operators."
∙-∙-∙
Q: I'm a member of the Yolo
County ARES group and we practice message handling each week.
I have a question regarding how to send a message on voice that I have
not been able to find an answer to and I'm hoping you could give me
advice. Say you had a message such as this: "have 1350 people to
evacuate". On voice should it be sent: "have
figures ONE THREE FIVE ZERO people to evacuate"
and would the word count be five? or: "have ONE THREE FIVE ZERO
people to evacuate" (word count eight)? What would be the
proper way to send this message? I would appreciate any advice on
this. -- Greg Kruckewitt, KG6SJT - Davis, CA
A:
Your first example is correct. The five word TEXT:
HAVE 1350 PEOPLE TO EVACUATE properly sent in
voice would be said as:
"Have figures WUN THUH-REE
FIFE ZEE-RO people to I spell TANGO OSCAR (to
distinguish from 'too' or 'two') evacuate" (five
words). PROWORDS (procedural words in voice)
and PROSIGNS (procedural signs in Morse) do not count
in the "check" and are not written down. A message may
originate in voice, be relayed in Morse, switch to digital and back to
voice before it is delivered, but the "check" NEVER
changes between the station of origin and the
delivering station.
Ref: NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) Methods and Practices Guidelines
(MPG) Chapter 2 (2.1.5.1)http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/
ICS
PERSPECTIVES - by
Jerry Boyd N7WR
Hurricane
Katrina, perhaps more than any other incident occurring in this country in
modern times, points out the pressing need for a formal amateur radio
Emcomm mutual aid/mutual assistance system.
The framework is there thanks to the ARCT system developed by
EMCOMM MONTHLY's founder and publisher, K6SOJ.
ARCT typing is in the process of being formally adopted at the
federal level through the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
What is lacking is the formal adoption of ARCT by the ARRL’s ARES®
program that is, by far, the largest potential provider of the
amateur radio emergency communication resource in our country.
Once that step, long overdue in my view, is taken; a formalized
system for requesting ARCT through the ARRL Field Organization needs to be
developed. There were
numerous specialized teams, of all types, which responded to Katrina.
Many of those were volunteer teams in areas of specialization other
than communications. Those
teams were requested and used to a much greater degree than amateur radio
simply because they were formally recognized by the organizations which
represent them and a mechanism for requesting them is in place.
If amateur radio is to continue as a viable emergency response
resource it needs to get its mutual aid act together, and quickly.
∙-∙-∙
NETWORK NEWS
Schedules and updates on regional,
national, and international EMCOMM and TRAFFIC nets.
NETWORK NEWS is not intended to
duplicate other resources such as:
ARRL Net Directory: (ISBN: 0-87259-835-7) #8357 $5.00
ARRL Net Search: www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nets/client/update.html
EMCOMM.ORG NET DIRECTORY PAGE:
www.emcomm.org/netdirectory/
∙-∙-∙
NET-OF-THE-MONTH
The NREN
(National Radio
Emergency Net) in cooperation with the staff of K6KPH*
has begun regular training broadcasts for radio amateurs interested in
becoming involved in CW traffic nets. These
broadcasts will consist of sample radiogram messages with content
ranging from typical routine radiograms to content typical of served
agency and Health and Welfare traffic. Messages will
also contain occasional training topics on net procedure, emergency
communications, and similar topics.
The
weekly training broadcasts will commence Saturday, October 15 at 1300
Pacific Time (2000Z) on 7050
kHz, 14050 kHz, and 21050 kHz (simultaneously
on all three frequencies.)
This is a volunteer program. Unlike W1AW,
which has paid staff, K6KPH is a volunteer
organization. Therefore, there may be rare Saturdays
on which this will not occur. However, we have an
alternate plan to originate broadcasts from a lower profile facility in
the event that K6KPH is unavailable for an occasional weekend.
Shortly
after each training broadcast, the original text will be distributed
via the QMN/NREN e-mail list so that registered QMN
and NREN members may check their copy against the originals.
NREN is also conducting training nets every Monday at
2100 Eastern
Frequencies:
1st Monday:
3663 kHz - Simple check-in / check-out at low
speed with only one or two training messages transmitted.
For inexperienced CW traffic handlers.
2nd Monday: 7050 KHz - Full
Net session at moderate speed. NCS will slow down
for individual operators operating at lower speeds.
3rd Monday: 10115 KHz - Simple
check-in / check-out at low speed. Same approach
as First Monday Session
4th Monday: 14050 KHz - Full
Net session at moderate speed.
NCS for these nets will likely vary to provide training
opportunities throughout the US and Canada. If
you are an experienced CW traffic handler and are willing to
serve as NCS once per month, contact Jim Wades, WB8SIW at:
wb8siw@charter.net.
A part of the NREN program is to promote participation in local
Section NTS CW traffic nets. Please refer to the
ARRL Net Directory and other sources to locate a CW Net in your
area. Now is a good time to begin monitoring
local net activities to learn more about basic net procedures.
If you are unable to locate the time and frequency of a local
CW traffic net, please contact the QMN/NREN General Manager for a
referral.
Those
wishing to become a member of NREN and participate in our programs
are encouraged to send an e-mail to the NREN General Manager.
Simply state “join NREN” in the
subject line. These e-mails should be sent
to: wb8siw@charter.net
*
K6KPH is located at the (former) KPH Maritime Radio
facility operated by RCA at Point Reyes, California. KPH is a
true "powerhouse" station and provided reliable
communications for merchant vessels operating throughout the Pacific
and Far East. Use of the KPH super antenna and ground system
will likely serve well for the CW traffic training nets.
Here are a couple of links with more information about KPH:
www.geektimes.com/michael/tech/ham-radio/k6kph.html and www.rogerwendell.com/maritime.html
∙-∙-∙
RADIO WATCH • MONITOR • GUARD •
CALLING • EMCOMM TRAFFIC FREQUENCIES
• REGIONAL SSB 7232 kHz DAYTIME / 3987 kHz NIGHTTIME
• REGIONAL CW 7111 kHz DAYTIME /
3711 kHz NIGHTTIME
• ALASKA WATCH - 3540 / 7042 kHz / 14.050 MHz
• NEVADA ARES® MONITOR/CALLING SSB: 3965 ± kHz SSB
• NATIONAL RADIO EMERGENCY NETWORK: 7068 / 10122 / 14050 kHz •
• WEST COAST NET (WCN) Slow Speed Traffic/Training Daily 1900
Pacific 3702 kHz
• NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AMATEUR
STATION: http://www.fiu.edu/orgs/w4ehw/
• HURRICANE FREQUENCY LISTINGS: http://www.qsl.net/g3yrc/hurricane.htm
• 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."
∙-∙-∙
EMCOMM TRAFFIC
“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)
=========================================================================
RETRO REVIEW - “EMCOMM viewed through the
Retrospect-O-Scope”
From September 2004: - “The Doctrine
of Self-Containment”
During the recent fires in Northern California some old, but not
recently identified, needs became evident. The necessity to
provide lodging or a safe parking place for mutual assistance
EMCOMM operators who have responded from many
miles away.
Sometimes it is possible for visiting volunteers to sleep in a Red
Cross Shelter. But even if they choose to endure
that (I need peace and quiet), what happens when the shelters
are closed? Some operator’s prefer to “get
a room”. But that may be too expensive for many
of us....and rooms may not be available.
I've been on disaster operations where there were NO motel rooms
available. At one flood disaster I was on,
we could not even find rooms for the victims!
Of the two motels in town, one was open...but the state highway department
had reserved ALL rooms for their workers. The other motel had been
flooded...but was habitable!
The displaced victims didn't mind that the carpet was
wet...but the county building and health officials said NO.
Not habitable!" So the flood victims
suffered, sleeping on wet beds in freezing weather, in their own damaged
homes without heat! (I could say
more...but that is another story.)
For the emergency volunteer, it is wise to travel 100%
“self-contained”. In other words, don't expect
ANY amenities to be provided or available.
As far as lodging is concerned, this translates into bring your own
camper, RV, trailer, or whatever. Even
if your mode of transportation is a motorcycle, you can pack a pup-tent.
I know
a person who sleeps in his VW “bug” by removing
the front passenger and rear seat. Roomy!
Ham Hostels?
Have you ever heard someone say, “I work full
time, or I am not physically able, and can’t respond to an incident.
Is their some other way I can help?”
YES...there is!
Maybe you have a spare room, a cot in your garage, a camp trailer, or a
space in your driveway or in your back
yard for a RV or provide a safe place to pitch a tent. Why not
consider being a “host” to an EmComm operator or
two that is far from home. You might even provide a meal or two.
I suggest that EmComm leaders make and maintain a list of “Ham
Hostels” in their area. (If you have a
designated Logistics Coordinator...this is part of their job!)
A database (a stack of 3x5 index cards will suffice) should list the
host/contact person(s), and how many guests
they can “host”. Also, list whether it’s a spare
room or just free parking or camping space. What better way to
help...and get to know some other EmComm Operators!
Why not get started on this....NOW? - EM
NOTE: EM would
like to hear from any EMCOMM operators who were deployed during Hurricane
Katrina and were "hosted" by hams (or others) in the stricken
area.
=========================================================================
QSH -- (I HAVE
HUMOR FOR YOUR STATION)
EM’s Quiz,
Survey, and [attempt at] Humor Section...
Not much to joke about this month.
But here is some "food for thought":
Accuracy...
Trumps Speed.
∙-∙-∙
EMCOMM STATION and
OPERATOR NEWS
Arizona: AF5G Kingman
has been active on the "NETS" 30-meter watch/guard
frequency. Try 10.109 MHz around 1300± MST/PDT.
You may also hear K6SOJ. Break in by
sending your "hail sign". (The first letter of
your call suffix.)
California: WA8SME has moved
"home" to Mono County from Newington, CT.
Mark is still heading up (by remote control) the ARRL's
Education and Technology Program. He has already been
heard on regional EMCOMM nets. W6PAJ Kern
County ARES® AEC (also RACES and CERT) is now going for Red
Cross First Aid Certification. WB6FZH has
been busy developing some new ARES® websites. See
a sample of his work at: http://www.northstate.org/stares/
Oregon: N7WR (who
is also Baker County 9-1-1 Center Director) reports that the
newly renovated state-of-the-art dispatch center is now complete and
was an integral part of the recent ARES® S-E-T scenario.
TO OUR READERS: Send in brief items or
tidbits about an improvement to your station, a recent activity, or
some other accomplishment.
Be sure to say that it is for: "EMCOMM
STATION and OPERATOR NEWS"
∙-∙-∙
"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
THE PSYCHOLOGY
OF DISASTER - APPLIED
An EM advanced studies training
module -- by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, R.N. (retired)*
In "the Seventies" it was
my privilege to participate in the training of
literally hundreds of American Red Cross DHS
(Disaster Health Services) Nurses. One of the
components of the DHS course was: "The Psychology
of Disaster". The information presented below
is useful to disaster workers from any discipline and
will help them to be better prepared for when "the
next big one goes down."
DISASTERS may be divided into four
chronological phases:
1. The Pre-disaster Phase
2. The Imminent Threat Phase
3. The Disaster Phase
4. The Recovery Phase
PEOPLE pass through
several stages. Each
individual moves through these stages at a varying rate.
Some may bypass one or more stages. Each
stage demonstrates specific behavior(s) and roughly
follow the chronological "phases". In an
attempt to prepare EmComm volunteers as to what
they may expect in an actual disaster situation
EM will explore this subject here and in
the next issue. These emotional reactions and
behavioral stages do not discriminate. Victims,
disaster workers of all disciplines, planners and even
managers are all vulnerable. The only known
prophylaxis is being an experienced and
"seasoned" responder.
In this issue we will study the first
two phases.
1. The "Pre-Disaster Phase" is
often characterized by the stage called "The
Delusion of Personal Invulnerability".
2. The "Imminent Threat Phase" - which is
characterized by the stage of denial and (believe
it our not) sometimes euphoria.
In the Pre-Disaster Phase delusion
and denial are common. They may
be (and often are) collective and contagious. In
my forty years of emergency and disaster work, it has
been common to see these (potentially
catastrophic) behaviors displayed by local, state,
and federal agency officials. These are known
as the "It won't happen to me" and/or
the "It won't happen here" syndrome.
Once an Imminent Threat appears or
an actual incident occurs, the next psychological phase is
frequently denial and/or disbelief.
The less experience an emergency worker (or leader)
has...the higher the probability is that they will be
affected. They may become immobilized, unable
to think rationally, and may even border on
catatonic. Classic literature reinforces this
phenomena. When Emperor
Nero fiddled while Rome was burning (A.D. 64), it
was reported that his last words were: "What
an artist the world is losing in me!"
I have seen emergency managers close an EOC on a
Friday afternoon while floodwaters were still rising. Another
example of "The Peter Principle"**
from which no organization is immune!
Although true panic is fairly rare, some individuals will
display an excited condition and innapropriate hyper-activity.
Both of these reactions are counter-productive.
They are often contagious and any unseasoned person
is at risk, regardless of his or her profession or level
of authority. In the E.R. we used to have a
saying: "When in trouble, when in doubt...run in
circles, scream and shout!" I have seen
entire trays of instruments dropped and people
running into each other when under pressure.
A state of euphoria often exists.
This is the way some people cope when faced with eminent
danger. A good example is the long tradition of
"hurricane parties." Another classic
example I witnessed was when I lived in southern
California. I recall watching groups of people on
hilltops on fire service roads, watching a wild
fire driven by hot Santa Ana winds burning homes just
across an arroyo while enjoying a few cases of beer.
While "official" agencies were spinning their
wheels in the first few days following Katrina, NGOs and
private individuals mobilized and got to work.
One such example is the ballet school operator from
Georgia who got so frustrated watching "the
authorities" hold press conference after press
conference that she went into action without
any "authorization". She recruited local
doctors and nurses, rented a large van, stocked up on
medical supplies, and headed into the stricken area.
Then proceeded to provide the only medical care to a
community in Mississippi. Or, how about the woman
physician from Kansas, who loaded up her station wagon
and set up shop in one of the worst hit areas in
Louisiana? Although EMCOMM is a low priority in
the thinking of most emergency planners, it is the
"nerve system" in any disaster. IMHO it
should rank as high as emergency medical care.
What good is emergency medical care if those in need
cannot communicate their need?
If you plan to wait until your unit is
"activated" by some official...you may have a long
wait! The important thing, whether your team is deployed
or not, is to be prepared. Not only with
self-contained, highly portable equipment, but more
importantly equipped with knowledge and experience.
(If there is any doubt as to what I am talking about
here, let me be very clear. I am talking about
knowing how to originate, relay and deliver a RADIOGRAM.
Don't wait around for the nightly NTS net to do it
for you! Even if NTS nets are operating, how
do you plan to get the message into the system?
(See: NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE
above.) If "9/11" was a wake up call to
America, the Katrina was a Klaxon
alarm! But within a few months most Americans will
hit the "snooze-button" and go back to
their self-centered lives.
Hurricane Katrina is arguably the worst natural
catastrophe to ever hit the United States.
It is also the most classic textbook illustration of The
Delusion of Personal Invulnerability since the
decade prior to World War II. While the
hurricane itself could not be avoided, the lack of
preparedness could have been prevented. It would
be less than honest to say "we never saw this
coming". Over the past few decades study
after study had forecast that the City of New Orleans was
"a sitting duck"...just waiting to be
destroyed. All experts agree that it wasn't a
question of "if", it was only a question of
"when". Sadly, that question has now
been answered!
To say that a disaster of this magnitude is
overwhelming would be a gross under statement.
There will (of course) be all the usual finger-pointing
and denial after denial as to "who is to
blame". Much of this will be unfair
criticism. There is also enough justifiable
blame to go around. Hopefully it will be directed appropriately
and fairly.
The storm and flood victims are also victims of
"The (so called) Great Society". For the
past forty years the delusion that: "The
government will protect and come and save us," has
dominated the thinking of many Americans and local and
state government politicians, appointees and
bureaucrats. I predict that Katrina will do
little to change this mindset that is so embedded in
many. I hope I am wrong.
In "the Fifties and Sixties" the nation's
focus for disaster preparedness was personal
responsibility. Now it's: "When
will the government get here to help me?"
Those of us who have been around this old world for
awhile remember all the booklets, courses, even TV
programs on self-reliance. I suggest that a class
in disaster preparedness should be a requirement for a
high school diploma. The International Morse Code
should also be a requirement for a high school diploma.
If for no other reason than it teaches spelling very
effectively. Sorry if that offends you.
About amateur radio emergency
communications. (This may not
"sit well" with some. Read on if your
dare...and care!):
I begin by commending all of the operators, who not
only in the affected areas (many of whom were victims of
the devastation); but those others in the adjoining and other states
who have been (and still are) providing valuable support
and leadership during both Katrina and Rita.
Over and over...we have all heard on
the national media that "lack of
communications" was a major problem.
Commercial power, telephone (including most cell
phones), Internet, email, public service (include
amateur repeaters, digipeaters, packet BBS) and
commercial radio facilities were wiped out. In
locations where the "infrastructure" remained
intact, most telephone instruments, computers and radio
gear were damaged or destroyed.
The real scandal is that only 5%
or so of the licensed amateurs within the U.S. profess an
interest in EMCOMM were trained, equipped, prepared and
disciplined operators, a mutual assistance/aid plan
at the regional or national level is non-existent.
Good leadership within amateur radio EMCOMM exists
in some places, but is sorely lacking in many states.
Some so-called leaders are openly incompetent...and
there is NO demand or requirement for them to be
accountable for effective results. I know of
places where ECs and DECs and even SECs are not only
unqualified for the job, they are allowed to stay
"in power" for decades! Worse yet,
at high levels, and even though (according to FCC Part
97.1) "service to the public" is the
primary reason we all enjoy our amateur radio
privileges, emcomm is not a priority;
but hamfests, DXing, contests, clubs, coffee breaks,
(which are all fun), are given top billing.
What percentage of the members on
your team can originate or relay a RADIOGRAM accurately?
How many can actually communicate in Morse at 5 wpm or
higher? How many could set up a self-powered field VHF
or all-mode HF station within a few hours? Does
your unit have (or have access to) a self-contained
portable VHF repeater complete with a plan to deploy it?
Does each member maintain a grab-'n-go kit?
(This applies to field operators only.) I have
ALWAYS said that "half of EmComm work is
done from home." And I have always encouraged
"handi-capable" [handicapped] and others who may
be best utilized at their home station to
remain active and involved. These also should be
prepared with emergency power and other survival gear
and supplies. Has your local unit or section
adopted and implement the ARCT resource typing system?
I did a lot of listening to HF nets
during Katrina. I even handled one piece of
WELFARE (W) traffic myself. Some of the nets were
fairly well run. Others were excellent
examples of how NOT to do it! I NEVER ONCE
heard a net control operator (when a station checked
in "with traffic" say: "What is the precedence and
destination of your traffic?"
I NEVER ONCE heard an NCS direct stations with traffic
"up" (or down) in frequency. Very
lengthy traffic then was typically handled on the
primary net (command and control) frequency. What
if another station had EMERGENCY or priority traffic
while some untrained operator labored to pass a
message?
I was upset and angry as I heard messages
twisted, distorted, and repeated over-and-over as
operators attempted to relay traffic. Do we want
to be known as: "the proud, the unskilled, the
inefficient!" We must all ask
ourselves: Are we really serious about emergency
and public service communications? Or, are we
content to be simple hobby operators?
Actually many DXers and contesters are better operators
than some EmComm operators are. (I just wish we
could get more of them fired up about EMCOMM!)
I heard one net control operator
repeatedly call for stations with traffic and say:
"only one at a time please!"
How are calling stations supposed to know when to
transmit? With all due respect to the legendary
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello: "Who's on
First?" Another NCO I heard ended
every single transmission with "ROGER, ROGER".
(I guess he was broadcasting to everyone that at least
he understood what he had just said!) I
heard countless operators struggling with QRM and QRN
and attempting to work local and regional stations on 20
meters! Instead of moving the net(s) to 40
or 75/80 OR SIXTY METERS, they attempted to pass
"traffic" using "pet phonetics".
Sorry, if you can't or won't use ITU
PHONETICS, don't use any. Use Morse instead.
NEXT MONTH: The Disaster
Phase and The Recovery Phase
* The author spent four years in a psychiatric
hospital. Not as a patient, but as a
supervising nurse. But he often quips that
the only way you can tell the staff from the
patients is that the staff wear name badges.)
REMEMBER: This
fine tradition of the amateur radio service:
“IMPROVISE...ADAPT...OVERCOME!"
====================================================================================================
EMCOMM
SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
COMING SOON - A NEW EMCOMM SPECIALTY
PRODUCT!
=========================================================================================
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
• Joshua Elson, KD5ZBD, Euless, TX
- ARES®, RACES
• Bill Marshall, KB3JSN, Erie PA - ARES®
AEC and SKYWARN PIO for Erie County, RACES.
• Steve Marks, KE4FCW, Greensboro, NC - OEM, SKYWARN,
ARES®
• Bill Noyce, AB1AV, Hollis, NH - ARES®
• David DeVos, KF8QL, Grand Rapids, MI
• Raymond "Ray" G. Crepeau, K1HG,
Clermont, FL - ARES®,
RACES
• Sean Carroll, KD7MSC, Clackamas,
OR - AF MARS
• Justin Kates, KB3JUV, Lewes, DE - ARES®, RACES,
MARS, SKYWARN
• Gene McPhee, N3XUS, Fort Bragg, NC - ARES®, RACES,
ARMY MARS
• Jerry Palmer, N3KRX, Houston, DE - ARES®, Kent
County DEC
• Chris Jewell, KG6YLS, Gualala, CA - ARES®
• Jan Jewell, KI6ORO, Gualala, CA - ARES®
• Philip Haag, KF6GAC, Mountain View, CA - ARES®,
RACES, CERT
• David Felmlee, N3POU, Shippensburg, PA
• John Benza, W6JJB, Palo Alto, CA
• Dave Edenfield, W8RIT, Cottrellville Twp., MI -
ARES®
• William Kuechler, N9ACQ, Memphis, TN - ARES®, CAP
• Barbara Abrams, KE4BUU, Memphis, TN - ARES® EC,
CUSEC-ARES® Liaison (Central United States Earthquake
Consortium)
• David Harnish, AD6ME, Hayward, CA - Alameda County
RACES, ARES® EB SEC
• Bobby Tyree, KG4KGX, Milton, FL - ARES®
• Barry Sandefer, W4WYD, Paris, TN - ARES®,
RACES
• Jay Peskin, KE7EGO, Henderson, NV - ARES®, RACES
• Steven Wooten, KCØQMU, Maryland Heights, MO - St.
Louis County ARES® EC
• Paul McClendon, K5PMC, Santa Fe, NM - ARES®,
RACES Santa Fe and Los Alamos Counties
• Charles P. Rogers, KJ5KU, Los Alamos, NM - ARES®.
RACES
• Jim Boswell, KA5SIW, Los Alamos, NM
• Edward Thomas, KJ6HB, Oroville, CA - RACES
• Jeffrey Forseth, KCØTYF, Eden Prairie, MN - City of
Eden Prairie CERT, Dakota and Carver County ARES®,
SKYWARN, RACES
• John Smith, K7HLT, Provo, UT - LDS ERC
• Larry Carr, KE6AGJ, Los Altos, CA - ARES® SEC (SCV),
RACES CRO Santa Clara County
• Steve Reuter, WL7ATE, Grass Valley, CA - ARES®
• John Wallack, W6TLK, Santa Rosa,
CA - ARES®, RACES
• Catherine French, KE5CEJ, Los Alamos, NM - ARES®
• Craig LaBarge, WB3GCK, Phoenixville, PA - ARES®,
RACES, SKYWARN
RECENT
CONTRIBUTORS - Thank
you for your
support!
(The individuals listed below have
made recent donations to help EMCOMM
MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG
survive.)
• Philip Haag, KF6GAC, Mountain View, CA
• John Wallack, W6TLK, Santa Rosa, CA
SOS
- SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
When contacting these fine vendors... tell
them EMCOMM MONTHLY sent you!
Books, etc.
Jack (AC6FU) and Margaret (KE7AWA)
Ruckman, Owners
www.hamradiobooks.com
ac6fu@arrl.net
(775) 577-2639
P.O. Box 309
Silver Springs, NV 89429
(Amateur Radio Books, ARRL patches, decals and other
supplies)
DC POWER, LLC
www.dcpwr.com
Wes (K7WWG) and Debbi Allen
(503) 531 4081
665 SW 167th Ave.
Beaverton, OR 97006
(Anderson Power Pole®
Connectors and Accessories)
EmComm-Products
LLC
Robin (N7GSU) and Kathy
(KD7OTY) Faulkner
http://www.emcomm-products.com/index.htm
(775) 521-6153
(775) 307-7101 (Fax)
PO Box 383
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• AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION MANUAL Chapter 6 -
GROUND-TO-AIR EMERGENCY CODE and GROUND-TO-AIR
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