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                   Dedicated to Emergency Communications by RADIO
        EMCOMM  MONTHLY   
                        Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League
                           Where Every Month is "Preparedness Month"
                                                                  www.wrrl.org
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VOL.  4 -- No. 2               ONLINE: www.emcomm.org/em                      July  2007
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"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof" - Lev. XXV, v.x*
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The EM PHILOSOPHY
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 - How to do Traffic Training Nets
NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE - "The Chronicles of Nocandoo" -- Episode IX
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
∙-∙-∙
The EM PHILOSOPHY 

We have seen some complicated emcomm plans and traffic handling systems that would make Rube Goldberg* proud!   While these complex schemes may dazzle newcomers and the inexperienced...we have we have been in the field of disaster response many times.  In other words...we have smelled the gunpowder!  Therefore, we choose to depend upon methods and equipment for emergency communications that we know will work every time.  EM and WRRL are not about devising schemes that makes emcomm more complicated than it needs to be.  We believe that good, old-fashioned radio message traffic handling, provided by skilled radio operators, stationed at as many field and fixed stations as is necessary, using relatively simple equipment, and available to whomever may need to send a message, is the most reliable and efficient method.  "D'liver, D'letter, D'sooner,  D'better." - EM
* http://rubegoldberg.com/
 ∙-∙-∙
SHORT CIRCUITS

INCIDENT DISPATCHER
"A Guide for the Professional Tactical and Incident Dispatcher"
A new book just released by (our very own) Jerry Boyd, N7WR, WRRL-1 and Dave Larton, (N6JQJ) Operations Section Chief, First Contact 9-1-1.

The "Nuts & Bolts" of INCIDENT DISPATCHER:
A Guide for the Professional Tactical & Incident Dispatcher is the first book-length examination of the concept of Incident Dispatch. The authors provide basic, essential guidelines for establishing an Incident Dispatch program and how to function as an incident dispatcher. The authors have more than a decade of personal experience in incident dispatch operations, management, and training, validated by the ongoing use of hundreds of incident dispatchers and their supporting public safety and communications agencies nationwide. 50 pages + 25 page appendix.   8½ x 11 spiral-bound soft-cover.  Subjects covered are:

∙ A History of Incident Dispatch
∙ Selling the Concept of Deployable Incident Dispatch Teams (IDTs)
∙ Selection of Team Members and Training Duties and Responsibilities
∙ Working in the Mobile Communications Center
∙ Building a Professional Knowledge Base
∙ Plus, much more
To order, send: $15.00 + $3.00 postage & handling to:
First Contact 9-1-1, LLC
P O Box 1815
Morgan Hill, CA 95038

Order on-Line at: www.firstcontact911.com/book_order.htm   Main page: www.firstcontact911.com/

EDITOR COMMENT: This book is highly recommended to EM readers even if they are not professional and/or reserve public service dispatchers.   While Amateur Radio emcomm operators (unless serving in another capacity) do not perform dispatch duties, there is much to be learned for all of us in "INCIDENT DISPATCHER."
-∙∙∙-
 SOUTH TEXAS ARES® INCORPORATES ARCT RESOURCE TYPING INTO SECTION PLAN
"ARCTs are finally a part of our section's ARES® communications plan.  This first step has taken much longer than I wanted, but thanks for your insight and wisdom, and for making this public information.  The complete plan is at: http://www.arrlstx.org/digital/STXeplan.htm "-- Jerry Reimer, KK5CA, South Texas, SEC.

COMMENT:  That "first step"  is definitely a leap in the right direction, Jerry!  When you get one or more "standing and deployable" Type I ARCTs organized, let us know.  If we (WRRL) receive a request that we think could be best filled by a team from South Texas, one of us would contact you (or your deputy) to inquire as to its availability and feasibility. - Editor
∙-∙-∙
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS

CORRECTION
"This is Dwayne, W7ABF not W7AB as printed in the June EM.  Thanks for the upgrade, but I don't think it will fly with the FCC. HI HI  73
- Dwayne Campbell, W7ABF, Mt. Vernon, WA

COMMENT: Sorry about the "typo" Dwayne.  Sometimes my fingers get a little numb! - Editor
-∙∙∙-
FROM THE "GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE"
"Great issue.  Thanks for all the hard work." - Wayne Whitelock, W1WRW, Calais, VT
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FROM THE "VOLUNTEER STATE"
"I am a new subscriber to EM and I really enjoy the publication. I am the webmaster for our ARES® group here in Claiborne County, TN.  www.claibornecountyares.org
I was wondering if I could use some of your articles in my news scroller with a link to your website. I would like to pass the information to our members.  I greatly appreciate all the information and what your organization stands upon. Thank you very much." -  Chris Nunley, KI4UHK, Tazewell, TN
REPLY:  Thank you for asking and thank you for the kind words.  Permission is hereby granted per your request.  Please mention this credit:
"Reproduced courtesy of EMCOMM MONTHLY and the WRRL. - www.emcomm.org and www.wrrl.org." - Editor
-∙∙∙-
SKYWAVES
"In EM and the WRRL Website, there are conflicting terminologies for what NVIS means.  Although common usage has distorted it somewhat, particularly in substituting "Incident" for "Incidence" and "Signal" for "Skywave" (both from the latest Emcomm Monthly, page 13), the proper scientific terminology is "Near Vertical Incidence Skywave".  This can be seen from scientific papers on the subject and from Web sites of manufacturers supplying NVIS products to the military.  Here are some URLs demonstrating this:
 
 
Since NVIS is such an important topic for emcomm, I think we all ought to be on the same page on its meaning and usage. - Joseph "Skip" Reymann, N6SR, Lake Isabella, CA

COMMENT:  "Good eye" Skip (as we used to say in baseball.)   Thanks for pointing this out. - Editor
∙-∙-∙
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:  "In the event of landfall of a major hurricane, will 7111 kHz be activated for health and welfare traffic?" - Fred Gray, WB5BNV, WRRL 141, Meridian, MS
 
A:  7111 kHz is only one of the NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (NETS) FREQUENCIES (see "N.E.T.S." section below.)  Whether it is active (or not) will depend upon several factors such as the time of day, (see "PROPAGATION AND EMCOMM" in the June issue of EM), QRM, and other local or regional nets.
The WRRL is NOT in competition with other nets or emcomm organizations.  Our members must be ready to cooperate and interface with other nets, units and services whenever possible.  Our mission is to get the message(s) delivered, accurately and in a timely manner, whether they are WELFARE or any other precedence.
The WATCH • MONITOR • CALLING • TRAFFIC FREQUENCIES listed may be used as "coordination or starting points" or "return to" frequencies if stations loose contact with each other. - EM
 ∙-∙-∙
ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor
(Jerry is on summer leave.  He will resume the column in the Fall.)
∙-∙-∙
 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 7220 kHz (7214 and 3987 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/  
∙-∙-∙
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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Q:  "In the traffic handling DVD, I believe someone mentioned a net to practice sending and receiving traffic. I'm thinking about starting such a net on a local 2-meter repeater. I'm looking for information that would help me start and maintain this project. A search at wrrl.org didn't seem to produce what I want to know.  How frequently is the net held?  What typically occurs during a session?  What administrative items are handled between sessions?  What session items must be scheduled ahead of time?" - Grant Olsen, KCØVTY, Boone, IA

A:  The RADIOGRAM training nets you mention may be done weekly, monthly, or "whatever" the interest level in your area will support.  I have done them on VHF in voice (both repeaters and simplex) and on HF in both voice and Morse.
 
HERE ARE A FEW GUIDELINES:

 1.  Announce the training sessions in advance so the maximum number of interested operators can benefit.
 2.  Be sure the sending operator knows (and uses) proper universal RADIOGRAM procedures.
 3.  It is better to have an experienced operator at the receiving end than it is to just "broadcast" a "test message".
 4.  Messages may be real traffic or TEST messages.  Have them ALL written or typed out ahead of time.
     (Ref. HOW TO WRITE TEST (SIMULATED) MESSAGES -- EM September 2005)  www.emcomm.org/em/september2005.htm
 5.  Instruct all stations listening to copy the written message traffic.  Only the receiving station should "break in."
      Example:  The sending station is going too fast.  The receiving station should say: "speak slower" or send QRS.
 6.  Announce that you will be available to answer any questions or provide any fills after the message has been "rogered" (or R in Morse) by the receiving station.
 7.  Be prepared to answer questions.  (Some questions may be tough and some participants may challenge a what you say.  If you don't know the answer...say so!)
     (You may offer to look up the answer and comment on it during the next session.)
 8.  To add and promote interest, I have invited listeners (even some non-hams) to mail a written or typed hard copy of the messages.
     (No email since you cannot evaluate neatness and proper formatting.)
 9.  I encourage the use of plain paper (no forms), but in proper message format.
10. I have even offered certificates to anyone who submitted three 100% correctly copied (NO punctuation etc.) RADIOGRAMS.
11. Limit it to a maximum of three messages.
12. I normally do not use the "ARL NUMBERED RADIOGRAM" system.
13. On voice I always use proper voice operating procedures  http://www.wrrl.org:80/operating/icao_radiotelephony.htm
and spell all words that sound alike.  E.g.- "you" (ewe); "to" (too, two); "here" (hear); and words that have two (or more) spellings (Smith, Smyth, Smythe) etc.
14. ONLY and ALWAYS use ITU Phonetics.  www.wrrl.org:80/operating/itu_phonetics.htm
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TAKE THE TRAFFIC HANDLER'S CHALLENGE AT:  http://thc.emcomm.org
 -∙∙∙-
 TRAFFIC HANDLER'S SUPPLIES:  http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/
 -∙∙∙-
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)
∙-∙-∙
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
•   3987 kHz
•   5332 kHz "Up" to other 60M channels as necessary. 50W maximum ERP. (Activated during actual incidents.)
•   7220 kHz
• 14280 kHz
• ALASKA ONLY: 5167.5 kHz (USB emergency traffic only)

CW:
•   1911 kHz
•   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.
∙-∙-∙
 "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
"The Chronicles of Nocandoo"
        by Roger Wilcox, PHD
A "Farcical Fantasy of Futuristic Fiction" (FFFF).  In the year 2057.
Episode   I   - EM April 2006 read at:  http://www.emcomm.org/em/april2006.htm
Episode  II   - EM June 2006 read at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/june2006.htm
Episode III   - EM August 2006 read at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/august2006.htm
Episode IV  - EM October 2006 read at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/october2006.htm
Episode V  -  EM December 2006 read at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/december2006.htm
Episode VI  - EM January 2007 read at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/january2007.htm
Episode VII - EM March 2007 read at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/march2007.htm
Episode VIII - EM May 2007 read at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/may2007.htm

EPISODE IX: "CACHE(ing) IN"

Using a piece of scrap iron as a crowbar, Hemp and Psue had just broken the seal on the large cargo container as Thor, Logg, Vint, and some other helpers skidded to a stop in a cloud of dust.  Thor was on his 100 year old (1957) Harley, Vint was on his vintage BMW-Rolls-homebrew-hybrid-electric motorcycle, and Logg drove his old URAL Russian 2WD hack (sidecar).

They opened the container's end doors and were overwhelmed with what they saw.  They carefully began to unload multiple hermetically-sealed containers of food stocks, solid fuel items, blankets, towels, tools, rope, canvas, general hardware repair parts and items, and four "cans" of medical supplies.  There even was a small oxy-acetylene welding rig that generated it own gas using a solar powered oxygen concentrator and carbide "gravel"!  It appeared to be a TYPE I CACHE...everything needed to sustain a small village for an indefinite period of time.  There were basic gardening tools, a solar powered water pump with its own filtration system, and hundreds of packets of various vegetable seeds.  There were even some flower seeds and bulbs!

 

It took the team several days to transport all the supplies up the hill to the MESA VERD camp.  As they stored the items in the cave and other safe storage areas, every item was inventoried and catalogued.  It seemed that everything had been provided.  There was a small treadle sewing machine and a supply of fabric and thread.  There was even a small container of reading glasses in various magnifications, and even spare screws with a small screwdriver to repair eyeglasses!

 

In the far end of the cargo container, they spotted a "can" about 2x2x2 ft.  It was labeled: "COMM XCVR"  "Now this ought to be interesting," exclaimed Thor.  They loaded it into the side-hack and Logg took it to the camp to be opened later.  That evening they opened the sealed can.  Inside was a modern (mfg. date: 2052), Russian made, "XCVR, tube type, 30 watt,  hand-crank powered, CW transceiver".  It included a hand key, a wind-out copper wire antenna, spare parts, instruction and repair manuals (in several languages), and engraved on a metal plate inside the lid was the International Morse Code!

One piece of equipment that generated substantial excitement was labeled: "SOLAR POWERED, WATER DEMOLECULEARIZATION, HYDROGEN-OXYGEN POWER SUPPLY UNIT"  Thor said:  "If this is what I think it is, we may have unlimited power for quite awhile.  Find the instruction manual!"
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To be continued...in the future


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EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS:

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
MORE EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS AT:
 http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/
======================================================
NEW SUBSCRIBERS
• Sandie Woog, KE7KKU, Shelton, WA - ARES®, RACES
• Michael Buck, K6BUK, Lincoln, CA
• Richard Schick, KE6BKE, Valencia, CA
• Jeff Holt, KD4SVZ, Orange Park, FL - ARES®
• Tom Behnken, W4ESP, Green Cove Springs, FL - ARES®, SKYWARN
• Terry Murrow, NØUX, Colorado Springs, CO - ARES®
• Michael Herman, KE4KIZ, Middleburg, FL - ARES®
• Gaylon Rose, KCØAUD, Dodge City, KS - Sw. KS. A.R.E.S.® GROUP, INC.
• Richard Wise, W5EKB, Mount Olive, MS - RACES
• Mercedes Prado, KI6FDK, Torrance, CA - LAFD ACS
• John Lahiff, WA6PHJ, Lincoln, CA - CERT
• Brian Loughman, KC9LGY, Anderson, IN
• George Taylor, WA4GUW, Muscle Shoals, AL
• Corey Chaney, KFØUN, St. Louis, MO - ARES®
• Ted Van Tuyl, N7HKL, Tacoma. WA
• Larry Burns, WD4DBJ, Indian Mound, TN - ARES®, EC for Stewart County
• John Shinkowsky, N3QWT, Harrisburg, PA
• Larry Jones, WB9FHP, Paoli, IN - ARES® EC for Orange County
• Jack Farrance, N3BZ, Ft. Wayne, IN - RACES
• Jan Parker, WAØLST, Kearney, NE
• Jay R. Walker, KD7YSN, Lynden, WA
• Sally Kraus, Boston,MA

RECENT CONTRIBUTOR$ - Thank you for your support!
(The individuals listed below have recently made monetary contributions to help EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG survive.)
• Bob Shelby, W7FPY, WRRL 90

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)

PowerFlare® Safety Lights
Call: 408-323-2370
(Safety Illumination and Signaling Products)
 
RDTechnology
Robert D. Miller, WA6MTY
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 PROCEDURES:  www.wrrl.org/operating/
• 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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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 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.

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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.
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SORRY: We have no PayPal®, credit card, or other methods to accept the electronic transfer of funds.  "We do it the old fashioned way!"
 
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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
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IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF EMCOMM MONTHLY:
• HONE YOUR 'PHONE OPERATING SKILLS - Part III
• NEWS... FEATURES... FEEDBACK.... QSH... and MORE!

IN THE WORKS:
• DXers and EMCOMM
• The FIELD OPERATION DISASTER PORTABLE STATION

*Inscription on the Liberty Bell  - Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - U.S.A.
 
EMCOMM MONTHLY -- The Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League - WRRL®
Copyright (c) 2007 - All rights reserved.
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