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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. 5                 ONLINE: www.emcomm.org/em/                        October  2006
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The EM PHILOSOPHY

SPECIAL REPORT

SHORT CIRCUITS - Brief items

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

WRRL WINDS - WRRL Member News
ICS PERSPECTIVES - "Keeping Current"
TRAFFIC HANDLING - 
NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
EMCOMM WORKSHOP - 
SHOW US YOUR SHACK - Updated
FEATURE SECTION - "The Chronicles of NoCanDo" Episode IV
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION

 

The EM PHILOSOPHY - by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, WRRL-1

It's hunting season throughout the United States.  A few nights ago I watched a feature "outdoor news" story on a southern Oregon TV station.  It reported how the influx of hunters, buying the latest high-tech hunting gear and gadgets, was providing a boost to local merchants .  GPS systems.  Electronic range finders.  Night vision goggles.  Remote miniature TV game surveillance systems and monitoring devices.  FRS radios.  The latest space-age-material outdoor boots and fashions and on and on...ad nauseum.  Of course any respectable modern hunter will also need a late-model air conditioned 4WD truck with automatic tranny and hubs, 10,000 lb. winch, and outfitted with rear mounted elevated cushioned seats for "spotters" armed with high power binoculars and the latest automatic weaponry.

Although I can legally hunt in my "back yard", I gave up hunting a few years ago when my legs decided not to work as well as they once did.  Even though I have never bagged a trophy buck, I always enjoyed being out in the woods, wearing old clothes and my work boots, a lunch in my knapsack, and lugging around a muzzleloader, a powder horn, a few .50 cal. lead balls, and a few other necessary accoutrements.

I still do some fishing, but mostly from shore.  Fishing is less work than hunting since the game comes to you (hopefully).  And I've never been too excited about lugging around electronic fish-finders, depth sounders, or the noise of boats sporting 75hp otboard motors.

 

And I still occasionally do some DXing.  I enjoy the challenge and thrill of tuning slowly across a band, when I have the time and on my own schedule, and carefully listening for some DX.  I might even catch the first CQ from a station in some far off exotic location, or I may even spend as long as 15 minutes attempting to break the feeding frenzy of a huge "pile up".  I've even tried using a "DX cluster" a few times.  But to me, that is like using a fish finder to catch fish.  It takes all the fun (and the skill) out of DXing.  But then, I'm not obsessed with the score either, or whether or not I stay up all night consuming gallons of coffee just to log a new country or zone.  But to each his (or her) own.  And whatever gives you enjoyment is OK with me.

EM and WRRL are about simple, yet effective, emergency communications.  Not only does this approach work 99.44% of the time...we say it is more fun!   We are about the challenge of originating, relaying and delivering radio messages on behalf any person or agency.  The time tested and proven old fashioned way.  Effectively and efficiently, and as rapid as possible, with 100% accuracy.  Our satisfaction comes from knowing that we did it without a ton of cumbersome high-tech gadgetry.

Our mission is service, provided by skilled and disciplined amateur radio operators, who know and efficiently practice standardized message handling procedures, follow good operating and net procedures, and understand radio propagation patterns.  EM and WRRL are not about the latest communications gadgetry or automated systems which may or may not work.  Because after all is said and done... EMCOMM CAN'T WAIT!
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SPECIAL REPORT

EMCOMM NEWS FROM SOUTH AFRICA - By Glenham Duffy, ZS5GD, WRRL - 30 

 

Floods in Port Elizabeth area last month.

 

At about 0600, Ken, ZS2OC started checking the normal channels to gauge the effects of the heavy rain during the night. The situation seemed grim as regards flooding of all local rivers and disruption of traffic flow throughout the Metro area.  Volunteer operators were reporting in on the air and becoming mobilized and reports were coming in on VHF and HF regarding the situation from Southern Cape to East London . The National Hamnet Director was alerted.  Al, ZS2U, in Port Elizabeth was notified, and he took control on VHF and started making contact with the mobile stations already on the air.

The first groups on the air were the Mountain Rescue members who had been activated as spotters and observers by Disaster Management. In reality, it ended up with their doing the lion's share of the rescue work while many officials and so-called professionals stood about sightseeing. The group was organized into three mobile units, the members being Eric ZS2ECH, Rob ZR2ROB, Erich ZR2KZ, Natalie ZR2NVL, Serge ZR2SGE, Grant ZR2GMG, Nic ZR2NIC, and Kendall ZR2WAT at the Joint Management station, with Ken ZS2OC as assistant control and HF control, Tim ZS2X operating in the field as well as Otto ZR2VAN, Gary ZR2LG, Allen ZS2R and Andre ZS2AJ.

The flooded areas in which the teams operated included the notorious Veeplaas Chatty River area, the Despatch sewerage works, and the Kruis River area at Uitenhage. Severe flooding occurred in all of these areas as well as at various points on the Baakens river and all the low-lying river crossings in the Metro area.  About 300 rescues were effected, of which 70 can be attributed to the Mountain Rescue members. They further helped to co-ordinate the efforts of the South African Police (SAP) Air Wing helicopter, rubber duck boats, jet skis of the SAP Water Wing and the surf rescue teams.  Among those rescued was an 80 year-old gentleman who was taken to hospital with serious burns. The rescue group and Hamnet control stood down after 2030 local time.  Without doubt a great job well done.  Many thanks to all those who participated.
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SHORT CIRCUITS

 

•ERRATA
Apologies to George Mosho, KB9YYW, WRRL 53, Joliet, IL for listing him as KB9TTW last issue.  (The Y is just too close to the T on my keyboard.)

• OF INTEREST TO NURSES, EMTS, OTHER DISASTER HEALTH WORKERS
http://www.nursingspectrum.com/DisasterManagement/

• CORE COMPETENCIES (Recommended reading)

Jim Wades, K8SIW, "hit the nail on the head" in his TRAFFIC column in WorldRadio October 2006.  http://www.wr6wr.com/
Especially good is the portion: "Who works for whom?"

• GOT ROCKETS?
Ken Adams, K7KBA, of Carson City, NV is an amateur rocketeer.  When he and Doug Abramson, KA7FOO, (DEC) of Reno, NV are on a rocket launch expedition at the Black Rock Desert (northeastern Nevada), they use VHF simplex for tactical communications and the Jefferson Noon Net (7244/7232 daily) for message traffic to and from the playa.  (There are no VHF or UHF radio circuits serving that area.)  Ken recently sent this along for us to enjoy:  "Here are some pictures of the launch(es) we did in August.  I shot a 45 lb. rocket to 11,000 ft. AGL (above ground level--the playa is 3,950 ft. elev.). One very nice thing about the Black Rock desert...is the sunsets."  My website is:  www.gotrockets.com  Direct link to the photo gallery: http://photo1.gotrockets.com/thumbnails.php?album=2

• STOLEN EQUIPMENT ALERT
Please be on the lookout for the stolen equipment listed below and pass this along where it will get wide circulation.
Herman Peak was burglarized. West Lane ARES®, RACES lost their 2 meter and 220MHz packet nodes.
Central Lincoln PUD lost about $15,000 of gear and had the doors on their building severely damaged.
Equipment stolen:
Alinco DR-135 Mk II serial number M000565
Alinco DR-235 serial number M101785
MFJ 1270B TNC serial number 1019204
MFJ 1270B TNC serial number 1019184
Contact: Everett Curry, W6ABM, Oregon Section PIC evcurry@gmail.com

• TRAFFIC HANDLER'S CHALLENGE NEWS

THC FEEDBACK:
"It was a fun and informative experience. #11 I knew but was just thinking "backwards." The others, I wasn't sure about. I've worked voice tfx nets in the past but never CW.  Matter of fact, when I first saw 'NNNN' at the end of ARRL Bulletins, I didn't know exactly what it meant. And, of course, I had never heard of 'HR' before. I learn something new every time!" - Fred Stone, W8LLY, Bellbrook, OH
TAKE THE THC AT (NEW URL) :  http://thc.emcomm.org

• RADIOGRAM / MESSAGE TRAFFIC HANDLING DVD
The RADIOGRAM TRAINING 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 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

DVD FEEDBACK:
"We recently bought a copy of your radiogram message traffic handling DVD for the Vashon-Maury Island Radio Club, W7VMI, near Seattle.  With the various off-island schedules of our members we'd like to make another copy or two so all our ARES® members have a chance to see it in the near future.  Would that be acceptable?"
- Al Francisco, K7NHV, Vashon, WA

Thanks for asking, Al.  Permission is hereby granted per your request provided that you do not sell or trade the DVD copies or charge for viewing.  We would appreciate knowing how many are produced and/or circulated and the approximate number of persons who view the DVD.  Please mention this credit:
"Reproduced courtesy of EMCOMM MONTHLY and the WRRL" - EM
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FEEDBACK, MUSINGS... and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS

WHOSE DISASTER IS IT...ANYWAY?

 

Re. September 2006 EM (excerpt):  "Others think that government agencies should manage emcomm, and others want to work only for their church, club, or employer.  In all of these examples, the organization often becomes the focal point of interest and absorbs the majority of time and energy; and, the mission of a communications service to the public is lost and forgotten.  Deep down inside it may be everyone's own responsibility to take care of themselves and their neighbor.  It is a legal distinction that every disaster belongs to the local government entity--first, last and always.  So, if it is a question of who to turn to for coordination, it has to be government.  Although in the hospital cases you mentioned, perhaps the hospitals' boards could be considered government. I've been licensed for about 21 years. I was in public safety communication for 25 years before I got my ticket; and in Civil Air Patrol comm for 10 years before that.  I am a strong believer in the proper training of amateur radio operators. And in these days and times; WHICH WILL NOT CHANGE VERY SOON; proper credentialing is a must!  I think the WRRL should strive to see that there is a paid or volunteer EMCOMM person, at the Emergency Management agency's level, in every county in the US and Canada. And that that person be sure that his/her operators are trained and credentialed."

Edward J. Ryan / N7VEX, Peoria,  AZ
LtCol, Civil Air Patrol
DSHR Communication Supervisor, American Red Cross
Volunteer Disaster Coordinator Assistant, SW Division
The Salvation Army
Retired Public Safety Communications Dispatcher/Supervisor/Manager

COMMENT:  No argument from here as to how it should work.  But what are humanitarians to do when victims of disaster are suffering and dying, and "government" has failed to act, is slow to act, or is inadequate?  Most of us who have been in disaster work for any length of time have experienced this.  I have seen it locally, and last year we all witnessed it in the extreme, at local, state and federal levels .

PANDORA'S (interoperability) BOX?

In September's  EM ADVISOR,  Richard Webb, NF5B's queried about an "interoperability box".  Here is a cross-section of some of the FEEDBACK and COMMENTS we received.

FROM THE GOLDEN STATE...
"Yes, there is such a thing, although I don't have any dope on who makes them. There are a couple of them, both working basically the same way. The connection problem is perfectly real, except that they are set up for commercial radios used by police, fire, etc., so the connections are usually done by paid commercial technicians.  The mic/speaker connector situation is a lot smaller there.  The local response to these devices is not positive. One professional emergency manager told me that they would never, ever, allow an outside connection to their frequency unless they have the same level of control over it that they do over their own people. Since Smallville PD can't control County fire, there goes a nice thought out the window.  My experience is that although fire usually speaks English like we do, the police generally seem to use a whole lot of ten-codes.  I can imagine what the response would be to that on the fire or ambulance band!  As far as amateur use, I doub't that it will ever happen for the above reason, plus the "pros" don't look at us as useful like a police or fire radio.  The lowest price on these gadgets that I've seen, is at least $600." - John Amos, KC6TVM, San Jose, CA, ADEC, Hospital Net Coordinator

COMMENT: We hope that "the pros" that don't think our services are as useful as a police or fire radio, never need to get an urgent message to someone who is out-of-town and maybe hundreds (or thousands) of miles away. - EM

FROM THE BUCKEYE STATE...

"I believe he (NF5B) is referring to a piece of equipment referred to as the ACU-1000 put out by Raytheon, JPS Communications. The County I reside in has purchased 2 of them, one is housed in the EOC and the other portable one is located in the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications truck. Amateur radio operators are currently being trained on this unit and will be working with it shortly on a scheduled drill. As one of the Amateurs being trained on the unit I was impressed with the interoperability that the ACU-1000 is capable of. The County now has the capability to link any communications device, be it a satellite link, land line telephone, or another department's radio system into one, so that everyone can talk to each other if they need to. This eliminates the confusion of different radio frequencies being used by different agencies that are responding to a disaster site. Our County works closely with the ARES group and we have an excellent relationship and look forward to meeting their communications needs." - Brent Stover, WD8PNZ, WRRL 137, Maumee, OH

FROM THE HAWKEYE STATE...

"In answer to the question about the interoperability box, around here they call it the "ACU-1000". I am told, as I have never seen or used it, that they take handheld radios that are capable of being hooked up to a computer, and using different adaptor cables to connect, once they get everything connected, all radios are able to operate together. It has been used here in Iowa for the National Special Olympics and I have been told it worked well.  It takes time to set this up.  Each agency must provide a dedicated HT, and I'm sure it takes a specialist to connect everything. The average Joe wouldn't know how to do it. HOWEVER, Ham radio is off limits to this "magic box". I did some research on it, as it was being discussed for use in an emergency drill. Since it would be basically be "retransmitting" from and on frequencies not authorized for amateur radio, it is against part 97 rules. (97.113 e)  That is as much as I know about it at this time. It would be nice to see it in operation, but since it is controlled by the Federal Agencies, it is hard to accomplish. Just for information, it was decided not to use the box for the exercise, as it was unsure if it would be available when needed, would take too long to set up for immediate use, and it was said "We know the Hams will be here and operating before the box is out the gate. We would rather practice with our known assets.  Makes you feel pretty good to hear things like that!  I found a web site that explains it a little better. This link may help: http://www.ojpusdoj.gov/odp/docs/acu_trp1000.pdf " - Dan Miller, KCØFRL, WRRL #107 - Des Moine, IA

FROM THE BEAVER STATE...

"I've attached a PDF copy of some literature on the C250, alone with a link, http://www.ncsradio.com/commercial/Installations/radio-gateways.wmv to a video produced by the East Texas Council of Governments.  This organization, representing 14 East Texas counties, has produced a "standardized" system around the C250 that is used by all member counties to allow interoperability between their mix of  VHF, UHF and 800 MHz radio systems.  These units are slick!  I've personal experience with them and they work very well.  They've also been used in the Amateur Service to allow VHF, UHF and HF cross-band operations.  They are not frequency specific and are designed in such a way as to interconnect the transmit and receive audio and PTT circuits of up to four radios (an expansion unit is also available, that allows up to eight radios to be used).  It allows use of only one microphone and two speakers for all radios used, and even includes a built-in PA!  A warning concerning the video link... this is a 60Mb file in WMV format!  You'll need a fast, broadband internet connection to download it but it's worth viewing.  It's a nice solution to the huge problem of interoperability and is affordable; compared to some of the solutions offered." - Robin Faulkner, N7GSU , Fossil, Oregon

FROM THE EVERGREEN STATE...

"This piece of equipment was designed by JPS a branch of Raytheon after the 9/11 attack on the twin towers to allow the interfacing of digital (trunked) systems with older style analog radio systems. You're right. They are VERY expensive and there were only a few in use the last time I looked.

 

Here is a run down on the system and its capabilities: http://www.jps.com/index.asp?node=118. The largest problem is that this is commercial equipment meant for public service agencies or the military and not for the local EMCOMM ham. You won't find one of these little boxes in the local EOC or ECC patching the public service radios to the amateur frequencies of vice versa.

 

When I was in NYC after the attack on the twin towers, we used some 800 MHz trunked radios between the ERV's and the (mass care) kitchens. We had an assigned channel provided by the City of New York but there were some limitations even to this system when you were in the "concrete jungle" of Wall Street where no RF signal on those high frequencies would penetrate. We would have had better luck trying to communicate on the 47 MHz band radios providing there had been a base station setup for that purpose at the kitchens. We were talking from Manhattan to Brooklyn - just a little over a mile as the bird flies to Ground Zero and 4.5 miles to the Piers where the different "centers" were set up. (FEMA, City, State and other entities were headquartered.)

 

The biggest problem was that they had no idea how to make the best use of the resources they already had and wanted to add more to the mix to further exacerbate the problem. But that's what you get when you have all of these "turf" wars as to who is going to lead the parade." - Bill Frazier, W7ARC, WRRL 3, Lynnwood, WA

COMMENT:  Personally, the device sounds too complicated for me...and will only increase the confusion.  If "interoperability" means that anyone can call everyone else on any frequency at any time that will surely be chaos!  Operator training and discipline works far better...for both public safety personnel and amateurs.  A skilled (and disciplined) net control operator or dispatcher can work wonders. - EM

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OTHER FEEDBACK: 

FROM MILAN...

"Thanks for your internet publication.  It is a great read full of important information." - Judy Nurenberg, KC7KPG, Milan, NM
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FROM THE BEAVER STATE...
"I just received the first EMCOMM MONTHLY in several months.  Sorry to say, I didn't realize that I wasn't getting each issue until now.  I am going to send a donation to you, for the wonderful work you provide in this ministry.  I would like to know also how to be able to print out each newsletter for my own files and use, for my hamsters and our ARES® family.  We have a new SM in Oregon and she is off to a running start providing good info to all hams, including training, meetings, dates and
frequencies of events happening. I and my children are all Technician license holders, and I am working on my General written while everyone waits to see when the FCC will rule on the ARRL request to shove the code requirement up to the Extra level, or dump it completely."  - Tom Kelly, KD7ZOS - Portland, OR

COMMENT: Sorry you missed some issues, Tom.  You can always read the current or any back issue at: www.emcomm.org/em  For a minute I thought you were saying that you wanted to use EM to line the bottom of your hamster cage.  Whew!  Seriously, any computer printer should be able to transfer EM to paper and more copies can be made on a copy machine.  (This is much less expensive than buying printer ink cartridges.)  No matter what "Uncle Charlie" does regarding the code...we suggest you learn MORSE.  It is the essential and only universal language! - EM
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FROM THE HOOSIER STATE...

"I really appreciate the effort all of you are making to promote Emcomm.  I'm a convert and also our county RACES training officer and I'm promoting Emcomm every chance I get.  You give me good ideas for training and a lot of food for thought.  Keep up the good work! - Russ Davis, N9PTK, Richmond, IN

COMMENT:  Thanks for the kind words and also thanks for your order for DVDs, traffic handler's rubber stamps, EMCOMM license plates, and your extra donation.

FROM THE OLD LINE STATE...
"You did a good piece on batteries in the field.  I am a professional as well as an amateur emergency communicator.  In an emergency in any commercial or government building, there are dozens to hundreds of 6 volt gel cells available in the emergency lights hanging on the walls.

When I did commercial EmComm, first thing I'd do is have someone go around the building and switch off all the lights, then fetch all the batteries back to the operating positions.  Many will be bad, but many will be good. There may be no maintenance schedule on these lights and their associated batteries, so they don't (always) stay in top condition.

If the building powers up by generator, you can put the batteries back in and tap off the batteries which are being charged from generator/commercial power and have a large number of 12 volt, battery backed power supplies. The batteries act well enough as hum filters from the half wave chargers.

Re. Formal ARRL Radiograms, may they live long and prosper. However, I disagree with your refusal to handle canned messages like license renewal messages, etc. That sort of traffic and net reports is about all our section nets handle. It's good training material, spreads the word about NTS, keeps people active, and gives you an opportunity when delivering the message to proselytize for EmComm.  We've picked up perhaps ten new members in the area as a direct result of delivering canned message traffic to them. We also have several hams, me being one, who has little interest in amateur operation beyond traffic handling and techno-diddling.

I like what the ARRL traffic manual says: 'Everyone bring one' meaning everyone coming to a net should bring a piece of traffic. Getting people to originate stuff pumps their ego to be a part of the big system.  Getting newbies to deliver traffic and generate service messages has proven to be excellent training in real time of real traffic and helps tremendously to build confidence under relatively low stress conditions. We have a mostly blind amateur who is coming along well on traffic handling. He has limitations, but there isn't much he can do anyway in the field, so he's a good middleman for traffic, although slow because of the optics he needs to manipulate. Mentoring him has been rewarding, and he holds his head up a bit higher every time he handles a message. - Steve Uhrig, WA3SWS, Harford County, MD

COMMENT:   We are SHOCKED to learn that the emergency lighting in public buildings isn't routinely checked and serviced!  The next thing we'll learn is that "there is gambling going on in the back room"!   Seriously, your idea may be viable...but we suggest that you obtain permission from someone in authority before anyone removes any batteries from an emergency lighting source.  Re. the (so-called) SPAM-GRAMS:  We haven't seen any hard statistics that support your viewpoint.  Anecdotally, we know that many operators no longer support the NTS for the very reasons you name.  But our biggest gripe has been the long-term "disconnect" between the NTS and the ARES®.  In some sections there is no administrative interface.  One reason is that most ARES® members are voice-only operators, and some don't even know their Section Traffic Manager.  NTS operators are predominantly Morse operators, and most don't know their EC, DEC or SEC.  While there may be some close liaison in some sections...we haven't heard of much.  A few years ago, a few of us tried (twice) to get the ARRL to get the NTS and the ARES® to merge (or at least get them working closer together).  The idea was referred to a committee and was either rejected or lost.  So we gave up and created the N.E.T.S. - EM

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 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: "Wasn't the Amateur Radio Public Service Corps (ARPSC) before the Amateur Radio Emergency Corps (AREC)?  (I have an ARPSC window decal.)  In the September issue you said, "Then, MARS and SATERN and REACT and ACS and on and on.  Isn't this like the WRRL?  You also said:  "...most RACES activity is above 3.990 MHz".  The Oregon statewide ARES frequencies are 3993.5 kHz, 7228 kHz.   There is a local ham near here who insists on using 147.42 MHz (National Red Cross simplex) as his IRLP access frequency.  Regarding the NATIONAL CALLING FREQUENCY 146.52 MHz: Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, said one time: "... '52' is one half  of '10-4' ... some listening around here proves that beyond a doubt." - Neil McKie, WA6KLA, Bend, Oregon

A: The earliest reference that we have found about the ARPSC is dated 1965.  Your ARPSC decal is a collectable!  The ARPSC was the brainchild of George Hart, W1NJM, (ARRL National  EC), who for over a decade promoted it as "a single strong facility" of amateurs to serve ALL agencies -- the military services, Red Cross, civil defense, telephone and telegraph services -- as an emergency standby organization, trained and ready.  Hart once said: "We are NOT just a hobby to be used for selfish purposes, we are a public resource to be used as such in our own name, and that required a tight and disciplined but flexible organization."   It is very close to what the WRRL is attempting to do -- handle emcomm traffic for anyone, any agency, including the general public. California RACES/ACS uses 3992 and 7230kHz.  Having RACES at the top end of the 75M phone band, allows RACES to operate "cross-band" with non-amateur government stations above 4 MHz (Part 97.407(d)(2)(iii)and(iv) without having to re-tune the final stage or an antenna.  7228 kHz LSB, is too close (3 kHz) to the general class lower sub-band edge (7225kHz) for legal operation by general class licensees.  Regarding using 147.42 MHz: "There's one in every crowd."  Finally, regarding 146.52MHz:  Haven't you heard that 2 meters is the new CB band? - EM

Q:  I have been giving NTS Training Sessions for over a couple of years.  I have a question that's been bugging me for some time, maybe you could give me some input regarding the time and date filed for a RADIOGRAM.  The Methods and Practices Guidelines state that the time and date filed is the time and date that the message was created by the station originating the message.  Many other training materials state that the time and date filed is the time and date you bring the message to the net.  What do you think on this?  Tomy Ivan, KF7GC, Chino Valley, AZ - Net Manager Arizona Traffic and Emergency Net

A: The time filed is the time that the message was originated.   The time a RADIOGRAM is signed/initialed (i.e. - approved as written by the person who originated the message and handed it to the counter person or operator).   This may, or may not, be near the time it is actually first transmitted.  (Example:  I have held routine messages up to 24 hours before getting them into a net.)  As you know, the time of origin, is optional on routine traffic.  The time filed is analogous to a "postmark".  (The time a letter is acknowledged as being received at a post office.)  However, it might not actually go out until the next day.  The U.S.P.O. used to have SPECIAL DELIVERY.  For a fee (I have a 10¢ SPECIAL DELIVERY stamp in my collection), once a letter was posted or received at a local post office, a postal carrier on a bicycle or motorcycle would deliver it within an hour or two, day or night.  Ah, the good ol' days! - EM

Q: A perennial topic came around again recently:  How to treat requests to send ICS-213 and other forms.  Do you tell the EOC staff,  "The ICS-213 is for internal use only, please give me a ____ if you want to send that information on the radio." - Jared Sherman, KC2MMI, Jackson Heights, NY

A:  EM does not recommend that anyone do that.  (Unless they want to go home early!)  I would accept the message (no matter what it is written on) and say that it will be formatted into standard radio message format and brought back to them for final approval and signature before it is transmitted.

This is an ongoing EDUCATIONAL problem, and unfortunately many hams are uninformed or unsure about how to handle message traffic (or never learned how to do it properly to begin with).  So, it's often a case of "the blind leading the blind."  All we can do is to try to steer everyone in the right direction.  You can lead a horse to water...but you can't make it drink.  Be sure to read AL7N's article in TRAFFIC HANDLING elsewhere in this issue.  And if you receive WorldRadio, be sure to read Jim Wades, K8SIW, comments (Traffic Column) in the October issue.  - EM 

(This subject has been thoroughly discussed in EM..)
http://www.emcomm.org/em/August2006.htm
http://www.emcomm.org/em/may2005.htm
http://www.emcomm.org/em/march2005.htm

HERE'S AN EXERCISE THAT MIGHT BE ENLIGHTENING:
Have a friend make up about 30 or 40 messages using the ICS-213 form.  Be sure they have different destinations.  Include a few of each precedence and with a variety of handling instructions.  Use plenty of adjectives, adverbs and punctuation.  Then, working with another operator (this doesn't necessarily have to be done on the air), sit down with a key or mic, and see how long it takes you to send the stack of messages.  Then, have your friend make up the same messages, only this time format them in the standard universal message format.  Sit down with key or mic, and see how long it takes to send them to the other operator.  To add more excitement, have a third batch of the same messages made, but use a variety of forms and formats.  Be sure to include plenty of incomplete addresses.  Oh...well...

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"WRRL WINDS" (WRRL MEMBER NEWS)
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ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor

KEEPING CURRENT
 
If the aim of an amateur involved in EmComm is to handle health and welfare traffic on behalf of the public, which is the “bottom line” mission of the service, then some on-going message handling is important in order to keep accuracy and efficiency up.  Other than that, keeping one’s equipment ready to use is really the only other “requirement”.  If individual EmComm operators wish to be of service to government clients, the training requirement is a bit more intense.  While there is no accepted national standard for EmComm training (although we have established one for ARCT Type I Team Leaders), certainly completion of the ARECC Courses and relevant FEMA/DHS courses is deemed important by some.  That raises an interesting issue.  Does completion or ARECC Levels I-III and ICS 100, 700 & 800 (for example) mean that once trained, always trained?  Until now many thought that to be the case.  Think again.
 
If the “goal” (and it isn’t one of my goals!!) is to make the status of amateur radio operators involved in EmComm the same as that of peace officers, fire fighters, or EMS personnel then stand by for the expectation, if not requirement, that continuing education credits be earned each year.  Government has a way to enforce the need for continued training and education.  For example, three years ago ICS 100 was an acceptable level of training for government workers.  It is no longer.  ICS 700 was made an additional requirement to “remain certified” and in 2007 ICS 800 will be required as well.
 
Even the ARECC recently adopted the position that their courses don’t last forever.  If you completed ARECC Level III prior to the most recent iteration, consider that “cert” no longer valid.  Mentors of ARECC Level III (even those who helped develop the course at its inception and have contributed to the new, revised course) now have to re-take the course if they wish to continue mentoring it.   Expect the same for ARECC Levels I & II at some point.   73 from NE Oregon de N7WR
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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.”

I recently read an article recently written by a person who was involved directly in the EmComm response at the WTC on 9/11/01.  EMCOMM training was bashed pretty heavily including use of the standard radiogram format.  It was obvious that this particular individual had his focus pretty close on what was actually a "local" event, and (therefore) had little or no reason to use the standard format since the traffic was all "tactical" and local in nature.  Granted, there are situations where the standard radiogram format is better,  and there are places where it is not.  I see it this way:

After the hurricane disasters in the Gulf Coast area last year, amateur involvement in EmComm seems to be changing and will continue to shift somewhat from the "shadowing" activity of "first responder" individuals or groups and the handling of local "tactical" traffic to more involvement in "long haul" Health and Welfare advisory type written traffic when the "normal" commercial infrastructure is lost.
 
Now that the government is shoveling money towards "improvement" in "interoperability" between various non-amateur Law Enforcement and disaster-aid agencies, the effect will be to continue to reduce amateur involvement in this aspect of EmComm considerably as these new systems come on line and are proved out.  Also, the standard radiogram format does not fit well into the local hot and heavy tactical traffic operations these agencies will be involved in. 

However, H&W traffic from displaced people inside a disaster area in shelters etc, to points "outside" the immediately affected area is something that amateurs can (and should) still do really well, given the proper training.  It is also a service that is often not even considered among the emergency responder types. They are too involved and busy in the immediate aid activity to deal with this kind of traffic.
 
Outbound H&W traffic is of course best handled in standard radiogram format  because it usually will cross the boundaries of one or more networks to get out of the immediate disaster area and have to transition seamlessly from one mode to another and back again between origination and destination. This time-proven method carries sufficient accounting information along with the message to aid in expeditious movement.

The "learning experience" that our THC quiz  http://thc.emcomm.org/ provides is aimed directly at this kind of formal written traffic activity.  I do think that skills properly learned, developed and practiced in formal third party written traffic movement will also be highly beneficial in movement of tactical traffic should an amateur be involved in such activity at any time. - Ed "FB" Trump, AL7N, WRRL-6, Fairbanks, Alaska
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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

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)

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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 (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 or 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.

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THE EMCOMM WORKSHOP
More about EMERGENCY and FIELD Power Supplies

FROM THE EMPIRE STATE...
"I did a little web research, since your mention of 14V battery sources, or rather the lack of them, is something I've heard and wondered about before.  I didn't find any 14V batteries per se, but I did find 16V AGM batteries, which are used by auto racers who want "a little more zip" in their electrical systems. Those are available off the shelf in sizes similar to car batteries, but of course 16V might also exceed the safe range for some radios.  Then I found that the solar power industry, like the telecom and fork lift industries, still uses individual 2.2v cells in large sizes, that can be purchased as single cells, or preassembled into batteries.  On the east coast, East Penn's DEKA brand are available as 2.2V cells in large sizes. Stack 7 of them, and you've got a 15.4V battery.  On the west coast, there's DYNABATTERY in Washington. They've got an even wider range of individual cells available. So, for hams who really want or need more than 12V for backup power? It's out there, all it takes is a little looking. These are industrial cells, wet and AGM, and they won't be cheap. But this is how robust commercial-grade power supplies are made.  If you're interested, chase 'em down, and spread the news. Maybe ask those folks if they'd give a direct break to emcomm stations instead of charging full retail.  Sometimes a phone call is all it takes." - Jared Sherman, KC2MMI, Jackson Heights, NY

COMMENT: The original idea was to connect 6V battery in series with an 8V battery of approximately the same amp-hours. - EM

FROM THE CANYON STATE...

"I read with interest Ed, AL7N's comments on emergency power in the September EM. Ed's contribution was interesting and he did a great job on the cabling for low loss. However, there are some things that need to be added. I head up a local ham group who has several mountaintop repeater/digi sites and power system design is a concern. I also maintain a Winlink gateway 24/7 at home which is on emergency power. With that background I had some comments and concerns.

My first concern is about automobile batteries.  First, NEVER use them inside unless specifically vented to outside. They emit hydrogen gas!  Second, auto batteries are a somewhat poor choice for long term emergency power - they are designed for short, very high current demands. A much better choice would be so-called 'Deep Cycle' or marine batteries. These are better suited to long sustained drain, but most also emit hydrogen.

A better selection for inside operation is high A/Hr Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries. SLAs, however have their own issues. Unless charged with a specifically designed 3-cycle "smart" charger, the life can be severely shortened.  However there is another, the somewhat poorly understood, charge/load/battery configuration.

The most common emergency power configuration is to have the charger, load, and batteries all in parallel. For flooded cells (auto & deep cycle) this works fairly well except that the charger has to supply both load and recharge (often high) current. For example, if your load averages 20A and you need to recharge at 30A, your charger has to be 50+ Amps!  This parallel configuration with SLAs and a smart charger is a problem. The constant load current changes on radios usually keeps the charger from ever getting into the 'float' mode, thus shortening battery life.

There is a solution for home that I have found to be quite reliable - it involves use of what West Mountain Radio calls a PowerGate. You feed an AC supply in one side of this, batteries in the other, and the center to the load. As long as you have AC, your radios run off of the power supply and the powergate routes charge current to the batteries to maintain or recharge them. I don't know what is inside the device, but I suspect power HexFets, not diodes. The one concern with this configuration is the reliability of the AC supply. The higher the line reliability, the less concern about recharge time. You can see my solution in the September issue of QST.

If your load is under about 25 amps there is a solution to the 13.8V supply issue - a battery booster in the June QST New Products section. I have one,
it works well. A bit pricey but worth it if your transceiver is input voltage sensitive.

One last caution. If you run unattended and cannot watch the battery voltage, you MUST have a gadget known as a Low Voltage Disconnect!  Most batteries if you discharge below about 10.5 volts, will start unrecoverable degradation or outright failure!

Anyway, there you have a few more words on emergency power." - Bill Hosking, W7JSW, DEC/ASEC, Scottsdale, AZ

 

COMMENT:  Some of Bill's solutions may be cost prohibitive for many of us, but his points are well-taken.  The bottom line is: SAFETY FIRST! - EM

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

CAN YOU PASS THE THIRD GRADE?
 Click here:  http://www.pibmug.com/files/map_test.swf
∙-∙-∙

"SHOW US YOUR SHACK"  - (updated)
• Send a picture of you AND your shack (all in one frame and in JPG or JPEG format) to: k6soj@wrrl.org

• Our "SHOW US YOUR SHACK" page is at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/shacks/
∙-∙-∙

FEATURES SECTION

"The Chronicles of Nocandoo"

An EM "Farcical Fantasy of Futuristic Fiction" (FFFF), by Roger Wilcox, PHD

Episode   I - EM April 2006 read at:  http://www.emcomm.org/em/april2006.htm
Episode  II - EM June 2006 read at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/june2006.htm

Episode III  - EM August 2006 read at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/august2006.htm

Episode IV

Hemp and Psue, pedaling their all terrain bicycles, followed Cy and Vint on the vintage BMW-electric hybrid motorcycle, slowly along a winding dirt trail to the base of the mesa.  The procession stopped.  Vint said, "See that first ridge?  That's where we are going."  They watched as Cy pulled out a black plastic tube with a pistol grip and carefully aimed it at a spot on the top of the mesa.  A small wire connect the device to the motor battery.  An indicator LED on back of the tube flashed, as Cy sent a beam of light (in Morse): REQUEST TO APPROACH TWO GUESTS ON BICYCLES.  Hemp, who as a child had learned Morse from his grandfather, watched the indicator LED flash:
---  -∙-
It was nearly another kilometer to the top.  Hemp and Psue were "NPO" (nearly pooped out) as they rode past Gard (the lookout for the third watch).  Gard was a small-framed older man attired in a black long-sleeve T-shirt and faded nearly thread-bare camo BDU's.  Gard nodded politely as they passed through a gate with a sign overhead that read: "IT TAKE'S A VILLAGE".  Cy commented, "That's intended as humor."  They rode on into a clearing surrounded by a grove of tall green trees.  Some cypress, some yellow pine, and other species.

About a hundred meters more and they were in the main camp.  A statuesque attractive "sixty-something" woman with gray hair worn in a pony-tail, wearing black boots, a long skirt and a well-worn sweatshirt, approached and greeted the visitors by saying:  "I'm Rose, Thor's wife...and Vint's mother.  Thor will be here in a few minutes."  She displayed a commanding presence...that elicited immediate respect.

Thor (the apparent leader) approached.  His deep set dark eyes were framed by a well-tanned and weathered face, gray bushy eyebrows and a medium length white beard.  He was wearing old Levis®, and a wool sweater.  He extended his gnarly right hand and said,  "Welcome".

Hemp and Sue shook his hand and replied with a simultaneous, "Thank you."

 

Thor softly said, "It's almost time for dinner, but I'll introduce you to some of our little band."    He then guided Hemp and Psue over to a cave.  "This is our COMM POST.  Shak is the operator on duty now."

 

Shak took off his headset and Morse signals came from a speaker that has once proudly emitted music in a vintage Lexus.

Psue asked, "Who is he is contact with?"

"Cuba.  We maintain a nightly schedule."

 

"Really?!"

 

"Yes.  After Castro died a few years ago...the people of Cuba truly, finally, became the "Free Territory of America".

 

"I remember my father saying once that Radio Habana that used to use that as their slogan over a hundred yars ago," Hemp commented.  "Now the Cuban Navy has to restrict immigration, because too many refugees were fleeing the mainland in makeshift boats, rafts, and even hot-air balloons!"

 

Thor piped up with,  Yes, it sure is strange how things change.  We thought about emigrating to Cuba about the time that "In God We Trust" was removed from all of our coins, currency, and public buildings.  Believe it our not...Cuban currency now declares En Dios Confiamos!   Funny isn't it?  Everything seems to run in cycles."  As Thor was speaking a loud blast from an old tuba sounded.  "There goes Josh again.  He loves to blow that old horn!  Anyway, that's our dinner call."

Thor and Rose then led them to the dining area which consisted of several long tables and an odd assortment of folding chairs under a very large canvas canopy.  The serving table was manned by three servers.  Thor insisted that Psue and Hemp go through the line first, and as they did he introduced them to each server as they moved down the line.  There was "Chow", the main cook, "Grub", his assistant, and "Gelo", a petite, pretty, pleasant (thirty something?) young lady whose specialty was desert.  Grub jokingly said,  "There's always room for Gelo!"

 

As they loaded up their stainless steel trays, Hemp was feeling very comfortable and said to Psue:  "Wow.  These people really have class.  Look, the mess trays are monogrammed.  They have US stamped in them!"  They were so hungry that they didn't ask what some of the food actually was.  As they sat down at one of the tables, Hemp noticed that the tables had been crafted from salvaged airplane hangar doors.  Old landing gear provided underneath support and allowed them to be rolled around.  They waited until all had been served and seated except for Gard and Shak who were still at the posts and would eat later.  Without any comment, they watched as the group all silently bowed their heads and "gave thanks", each in his or her own way.  Psue and Hemp also gave thanks.  After a minute or two, they all began and eat, and the atmosphere turned jovial.

 

Psue nudged Hemp and whispered, "Do you know what this is?" as she pointed to one item on her tray.

Rose had heard her and said, "It's Possum and Yams.  And those are collard greens!  Try it...you might like it!"  Psue, nodded, and took a small bite.  "At least you tried it.  Now taste the cabrito."  (Bar-B-Que roasted young goat.)

Psue commented, "not bad".

"Not bad?  It's