EMCOMM Monthly - June 2006

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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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VOL. 3 -- No. 1 ONLINE: www.emcomm.org/em/ June 2006
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ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The EM PHILOSOPHY

SHORT CIRCUITS - Brief items

FEEDBACK, MUSINGS... and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
The EM ADVISOR - "Q and A"

WRRL WINDS - WRRL Member News
ICS PERSPECTIVES - "Best of ICS PERSPECTIVES"
NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
TRAFFIC HANDLING - "Third Party Traffic on the MTA"
WRRL WORKSHOP - SAFETY MUST COME FIRST!
RETRO REVIEW
QSH - WRRL HEADQUARTERS
SHOW US YOUR SHACK - Updated
FEATURE ARTICLE - "The Chronicles of Nocandoo" Episode II
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION

The EM PHILOSOPHY

"We are ready. Our communication system is in place" - David Paulison, FEMA Director on the NBC TODAY SHOW, June 1, 2006. While this is reassuring, Director Paulison did not say if the "our" he mentioned was in reference to FEMA's own internal communication system; or if it includes emcomm for local and state agencies, NGOs, and the general public.

EM receives a significant number of letters each month asking for advice or suggestions about "how to deal with 'clients' that feel that Amateur Radio is not needed". Or, "how to approach 'the top guns' within agencies and 'how to talk to them'". Others ask about "how to get agencies to provide an amateur station or some radio gear or just some operating space." Others ask for "tips and instructions as to how their group can obtain government funding and/or private grants".

Sorry, but we don't have any sure-fire "how to" tips to offer on this subject. And we don't waste any time or energy pursuing any of this. We prefer, rather, to focus on getting ourselves prepared for emcomm duty. Anyway, does the postal service worry about if anyone needs them (or likes them)? While the U.S.P.S. has an ongoing public relations and educational program, we expect them to be ready and accessible when we need their services. And when all is said and done...the best "PR" comes when they provide efficient and dependable service in a timely manner. Very few agencies or private organizations have an in house post office. (Larger military bases, some major universities and some large corporations do.) Rather, most have their mail picked up by a courier or take it down the street to a local post office or drop box...just like the rest of us do.

And while some say that the postal service is obsolete and should be disbanded....we do not. Some believe that email is now capable of handling all messages. (Including QSL cards...urrgh! But that is for some other publication to debate!) Some say that UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc. can deliver our parcels. These persons are entitled to their opinion; but we guarantee, that when the Internet and/or landline telephone service ever breaks down...there will be a stampede at post offices. And the available supply of EXPRESS and PRIORITY envelopes and stickers will soon be exhausted!

But rest assured...every time the infrastructure fails (as it did in the Gulf States in August of 2005) amateur radio emcomm stations will be very needed and people will demand to know: "Where are those hams?"

EM and WRRL is not about how many agencies or institutions can be persuaded to allow amateur stations inside their sacred halls. Of course, if some do invite us in and provide some space...that is nice. But none of that is a necessity for skilled radio operators to provide emergency communications.

But assume that every hospital, government office, school, blood bank, fire station, etc. had a fully equipped amateur station. Does anyone actually believe that there would be enough skilled emcomm operators during a disaster to staff all of them for even one day? How about around the clock for several days? Or weeks?

Now assume that there were enough qualified operators. Are the "agency stations" located in places that are accessible to the general public? In case you've never noticed, FCC Part 97.1 says the primary reason for the amateur service is service to the public! And so far, we haven't found any mention of served agencies in Part 97. Like the postal service, our mission is to serve anyone who has a message to send when the normal means of communication are shut down or otherwise not available.

We are appalled at the callousness and indifference of some elected and appointed officials towards the communications needs of the general public. There seems to be an attitude that if we (government) can't or won't provide a service...it isn't needed. And, "If we (government agencies) don't need to send a message via amateur radio...then neither does anyone else." This includes all the people who were stranded in New Orleans or Mississippi or elsewhere.) And if we don't activate you, and say that you may handle message traffic, then, you must not do so!

Question: If the media is free to move around in a disaster zone...why shouldn't ARCTs be allowed to set up emcomm stations at strategic locations* and provide service to victims who have no other means to communicate? Of course every ARCT member must be properly trained in message handling, and be skilled, properly equipped, screened, supervised, registered...and identified while in a disaster zone.

If amateur radio emcomm operators and/or stations are not permitted inside a disaster zone or an EOC, we can still provide a vital service. Prepare your teams to be ready to set up ARCT stations outside a disaster zone perimeter or outside an EOC or other publicly or privately owned facilities. When persons with no means to send a message realize that "that station just outside the gate has contact with the rest of the country", they will bring the written messages out to you. And who knows, once a team has proven its ability to handle message traffic, the officials might even invite you in! And if there is no need for an agency...be prepared to handle long lines of persons wanting to send a message. (And, to everyone's advantage, the Red Cross or Salvation Army might set up a canteen near an emcomm station.)

All that's really needed is effective communication networks that are composed of skilled amateur radio operators (ARCTs) positioned at strategic locations that are accessible to anyone. ARCT operators using self-powered radio gear that they are familiar with (they bring their own), and using radio frequencies in the appropriate mode; and that are capable of accepting, relaying and delivering third party message traffic. It makes no difference who is originating the message whether it is a government agency, another non-government organization (NGO), or a member of the general public. It may be a short TACTICAL message (which still should always be logged and recorded), or a RADIOGRAM of any precedence.

What is our primary concern? It is this: "Are we prepared and available to handle message traffic effectively and efficiently no matter where we are stationed?"

You may be in your car in a parking lot outside a hospital with a 2M mobile transceiver (a TYPE IV ARCT) , a good antenna, a clipboard, plenty of pen and paper, a clock or watch--and you know how to handle message traffic. Messages may be brought out to your car where you accept them and then relay them into a larger net.

Not enough operators to staff multiple stations? Have you or your emcomm leaders ever thought about setting up courier routes? Have you ever considered contacting bicycle clubs, motorcycle clubs, equestrian or boating groups (in advance); and asking them if they might be interested in training with you as couriers?

One courier following a one-hour circuit, could make several stops at specific locations to pick up written message traffic. Better yet, teach them to be counter persons that know how to properly format a RADIOGRAM. Even better--get them interested in becoming amateur radio operators! If they all have (at least) 2M capability they could be the originating station for an EMERGENCY or PRIORITY message.

EM (and WRRL) are proactive! We are not about grants and money. We are not about the latest high-tech, expensive, sophisticated gear. WE bring our own stuff--stuff that we know works! We are more about operators. Operators who know how to: "improvise, adapt, and overcome"!

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* Wal-Mart is a community oriented company. They allow free overnight RV parking at many locations. In 1994 KC6HOY (now K6SOJ) set up a field day station in a Wal-Mart parking lot. (It made the cover of the November 1994 QST.) Have you every thought of contacting your local Wal-Mart manager and asking if they would mind providing space for an emcomm station...accessible to the public in time of emergency? This could even catch on nationwide and folks would automatically know that they could go to their local Wal-Mart and find a way to get a message out via amateur radio! Does any of our readers have an "in" with any Wal-Mart corporate officials?
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SHORT CIRCUITS

• HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS TODAY
Gulf States (Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama) Net Managers and other emcomm leaders have designated radio watch/traffic frequencies of:

7111 kHz 1100Z-2300Z and 3711 kHz 2300Z-1100Z (Times are approximate depending on band conditions and changes in local sunrise/sunset.)

The primary purpose of these guard frequencies is service to the public. Jim Leist, KB5W, Chairman Central Area NTS says: "I'm 100% behind the efforts of the WRRL and EMCOMM MONTHLY to resurrect what used to be an effective tool. The function of a "calling" or "guard" frequency is to establish contact between two stations. Then move to another frequency to handle any lengthy traffic."

If your home station isn’t located in the southeastern US or the Caribbean you may still be of service. Band conditions may be such that a relay station outside of the normal service area of these nets occasionally may be of great benefit. As with all emergency nets: DO a lot of listening but DO NOT check in unless called, or your help is needed, or you have traffic.
NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER AMATEUR STATION: http://www.fiu.edu/orgs/w4ehw/
HURRICANE FREQUENCY LISTINGS: http://www.qsl.net/g3yrc/hurricane.htm

• INDONESIAN EARTHQUAKE
Death toll above 5,800. More than 8,000 injured. Nearly 200,000 people displaced. How many more catastrophes such as this will it take for amateur radio operators who are not active in emcomm to wake up and realize that public service is the number one listed purpose for the amateur service?. How many more disasters will it take for those who are emcomm operators to realize that teams (ARCTs) of trained and prepared operators are the most efficient way to deliver amateur emcomm service? And how long must we wait for other major amateur radio associations and government officials, at all levels, to see the value in a emergency communication service that is independent of the normal (infrastructure) means of communication?

Before the Bay of Bengal Tsunami, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, and the Pakistani Earthquake, (ref. December 2004, January, February and March 2005 www.emcomm.org/em ) EM presented some ideas for International Emcomm Response Teams. In January of 2006, we announced a registry of TYPE I ARCTS www.wrrl.org/arct_program . Our vision and dream is still to have many dozens of emergency communication teams (TYPE I ARCTS); ready, capable, and willing, to be deployed either within their home area or elsewhere...including international disasters. There is no other radio communications service capable of providing the versatility that radio amateurs can do! What are you doing to help implement the emcomm team approach in your state or region? Do YOU have what it takes to organize a TYPE I ARCT in you state or region? Or...are YOU willing to begin to "get what it takes" to organize or join a TYPE I ARCT? There is now one fully registered TYPE I ARCT in the U.S. Other T-1 ARCTS are in the formative stages. Who will be the second to be officially registered? Who will be first in your FEMA Region?

• FIELD DAY 2006 - June 24-25
Although the ARRL Field Day is viewed by most hams as a contest and/or social event, it was originally intended to promote emergency preparedness in the field. The "skyrocketing" cost of fuel is putting a crimp in travel for many of us, so why not consider smaller groups (1-2 operators) in more locations? You might miss a "world class potluck dinner"...but it will get you thinking more about self-reliance and field emcomm station operations (ARCT TYPE 3 or 4). Pack up your emcomm gear, throw some MREs in your kit bag, and make a short trip to your local park, campground, or some hilltop.

(NOTE: All FIELD DAY participants would be well advised to read THE WORKSHOP below).

• TRAFFIC HANDLERS CHALLENGE NEWS

For the next 5-6 weeks Frank Thrash, W4DLZ, (New Orleans) will be scoring the THC while Ed Trump, AL7N (Fairbanks) takes a well-deserved vacation. Bill Frazier, W7ARC - Associate Editor and Webmaster reports: "I just posted THC score #379. This is since we began four years ago and we have had 167 operators take the THC in the first 5 months of 2006! At that rate, we will have 400+ persons take the quiz this year! (That's four times the number who took the quiz the first three years!) Considering how many operators are saying that there is no longer a need for learning the universal RADIOGRAM format and want to convert radio traffic to email and other infrastructure dependent systems, let's hope that we can convince all EmComm operators of the necessity of knowing how to handle message traffic independent of the infrastructure."

COMMENT: "Right On" Bill. Unfortunately, what many seem to forget is that emcomm is about communications when all of that other stuff breaks!

∙ NOW BACK IN STOCK! RADIOGRAM MESSAGE TRAFFIC HANDLING DVD

"The RADIOGRAM training is great. But in addition, you should sell the DVDs as an example of how to teach!" - Dale Brown, KF6DBM, MWD Los Angeles

The third production run of our RADIOGRAM training video has been completed and we have a new supply in stock, and the DVD's are now shipped in a "upgraded" case! The DVD features D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, as the instructor. The session was taped live at the U.S.F.S. facility at Redding, CA on October 29, 2005 by Paul Peterson (K6PTT). As you watch it, you'll feel like you are actually in the classroom. DW begins with a review of the history of communications beyond the horizon, followed by a thorough explanation of the "whys and wherefores" of basic message handling. Essential information for all emcomm operators is presented in a palatable way. The video includes a brief overview of the ICS. Thanks to Robert Jackson (KB6YTD) of Weaverville, CA, the audio and video quality is good. Disclaimer: This is not your usual scripted, studio, well-rehearsed, and edited training video--it is raw and unedited and it includes flub-ups, bloopers, jokes, as well as unsolicited comments! There are a few "glitches" that could not be remedied; however, it is not necessary to adjust your player or TV when you encounter them, but rather just let the video run. Not rated. 155 minutes. $10.00 (includes postage and shipping) - $15.00 for two DVDs to same address. The DVD is copyrighted. Contact us for permission to copy for non-commercial use only. Send check payable to: EMCOMM, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058

TAKE THE TRAFFIC CHALLENGE. ASSESS YOUR TRAFFIC HANDLING SKILLS AT: www.emcomm.org/thc/index.html
SEE HOW OTHERS HAVE DONE...SEE HOW MUCH THEY HAVE IMPROVED AT: www.emcomm.org/thc/scoreboard.htm
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FEEDBACK, MUSINGS... and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS

FROM A NEW SUBSCRIBER

Received the newsletter and thanks! I've been "around the block" a few times and am very aware of the needs and shortcomings in today's emergency responders. (Four hurricanes in my present location including Katrina.) One personal observation: the first three weeks of amateur radio activity in the three coastal counties of MS (I live there) would have made a soup sandwich look like the epitome of neatness and order. Lack of training and inability to accurately relay information were but a few of the causative factors. I've been a traffic handler/ARES® member for a number of years and would suggest some emphasis on Net Control Station training. Presence of mind, ability to control the frequency, keep accurate logs, be very organized, etc. There are many subtle qualities that a good NCS has to have to be a good one. I spent 21 years in the Marine Corps - three of them as a radio operator in Vietnam - and know just how quickly things can go to hell in a hand basket if NCS isn't up to the job. I'd be interested to hear what others have to say about this. There just isn't a "one-size-fits-all" in any situation but I'm sure a set of guidelines could be set forth so that each ARCT would have at least one proven NCS. - Jim Leist, KB5W, Gautier, MS

COMMENT: Well stated Jim! A good net control operator must have the ability to think and juggle several balls at the same time. There are many who are reluctant to "jump in" and gain some experience as net control operators (possibly for fear of making a mistake or being criticized); but who would develop their skills and become excellent NC operators. "Experienta Docet" (Experience is the best teacher). Of course there are a few who think they are hot-shot net controllers but are only "legends in their own mind". Your idea of an article on Net Control Station training is a good one...but would be difficult to write since there are so many types of nets. We would probably focus solely on emergency communication nets. (Oh yes...well written guest submissions are always welcome!) - Editor
NOTE: A feature article "WHAT IS A NETWORK?" is being developed for the July issue of EM.

FROM AFGHANISTAN
I am subscribed to EMCOMM MONTHLY. I have been with the Oregon Army National Guard for over a year, served in New Orleans, and now I am being deployed to Afghanistan. Please note my new email address. You publish a great newsletter and I look forward to it every month. -- Devin Eskridge, KD7WWP

COMMENT: Thanks Devin. Please keep in touch (when possible) and let us know when you return home. Godspeed. - Editor

WTTL?
Re. "THE LOWLY TYPEWRITER" - (Ref. TRAFFIC May 2006 EM):
"Thought you might find this page useful. One site I found in Oregon had many used portable manual typewriters for $75. They had ribbons, also.
http://staff.xu.edu/~polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html - Paul Thutt, KC7PMU, Hillsboro, OR

NVIS

Re. What is a skilled Operator? (EM ADVISOR - May 2006): "9. Understands and uses NVIS propagation for regional communications." PLEASE run a comprehensive article about this that can be added later to field manuals. It is sorely needed. - Dave Gomberg, NE5EE, San Francisco.

COMMENT: Check out: www.emcomm.org/antenna/nvis.htm and www.emcomm.org/projects/nvis.htm - Editor

FIELD ANTENNAS

I read both the articles on NVIS antennas on your website. I would like you to consider a possible antenna design for a FOUR BAND NVIS antenna. Datum: Half-wave 60 meter [89.2 ft] also Full-wave 30 meter antenna; Quarter-wave 80 meter [66 ft] also Half-wave 40 meter antenna. Using the same configuration of your mobile dual Quarter-wave NVIS antenna; http://www.emcomm.org/antenna/default.asp run a single continuous 66 foot segment for the 80/40 bands, install an insulator and jumper and complete the segment to 89.2 (+) feet and terminate with insulator and tie-off. Do you think this would work? The 80/40 segment can be used also as a regular Full-wave 20 meter antenna when mounted above 30 feet. Am I the first to have this epiphany? - Ralph Brigham, KG4CSQ, Clarksville, TN
COMMENT: That ought to work OK Ralph. All you are doing is changing the length (and therefore the) resonant frequency of the radiating element. You could also make a "roll out" antenna out of a two dollar "el cheapo" clothesline reel (Wal-Mart) with some #28 wire and work on any band. (Rig two and you have a dipole.) Once you have made some tests and measurements...you can use a permanent ink marker to mark the places on each wire for each band/frequency that you want to work.
I have made, and tested, a few multiple radial "spider" antennas modeled after Signal Corps AS-2259/GR, but cut the elements for amateur bands. And while they work OK, IMHO they are not any better than a simple G5RV or balanced doublet about 10 to 30 ft. above ground (which is not necessarily at surface level). We used to have links to some of these on our websites, but we removed them when the links kept failing. I don't like these "spider" antennas, because whether trying to put one up or take one down, I wind up with a tangle of wire around my feet worse than any "bird's nest" that I have ever untangled from a salt water fishing reel. - Editor

POSTMARKS?
Ref. EM ADVISOR - May 2006): "In a message preamble, when a time of origin (optional) is stated, ZULU (UTC) is the universal standard. (No mistaking which time zone.) Remember, ZULU time must always match the ZULU date. E. g. - In our time zone (Pacific) at 1600 PST and 1700 PDT the date becomes tomorrow's date until 2400 local." I've heard experienced traffic handlers say just the opposite - use local time/date for the time-of-origination. The reason being that the message originators (not the amateur, but the person generating the information) are often unfamiliar with Zulu time and get very confused about Zulu dates. Your thoughts on the requirements of "network time" versus "user time" would be of interest. - Ward Silver, NØAX, Vashon, WA

COMMENT: Nothing, I say again...NOTHING, should ever change in the text and/or the preamble between the station of origin and the final delivering station. Consider the preamble to be no different from a postmark. Further, the text and signature are no different from a letter sealed inside an envelope. "The message is sacred!" This is emphasized in our RADIOGRAM training DVD. There is one exception and that is the corrected check. E. g. - 5/6 However, we don't discuss that in the DVD, the reason being that if the traffic is handled properly by every station along the line...there is no need for it. Time of Origin is optional, but it is widely over used. It should only be used when a message text has some time value significance.

Example:
NEED SUPPLIES WITHIN 24 HOURS

This would be better if originated as:
NEED SUPPLIES BY 2100PDT APRIL 3

(This is very specific and a time of origin in the preamble is unnecessary.)

REMEMBER: Before a message is delivered to the addressee, remove all "X SEPARATORS" and convert any ARL Numbered Messages to plain text. - Editor

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THE EM ADVISOR

The staff of EMCOMM MONTHLY is happy to answer your questions to the best of our ability. Some are "FAQs" (Frequently Asked Questions) and others are of a specific nature. Each month we will answer questions that may have value to other serious emcomm radio operators. Technical questions are forwarded to our Technical Advisor, Ed Ewell, K7DXV. Questions about our ARCT program or ICS/NIMS are forwarded to Jerry Boyd, N7WR. Others may be forwarded to other staff members. Questions regarding EMCOMM in general are usually handled by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ. Some will wind up on our FAQ page at: http://www.wrrl.org/faq.asp

Before submitting a question, we ask our readers to check the FAQ page first...your question may have been asked before. Also, please consider checking our site search page at: http://www.emcomm.org/search.htm to see if your question may have been previously addressed in EMCOMM MONTHLY. Thank you.

Q: I see that a couple of operators have posted scores on the traffic handlers quiz (THC) more than once, usually until they posted a passing score. Since I posted a 88.75 on the first, and only, try, would it be permissible to try again and see if I learned anything in a year? I will be ordering the DVD and see if I can get my club to watch it and then take the quiz. We are now going over the "Are You Ready" information provided by FEMA. I still feel it is much more important to have the whole family ready for a disaster so that the member will feel free to leave them to be a communicator. I'll be getting back with you about this "Communications Corps" here in Delaware after we sort some more things out. BTW, do you feel that the online version of the ICS/NIMS course is good enough for the basic communicator? I'm presently taking the online courses that the DEMA website has on it for what they think is a well rounded basic training for EMCOMM people.
-- Jerry Palmer, N3KRX, Houston, DE

A: The few who have their scores posted more than once "snuck by" before we had set our current policy. Once a person has taken the THC they are given the correct answers, so any further scores are of little validity. Our whole objective was not to create a contest or "ratings" of operators, but rather to produce more proficient traffic handlers. However, you are welcome to take the THC as many times as you want to "self-evaluate" yourself.

Q: In message traffic handling, is the X a break mainly for letting the repeater to reset? Am I understanding this right? - Bob Hutcherson, KO6JT, Anderson, CA

A: The "X separator" has nothing to do with repeaters. It is used to separate one thought or subject from another in a message text. There is no need to "un-key" or pause in the transmission to send the X (in Morse) or "INITIAL XRAY" (on phone). Of course if you are using a repeater you must un-key periodically to let the timer reset. Also: The X separator is not a period. It is not proper to use as such at the end of a message text. - EM

Q: The California BPL report (ref. SHORT CIRCUITS May EM) was invaluable. Thanks very much for the alert. But I didn't find any indication , so I'm puzzled by the comment in your newsletter. Why would it be a threat? -- Dave Smith, W2DLS, Pahrump, NV (Amateur Extra, 56 years on the air.)

A: Well Dave...do you believe that they would actually come out and say that "broadband is a threat to emergency communications"? Below are some additional comments about the BPL problem. - Editor

By Bill Frazier, W7ARC, WRRL 2, Lynnwood, WA - 2nd VP & Webmaster:

Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) is just plain bad business for all radio communications, not just EMCOMM. The power lines are very good radiators of RF reaching thousands of miles or more that radiate spurious frequencies interfering with, not only amateur, but other radio communications.

The ARRL's Ed Hare, the head man in the RF labs in Newington, CT, has done extensive field measurements and signals at 30 meters from the power lines reached in excess of 20db over S9 across the RF spectrum during the first field trials of BPL. There would be no way for a weak EMCOMM signal to penetrate that noise field.

The ARRL has been working with some of the BPL equipment manufacturers to produce a product that will not cause harmful interference to surrounding radio equipment but there have only been a few that have met the standards for spurious and harmonic frequency suppression. The BPL equipment manufacturers even petitioned the FCC for a relaxation of the standards for Part 15 equipment as far as BPL was concerned. They knew that they could not be compliant with the existing standards.

You indicate that you've been on the air for 56 years. Can you remember when every TV set in America had a birdie on 3.975 MHz. because of the horizontal oscillator? Imagine how it would be if this noise or worse were from 1.8 to 60 MHz. This is what you have with BPL. No amount of filtering that you can do at your station will knock it down to a level that you could hear a weak EMCOMM signal if needed.

The WRRL is NOT opposed to broadband per se (some of us, me included) have broadband access to the Internet. But it is done via existing communications infrastructure. In my case via cable access. I still have a few birdies on some bands because of the modem that I was provided by the cable company but most of those frequencies are outside the normal EMCOMM operating frequencies.

What we are opposed to is the spread of noise generating communications devices, like BPL, that harm not only EMCOMM but all radio frequencies. There are so many ways to have broadband today that to add one that is not cost effective. In many of the field trials for BPL the local power companies have found that providing BPL access to rural customers was cost prohibitive and that the speeds that were obtained were much slower than true broadband (cable, DSL, WiFi) and in cases slower than a dial-up connection.

Why then would you want to add more RF noise to what is already out there? Computers, TVs, wall dimmers, electric blankets, poorly shielded consumer electronic devices, all add the RF noise pollution of the airwaves. BPL would be just be one more nail in the coffin of RF communications as we know it today.

For more information on BPL, I'd like to direct you to: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/. For more on the interference caused by BPL, I invite you to look at: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/interference.html. Both of these page contain volumes about BPL and how it can effect today RF world.

Like most of us who are concerned about EMCOMM, I know that it's going to be the lowly operator huddled in a tent with his QRP CW rig, a battery, a hunk of wire for an antenna and a straight key that will be the one that sends the message to save lives and/or property. It's not going to be the operator with the legal limit station, antennas to the heavens, and a computer that will sending that message, but they may be the one to receive it. Too bad if the signal is drowned out by local QRN because of someone's desire for the last house, on the last road, in the county can have broadband access to the Internet.

President Bush said it best, when he said, "My advice is, harness the promise of technology without becoming slaves to technology. My advice is, ensure that science serves the cause of humanity, and not the other way around."

By Ed Trump, AL7N, WRRL 6, Fairbanks, Alaska, - Traffic Editor and Alaska Correspondent:

I haven't any direct experience with BPL around here and I hope our Electric CO-Op has enough sense not to even mess with it..there are certainly more and better alternatives for high speed internet access...even around here! What has been the problem with Broadband over Power Lines (BPL), is extreme RF interference up to S8-S9 level that wipes out weak signal HF radio reception over broad portions of the HF radio spectrum, depending on the design and application of the particular BPL system being turned up, and how well it is installed and maintained. We have enough trouble with just plain electrical noise in cities and towns, and to add to that "noise floor" any appreciable amount at tall is certainly going to be counterproductive to any use of HF radio in EMCOMM..... Not all EMCOMM is or should be via VHF and repeaters, HF has its place and needs to be and remain useable at all locations.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Ed, AL7N works as a Telecommunications Technician for AT&T Alascom.
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"WRRL WINDS" (WRRL MEMBER NEWS)
∙ WRRL NETS - MONDAYS on 14.280± MHz USB 1940Z (SUMMER) 2040Z (WINTER)
The first "official" WRRL Net was called on April 24, 2006 by K6SOJ WRRL-1

WRRL STATIONS REPORTING IN ON THE FIRST OFFICIALS WRRL (HISTORIC OCCASION) NET:

K6SOJ    WRRL   1   Macdoel, CA
AF5G     WRRL   9   Kingman, AZ
W6DHN    WRRL 13   Georgetown, CA
W4DLZ    WRRL 18   Metairie, LA
OTHER WRRL STATIONS REPORTING IN TO WRRL 20M NETS IN MAY:
N7TOD    WRRL   7   Spanish Springs, NV
KJ6C     WRRL   8   Shingletown, CA
KB7QXQ   WRRL  23   Pinetop, AZ
K6RYD    WRRL 59   Lake Isabella, CA
K1HG     WRRL  61   Bakersfield, CA (mobile)
KT4KW    WRRL 62   Bakersfield, CA (mobile)
N3KRX    WRRL  68   Houston, DE
KB6CWO   WRRL 78   Lakewood, CA
N2RSN    WRRL  98   Keno, OR
W7BXH    WRRL 124   Friday Harbor, WA
KB4T     WRRL 127   Holly Hill, FL

OTHER STATIONS CHECKING IN TO WRRL IN MAY:
W7CH, Manson, WA; W7GER, Central Point, OR; KB5HA, Albuquerque, NM; KF6HHH, Woodland, CA; WB9HMK, Mariposa, CA; NU6L, San Diego, CA; N2LR, Bandon, OR; K4NI, Sedro Woolley, WA; N6NWX, Bayside, CA; WA6QAG, Los Angeles, CA; W6RSP, Thousand Oaks, CA; VE6RRG, Peace River, AB; AC7SB, Fall City, WA; VE7TYO, Vernon, BC; KF6TQG, Susanville, CA.

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∙ EmComm-Products LLC of Fossil, Oregon http://www.emcomm-products.com/index.htm  has offered to donate a RADS 9-11/A1 Rapid Antenna Deployment System (plus a 20M add-on kit) to every WRRL TYPE-I ARCT organized during 2006 and 2007  http://www.emcomm-products.com/rads911a1.htm   They also are offering a 15% discount to all WRRL members on any of their products; plus will also make a donation of an additional 10% of the purchase price to a WRRL emergency communications equipment fund to be maintained and administered by the WRRL Board of Directors.
∙ WRRL STATION MAP UPDATED
A map showing the approximate location of WRRL stations can be viewed at: http://www.wrrl.org/map/
∙ WRRL MEMBER'S PATCHES (view at: www.wrrl.org/supplies.asp ) are now in stock.  One for $5, two for $8 or three for $10 (postpaid to one address). Make checks payable to WRRL. Recommended display is on left sleeve 3/4" below shoulder seam of shirt or jacket. Other acceptable placements for the patch are on a removable armband or on a black baseball style cap or black "mil-spec" beret.)

∙ WRRL LOGO RUBBER STAMP

A WRRL LOGO rubber stamp is now available.   Use on envelopes, QSL cards, letters, etc. It is like our "globe logo" except it has www.wrrl.org below the globe.
View at:  http://www.wrrl.org/supplies.asp Since they are fairly expensive, we are offering them at our cost. (However, you may include a little extra as a donation if you are feeling rich!). Order an Ideal® 400R, 1-5/8" diameter, self-inking stamp for $19.95 + 2.00 postage; or a knob handle wood stamp for $13.95 + $2.00 postage. Make checks payable to: WRRL.   Send to: WRRL, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058. Allow about two weeks for delivery.
∙ WRRL MEMBER LISTS
Lists of WRRL members by number, state, and call sign are updated monthly and are posted on www.wrrl.org    The two digit member numbers are gone. We only hope that by this time next year we are saying "the three digit numbers are gone"!   Our goal? 600 WRRL STATIONS...and at least one fully capable TYPE I ARCT in each FEMA REGION in 2006.
∙ WRRL CALL SIGN: W7RRL

W7RRL has been issued to The World Radio Relay League. It is authorized for use during special events and incidents.
∙ Check www.wrrl.org for updates and information between issues of EM

WRRL: "BUILDING A POOL OF AMATEUR RADIO COMMUNICATION TEAMS...ONE TEAM AT A TIME!"
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ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor. -- Jerry is taking the summer off from writing this column, but remains on the job as the WRRL TYPE I ARCT Administrator.   During his absence we will run some "Best of ICS PERSPECTIVES".  To reinforce last month's Feature Article: ICS/NIMS WITHIN ARCTS / EMCOMM, we present Jerry's column from June 2004 www.emcomm.org/em/June2004.htm As you will see...not a whole lot has changed. - Editor

USING ICS WITHIN EMCOMM GROUPS - by Jerry Boyd, N7WR

     The Incident Command System (ICS) is now the system of choice for managing both emergencies and special events. This is due to the adoption of ICS by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While DHS calls its flavor of ICS “NIMS” (National Incident Management System) it is essentially the same system that has been around for the past 33 years.
     Amateur Radio EmComm groups must be proficient in use of ICS terminology and procedures if we are to work effectively with most of our clients. Much has been written on the subject and there are some excellent ICS courses available on-line* and elsewhere.
     What I would like to suggest is that if ICS is good for our clients it is good for EmComm groups as well. I believe we should organize our EmComm groups
internally using the ICS model. Further, as we prepare to respond to either a special event or an actual emergency it behooves us to implement ICS within our own response. The group’s leader (EC or other similar position) may serve as the EmComm Incident Coordinator (EIC). That is NOT the IC for the actual incident but for the EmComm team only.
     Within the EmComm group key ICS style positions should be established to make the response more efficient. The EmComm group IC could assign one member as the “Operations Coordinator” assigned to handle all operational matters, thereby freeing the EIC for other duties. A “Logistics Coordinator” would deal with such matters as scheduling and procuring equipment and supplies. Another might be assigned to “Planning” in order to gather information about the expected duration and scope of the event.
     All of these group leaders support the EIC within the EmComm group just like their counterparts support the over all IC of the incident.
     There is a parallel here with what professional communications entities are doing. Many 9-1-1 Dispatch Centers, which, like amateur radio EmComm groups, provide communications services to public safety agencies during times of emergency, and they have implemented “internal ICS” as part of their protocol.
     If you wish further information about this, The May 2004 issue of 9-1-1 Magazine has a detailed discussion of communication center ICs.

* FEMA TRAINING COURSES: http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/crslist.asp
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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 use 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.)
• 7244 kHz (up)
• 14280 kHz (up)
• ALASKA ONLY: 5167.5 kHz (USB emergency traffic only)

CW:
•   1911 kHz (May be active during incidents.)
• 3711 kHz
• 7111 kHz
• 10119 kHz

• 14050 kHz
• ALASKA - 3540/7042/14050 kHz
• GULF STATES (LA, MS, TX, AL) - 7111 kHz 1100Z-2300Z / 3711 kHz 2300Z-1100Z
(Times approximate depending on band conditions and changes in sunrise/sunset.)

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 HANDLING

“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.”

"Third Party Traffic Takes A Ride on the MTA!" - An editorial by Richard Webb, NF5B, WRRL 93

Dear colleagues:

Those of us who spend a lot of time and effort working with the national traffic system cannot help but notice the decline. In the last two years that decline has accelerated. Here are some examples:

For all practical purposes Kentucky has no NTS presence. Though section phone and cw nets are still listed in net directories and on the section's web pages there are no net sessions called and little activity.

Moving traffic into and out of the ninth region on phone or cw is often problematic. I've had region nine stations bring traffic to me on fifth region for movement through the system because there is essentially no daytime ninth region presence.

Many other sections find region representatives who have to cherry pick inbound traffic as they do not want to be responsible for volumes of book messages which they will have to service because stations in their sections will not take it for delivery.

The large volume originators of book traffic have caused the quality of the services we offer to erode to the point where NTS is no longer thought of as a viable training tool. As one who's been where the rubber meets the road I can tell you that what we offer the public and operators is still relevant. YET what we see instead is more self centered padding of numbers by certain individuals such as W1***; N1***; K1*** and a few others. No longer do those elmering newcomers encourage them to learn to handle written record traffic as they no longer believe the system has any relevance.

While these few individuals get their call signs printed in the brass pounders' league stats in QST accuracy suffers. The most training regular traffic handlers seem to get from this spam is looking up correct addresses and phone numbers of recipients through such sites as white pages and 411.com. Too many people who give of their time effort and money to maintain the viability of NTS are receiving the equivalent of a punch to the jaw and a kick to the crotch. They get to spend too much time correcting information which should have been right when the originator injected the traffic into the system. Some of these folks are people I call friend and I'm offended for them. I'm sure they do not appreciate their efforts and contributions being wasted and belittled in such a manner.

Those of us who are old enough can remember the Kingston trio song about the man who got on his city bus never to return.* This seems to be the general rule when true third party traffic finds its way into the NTSD especially if bound for areas where the system has numerous vhf/uhf outlets as well as long haul backbone capability.
These system operators make virtually no effort at educating their users and never seem to take any notice of their systems. The traffic moves in, maybe it moves out. IF it doesn't move it languishes on a hard drive unless a squeaky wheel comes along needing greased. A few weeks back I did just such a trace for a fellow in Tennessee who sent a message to Syracuse, New York inquiring of the health and well being of a relative whom he could not contact by phone or email. The fellow had placed the HX (handling instruction) in the preamble of his message, but since the digital sysops never really take note of what passes through their systems nobody noticed. Nobody took the traffic from the nearest packet board in New York for delivery so it languished there until inquiries made their way through the system. By then an NTS official within central area (not yours truly) had made contact with the intended recipients and ascertained that those parties
could indeed be reached at that phone number and address. I've witnessed other cases of this in the past couple of years.

As you know Kathleen and I were deployed to LSU medical center during hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. I encountered too many stations on the emergency nets who were not properly trained to do the job. We were handling traffic the old fashioned way, one human operator to another. No PMBO for Winlink®, in fact no computers operational within the hospital. I suppose we should have stood there crying because we couldn't click a mouse and fight Microsoft's blue screen of death. Hey this NTS stuff is all about the self aggrandizement of a few who don't actually participate in NTS in any kind of meaningful way other than cutting and pasting text on their computer screen and getting it wrong too often. Meanwhile leadership within NTS buries its collective head in the sand and hopes a magic bullet will come along to fix the problems.

The magic bullet isn't going to be fired unless those of us in leadership positions take some responsibility and shake ourselves out of the apathetic fog in which we move. We can allow things to continue as they currently are, and within a few years any emergency operator who doesn't have the infrastructure available will just have to stand around wringing his hands because there's nothing he can do to facilitate the communications of those we serve. Then ham radio will be as useless as some presently claim it is.

These agencies will no longer have a desire or need to call upon us when the winds blow or the earth shakes. We will have truly become dinosaurs or just a few strange nerds playing with their techno toys. When that time arrives, don't expect a vigorous defense of our frequencies from lawmakers and agency officials.

Are you offended by these comments? I hope so, because I'm offended for many good friends and diligent operators. I'm offended that I feel I have to put fingers to keyboard to write them. I'm offended for people such as Leon and Marsha as well as many others who devote their time and resources to a system with a proud tradition of service to the public. I've been offended for a long time. In fact, before Katrina I was arguing with myself about whether I was really doing anything of benefit for either the public or ham radio by retaining my net manager position. Now after being where the rubber meets the road I've decided that quitting is not a viable answer. Instead I intend to work harder to educate hams about NTS and to improve the quality of the services and training we offer.

Those of us in leadership positions within the system need to become better promoters. We need to reach out to local clubs and encourage local ARES® groups to train seriously on handling formal written traffic. We need to be diligent in spotting errors in the relaying of messages and making sure that messages routed for
delivery are handled in a timely fashion. This is doubly true for operators of automated store and forward systems.

I'm putting my time and effort where my mouth is. Within the last two months I've handled a couple health and welfare messages which were originated on a local repeater as well as a few routine messages which came to me through the same route for movement through the system. It doesn't take a gargantuan effort folks,
just a little bit goes a long way.

While we're making this effort we need to encourage section managers and section traffic managers to take over the sending of greetings to new licensees and limit the output of these large bulk originators who do sloppy research and have caused us to lose the respect of our ham radio peers. -- Richard Webb, NF5B, Eads, Tennessee

EDITOR'S COMMENT: Richard is blind. Kathleen is wheelchair bound.

* Did Charlie ever return?
"Well, did he ever return? No, he never returned and
his fate is still unknown.
(What a pity! Poor ole Charlie. Shame and scandal.
He may ride forever. Just like Paul Revere.)
He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston.
He's the man who never returned."

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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)

∙-∙-∙

THE WORKSHOP

PROJECTS FOR EMCOMM OPERATORS - by D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ

An EM basic studies training module

This month...as result of a tragic accident...we focus on SAFETY.

Permission is granted to reproduce and re-publish this article in its entirety and with credit to: EMCOMM MONTHLY at: www.emcomm.org

On May 14, 2006, Amateur Radio lost one of its best. Ron Spears, W7IX, of Keno, Oregon, was killed in a tragic antenna tower accident. He was 44. He was in the process of taking down a 40M 4-element beam from atop a 150 ft. tower. Ron was an expert DXer and Morse operator. He also was an experienced tower man and was on the crew when the tower and antenna was first erected at the "world class" DX station of the late Ray Balch, K6VX, SK about 15 years ago.

The station is one mile from my home and I used to look at the tower out my living room window. I was not present when the accident occurred, but have visited the site three times since. I am not a professional engineer or accident investigator. It appears that a 1/2 inch rope was being used to support the 260 lb. beam, over a pulley/gin pole, and was belayed/anchored to a large tree. Apparently the rope separated about half-way between the pulley and the ground causing the beam to fall striking one or more guy cables causing the 18x18x18 tower to collapse.

This tragedy has deeply affected many. It should also serve to remind us that SAFETY FIRST is still the best motto.

As radio amateurs tower work is not the only risk factor. Working with higher voltages (even 110 v.a.c. can be lethal) is cause for constant vigilance. EMCOMM Operators on field assignments are at an increased a risk. Vehicle accidents, injuries from direct hazards such as fire and floods, falling debris, tripping over some
small object or even stepping on a nail, can render you out of commission for weeks.

Most of us know the proper safety precautions...but we can get careless. Again, I am NOT a professional safety engineer, but as an attempt to promote safety, and maybe save lives, below are a few safety tips...especially relative to tower work.

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF TOWER and EMCOMM SAFETY:

1. Have a plan for every project.

2. Do not hesitate to ask for help and/or advice.

3. Know your own limitations!

4. Consider hiring a professional tower installer to do the job...especially for larger installations.

5. Have an adequate crew for every job. No less...and no more than is necessary. If you must have a party...do it afterwards. Onlookers are a hazard!

6. Make sure all helpers know their job assignment...and understand the plan.

7. Have all tools and other equipment ready and handy.

8. Always be sure that the working load rating is well above (a minimum of 3 X the actual weight being lifted or supported is not unreasonable). Make sure that your climbing harness and all ropes are in "like new" condition and undamaged. THE SLIGHTEST ABRASION OR "NICK" IN A ROPE CAN CAUSE FAILURE! If you don't know how to properly rig ropes and cables...don't even try! Hire a professional antenna/tower installer instead. Use only locking carabiners. (Or use two non-locking 'biners reversed.) NEVER use hardware store chain or rope clips. Use of a second safety line or belay is highly recommended!

9. Always wear sturdy boots. This also applies to all field assignments. Do you keep a pair of old boots shoes in your vehicle...just in case? (I once saw a person show up on a SAR call out wearing shorts and flip-flops!) Appropriate protective footwear, clothing, gloves, goggles, a respirator, a dust mask, or a bandana is a must at fires, floods, earthquakes...and just about every other disaster.

10. Everyone who climbs a tower ought to always wear an approved climbing helmet (with chin strap). All ground crew members ALWAYS wear an OSHA approved construction hard hat. NO EXCEPTIONS! A falling 3/8" bolt can kill! Instruct the ground crew: "Don't be looking up." A hard hat won't do much good if something falls and lands in your face. If you must observe stay well out from under the tower area and be sure to wear proper eye and/or face protection! Keep children and pets out of the work area and use low power HT's crew comm. (If you plan on wearing a helmet on emergency or disaster assignments, try to avoid standard fire dept. colors (white=chief, red=engineer, yellow=fire fighter, etc.) Check your local supplier or search on the Internet for "hard hats" you will find many choices. I found several vendors with prices below $5.00. Pretty cheap life insurance! Why not get a group order together (same style, same color) for your ARCT or other emcomm team? Some vendors offer custom imprinting. Example: TYPE I ARCT or COMMUNICATIONS
Here are some sources you can check:

http://www.tasco-safety.com/hard-hat-head-protection.html

(I prefer the dark blue full brim 6 point suspension style for $8.50)

http://www.tasco-safety.com/hhats/inexpensive-Pyramex-hard-hats.html#HP24110

http://www.hardhats.4ursafety.com/index.html

(This company has some pretty exotic hard hat designs such as camo, patriotic, "support our troops", even "cowboy style"!)

WORK AND PLAY SAFELY ... WHETHER AT HOME OR IN THE FIELD!

RETRO REVIEW - “EMCOMM viewed through the Retrospect-O-Scope”

(RETRO REVIEW will not appear this month due to space considerations)

∙-∙-∙
QSH -- (I HAVE HUMOR FOR YOUR STATION)
EM’s Quiz, Survey, and [attempt at] Humor Section...

In celebration of the six month anniversary of the WRRL, we proudly announce that Headquarters Station W7RRL, affectionately known as The Silver Twinkie, is now in operation. The modern state of the art station, was established without any multi-million dollar fund drives, major government grants or corporate sponsors, or tapping into the hard-earned monies contributed by tax payers. The transmitters and antennae are capable of providing (and already have) world-wide radio communication. Further improvements are on the drawing notebook. When they are completed they will be reported here.
To view "The Silver Twinkie", the WRRL Motor Fleet, and some of the Canine Guard Patrol, click here: http://www.wrrl.org/hq.asp

For pictures of WRRL Member Stations (that own cameras) click here: http://www.wrrl.org/shacks/default.asp

For WRRL Station Map click here: http://www.wrrl.org/map/index.html