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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.  4 -- No. 7        ONLINE: www.emcomm.org/em                December  2007
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                              "SEASON'S GREETINGS"
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
The EM PHILOSOPHY - PORK RADIO

SHORT CIRCUITS - Brief Items and Announcements

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

ICS PERSPECTIVES - by Jerry Boyd, N7WR
WRRL NEWS and NETS
TRAFFIC HANDLING - Traffic Handling "Do's" and "Don'ts
QSH - Phishing Report
 NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE - ZIG ZAG COMMUNICATIONS Part II
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION

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The EM PHILOSOPHY 

PORK RADIO

We recently saw a proposal by some emcomm leaders that want to build an amateur "state-wide digital network" at a cost of $3000-$4000 per terminal (station).  If their plan is to fund this grandiose project with their own money, or with voluntarily donated dollars...so be it.  But since hams have a history of being notoriously cheap when it comes to public service, we wonder how many of these stations will actually be built and become operational.  However, if the proponents of this scheme plan to fund this project by feeding at the public trough...then we object.  Strongly.

Even if these radio-hybrid systems remain "up" when the infrastructure goes down, hundreds of stations at hundreds of locations could be provided for what ONE of these set-ups cost.  This is (of course) if emcomm operators provide their own radios and other gear and spend a little time and energy and learn how to become effective traffic handlers.  (This once was a proud tradition in the amateur radio service.)

We may be old fashioned, but isn't community service about giving something back?  And, not about seeing how much tax-payer money can be spent?  Contrary to what some hams may think, Uncle Sam is not Santa Claus!
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 SHORT CIRCUITS


INTERFERENCE ON 40 METERS
 Due to persistent AM SWBC interference, the Jefferson Noon Net (JNN aka PTZNN), has moved to 7204± kHz.  The 75 meter alternate frequency of 3987± kHz remains unchanged.  As always, nets may be up or down as much as 20 kHz, depending upon current band conditions.
 (The JNN serves the Pacific and Mountain time zone stations at 2000Z daily.)


 KICKBACKS

Each month, after we send out a new edition of EMCOMM MONTHLY, we receive some "kickbacks."  This is when a reader (or their ISP) has installed some new blocking filter in his or her computer that will not permit EM to be received.  We realize that SPAM e-mail is growing problem.  However, if you forget to tell your computer to allow EM to pass, it is your loss.  When we get a "kickback" telling us that your computer or server "does not like us," or asks us to input some special code or solve some multi-color puzzle, we just do not have the time or patience to endure this in an attempt to deliver EM to your computer's e-mail inbox.

REMINDER: Many internet service providers (ISPs) are installing new "SPAM filters" in their system(s) that may block EMCOMM MONTHLY, whether inbound or outbound (if you try to forward EM to someone).  To ensure that you receive EM and SPECIAL BULLETINS, add: @cot.net, @wrrl.org, and @emcomm.org to your "Whitelist" with your ISP.  Contact your ISP if you have any questions.

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ALERT SIGNAL FOR RADIO RESCUE

RADIO RESCUE is a group of volunteers (primarily in the southeastern U.S.), who maintain a radio watch on 3911 kHz DAILY from 0000 to 0500 ETZ (Eastern Time Zone).    The monitoring mode is SSB, but CW signals will be answered when a Morse operator is available.  This may be life-saving when poor band conditions will not permit a voice transmission to be heard.  It also will get the attention of a monitoring operator!

 REMEMBER!  A station calling a SSB station in CW may need to set their transmitting frequency 700-800 Hz below the nominal LSB frequency (above if the moinitoring station is on USB) if they expect to be heard.  NOTE:  Some modern transceivers will automatically offset the CW signal carrier enough in the proper direction when switching modes to be heard when tuned to a LSB  or USB frequency.  Others do not.  Example:  Some TenTec models do this, and all the calling station has to do is tune the USB or LSB voice signal in correctly, and switch the mode selector CW.  The CW carrier is  then automatically switched to the proper offset within the passband so the voice station will hear it.   If operators are going to use this kind of alert system (identical to the old international 500 kHz auto alarm signal...which was 12 long dahs, each being four seconds long as timed from the radio room's deck clock sweep second hand) they need to be familiar with their own rigs as to how to switch.

 RADIO RESCUE is also promoting the use of an ALERT SIGNAL to gain the attention of a monitoring station.  (Even if you do not know Morse.)

This is how the ALERT SIGNAL works:
1. A calling SSB operator "tunes down" 700-800 Hz and sends (in CW) a series of long (four second) dahs with one second pauses.
2. The calling operator then sends (in Morse) SSB SSB.
3. The receiving station will acknowledge by sending R R R DE ______  (call sign) in Morse.
4. Both stations then switch to SSB on 3911 kHz.

 RADIO RESCUE is looking for operators who are available to monitor during the early morning hours.
Contact Richard Webb, NF5B, at: elspider@bellsouth.net or Richard.Webb@116-901.ftn.wpusa.dynip.com 
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EMCOMM LICENSE PLATES

A new supply is now in stock.  Quantity prices available upon request.

(These make nice awards or door prizes for annual meetings, etc.)

View NEW PICS at:  http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/

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 FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS

HAMS AS PUBLIC SAFETY VOLUNTEERS
(Ref:The Southern California Fires -- November EM.)

"Your latest EMCOMM MONTHLY had a lot to say. The truth of the matter is that the USFS and CDF (now called "CAL-FIRE" - Editor) are very well equipped. The rest of the story is, many hams such as myself are volunteer workers for the Fire Department. Our main job is emergency communications. I sent you a letter earlier in the year and you passed it off to someone who had been in the police dept.  He sort of looked down his nose at those of us that are working with the fire departments. They are not going to allow you in their service until you have had several ICS courses completed and the usual S190 wild land fire classes and fire safety classes completed. There is a RADO class that needs to be completed as well.  Again I suggest you folks look up on the internet and complete these classes with the fire departments. The old days are gone!  Fire Safety is required and you must be able to determine when you are in danger and react before it occurs." - Jim Coulter, K7QCK, Sequim, Washington

COMMENT:  We don't disagree with anything you have said.  And we say that volunteers such as yourself are to be highly commended.  But a distinction must be made between fire, law enforcement, EMS, SAR, and other public service agency volunteers and/or auxiliary reserve personnel, who may handle tactical communications for an agency, even if, occasionally, on amateur frequencies when normal means of communications are not available.

EM occasionally addresses this type of public service, but we are primarily about preparing radio amateurs to handle both tactical and record message third-party traffic on behalf of the general public (Part 97.1) in addition to public service and private agencies.  I have also worked as a RADO.  But a "RADO" is not necessarily a skilled message traffic handler, or a radio amateur with the ability to quickly fabricate an HF wire antenna on scene, or someone who can handle a Morse message.  These are skills that most public service radio communicators lack and separate skilled radio amateurs from a typical RADO.  Of course, fire safety classes and training are necessary if one is going to accept an assignment in a high fire hazard area.

As a general rule, emcomm operators will not be stationed in the "line of fire".  In fact, important emcomm service is often performed  by operators at a home base station, or set-up portable on a hill top, far outside the danger area.  (See ZIG ZAG in the November EM and below.)   The requirements for a WRRL TYPE I ARCT are at: http://www.wrrl.org/arct_program/requirements.asp 

Members of a TYPE I ARCT must be prepared for any and all contingencies, and be available to handle message traffic for any and all agencies, (regardless of the precedence), as well as the general public.  Any member of an ARCT (no matter if  a TYPE I or TYPE 4), this is stationed within a hazardous or restricted zone, must also meet whatever additional certification(s) that the requesting agency may require. - Editor
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NATIONAL TWO METER CALLING FREQUENCY (146.52 MHz)
(Re: ICS Perspectives in the November EM.)

"I've found my experience dovetails with Jerry Boyd's when traveling.  On a recent trip to Miami, through Alabama, Kathleen and I caravanned with a friend from Birmingham to Orlando.  I got a few pleasant surprises, since we didn't want to play the repeater chase game we used 146.52 MHz simplex.  As we started rolling south with the rush hour traffic out of Birmingham, we coordinated our activities as we drove down I-65.  Just outside of Montgomery, we talked to another fellow traveler on his commute to work.

"When we got on Hwy 231 heading for the Alabama-Florida border, much to our surprise, we found a base station monitoring 146.52.  That gentleman was north of
Montgomery, and talked us down into Florida.  So there are still some folks out there on 146.52, but they're few and far between.  - Richard Webb, NF5B, Eads, TN
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ANOTHER EXPERIENCE WITH 146.52:

"Re. Jerry Boyd's comments.  My experience has been similar when traveling to, from and about the lower 48 with a 2 meter HT.  I do much better with a portable 40 meter CW rig.  At least you can usually raise SOMEBODY....and then if you have a genuine problem you could get them to alert whatever authority is needed.

"I wouldn't want to depend on 2 meters VHF-FM...repeaters or simplex....in most places.  Either you get no answer at all on '.52 SX, or the repeater input uses some PL® tone you don't know, or the locals won't talk to strangers...etc, etc.

"I guard 146.52 SX all the time here at the home QTH......(I don't listen to the BS on the local repeater...and only go there if I have to.)  I hear a "stranger" now and then on '.52 SX , especially during summer when we have lots of visitors with RV's, etc.  I normally make an attempt to at least contact them, and offer any assistance they might require, such as where are good places to eat, road information, locations of RV park facilities, etc. Sometimes it is helpful to travelers." - Ed  "FB" Trump, AL7N,
Fairbanks, AK
COMMENT - Glad to hear that there are still a few stations monitoring 146.52.  I stopped monitoring "52" several years ago because the locals in my county were using it for rag-chewing and I couldn't stand to listen to it.  I travel south in I-5 to La-La Land (Los Angeles) once or twice a year.  On my last trip, I monitored 146.52 and even identified a few times hoping someone might hear me and reply.  Nada, zip, zero.  I agree with AL7N, that in a situation where you really need help, or need to get a message to someone, HF is the "sure thing".  My procedure would first be to call on one of the NATIONAL EMCOMM CALLING FREQUENCIES (see below).  If I couldn't raise someone there, I would tune up or down until I heard a QSO in progress.  I would then break in and ask for assistance. - EM
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ZIG-ZAG COMMUNICATIONS
(Refer: FEATURE in the November EM and this issue)

"I noted with interest your mention of carrying a 20-30 foot mast.  Before I retired, I worked as a Communications Tech, and I always carried two 30 and one 50 foot slip-up masts. I had all the guy lines pre-cut and marked for the slip-ups which made it quicker and easy to put up. The guy lines were pull starter cord and had quick connect clips on the end. I used a 1 foot square piece of plywood with a socket hole and stake holes in the four corners as a base.  Another quick mast is the 10 foot swaged mast sections. These can be used to build a mast and can be easily pulled into position when the guy lines are attached.  I have built a 45 foot mast using the 5 foot swaged sections and lifted the mast and inserted the next section into the bottom. It works, but is hard physical work lifting the mast when it gets tall.  These slip-up masts are usually cheaper and easier to get than surplus masts." - Forbes Purcell, VE6FMP - Milk River, Alberta, Canada

COMMENT - The "push-up" telescoping masts are usually about 10-12 ft. (3 meters) long when collapsed, and they are heavy and are more difficult (and dangerous) to erect.  But if you have a truck or long heavy-duty roof rack on your car or station wagon, they may be right for you.  The military, fiber-glass, sectional masts (they were originally designed to support camouflage covers) are lightweight and the 4.5 ft. sections can be carried inside many vehicles.  Four or five sections equal 16 to 20 ft., and that should be very adequate.  The aluminum, tubular type are 5.5 ft. each and weigh more than the fiberglass type, but are not as heavy (per foot) as the steel masts.  Another great emergency/field mast (if you are lucky enough to find one) are the fiberglass, telescopic poles (also known as "hot sticks") that power company crews use.  - EM
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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 emcomm radio operators.  Technical questions are forwarded to our Technical Advisor, Ed Ewell, K7DXV.  Questions about our ARCT program or NIMS/ICS 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.

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Q:  Would you please explain what you mean in this excerpt from EMCOMM MONTHLY, Vol. 4, No. 6.?
"Over the past few years, the American Red Cross has developed its own non-amateur radio field communication system (at tremendous expense) and has recruited and trained its own push-button communications specialists." - Craig Dieckman, KC9HWK, Arlington Hts., IL

A:  Over the past five years or so, the American Red Cross (ARC) has acquired numerous extensively equipped  ECRVs (Emergency Communications Response Vehicles) and has stationed them around the country. See:http://www.emcomm.org/red_cross/default.asp  From what we have heard, the cost was about $100,000.00 or more per unit.  Many hams have volunteered to "man" these units, and have undergone extensive and specialized training.   But there has been little emphasis on amateur radio or using formal message traffic procedures.  Non-hams could perform 99% of that type of radio work.

When I was an SEC, I lost several ARES® leaders and members to this program.  One of the attractions was that "no code" hams (technician class) could use now use the ARC (commercial) HF frequencies, satellite emcomm, etc.  This same emcomm service (and even better) could be provided by skilled amateurs at much less cost (actually free), if the ARES® lived up to its claims.  (They haven't for years. So we don't blame the ARC.)

The 12 or so ARC-ECRVs stationed around the country can only be in 12 locations at any one time.  This may be adequate to handle ARC administrative communications, but it is woefully inadequate to handle the hundreds (or thousands) of messages, originating from multiple locations,  that potentially could be necessary in a major disaster.   Even if there were many other amateur field emcomm stations operating during a disaster operation, we have noticed (sadly) that most of the ARC-ECRV operators were not adequately trained in message traffic handling. - EM
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ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor
(This month I answer some comments from one of our readers.)

ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

"The EMCOMM Journal of the WRRL is such an excellent way to share information pertaining to the  Emergency Communications aspect of Ham Radio.  I'd like to share a few notes about the fifteen FEMA courses that I took. 

"I first took the following standard four NIMS courses:
    IS-100    Introduction to the Incident Command System
    IS-200    ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
    IS-700    National Incident Management System (NIMS) an Introduction
    IS-800A  National Response Plan (NRP), an Introduction

"I had already completed a locally sponsored CERT training class, but decided to boost my training by taking the equivalent FEMA course:
    IS-317    Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team
  
"Since I had already taken some HAZMAT training, I added:
    IS-005A    An Introduction to Hazardous Materials
    IS-340      Hazardous Materials Prevention
    IS-055      Household Hazardous Materials, A Guide for Citizens
   
"To supplement my training in Nuclear Radiological Monitoring (one of my favorites), I added:
    IS-003    Radiological Emergency Management
    IS-301    Radiological Emergency Response
    IS-302    Modular Emergency Radiological Response Transportation Training

"By now, it was getting to be fun, and I simply didn't know when to stop, but I finished off:
    IS-242    Effective Communications
    IS-703    NIMS Resource Management
    IS-1900  National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Federal Coordinating Center Operations
    IS-208    State Disaster Management

"I didn't need all of these NIMS courses as a District Radio Officer with RACES.  However, I found the course materials to be informative and interesting.  A few areas were admittedly boring, but my overall impression of the NIMS training courses is positive.

"If you are currently involved in working with EMCOMM, I would recommend taking at least some of the NIMS courses, as it can only serve to enhance the interoperability between EMCOMM and the agencies you work with.  Very Respectfully," - Charlie Schlieper, N5TD, Temple, TX

COMMENT - Your tenacity in pursuing completion of all of the NIMS courses you listed is commendable.  Certainly, for anyone who wishes to increase his/her knowledge base, those courses and the others offered on-line via "FEMA" are helpful.  There is a "slippery slope" for some who may take so many courses.  Not in your case, but for some the temptation is to cross the line from emergency communicator to pseudo emergency manager.  While anyone, including amateurs, are certainly free to develop the expertise needed to become a first responder in a public safety discipline (which amateurs are NOT), those that cross that line and abandon the communications role may be doing emcomm a disservice.  There are too few trained emcomm operators as it is, and to loose a number of them because they now are trained to serve in other capacities may not be a good thing in terms of emcomm's future.

Having taken most of the courses you have, some you haven't, and being involved professionally as an emergency manager, here's my read.  ICS 100 gives all, including emcomm amateurs, a good overview of how ICS works and how amateurs may fit into the big scheme of things.  ICS 242 is not a bad course on effective communications in an emergency.  ICS 703 can help a newly appointed emcomm Leader learn how to manage the resources within his/her emcomm group.  The others address specific issues in far more detail than a volunteer emcomm operator needs. 

I know that some emcomm groups which serve government agencies are being forced to take ICS 700.  That's too bad.  ICS 700 is a terribly bureaucratic course with little importance unless you are an emergency manager who will be assigned to a federal Joint Operations Center. - Jerry Boyd, N7WR
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WRRL NEWS and NETS 
"EMCOMM WITHOUT BORDERS."

∙ WRRL NET on  MONDAYS on 14.280 MHz USB (Alternate: 14.270 or somewhere "in between.")
   2000Z (SUMMER) 2100Z (WINTER)

∙ REGIONAL NETS:
    Pacific and Mountain Time Zones: Daily at 1200 PTZ on 7204 kHz (new), (3987 kHz alternate) JNN

    Eastern Time Zone:  Daily at 1200 ETZ  (in planning stage)
∙ WRRL STATION MAP UPDATE
   Map showing the location of WRRL stations can be viewed at: http://www.wrrl.org/map/  
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TRAFFIC HANDLING

“For want of a letter, a word was lost.
             For want of a word, a message was lost.
                         For want of a message, a life was lost.”
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NET and TRAFFIC HANDLING "DO'S AND DON'TS"

DO ------ Say the call sign of the station you are turning it over to, followed by your call sign and the proword "OVER."  (In Morse it is K or KN)

DON'T - Transmit until you hear the proword "OVER."  (In Morse it is K or KN)

 
DO ----- Use the proword ROGER to acknowledge that the last transmission was heard and understood.  In Morse it is R (didahdit).
DON'T - Use "ROGER" to answer in the AFFIRMATIVE or at the end of a transmission.


DO ------ USE BREVITY when originating or helping someone else to originate a message text.
DON'T -  EVER CHANGE a message text once it has been sent.  (Even if you think you might clarify or improve it.)


DO ----- Use X as a separator.  NO punctuation is ever used except the slant bar ( / ). Example: K6SOJ/7
DON'T - Use X for a period, a decimal, or a dot. Example: 146.52 is sent as 146R52 (in Morse), and said (in  voice) as "WUN FO-WER SIX ROMEO FIFE TOO" speak slowly and clearly.  (It will save time!)

 

DO ----- On voice (SSB, FM, etc.) use brevity.  Just as you would in Morse.

DON'T - Say extra and unnecessary words such as "Check", "Going to",  "Message Text", or "Signature".

 

DO ------ Use proper prowords on voice (example: say "break" between the address and the text and between the text and the signature in a RADIOGRAM), and use the proper prosigns in Morse. (example: BT between the address and the text and between the text and the signature)

DON'T - Say "AA" or "Alpha Alpha" (or worse yet: "next line") after each line in an address in voice, but DO send AA in Morse.

 

DO ------ After establishing contact with a receiving station, begin a message relay (in voice) with "Follows message number 1".

DON'T - Change a message number along the way.  It remains the same from beginning to end.

 

DO ----- Use as few words as necessary.

DON'T - Use as many extra and superfluous words and as many extemporaneous and explanatory words as you possibly can think of in order to display your vast and extensive vocabulary and language skills in order to say what you have to say and don't repeat yourself over and over and over and over and over and over and in conclusion before I say my very best of the best of the best 73s to you and yours let me say at this time that one "by golly" is one "by golly" too much...by golly!

TAKE THE TRAFFIC HANDLER'S CHALLENGE AT:  http://thc.emcomm.org
TRAFFIC HANDLER'S SUPPLIES:  http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/

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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 (Handling Instructions) • 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

•   3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
•   5332 kHz "Up" to other 60M channels as necessary. 50W maximum ERP. (Activated during actual incidents.)
•   7204 kHz
• 14280 kHz
• ALASKA ONLY: 5167.5 kHz (USB emergency traffic only)

CW:
•   1911 kHz
•   3540 kHz
•   3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
•   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
• LOCAL EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 146.55 MHz
• RED CROSS EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 147.42 MHz
• NATIONAL CALLING SIMPLEX - 146.52 MHz 

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

We receive numerous phictitious subscriptions to EM every day as a result of so-called "phishing."  Computer generated, phoney-baloney, automated searching (probably) for the word "subscribe."  Here is a list of  "new subscribers" received and DELETED on just one day:  Btlukv Btlukvrwt, Cobnic Cobnicrei, Cqswql Cqswqloju, Diswdr Diswdrxjq, Fedrhq Fedrhqtdx, Fkowbo Fkowboxfp, Gmlixc Gmlixchjd, Ifqiem Ifqiemqfk, Jgnpiq Jgnpiqwji, Jovxsm Jovxsmwxq, Jgtxtl Jgtxtlcsu, Kinuuk Kinuukdet, Kmftaf Kmftafbgk, Lvveml Lvvemlpns, Mbovxx Mbovxxvia, Qaaoei Qaaoeimxk, Obsvmi Obsvmixhk, Penmcd Penmcdkgj, Pftwxf Pftwxfbkf, Spddut Spddutoup, and last (but not least)...Qdwbqm Qdwbqmvgb.

The internet "information-super-highway" is not only clogged with phishers,  it's infested with robbers, bugs, worms, and who knows what all else!  (This is one of the reasons we don't trust radio-internet-hybrid systems for record message traffic.  )

"Record Message Traffic, by skilled operators, and by RADIO (only)!"   It's about Dependability, Accuracy and Accountability!

∙ - ∙ - ∙
 "SHOW US YOUR SHACK" 
• "SHOW US YOUR SHACK" is at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/shacks/
• Send a picture of you AND your shack (all in one frame and in JPG or JPEG format) to: k6soj@wrrl.org
∙ - ∙ - ∙
FEATURE SECTION
ZIG-ZAG COMMUNICATIONS - PART II
by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ

 

"The Art of Communicating on HF...under less that optimal band conditions."
An EM advanced studies training module)

NOTE: This is "Part II."  It is about knowing how to maximize the effective use of the HF amateur bands for emcomm and other communications.

ZIG-ZAG SIGNALS

In January, 1921, a few radio pioneers conducted transcontinental message radio relay tests.  (In Morse...of course).

Hiram Percy Maxim, 1AW*, organized and executed his famous trans-continental message relay in January 1921.   He sent the message to R. Matthews, 9ZN in Chicago, who relayed it to Louis Falconi, 5ZA, Roswell, NM, and  finally to V.M. Bitz, 6JD, in Los Angeles who sent an acknowledgement back over the same circuit. The round trip took 6 minutes and 30 seconds!  And this was done using Morse and spark-gap transmitters.  These early TEST messages demonstrated just how fast a message could be relayed across the continental U.S....and back.

The goal was to pass the traffic in as straight a line as possible, but there was a slight ZIG ZAG in the path due to the location of available relay stations.  However, little was known "way back then" about radio signal propagation patterns, and the ability to relay a message from one point to another via an out-of-the-way station was yet to be explored.  Unfortunately, some emcomm leaders still assume that all radio communications in a disaster or other emergency incident can be handled within the affected county, state, or region.

For point of discussion, lets say a (hypothetical) incident has occurred in west Texas.  Communications are needed between El Paso and the State Capitol at Austin. (Approx. 525 miles.)   When band conditions are "long" signals may not propagate via a direct PTP (point-to-point) path between those two points.  However, suppose an emcomm traffic net is in operation and available on 14.280 SSB and both Texas stations have communications with a skilled operator in Duluth, MN.

All of the operators involved are trained and practiced in proper message traffic handling and net procedures.  A circuit is established and net discipline is maintained.  RADIOGRAMS are then quickly relayed between El Paso and Austin....accurately and expeditiously.  We cannot over-emphasize the importance of using the universal format for message traffic no matter what mode is used.   Why?  Assume the HF station handling the Austin traffic is actually located 20 miles outside the city, and messages received at the Austin HF relay (a good TACTICAL call sign for this circuit) are being relayed to a VHF FM station located just outside the state EOC.  The messages are received at the VHF station, written or typed  ("X separators" are removed), and are hand carried to the officials (addressees) inside.

Therefore, it is important for all emcomm operators to participate in nets and become familiar with net procedures on a regular basis.  Choose nets that demonstrate proper and effective net and traffic procedures, and that you know are capable of correctly handling message traffic.  Participate in at least one local, regional and national net on a regular basis.  Avoid "good ol' boy rag chew nets" if you want to learn and practice proper network operations.

One of the arguments we often hear from those who promote the use of radio-infrastructure-hybrid-communications, is that emcomm stations may not be within range of the station they wish to contact.  We also hear the argument, "the HF bands may be dead."  The fact is: A complete "blackout" on frequencies between 1.8 and 30.0 MHz is extremely rare.  If and when that should happen, the frequencies usually return in 24-48 hours.  Also, FM, SSB and CW VHF communications are always there, and in the hands of skilled relay operators, traffic can be handled over many hundreds of miles.  (Ref. Part I in EM in the November 2007 issue.)

Before we get to our discussion about HF "ZIG ZAG" communications, let us first consider line-of-sight mobile and fixed HF propagation and review some of the characteristics of the more popular HF amateur bands.  For short distances (1-20 miles...more or less) HF is often not considered for emcomm.  But when VHF is not feasible it should be considered as a viable option.  First, be sure that the selected frequency is clear.  Remember that HF band conditions can change rapidly and incoming signals from far away may suddenly cause interference.  Also, your signals may suddenly interfere with stations many hundreds of miles away.

10 meters
The ten meter band was once very popular for local mobile communications.  A quarter-wave whip is only 100 inches (2.5 meters) long and works well.  For a NVIS signal, a mobile unit can be parked, and the whip is then tilted over to provide a NVIS** signal.  HF line-of-sight, ground wave, and even NVIS is an excellent alternative for "local" emcomm!  Remember, the propagation patterns are not different from the 27 MHz Citizen Band, and more power may be used (legally!).  CW, SSB and FM are also legal (check the band plan) and you will not have to (hopefully) listen to vulgarity and undisciplined operators.

12-15-17 meters
For the purpose of this discussion, we will bypass these three bands.  But they are viable options, especially when 20 meters is busy with contests, DX activity, rag-chewing, or other hobby-radio activities.  Propagation on these three bands is similar to 10 or 20 meters.
20 meters
This band is arguably the most popular band for DX (long distance) communications.  It is often the band of choice for transcontinental, international, maritime and transoceanic radio traffic, but it often is very congested with DX chasers, contests, long-winded yakkers, and other hobby-radio related activities.  These may make emcomm traffic and public service net operations very difficult and challenging.  The 20 meter band is not recommended for close range (line-of-sight) contacts since your signals may interfere with stations across the country or on the other side of the world.

30 meters
Emcomm leaders often neglect this band in their planning.  Thirty meters is THE band for domestic regional emcomm traffic.  NO "hot-air" pontificators using amateur radio for their own personal soapbox.  30 meters is CW, RTTY and data only!  NO high-power stations splattering all over the band!  (200 watt maximum.)  Skilled Morse operators can pass reams of RADIOGRAMS with little interference.  Amateurs should always keep in mind that we are secondary users of this very special privilege; but also that, it is an excellent band for medium-range regional emergency and public service communications!

40 meters
Generally speaking, the 40 band is the mainstay for regional emcomm.  It is usually the best choice for regional (100-700 miles) communications during daytime.  It is also usable for much longer distances during hours of darkness, but this also allows for more QRM.  Other factors such as your latitude (and the latitude of the other station) will affect propagation, as well as, the solar cycle, annual season, weather events, etc., and it is often plagued with shortwave broadcast (SWBC) interference.  The "key" here is...become an experienced operator...and become familiar with propagation patterns for all bands!

75/80 meters
75m 'phone and 80m CW are considered to be the mainstay for regional and even local emcomm during nighttime hours.  But it is often open during midday, and is the most viable option for daytime emcomm when the MUF (maximum usable frequency) drops below 7 MHz.  Also, when daytime propagation on 40m is good from 300-1000 miles it is often at ZERO (nil, zip, nada) for stations closer than 300 miles.  (NOTE: Please realize that the distances stated are approximate.)

160 meters
This MW (medium wave) band is often forgotten by emcomm operators.  While it is generally a band for night owls, it has been known to open during daylight hours...even at mid-day.  Also, during daylight, line-of-sight, and/or ground-wave propagation is often very good.  Propagation on this MW band is very similar to the MW AM BCB (broadcast band).  We often hear comments such as "160 needs too long of an antenna" or, " I don't have enough real estate!"   However, there are plenty of operators who regularly operate on 160 meters both mobile and portable, by using proper base loading coils.
NOTE: Due to DX activity in the lower portion of this band, please keep domestic (U.S.) activity above 1850 kHz.

KNOW HOW
All emcomm operators need a working knowledge of propagation patterns and know how to select the best band.  Time of day, time of year, and where we all are in the solar cycle are all factors.  When an HF band seems unusable, should you pack it up an go home?  Not if you (and other emcomm operators) know how to:

ZIG-ZAG
When propagation does not allow for direct communications you have these choices:

1. You can wait until band conditions allow PTP communications.  Usually this only takes a few hours or less.  It is perfectly acceptable to wait until an evening net, or even until the next day, if the message is for routine (R) or welfare (W).

2. You can change bands.  Skilled operators will already know which bands are open at various times of day and which nets have operators capable of handling message traffic.  An effective emcomm net may involve relay stations many hundreds, even thousands of miles, away.

3. You can use distant (out-of-your-area) relays.  Just because an emergent situation is local, state- or province-wide, or is confined to within a region, it doesn't mean that emcomm signals must be confined to within that area!
 
FAIR WEATHER HAMS
In my experience as a net manager and as a net control operator when band conditions are poor (especially over a period of time), net participation falls off considerably.  For hobby or "rag-chew "nets...this is no big deal.  But since emergencies can occur at any time, practicing operating under poor conditions provides a valuable learning and experience in both net operating discipline and in needed relay skills.

Experienced operators know that the quickest route between two points is not always a straight line, and they know how to "zig-zag" signals to get a message through. 

NET PROCEDURE REVIEW

A CASE IN POINT:  A few days ago I was the NCS on the JNN (PTZNN)***.  As usual (according to good practice) I tuned up on the nominal frequency (7204 kHz) a few minutes before the net was to begin, pushed the PTT button, and said, "This is K6SOJ testing.  Is the frequency clear?"  Hearing nothing, I then said,  "This is K6SOJ for the Jefferson Noon Net calling for a signal report from any net station."  No response.  I called again.  A station in the Midwest replied with,  "You are 59 in Nebraska."  I thanked him and I immediately knew that the 40 meter band was long, very long, and that probably no station in the JNN service area (Pacific and Mountain Time Zones) would hear me.  I asked the Nebraska operator if he would announce:  "This is -----, the Jefferson Noon Net will be on 3987 kHz today."  (The idea was so that stations in the western U.S. would know to tune to the alternate 75 meter frequency.)  He sounded puzzled.   Why would a California station be asking a Nebraska station to make an announcement to a western US net?  He replied with, "Sorry, I don't have 80 meters."  I replied with, "I want you to make the announcement on this frequency."  He complied, and JNN stations then knew to move to 3987 kHz (our 75 meter alternate frequency).

The sad thing is, as kind and as willing to help as the Midwest operator was, he had NO IDEA as to why I would ask him to make that announcement!  Sadly, he is typical of many hams today.****   Anyway, most of the JNN "regulars" heard the announcement, moved to 75 meters, and we had one of the best nets we have had in a long time, with excellent propagation on a band that typically is not a good choice for midday regional communications.  ZIG-ZAG works!

Therefore, (in review), in a net operation, two close(r) stations may not be able to contact each other and a distant relay must be used.  Astute net control operators are aware of this factor.  On the 40 meter JNN, the band is often "long".  Stations can hear other stations 300-400 miles away, but not in the 50-200 mile range.  It is important for the NCS to ask a distant relay (or two) to call for check-ins and/or traffic.  The distant station temporarily becomes and acts as an alternate NCS.  TACTICAL identifiers (e.g. - "SEATTLE RELAY") are appropriate.  As each (additional) station checks in, the alternate NCS acknowledges each station by saying the call sign and location.  Since the (primary) NCS can hear the relay, he/she makes in entry in the net log.  If a roundtable is included in  the routine, the NCS then announces a rotation in such as way as to avoid having a station passing it to a nearby station.  Example:  If I am in northern California (near the Oregon border, I pass it to a Washington station, who then passes it to a Nevada station, who then passes it to an Oregon station, and so on.  It is useless to have all the Washington stations follow each other since they are too close together.  (Of course, if they are very close to each other, they may hear each other via ground wave...but the NCS has no way of knowing this.)
 
TO CHECK OUT, or ... TO NOT CHECK OUT?    THAT IS THE QUESTION!
Have you ever heard someone say:  "I can't hear net control," or, "I can only hear two or three stations, so I am checking out."  That's OK it is only a "Good Ol' Boys" rag chew, but it is not good practice on a public service, traffic, or emcomm net.  There just might actually be some traffic for that station's area, or someone may want a weather report or other information from you, or that station that "can only hear 2 or 3 stations" may be the only station that can provide a relay for some important traffic.  If you must "check out" before the close of net, come up with a valid reason!

FINALLY
Don't ask another operator to, "Check me in.  I won't be on the net today."  You are either in the net...or you aren't!   If the NCS calls for stations with limited time, that is when you should check in.  (But please don't check in as a limited time station, and then break in during the net with comments or contact calls.)  If you suddenly have more time, check in again and remain in the net until you check out again or the net closes.
 
* Early call signs had no prefix
** See SKYWAVES in the July 2007 EM  http://www.emcomm.org/em/2007/july2007.htm
*** PTZNN = Pacific Time Zone Noon Net
**** This is an example of some of the many gaps that are being left out of amateur radio training.  One of the missions of EMCOMM MONTHLY and the WRRL is to try to fill in some of those "educational gaps."
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REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
 
• ICS-ARCT GUIDE:  www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
• WRRL ARCT Page www.wrrl.org/arct_program/

• TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE: http://thc.emcomm.org
• TRAINING ARCHIVES: www.emcomm.org/svares/training/
• OPERATING PROCEDURES:  www.wrrl.org/operating/
• PHONETICS: www.wrrl.org/operating/itu_phonetics.htm
• RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES: www.wrrl.org/operating/icao_radiotelephony.htm

• GEAR AND EQUIPMENT LIST: www.emcomm.org  (Click on GEAR CHECK LIST)

• FEMA TRAINING COURSES:  http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/crslist.asp
• FEMA TRAINING COURSE IS-700 (NIMS): http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is700.asp
• ARRL FSD-218.  The famous “pink card” that contains (almost) “everything you ever needed to know about RADIOGRAMS”.
  An electronic version of FSD-218 is at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#fsd-218
• NTS page by W7ARC: http://www.w7arc.com/nts/
• NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) Methods and Practices Guidelines: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/
• PACIFIC AREA TRAFFIC NETS:  http://home.earthlink.net/~k7bfl/nwnets.html
• MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NETWORK: http://mmsn.org/
• NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SKYWARN www.emcomm.org (click on SKYWARN or Links) or
  Contact your local SKYWARN coordinator for local net information.
• BEAUFORT WINDSPEED SCALE:  http://www.zetnet.co.uk/sigs/weather/Met_Codes/beaufort.htm
• STANDARD TIME ZONE SCALE:  http://www.travel.com.hk/region/timezone.htm
• HOSPITAL DISASTER SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (HDSCS): http://members.aol.com/emcom4hosp/ 
• U. S. AIR FORCE Search and Rescue SURVIVAL MANUAL MIRROR SIGNALING (AFM 64-5 Aug. 1969)
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Mirror_Signaling_mid.jpg
 
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EM STAFF:
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IN THE JANUARY ISSUE OF EMCOMM MONTHLY:
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• TACTICAL CALL SIGNS -- HOW, WHY and WHEN?
• NEWS... FEATURES... FEEDBACK.... QSH... and MORE!

IN THE WORKS:
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