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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. 9                 ONLINE: www.emcomm.org/em/                 FEBRUARY  2007
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The EM PHILOSOPHY - "The Question of Backgrounds"

SHORT CIRCUITS - Brief Items

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

WRRL WINDS - WRRL Member News
ICS PERSPECTIVES - by Jerry Boyd, N7WR
TRAFFIC HANDLING - "Hone Your 'Phone Operating Skills"
NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
EMCOMM WORKSHOP - "Battery Desulfating"
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE SECTION - "Dealing with Jammers"
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION

 

The EM PHILOSOPHY 

 The Question of Backgrounds - by Jerry Boyd, N7WR, WRRL 2

The recent furor over the American Red Cross (ARC) background investigation requirement and the question of its applicability to emcomm volunteers warrants further discussion.  The issue of required backgrounds is pushed from two fronts.  In the case of the ARC, the “push” came during its post-Katrina review.  An internal audit disclosed that there were some persons of very questionable character who had served as ARC volunteers during Katrina.  Some had committed crimes while serving in such a capacity.  Thus, the ARC’s concern was and is to protect itself as an organization against liability and in the process protect, to some degree, those whom the organization serves during disasters.
 
The other push for backgrounds comes from government agencies and is more a matter of security than liability.  Those entities affiliated with, or which have received funding from, “Homeland Security” demand backgrounds of those who work for them, volunteer or not.
 
My public safety experience tells me that the emphasis on background investigations will increase, not diminish.  That experience tells me that perhaps, some day, there will be one nationally recognized provider of background investigations leading to a “universal” clearance whether someone desires to serve as a ARC volunteer or in support of a county Sheriff’s Department.  But that day is a long way off, and some will oppose it as “big brother-ism”.  Until then, each individual entity, government or NGO, will likely decide on its own screening criteria and its own provider of background services.  It is highly unlikely that the ARRL or WRRL or any other organization, even if they wanted to, could provide a background clearance (at least not at all cost-effectively) that would satisfy all of their potential clients.
 
Is there a compromise which may work and which might satisfy organizations such as the ARC?  Perhaps.  It would seem possible for the ARRL to renegotiate its agreement with the ARC to specify that its ARES® volunteers while supporting ARC efforts are not ARC volunteers.  There is no way that the ARC will ever be able to enforce its extreme (that’s my opinion because their background goes beyond the criminal clearance) background investigation requirement on all of the other organizations and companies that support it in an emergency.  Why not view its emcomm providers like it does the companies which provide and deliver bottled water to shelters? Certainly those who provide service as volunteers on behalf of the ARC need a background.  Those who provide a service to the ARC should not.
 
This leads to a final point which really solves more than just the background problem.  If emcomm support units are viewed as independent service providers, not only are organizations like the ARC off the background hook, but the emcomm group also maintains its independence from excessive control by the served entity.  This is a point which several astute observers of emcomm have recently written about.  At some point, if we as emcomm providers do not assert our independence from the entities we serve, our ability to serve will be seriously jeopardized.
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EDITOR'S NOTE:

Read Jerry's excellent article: "Is it Time to Re-assess Where Are We Needed Most?" in the February 2007 issue of  WorldRadio magazine.
Subscribe at: www.wr6wr.com

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SHORT CIRCUITS

"FOR THE GREATER GOOD"
"You cannot change the standard of care if you don't change the standard of practice.  And you can't change the standard of practice unless you know what to do when you show up." -- Quote from FOR THE GREATER GOOD  by Maria Williams O'Rourke DNSc, RN, FAAN, CHC. - Advance for Nurses, January 1, 2007.
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ANNOUNCING:  "EXTREME EMCOMM"  T-SHIRT

The long-awaited,  EXTREME EMCOMM  T- Shirt  will soon go into production.

∙ Features original artwork by Don Cantrell, ND6T.
∙ Six color silk-screen process on heavyweight (6.1 oz.), 100% cotton.
∙ SPECIAL PRE-PRODUCTION PRICE OFFER, ordering information, and pictures of our "EXTREME EMCOMM"  T - Shirt go to:
   http://www.emcomm.org/products
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7220 kHz -- NEW FREQUENCY FOR JNN
JEFFERSON NOON NET (JNN)  - Now on 7220 kHz DAILY at 1200 PTZ  (PACIFIC TIME ZONE)

CALL FOR MESSAGE TRAFFIC AT 1230 PTZ (1330 MTZ) -- 7224± and 3987± alternate.
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3540 kHz -- NEW FREQUENCY FOR WCN
WEST COAST CW TRAINING and TRAFFIC NET (WCN) - 3540 kHz EVENINGS at 1900 PTZ
The West Coast Net (WCN) provides training in the proper handling of message traffic in Morse.

WCN's slow speed operation provides a training ground and a bridge to operating on regular CW traffic nets.
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3552 kHz -- NEW FREQUENCY FOR TSN and TEX
TEXAS SLOW NET (TSN) - 3552 kHz EVENINGS at 1950 CTZ
http://www.geocities.com/scottamcmullen/Texas_Slow_Net
TEXAS CW NET (TEX) - 3552 kHz EVENINGS at 1900 and 2200 CTZ
http://k6jt.home.att.net/ )
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ARCT (Amateur Radio Communications Team) now in Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org:80/wiki/Amateur_Radio_Communications_Team

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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 ea. and includes protective case, study and instructor's guide.  $5.00 for extra DVD (disc only) to same address.  $18.00 for two complete sets to one 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

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FEEDBACK, MUSINGS... and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS

BACK INTO RADIO
"I have been out of Ham Radio for a long time.  I am retired Air Force, and during my time worked in MARS stations in MacDill AFB, Florida; Udorn RTAFB, Thailand; George AFB, California; John Hay AB, Philippines; and the NATO MARS station in Izmir, Turkey.  Hope to get back into public service & emergency communications soon. Your Traffic Handler's Quiz brought back to my memory much of the training that I had received over the years." - Terry A. Barham, WA7PML, Renton, WA

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TWO COMMENTS FROM THE OLD DOMINION
1. I believe the elimination of the code will, overall, be more positive than negative in its impact on Amateur Radio. Example: I am the EC of Franklin, VA.  I report to the Deputy Chief of Police who is a Tech Class ham. I expect him to be one of the early no-code Generals and an asset to Amateur Radio. I expect there will be more like him than those who might have a negative influence.
2. I agree completely with your assessment of the mangling of 80M. The Pactor automatic stations have had to move down and can no longer use Pactor3.  The RTTY segment was cut in half.  CW traffic nets had to move, etc.  Unfortunately, it is unlikely someone at the FCC is going to say, "Oops!", and move it back up.
- Fred Weaver, KG4BKI, WRRL 136, Zuni, VA
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SOUTH TEXAS REPORTING IN
An ICS-213 form is a document which is printed on 3-part NCR (no carbon required) paper.  I am unaware of any Amateur Radio equipment which is capable of transmitting matter from one place to another.  We cannot transmit the ICS-213 form (a physical piece of paper).  At best, we can transmit the message information contained on a ICS-213 form, and someone who receives that information can write it on another ICS-213 form.  However, this is not the primary purpose for this message form.

It is important to read the form's instructions, which are sometimes, but not always, printed on the back of the 3-part NCR form:

Purpose.
The General Message is used by:
-- Incident personnel to record incoming messages which cannot be orally transmitted to the intended recipients;
-- Command Post and other incident personnel to transmit messages to the Incident Communications Center for transmission via radio or telephone to the addressee;
-- Incident personnel to send any message or notification to incident personnel which requires a hard-copy delivery;
-- Incident personnel to place resource orders.

The ICS-213 message form is a physical document.  It is a hand-written document with the purpose of conveying information by being hand-carried from person-to-person, when a face-to-face meeting is not possible.  The ICS considers face-to-face meetings of the highest importance.  I do not think Amateur Radio EMCOMM operators provide much value by hand carrying message documents, as a courier.

As the distance between the message origination point and delivery point increases, hand carried messages become impractical.  The handwritten ICS-213 message form was never intended to be used for communications over distances longer than which can be covered by a courier.  If the distance between origination and delivery is more than point-to-point, the ICS-213 form becomes unsuitable for radio or telephone.  It is a formal tactical message form, because that is what it was designed to be.  Think of it as a formal memo.

The best method may be to transcribe the information contained on an ICS-213 message form to another format which has the necessary controls to ensure it is delivered, and from which a reply route can be established. -- Jerry Reimer, KK5CA, ARES® SEC, South Texas

COMMENT:  You said it very well Jerry.  For the final delivery of a radio message, whether it is delivered by hand or courier or sent by first class mail, a nicely typed or neatly written message on a RADIOGRAM form adds a nice, professional touch. - Editor
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UPS
(Ref. THE EMCOMM WORKSHOP - January EM)
"I run my entire home station 24-7 through a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) that I picked up for $5.00 at the local ham auction.  I replaced the tired 7 AH (amp hour) battery with a 100 AH battery that had been rotated out from a large commercial building's UPS system.  I did it all with Anderson PowerPoles®, of course.  I run the 12V equipment direct off the battery.  It's been working great for almost two years.  I've never run out of power.  Works great!"  -- Dave Wallace, KA6GJN, Turlock, CA
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NTS TRAFFIC?

"I’ve been a subscriber to EMCOMM Monthly for a few years now and I always enjoy reading your newsletter.  You clearly have an experienced staff and routinely bring forward relevant issues.  
 
"I have, however, always been troubled by one point.  You make a point to state that to be considered an emergency communication operator you must be able to pass NTS traffic.
 
"In 2003, Hurricane Isabel struck the Hampton Roads area and four amateur radio operators responded to help the city with its emergency communications needs.  I was one of those four and brand new to amateur radio (licensed that Feb).  I was appalled at the lack of support.  The FCC database showed some 300 hams in the City of Hampton, VA and I had a hard time believing that only four were interested in helping.  I set about to change that.  Today I’m the EC/RO for Hampton and we have some 75 people on our rosters with new amateur radio “go kits” purchased by the city for each shelter along with permanently installed antennas on each of the primary hurricane shelters.  Our group provides communication as requested by our served agency, which does not include NTS-style messages.  We have approached the leadership several times with the range of amateur radio capabilities available to them (even those things we would have to develop), and they continue to not require anything except for primarily voice communications with some packet for long lists of supplies needed or similar.  
 
"The majority of my team members are newly licensed amateurs, mostly drawn from CERT and the ARC (I’m active in both).  With all the basic emcomm operating principals still being solidified, I hesitate to add NTS handling to the mix.  I fully understand the ARCT issue, and we are not to the point where we can consider adding this service.  We will not begin to offer ARCT Typed teams until we can meet the standard.
 
"This group is dedicated to providing the communications needed and requested by the local government, and it is somewhat distressing to hear a major organization like WRRL exclude them from the emcomm category because they don’t meet someone else’s requirements.  Please let me know your thoughts about this."
-- Chris Hosman, KC4F, Hampton Amateur Radio Emergency Coordinator (EC/RO), Hampton, Virginia

REPLY and COMMENTS
Thanks for your thoughtful letter, Chris.  You are not the first emcomm operator who has raised that issue, and I'm sure there will others in the future.  I'll try to answer your question as clearly as possible.  Please let me know if I fail to do so.

Regarding:  "You make a point to state that to be considered an emergency communication operator you must be able to pass NTS traffic."

I don't think we have ever said that someone must be able to pass NTS traffic to be a member of the WRRL.  We DO say that to be an effective emcomm radio operator (and join the WRRL), one must know how to handle traffic accurately and efficiently, and use good net and other standard operating procedures (SOPs).  This applies to all emcomm traffic--both local and/or tactical  traffic and formal message (record) traffic.  We do not call this "NTS" traffic.  The NTS is the ARRL National Traffic System whose primary focus is not on emergency communications.  The universal standardized message format (which is used by the NTS), is also used by many other radio services.  (E.g. - NETS (National Emcomm Traffic Service).

The ability to originate or relay a RADIOGRAM may not be needed in every (especially local) incident.   But "just in case", we advocate that all emcomm operators, regardless of license class, mode of operation, or assignment, learn and practice this basic and, in our opinion, essential skill.

For example, suppose a local tactical operator is assigned to a shelter or an evacuation center to provide local/tactical emcomm.  All telephone service has been knocked out.  The operator only has a VHF handie-talkie, but is in a local net.  An evacuee approaches and wants to get a message to a relative three states away to let them know that he (or she) is OK.  If the radio operator knows how to format a message properly, the message can be sent to the local NCS or (ideally be directed to a special traffic net on a separate designated frequency), and the message soon be on it's way.  Or, maybe a Red Cross official needs to send a message to a Red Cross office across the state.  If all stations "down the line", handle the traffic correctly, it will arrive intact, in a timely manner, and a reply will be originated back if requested.  If the operators involved do not know this skill, the odds are that the message will get garbled, misdirected or lost.

WRRL encourages all emcomm operators everywhere (no matter what color cap they wear),  to learn all of the basic communication skills (dare I add Morse, "The Essential Language," in this mix?).  These skill may some day save a life (it could be yours or mine), save someone's property, or at the least, alleviate some distressed person's anxiety.

It sounds like your team is ahead of many, and I encourage you to continue your fine work, and grow and further develop your capabilities by adding as many skills as possible.  I suggest that you consider ordering a RADIOGRAM Training DVD.  It will be ten dollars well spent!

Hint: Advancing in the skills is one tool that will keep your group active, vibrant and alive! -- Editor

NOTE:  For more on this subject read: "HONE YOUR 'PHONE -- OPERATING SKILLS" in this month's TRAFFIC HANDLING (below).

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A FLARE FOR SAFETY

 "I respectfully suggest you edit item 7.3 on your Gear Check List at: http://www.emcomm.org/gear_list.htm and remove highway flares/fusees in favor of non-incendiary alternatives such as www.powerflare.com  Obviously, I am biased since my company makes such products.  However, there is no need for folks to endanger themselves or others with something that 1) only burns for 15 minutes, 2) can cause a fire, 3) emits cancer-causing fumes, 4) might cause a burn injury." -- Kenneth S. Dueker, KB6BPM, Menlo Park, CA

COMMENT:   Thanks, Ken, for the safety tip and suggestion.  Item 7.3 has been changed to: "Visual emergency warning and signaling devices, such as non-incendiary (electronic) devices or fusees/flares.  NOTE: When using flares always use EXTREME CAUTION!"

I once observed a passer-by at a vehicle accident attempting to light a flare while he was standing in the middle of a gasoline spill!  Luckily, the flare didn't ignite.

The "state of the art" in public safety is to not use fusees, since there are a number of low cost, re-usable replacements out there that do the job as well if not better.  However, in many places the "RR fusees"  are still used by State Troopers,  local law enforcement, railroads, and others.  Incendiary?  Sure.  (Great to build a fire with in a hurry in an emergency situation.)  They are very reliable, inexpensive, easily obtainable just about everywhere, may be stored for long duration without deterioration if kept dry, and are easy to use.

 

This may be "over-kill," but I carry both types of warning and signal devices, plus a 30 in. sq. orange flag on a stick.  (No batteries required and it will not burn out in 15 or 30 minutes!)   I carry the flares primarily as a signaling device to attract rescuers to my location whether they are approaching from ground or air.  (I also carry marine distress smoke/light flares, plus some aerial flares when I'm out in the desert or when I'm out in the backcountry riding my motorcycle.  In winter weather, on land or at sea,  they are probably very safe, and when used properly they have saved thousands of lives.  I also carry a signaling mirror.  (Item 6.7) - Refer: http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Mirror_Signaling_mid.jpg  -- (EM Staff.  Last paragraph by the editor.) 

To read a true story related to this topic, "INTERNATIONAL ORANGE", go to:  http://www.emcomm.org/archives/number174.htm

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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.

 

Q:  We have a problem with a jammer on our nets almost every week.  What's wrong with these people and why do they do this? - (name and location withheld)

A:  Malicious interference (e.g.- tuning up on a frequency that is in use, transmitting unidentified signals and/or making rude comments, etc.) has been around since the early days of radio.  Many of us experience this on a daily basis.  It seems to be a predominantly male behavior, but most of these individuals outgrow this unsportsmanlike conduct once they mature.  However, there is a percentage of these males (I do not refer to them as "men"), who for some reason were thwarted in their psycho-social development and remain stalled in the phase of life commonly called adolescence.

Starting in Kindergarten, most of us have been involved in group play activities.  And as we grew up, many of us enjoyed team sports, (and in my case at least) such "macho" activities as auto racing, motorcycle and 4WD "off-roading".   In such activities, there has always been a varying number of cheaters, persons who think that the rules do not apply to them, and often a percentage of rough and tough and seedy characters.  Every group or association of individuals have their share of misfits, but for some reason ham radio seems to have an inordinately high percentage of maladapted persons within its ranks.

I'm no psychologist, but I will venture to say that these unhappy individuals probably find a home in ham radio since they have been woefully inadequate in other areas of life, and amateur radio provides a place where they can engage in this form of vandalism anonymously and with little fear of repercussion.  These persons may appear to have appropriate social skills in person, but their latent hostility is often unleashed when they have access to a transmitter, and they derive a sense of power and control when they are in their own private space.  These losers will always be with us.  The best medicine is to simply ignore them.  If they get a "rise" out of someone they have managed to irritate, they get a feeling of satisfaction because they have finally succeeded at something. -- Editor

NOTE:  For more on this subject read: Dealing with Jammers by William Barrett, W1WJB in the FEATURES SECTION of this issue.

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WRRL NEWS and NETS:  "EMCOMM WITHOUT BORDERS."

∙ WRRL NET on  MONDAYS on 14.280± MHz USB 1940Z (SUMMER) 2040Z (WINTER)

∙ REGIONAL NETS:
    Pacific and Mountain Time Zones: Daily at 1200 PTZ on 7244 (7232 and 3987 alternate) JNN

    Eastern Time Zone:  Daily at 1200 ETZ  (in planning stage)

"BUILDING A NETWORK OF SKILLED AMATEUR RADIO STATIONS -- ONE AT A TIME!"

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ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor

One of my New Year wishes is that 2007 will result in a more systematic approach to emcomm, based upon NIMS/ICS principles, than has been the case until now.  It is truly regrettable that the majority of those involved in emcomm have not yet seen the wisdom of the systematic approach which Amateur Radio Communications Teams (ARCT) provides.  The national organization for amateur radio has, unfortunately, failed to provide “command and control” and has left its SEC’s, DEC’s and EC’s to their own devices in regards to organization, structuring, configuring, training, equipping and developing a coordinated response methodology for emergency incidents.  Perhaps, though experience tells me not to hold my breath, the committee the ARRL configured many months ago will provide clarity and direction in its recommendations.  Even if that occurs, however, it will be up to League leadership to put resources behind whatever recommendations are forthcoming.  Hasn’t happened in the past to the degree it should---maybe this time.
 
As last month, I suggest it is put up or shut up time.  ARCT Type I teams are the most viable means of providing rapid, qualified and properly equipped emcomm support in disasters.  The groundwork and the organization are in place.  No need to wait for a committee report and no need for huge financial resources to make it happen.  However, there are currently too few such teams to make a significant difference.  Emcomm Monthly and the World Radio Relay League were created because its founders believed there were enough dedicated, albeit frustrated, emcomm operators and leaders out there who wanted to make a difference.  Thus far, too few of the aforementioned have stepped up to the plate.  From my perspective, I believe it is time (past time) for those who care to take the initiative and form the regional ARCT Type I teams needed.  If that does not happen, and within a reasonable timeframe, the message being sent will be quite clear.  A small number of organizers and coordinators can only work for so long without seeing a pay off in terms of involvement from the emcomm community.  If it doesn’t happen, it may be time to throw in the towel and say it was a good effort, but not a successful one.  I sincerely hope that does not happen!  Until next month 73 from NE Oregon

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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.”
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TAKE THE TRAFFIC HANDLER'S CHALLENGE AT:  http://thc.emcomm.org
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HONE YOUR 'PHONE -- OPERATING SKILLS
(An EM basic studies training module)

"Limited radio communications between the field teams and the Command Center created problems.  A human relay was not providing verbatim message relays."

Excerpt from OSSA Kim Family Search Review (Part II, page 16).  The entire 150 page report is at: http://www.co.klamath.or.us/sheriff.html

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RADIOTELEPHONE messages (as well as RADIOTELEGRAPH messages) must be delivered with 100% accuracy and as expeditiously as possible.  This is true for both TACTICAL and FORMAL written (record) message traffic.  Any message that is unclear, confusing or inaccurate may result in loss of life, exacerbated injury or illness and/or property losses.  Voice transmissions are more susceptible to fading, language and accent differences, atmospheric noise, man-made noise and other interference than are CW and digital modes.  The NIMS "plain language" concept notwithstanding, there are certain international standards for RADIOTELEPHONE operating procedures.

There are no perfect operators.  We all make mistakes.  But why not strive to be as efficient as possible?   One doesn't have to listen to the ham bands very long to learn that some operators appear to (even try to) sound as stupid or unlearned as they can!  As public service operators we should avoid slang and jargon, and use proper and standardized operating procedures.  Not only so we'll "sound professional" -- but to expedite our communications in the most effective manner.  We are under no delusion that we will ever get all hams to follow proper and standard operating procedures...but we can at least attempt to get emcomm operators to comply.

 

What follows are some common indicators of lack of knowledge or misuse by radiotelephone emcomm operators.  We'll begin with phonetics:
ICAO and ITU phonetics were standardized by international convention in 1956.  If you want to be an effective operator, learn them and use them.
Below a few examples of "what not to do" actually heard recently on-the-air.

Two of the most common misuses of correct phonetics are:

The ITU phonetic for F is FOXTROT.  It is not is FOX.  We understand the temptation to shorten the phonetic, but FOX may sound like GOLF under poor conditions.

The ITU phonetic for K is KILO.  It is not KILOWATT.  This one is common, but we can't understand why anyone would want to lengthen an ITU phonetic.

Other improper phonetics frequently heard:

The ITU phonetic for A is ALFA (or ALPHA).  It is not AMERICA.  (INDIA not withstanding, using the name of country can be confusing.)

The ITU phonetic for B is BRAVO.  It is not BAKER.  (Law enforcement is the last hold out for this World War II phonetic.)

The ITU phonetic for G is GOLF.  It is not GERMANY. (INDIA not withstanding, using the name of country can be confusing.)

The ITU phonetic for J is JULIETT.  It is not JAPAN.  (INDIA not withstanding, using the name of country can be confusing.)

The ITU phonetic for R is ROMEO.  It is not RADIO.  RADIO sounds too much like radio, a very common word heard over the radio.  ALSO:  ROGER is not the phonetic for R.  ROGER is a proword that means received (and understood).  It is the equivalent of R in CW and it does not mean "affirmative" -- (yes, or I agree).

 

The ITU phonetic for S is SIERRA.  As sweet as it sounds, it is not SUGAR.  (A substance that people eat too much of.)

A COMPLETE LIST OF ITU PHONETICS IS AT:   www.wrrl.org/operating/itu_phonetics.htm

NEXT MONTH: A REVIEW OF PROPER RADIOTELEPHONE OPERATING PROCEDURES

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Check out our TRAFFIC HANDLER'S SUPPLIES at:  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 • 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.)
•  7220 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
• LOCAL EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 146.55 MHz
• RED CROSS LOCAL 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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THE EMCOMM WORKSHOP
"I love the smell of rosin core solder in the morning!"

HAPPY DESULFATING

Q: Have you heard one way or another that the battery chargers with a "desulfator" work like they say they do? - Bob Hutcherson, KO6JT, Anderson, CA

 

A: A "desulfator" works real well on the new types of batteries, a great circuit to have in a battery charger. - Ed Ewell, K7DXV, WRRL 5, EM Technical Advisor
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Here is a recent exchange between Bob and the manufacturer of the battery desulfator he purchased:

KO6JT: I recently purchased your Wiz-Bang Plus DB-12 Battery Desulfator and I am looking for info to pass to my amateur radio organization, the WRRL.  I installed the unit on a battery power supply for my radio room.  I have four batteries I plan to use it on.  The red LED is on and the unit is making a small noise.  Is this is all I do?
Wiz-Bang Plus:  Yes.  The noise will become lower after the sulfate begins to be removed.  Best results are during the first 4 weeks. We also suggest a small trickle style charger during this time but that is not a requirement.

KO6JT:  Is there an internal setting of output voltage or is it automatic?
Wiz-Bang Plus: The voltage selection is automatic for 6 or 12 volt batteries. The frequency of the pulses will automatically adjust based on how sulfated the battery is.

KO6JT: Since I plan on swapping it around to the other three batteries, how long should I leave it hooked up to the battery? 
Wiz-Bang Plus:  We suggest that you leave it connected to each battery for at least the four weeks before rotation.  Unless most of the sulfate is removed from the plates, it will quickly build back up again.  "Happy Desulfating."

KO6JT: (After about one month of use) -- "The desulfator takes from 4 to 8 weeks or longer to do its job.  But I have seen a battery go from 10.2 to 12.3 volts after "desulfation".  I recommend that some type of float charger be used with it to keep battery charged.

Wiz-Bang Plus:  http://www.wizbangplus.com:80/

 

DISCLAIMER:  EMCOMM MONTHLY and/or WRRL do not verify or guarantee any claims made by manufacturers or users of any device(s) mentioned or reviewed. We do not warrant that they are safe or provide any results as claimed.  Use of products mentioned herein are the sole responsibly of the manufacturer and/or the user.

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

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2007 when...

 1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
 2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
 3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
 4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
 5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
 6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
 7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
 8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life,
     is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself!
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"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
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FEATURES SECTION
Dealing with Jammers
by William Barrett, W1WJB, Ridgefield, CT 

Q: Is there is significant risk of military, other government and private emcomm stations encountering deliberate jamming?
 
A: It has already happened on a few rare occasions over the years.  (Unfortunately, it is fairly common during amateur radio emcomm operations. - Editor.)  In those few and not well-documented cases, it either didn't last long, or wasn't very debilitating to on-going operations.  Some would also say the risk is very, very low.  I would agree with that assessment in general.  NASA has a category of event they call a "low probability, high consequence event".  That is a good light in which to look at the issue, and therefore it seems like it's worth a brief consideration at the least.
 
For our purposes, jamming falls into three classes:
 
1) Accidental interference.   Not including purely electronic noise, but human-caused.
    Once identified, it is usually very easily stopped.
 
2) Deliberate but "casual" or transitory interference.   Garden variety, low-level "idiot".
    These usually get bored after a short while and move on.
 
3) Deliberate, debilitating, destructive, dedicated, vicious interference with one of two most likely origins.
 
    a)  Coming from the extremely few smart, nasty, lunatics in our midst.  These guys almost always work alone.
 
    b)  Coming from coldly purposeful "combat" jammers as part of a larger terrorist attack, meant to further disrupt mitigation and relief efforts.
         These may work alone or in small groups.  These people are rare in the extreme, but can hurt us badly.

Three ways for us to deal with this subject:
 
1) Do not engage this subject publicly.  Make a brief, informative, general policy recommendation confidentially to the membership. 
 
2) Announce publicly and unilaterally a specific operational recommended method of handling the problem.  I believe this should be done, because when a jammer strikes, tempers flare, and the dumbest imaginable one-way outraged lectures and hollow threats pay off the jammer with positive indicators that he's effective.  Keep the jammer in the dark as to whether he was having any effect.
 
3) Ignore the subject completely, recognizing it is very unlikely to be encountered in a real emergency.  Possible, to be sure, but very unlikely.
 
The guidelines are simple:
 
1) Do not attempt to talk TO, or AT the jammer.  Ignore it as much as possible.  Above all, stay calm, cold, and professional.  His goal is to irritate you.  Don't pay him off by getting angry on-air.  If he is preventing vital communications, that's certainly a problem, but arguing with him or making hollow threats will not help or speed things up at all.   That's his desired reward.
 
2) If possible to move frequencies, do so.  Use a designator table,  and do not under any circumstances quote the new frequency digits specifically.  If your net lacks a designated alternate frequency list, create one as soon as possible and get it into the hands of your members.  When making a frequency change, if you lose a station or two, that's too bad.  Maybe they'll figure it out for themselves.  But if you "help" them by giving out the frequency, you'll only help the jammer find you again faster. This is also one reason to have tested "odd-ball" and "unexpected" repeaters as well as simple possibilities in advance.  Know what your options are so you can all "disappear" from the jammer's receiver.  "Layered Communications" will help as well by creating too many options for the jammer to cover.
 
3) Some stations may be less interfered with, and may be able to over-ride the jammer with their more powerful signals.  Those stations should continue as normally as possible.  This will convince the jammer his efforts are not being effective.  On FM the "capture effect" is your friend.  Jammers rarely have high power or dedicated excellent antennas or particularly effective stations.  Some members of your net may be able to work right over him.  He will usually give up if there is little or no indication of success.
 
4) Develop a thick skin, and ignore any provocative, insulting, or taunting heckling from the jammer.  Remember his goal is to make you angry.  Don't "pay" him by trying to dazzle him with your scathing and brilliant return comments.  He won't be humbled or impressed.  He will be happy he got  your goat.  Get his instead by not taking the bait.
 
5) Without making on-air reference, try to engage an RDF effort to locate the jammer.  This takes time and effort and should be planned in advance of need.  In this one single case, where an effective plan for locating is being developed and implemented, you DO want to let him think he's irritating you or preventing communications to keep him on the air until found.  What you do if and when the jammer is found, depends upon what the operating environment is at the time.
   
SUMMARY--The two most vital points:
 
1) Don't encourage the jammer by getting visibly mad.
 
2) Change frequency.  (Use pre-arranged channel designators.  Don't ever give out the numbers on air.)
 
Final Thoughts:

Either our "friends" are technically sophisticated or they are not.  If "they" are not, jamming is not a big risk.  If they are, some may even be licensed and generally familiar with our basic methods.  Specific procedures and methods should be formulated and published.  The subject can be discussed in the email lists and bulletins as long as the points don't go much beyond the above.  Nothing here is uncommon knowledge.  For our newer operators, and for some older and easily-incensed operators, going over this material now could avoid some chaos and lost time if the event should ever occur in the middle of an active operation.
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Visit EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS at:
http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/
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NEW SUBSCRIBERS
• Frank Towsley, WA7VLH - Muskegon, MI - ARES®, RACES, SKYWARN, CERT
• John J. Healy, KA2ABV, Maspeth, Queens, NY - DEC NYC District ARES®, SKYWARN, RACES
• Christopher Kilpert, KC2OBN, Staten Island, NY - ARES®
• Gary Hotko, KC2NPU, New York, NY - ARECS
• Chet Hallberg, KØTCB, Prairie Village, KS - Red Cross Communications
• Richard Ranson, N9YAY, Normal, IL - ARES® EC
• Jay R. Walker, KD7YSN, Lynden, WA - Mt.Baker Radio Club
• D. Daniel McGlothin, KB3MUN, St. Thomas, PA - RACES
• Wilmer O. Kinsey, WB5DCU, Sherman, TX - Grayson County ARES® EC
• Gordon Tuzinsky, WB8H, Sterling Heights, MI - ARES®, MARS
• John Wingard, WB4GLJ, Columbus, GA - ARES®
• Jan Woldseth, KB6FMZ, Grass Valley, CA
• Jason Nielsen, N9MSM, Layton, UT - ARES®
• Jerry Bennett, KD7OPE, Puyallup, WA - Pierce County ARES®, ECRT Team
• Harold Burchards, KD7YOE, Lacey, WA - Thurston Co. ARES®, RACES
• James Kienker, KCØOQP, St. Louis, MO
• Jon Henke, KCØWVY, Littleton, CO
• Laurence Collins, K7DMB, Las Vegas, NV - Region 9 Director US Army MARS
• Daniel Stahl, KC8PBU, Bascom, OH - EMA Director Seneca County, ARES®, RACES
• Fred L. Horton, NA4P, Winston-Salem, NC - WRRL, ARES®, Navy-Marine Corps MARS
• Michael A. Powloka, KA1DLK, Shaftsbury, VT - ARES®, RACES
• Fletcher Seagroves, N1MEO, Milford, NH - ARES®, MARS
• Graham Belt, GØSCV, Leeds, UK - RAYNET (UK ARES®) Controller
• Michael McMillan, K6MCM, El Sobrante, CA - El Sobrante ARES® EC,  Contra Costa Sheriff's RACES
• Eric M. Brinson, K4WOQ, Alpharetta, GA - ARES®
• Ron Sheppard, W7DSB, Winthrop, WA - ARES®, RACES
• Julian C. King, N7LND, Langlois, OR - ARES®, RACES (pending)
• Robert Preston, KCØYDZ, Kansas City, MO - ARES®
• Jay Reid, KG4OJJ, Albany, GA - ARES®, SKYWARN, American Red Cross
• Frank Goetzfridt, KBØHMR, Blue Springs, MO - ARES®, RACES
• Russ Harmon, KC7WVQ, Salt Lake City, UT - ARES®, RACES, ERC
• Doug Smith, WA6GON, Huntingtown, MD
• Christopher A. Myers, KB1NEK, Shelburne Falls, MA - ARES®
• Carole Kissinger, WS1X, Green Valley, AZ - GVARC
• Bill Croghan, WBØKSW, Las Vegas, NV - ARES®, RACES, CAP EAS

RECENT CONTRIBUTOR$ - Thank you for your support!

(The individuals listed below have recently made monetary donations to help EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG survive.)

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• Larry Fields, WD8ITF, Barberton, OH
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SOS - SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
When contacting these fine vendors... tell them EMCOMM MONTHLY sent you!

Auxiliary Emergency Radio Organization (AERO)
Contact: Dave Gomberg, NE5EE, San Francisco.
www.wcf.com/aero/fun

Headsets, books, other items.
Proceeds go to support AERO.

EmComm-Products LLC
Robin (N7GSU) and Kathy (KD7OTY) Faulkner
http://www.emcomm-products.com/index.htm
(775) 521-6153
(775) 307-7101 (Fax)
PO Box 383
703 Sixth Street
Fossil, OR 97830-0383
(Manufacturer of the RADS 9-11 Rapid Antenna Deployment System)

RDTechnology

Robert D. Miller, WA6MTY

http://dualradiotnc.no-ip.biz

bobmiller@gbis.com
(775) 843-5952

3895 Corsair St., Suite E
Reno, NV  89502
(Dual Radio Sound Card Interface)

 

EMCOMM.ORG and EMCOMM MONTHLY are free of paid commercial advertising and "pop-ups".  However, we list vendors who offer products specifically of interest or value to the emcomm community and who make periodic contributions.  If you would like your company to be listed in SOS - SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS send a brief mention of your company and its products (see examples above) and a donation to: EMCOMM, P. O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA  96058.  If you have further questions, just ask.

REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
 
• ICS-ARCT GUIDE:  www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
• TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE: http://thc.emcomm.org.
• TRAINING ARCHIVES: www.emcomm.org/svares/training/
• OPERATING PROCEDUERS:  www.wrrl.org:80/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
• NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SKYWARN www.emcomm.org (click on SKYWARN or Links) or
  Contact your EC or 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/ 
• AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION MANUAL Chapter 6 - GROUND-TO-AIR EMERGENCY CODE and GROUND-TO-AIR (close-in) VISUAL SIGNALS

http://www.faa.gov/ATpubs/AIM/Chap6/aim0602.html
• 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
 
SUBSCRIBE TO EMCOMM MONTHLY  www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm
 

ABOUT ADDRESS CHANGES:  Every month a varying number of EM are returned as "undeliverable addressee unknown" or "rejected due to containing possible objectionable material".  Our very limited all-volunteer staff does not have the time, energy, or desire to track down everyone who changes their email address and forgets to notify us.  Also, if a subscriber installs a "spam filter" or a "parental control device" and neglects to tell the filter it that it's "OK to let  EM  pass through", we do not have time or patience to jump through secret hoops, or solve puzzles, to allow us to send email to you.

If you change your email address be sure to notify us at: k6soj@wrrl.org ... that is, if you want to continue to receive EM.

 

EMCOMM MONTHLY is originated in: 10, 12, 14, and 18 point Arial font and transmitted in HTML format.  Occasionally selected portions are set up in the: Lucida Console font.  HOWEVER...we have received a few reports that on some computer screens...EM appears unformatted in Plain Text or FUBAR.  ("Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition.")  If this happens to you, you can always view EM, as it is intended to appear, at: www.emcomm.org/em

Upon request  EMCOMM MONTHLY will be transmitted in plain text format to visually impaired subscribers who use an email-to-audio conversion program, and/or other subscribers whose computers do not process email in HTML format.

EMCOMM MONTHLY archives:  www.emcomm.org/em
 
SEARCH FEATURE AT EMCOMM.ORG  www.emcomm.org 
 

EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG are private (non-government) volunteer organizations funded solely by donations from emcomm operators who are concerned about preserving the ability of amateur radio operators to be prepared to provide skilled, accurate and efficient emergency communications during times of disaster or other events where normal channels of communication may be interrupted or overloaded.  EMCOMM.ORG is advertisement and “pop up" free.  If you have benefited from our efforts, and would like to support this work in a tangible way, you may do so by sending a check or money order payable to: EMCOMM.

Mail to: EMCOMM, PO Box 99, Macdoel, CA  96058.  Your donation is an outright gift and is NOT tax-deductible.

SORRY: We have no PayPal®, credit card, or other methods to accept the electronic transfer of funds.  "We do it the old fashioned way!"

 

The opinions expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily reflect the EM philosophy, the editorial position of EM or its staff.

 

ARES® and Amateur Radio Emergency Service® are registered service marks of the American Radio Relay League Inc., and are used with permission.

For permission to reproduce material in EMCOMM MONTHLY
contact: D. W. Thorne at: k6soj@wrrl.org or write:
EMCOMM MONTHLY, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA  96058  U.S.A.

 

EM STAFF:
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ - Editor and Publisher - k6soj@wrrl.org
Jerry Boyd, N7WR - Associate Editor and ICS Advisor - n7wr@wrrl.org

Bill Frazier, W7ARC - Associate Editor and Webmaster - w7arc@wrrl.org
Ed Ewell, K7DXV - Technical Advisor - k7dxv@wrrl.org
Ed Trump, AL7N - Traffic Editor and Alaska Correspondent - al7n@wrrl.org
Dave Nicholson, KB6PNT - SAR Advisor - kb6pnt@wrrl.org
 

IN THE MARCH ISSUE OF EMCOMM MONTHLY:
• HONE YOUR 'PHONE -- OPERATING SKILLS PART II
•"The Chronicles of Nocandoo" -- Episode VII

• NEWS... FEATURES... FEEDBACK.... QSH... and MORE!

IN THE WORKS:
• DXers and EMCOMM

• PROPAGATION and EMCOMM
• The FIELD OPERATION DISASTER PORTABLE STATION

 

EMCOMM MONTHLY -- The Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League - WRRL®

Copyright (c) 2007 - All rights reserved.

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