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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------VOL. 4 -- No. 1 ONLINE: www.emcomm.org/em June 2007
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THIRD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
TABLE OF CONTENTSThe EM PHILOSOPHY
SPECIAL REPORTSSHORT CIRCUITS - Brief Items and AnnouncementsFEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
The EM ADVISOR - "Q and A"ICS PERSPECTIVES - by Jerry Boyd, N7WR
WRRL NEWS and NETS
TRAFFIC HANDLING - The "Service Message"
NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
QSH - Quiz, Satire, and Humor
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE - "Propagation and Emcomm"
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTIONThe EM PHILOSOPHY
“We have not succeeded in answering all your problems. The answers we have found only serve to raise a whole set of new questions.
In some ways we feel we are as confused as ever, but we believe we are confused on a higher level and about more important things.”
Above is very honest notice to the public displayed in the lobby at Children’s Hospital Orange County (CHOC), which is a first class teaching and research hospital affiliated with the University of California Medical Center Irvine, that provides the very best "state of the art" available in pediatric medicine.As EM begins its fourth year of publication, the ability to provide emergency communications is still relatively simple to learn and perform. It is not anywhere nearly as complicated and complex as the practice of medicine. While there are many who like to complicate what should be a rather simple task, our philosophy is "K.I.S.S." (Keep It Simple Sherlock.) Our mission is to promote what (if anything will) works. But the basics are being overlooked by many amateur radio emcomm organizations, and new operators are often left scratching their heads and with a very puzzled look on their faces.
Every month we receive comments and questions from new subscribers to the effect: "I just discovered EMCOMM MONTHLY (and/or) the WRRL." Some of these are newly licensed radio amateurs. Others are "re-entry operators" who have been inactive for umpteen years. Yet others have been active in the hobby aspect of ham radio, and now have decided to give something back by getting involved in public service. And then there are those who have been involved in emcomm all along, but no one is providing any of the training that is actually needed to provide the much needed instruction in basic radio operating skills and message handing.The questions and suggestions are usually sincere and valid. However, many of the questions we receive have been previously addressed in the pages of EM, and most of the "new" suggestions have been tried at one time or place or another. Some of these bright ideas have been adopted, promoted and put into practice, while others wound up in the proverbial "circular file".To our new subscribers (many of whom have some catching up on their homework to do), we suggest that you start by reviewing past issues of EM starting with number one. Every issue is archived at: http://www.emcomm.org/em and every issue has some training value, plus much additional useful information. It isn't necessary that new subscribers read every word of every issue. Much of the material (e.g. - net schedules, New Subscribers list, etc.) are repetitive and may be out of date. Another useful tool is to use our Site Search http://www.emcomm.org/search.htm for topics in which you may be specifically interested. For example, if you search for: training module you can hone in on a lot of training items. The Traffic Handler's Quiz at: http://www.emcomm.org/thc/index.html is an effective to self-evaluate your traffic handling skills. You do not have to have your score posted the first time you take the test. We also highly recommend our RADIOGRAM TRAINING DVD. Info at: http://www.emcomm.org/products/EM and WRRL are not wild eyed promoters of the latest "gizmo wonder gadgets" that are equipment intensive and may lull radio amateurs into thinking they don't need to know or practice the basics of radio, antennas, and the ability to communicate effectively. (We'll let the others do that.) We are about radio communications and the delivery of vital messages during disasters and other emergencies--accurately and efficiently--the old fashioned way. In other words, we advocate and promote what we know will work when the power goes out and/or all the super-duper high tech stuff fails or the infrastructure is knocked out of commission. - EM
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TWO "SPECIAL REPORTS"
A MEDICAL EMERGENCY AT SEA
On May 11, 2007 Richard Webb, NF5B, WRRL 93 at Eads, TN was maintaining a radio watch on the Maritime Mobile Service Network* (MMSN) on 14.300 MHz USB. At 0536Z (0036 CDT) he heard: "Maritime mobile net, maritime mobile net, W6DXC." Richard responded to the call from the vessel CharMel, a 46 ft. sloop en route from Columbia to Panama and recorded their position (POSN)** as 10 deg. 11 min. N x 76 deg. 30 min. W "Name here Pat, W6DXC. Person on board. Diabetic. Unable to ascertain whether he has taken insulin. Patient incoherent."
Richard the handed the mic to Kathleen, KCŘHZU (who has some experience in managing diabetes). She discussed whether or not they could test the person's blood glucose level (BGL). She was advised that there was a glucometer aboard, but they were not familiar with how to use it.
Due to her familiarity with the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low BGL) and Hyperglycemia (high BGL) they decided to err on the side of caution and treat for low blood sugar. Kathleen advised to give sweet liquids, but no solids that could cause choking.
NF5B remained on frequency, and W6DRX agreed to call back in 15-20 minutes and advise. At 0605Z contact was again established and Pat reported that the patient was doing better, that they were attempting to get a blood glucose reading, and that he would advise.
At 0613Z, the CharMel reports that the patient is coherent, and that his blood glucose level is back to normal. NF5B advised W6DRX that he would stand by for 30 minutes just in case other assistance may be needed. Having heard no additional calls, this incident was closed at 0645Z.
Richard adds: "I told Kathleen that she hadn't even been upgraded to general 48 hours and already was handling her first emergency traffic!"
Richard Webb, NF5B, WRRL 93, Eads, TN.
Kathleen Anderson, KCŘHZU, WRRL 94, Eads, TN
THE REST OF THE STORY
Pat, W6DRX later reported: "We have sailed (and fished) aboard the CharMel across the Atlantic, through the Caribbean and are now bound for Panama with our final destination being San Francisco. When the medical emergency occurred I tried calling the Coast Guard on 12.290 and 16.420 MHz, but was unable to make a contact. When I called for help on the MMSN on 14.300 MHz, was I ever lucky to get Richard along with his wife, Kathleen. The communication conditions were poor, but we were able to get a message through. How grateful we were to get Richard and Kathleen. They worked back and forth through the poor band conditions with us to figure out how we should to deal with the situation. Fred (the patient) is back and doing well. The next morning that he said that "he was good as new.....that's the funny thing about this condition, diabetes". In deed, Fred was good as new.
"Again, many, many thanks to Maritime Mobile Service Net and especially Richard and Kathleen who stood by during the whole situation. They did a superb job in helping us. The MMSN is a fantastic service to all of us out here and the sea's are a better place because of you and the staff you have. - Patrick Miller, W6DRX/MM, somewhere aboard the CharMel."
EMERGENCY CARE FOR DIABETICS
EM COMMENTS: It is incidents like this that display Amateur Radio at its best! Richard and Kathleen again personified their dedication to public service and skilled operating procedure. EM readers may recall that these are the two operators that spent six days at the LSU Medical Center in New Orleans and maintained an Amateur emcomm station (the only link to the outside world) on emergency power and lighting for six days until they were evacuated from the flooded and darkened hospital. They then learned that had lost nearly everything including their New Orleans home. They now live in Eads, TN. Oh yes, Richard is blind and Kathleen is wheelchair bound.
They handled this crisis "by the book". As a Registered Nurse and a Type II diabetic myself, I would have done the same. With a diabetic, and when in doubt if the BGL is too high or too low the recommend emergency care is to give some glucose or sucrose (sugar) If the person's BGL (Blood Glucose Level) is too high, it won't hurt to have it go a little higher. High BGLs cause damage, but it takes a long time. On the other hand, hypoglycemia (low BGL) and/or insulin shock, is a crisis
and may be life threatening.
The recommended safest way to administer oral glucose is with a thick liquid such as the commercially available glucose gel (should be in all emergency kits and ship's medicine chests); or, HONEY (get some packets at your local KFC), or cake frosting (that comes in squeeze tubes) makes a good substitute.
In the unresponsive diabetic the established protocol is to get the patient on his/her side and place the glucose it in their buccal pouch (inside the cheek). It will
be absorbed right in the mouth and will minimize the possibility of choking. Airway management is essential. Once the patient regains consciousness and can swallow, then give some juice, sugar water or a sugary soft drink, followed by a balanced snack of solid food. - Editor
* MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NETWORK: http://mmsn.org/
** See RETRO REVIEW in January 2006 EMCOMM MONTHLY: http://www.emcomm.org/em/january2006.htm
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SANTA CATALINA ISLAND FIRE EMERGENCY
Last month a wild fire driven by winds scorched over 4200 acres of tinder dry wildlife habitat on 76 sq. mi. Santa Catalina island 26 miles off the Southern California coast. As the fire approached the edge of the City of Avalon, over 4,000 residents and tourists were evacuated by boat to the mainland. Commercial and private vessels crewed by volunteers ferried firefighters and other emergency personnel from the Port of Avalon, the Port of Long Beach, and Newport Harbor. The U.S. Coast Guard coordinated the evacuation by sea and evacuees were transported to Long Beach, CA for processing by the American Red Cross. All accounts report that the evacuation went according to plan.
One example of the value of advance planning is that five Land Craft Air Cushioned (Hovercraft), each capable of carrying five fire engines were dispatched very early in the operation from the U.S. Marine Corps amphibious training facility (the world's largest) at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA. Strike teams from Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Fresno Counties, and over 700 firefighters were transported by Blackhawk and Chinook military 'copters. A stand was made and Avalon was saved. Only a few structures near the edge of the city were lost
What has not been widely reported however, is that there are two youth camps on the backside of the island. While they camps were not directly threatened by the fire, about 100 campers and counselors were cut off from water, power, and telephone (including cell phone service) for four (4) days! Imagine the concern that worried parents on the mainland must have experienced not knowing if their kids were OK. Or suppose what there had been a medical emergency at the camp?
Of all the thousands of private vessels in harbors along the Southern California, there must be some (many are no doubt ham radio equipped) who would have been willing to transport at least a TYPE 3 ARCT (two skilled and equipped operators) to harbor on the south side near the youth camp. As far as we know...no one asked. And with all the licensed amateurs along the south coast you'd think there must be at least enough skilled operators to pull together an ARCT, find a volunteer private vessel and set up a field station at the camp and handle message traffic to a mainland station(s) capable of delivering the WELFARE messages or EMERGENCY traffic by telephone.
It's too bad that the general public are not aware of what amateur radio can do. And if they do know, it too bad that they rarely know who to call. And it's too bad that if they do call they get "put off" by some ham who doesn't know him/her self what to do. And it's too damn bad if they get some half-ass answer like..."sorry we can't help unless we are activated by (this or that) agency.We hear far much about "served agencies." Lets face it folks, government agencies are "hardening" their emcomm systems more and more. The need for hams (using amateur radio) by "agencies" is diminishing daily. And even if "the agencies" do sometime have a breakdown in their communications systems, amateur operators will be hard pressed to meet their demands.
The Catalina Island incident was a golden opportunity to display what amateur radio emcomm operators can do. FCC Part 97 doesn't mention "service to the agencies," but it does define the purpose of amateur radio as: "Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications." - Part 97.1(a)
The above described incident is only one example of a "opportunity missed." Who knows how many other opportunities have been missed? Or how many will be missed. So, what's it gonna' be folks? Will we get prepared by training and forming deployable emcomm TEAMS (ARCTs)? Available to whoever may need us. Or, are we going to sit on our hands and wait for someone to call? - EM
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SHORT CIRCUITS
SPECIAL OFFER - (MONTH OF JUNE ONLY):
"GET READY FOR FIRE AND HURRICANE SEASON"
We will soon have a new supply of our popular:
EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATIONS
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View at: www.emcomm.org:80/products/
• Raised BLACK letters on WHITE background
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• Place on visor or in window
• Use at fixed, field or on mobile and portable EMCOMM stations
• MADE IN U.S.A!
• SPECIAL PRICE FOR ORDERS POSTMARKED BEFORE JUNE 30, 2007:
• $8.00 each or two for $15.00 [Postpaid to one address includes all applicable taxes]
• (Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery)
• REGULAR PRICE (AFTER JULY 1, 2007):
• $10.00 each or two for $18.00 [Postpaid to one address includes all applicable taxes]
Send check or money order and shipping address to:
EMCOMM
P O Box 99
Macdoel, CA 96058
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CANCELLED:
MID-ATLANTIC EMCOMM CONFERENCE
Saturday, June 9, 2007 - www.midatlantem.com
Sponsored by Snyder County (PA) ARES® - Comments and questions: info@midatlantem.com(Submitted by Gordon Lamb, AB3AX)
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FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
FROM SIMI VALLEY, CA
"Thanks for a great newsletter with great information, and all the time you put in to make it all happen." - Roger Armstrong, WD6EVT, Simi Valley, CA-∙∙∙-
ABOUT "SEND A FREE RADIOGRAM" BOOTHS
(Ref. EMCOMM ADVISOR May EM)
I would encourage the writer (KB3MUN), to set up his booth as you suggested to demonstrate amateur radio and message handling. I am a NTS net manager, and I'd welcome this type of traffic. It is much better training than the "make work" book traffic we often handle.
Here are a couple of additional suggestions for anyone considering such an activity:
1 - Alert your region net(s) so they will be sure to have volunteers for liaison duty prepared to handle a larger volume of outbound traffic than usual.
2 - Be sure to (as always) get accurate and complete addressee information!!!
3 - If a message requires a reply or other handling instructions than HXG, avoid NTSD (digital) like the plague.
4 - If you plan to accept any international third party traffic, have a list of countries which allow third party traffic from the U.S. handy and even on display.
-- Richard Webb, NF5B, WRRL 93, Eads, TN
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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.aspBefore 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: "Is it possible to get a list of the EM subscribers in Delaware and Maryland? If I could find out who the like minded people are in this area we could form an effective group to relay traffic or form an ARCT. Also I would share latest issues with non-subscribers to try and motivate some interest. EM can go a long way in helping to educate others who are serious about public service. - Jerry Palmer, N3KRX, Houston, Delaware
A: Sorry Jerry, but we would have to go through nearly 1700 subscribers, one-by-one, to sort them out by state. And our policy is to not give addresses (including email information) on our subscribers without their permission. Since you gave us permission, EM readers who live in Delaware and Maryland, and who are interested, may contact Jerry at: n3krx@aol.com or landline: 302 398 4115.
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Q: I notice on the EMCOMM web site that you use the term DSW in several places but I can't find a definition of it. Can you please help me out?
-- Jim Cox, W7QIS,Pleasant Grove, UT
A: DSW is an abbreviation for Disaster Service Worker. California's (and possibly other states) term for disaster volunteers. These are volunteers who are registered with local or state agencies and have taken the same Oath Of Allegiance that all paid law enforcement, fire-rescue, and other public service employees take. They are nurses, doctors, pilots, social workers, rescue specialists, food service workers, computer specialists, engineers, veterinarians, heavy equipment operators, truck drivers, laborers, and...communications specialists (including amateur radio operators). The value of services donated by volunteers is immeasurable. -- EM
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ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor
As in the past two years, this will be my last column before taking, July, August, and September off from writing duties. A reader asked me why I take the summer off. Even though our ranch is small there is a lot of work needing to be done over the summer to prepare for what are sometimes harsh winters in this country. Not only do I spend my time getting in wood and hay and re-coating barn roofs, mowing etc., but I also like to fit in preventative maintenance on my tower and antennas. Not to mention that we currently have three of our younger horses in training (at one stage or another) and they require a LOT of work. Plus, I like to ride and I still have a full time day job which, if we have a busy wild land fire season, may interfere with all of the preceding chores!
Trivia question. How many ICS forms should amateur radio emcomm operators need to be familiar enough with to fill out on an assignment? For a detailed discussion of this subject those that have access to the April 2007 issue of Worldradio may want to read my Emcomm & You column. The correct answer is none, nada, zilch, zero. ICS forms are not intended for volunteer communicators and any agency that you work for that forces form completion on you is transferring some of their work and their responsibility off on you. If there is any form/format that an amateur radio emcomm operator needs to be very familiar with it is one, and only one...the universal RADIOGRAM. - Until this Fall, 73 from the 3 Bits Ranch in NE Oregon, and have a safe summer. - Jerry Boyd, N7WR
Editor: You may visit the 3 Bits Ranch online at: http://3bitsranch.blogspot.com/
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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 7220 kHz (7214 and 3987 alternate) JNNEastern 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, the message was lost.
For want of a message, a life was lost.”
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THE "SERVICE MESSAGE" - A REVIEW
(This EM basic studies training module appeared in EM April 2006)
by Ed "FB" Trump, AL7N, WRRL 6 - EM Associate Editor and Alaska Traffic Manager
There are often situations where the delivery of a message requires communication back to the originator. Examples are: failed delivery, need a better address, etc. "Service Messages" are responses sent back to the station of origin by a relay or final delivery station regarding action taken on the original message.Service messages carry the same precedence as the original message being serviced. That is, a routine message will be serviced by a routine precedence service message. Priority by a priority service message, and EMERGENCY by an EMERGENCY precedence service message, etc.
The ARRL's Traffic handling M&P guidelines http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/ have this to say about service messages:
8.1.4 SENDING SERVICE MESSAGES
An amateur has an ethical obligation to keep a message "in play" until delivered, and to honor requests for service information specified in the handling instructions. The amateur has only three choices for the disposition of message traffic:
1) RELAY it,
2) DELIVER it, or
3) SERVICE it back to the originator.
It is understood that a receiving station shall send back a service message for an undeliverable message even without any HX code or other instruction to do so.
If a station is unable to deliver a message after trying all the strategies it has available, it must originate a "SERVICE MESSAGE" back to the station of origin including as much information as possible to explain the problem. Do not report to, or send a service message to, the station who relayed the message to you. Deal only with the originator, you have the ball once you accept the message.
When a service message is required look up the full address of the originating station in the call book, including telephone number if possible, to use in the address block of the service message. Use the ARL SIXTY SEVEN numbered radiogram and indicate in the text of the service message the original message number and addressee last name, and then add the explanation.* The ARL SIXTY SEVEN message has two blanks and reads: “Your message number ____ undeliverable because of ____ . Please advise. Adding the last name after the message number backs up the number in case it is garbled in transmission. Note that “number” is included.
Service messages are given special handling since they affect timely delivery of messages. The service message designator “SVC” is placed ahead of the message number, and the precedence of the service message is the same as the message being serviced.
(Note: The use of SVC, although stipulated in ARRL literature, is seldom used in current practice. Service messages are often seen without the SVC designator. It is retained in the examples and formatting information in Chapter 1.)
No service message is required for normal timely deliveries.8.1.4.1 HXC AND HXD
HXC and HXD preamble requests are confirmations of handling which require service messages back to the station of origin.
HXC: Report date and time of delivery (TOD) to originating station.
HXD: Report to originating station the identity of station from which received, plus date and time. Report identity of station to which relayed, plus date and time, or if delivered report date, time and method of delivery.
These service messages are done without the knowledge of the addressee since they are your responsibility as the handling station. HXC replies are negated by a service message for the undelivered message. The HXD information may be included within a service message:
8.1.4.2 UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH HX CODES
The inability to comply with any other HX codes should be cause to generate a service message back so indicating.
8.1.4.3 DELAYS
DELAYED messages due to not being able to contact the addressee by telephone within 48 hours of message origination, or for other reasons in the handling process, should be cause to generate a service message back to the station of origin, so indicating in the text:
REF NR 234 MESSAGE ARRIVED LATE THIS STATION X DLVD APR 20 2200Z.
When the addressee can not be reached within 48 hours of origination, service the message and ask if the originator wishes you to cancel the message (QTA), and continue trying to contact people who might be away on vacation, etc.. Two days is about the limit for "sitting" on a message before servicing. Keep trying to make contact with the addressee until you hear back from the originator. It is considerate to confirm late delivery once successful.8.1.4.4 MAILING
MAILING messages to addressee when telephone contact is not possible (an optional choice of the delivering station) should generate a service message back to the station of origin. If the mail is returned another service message is indicated.8.1.4.5 GARBLED
If the message was garbled, repeat the parts in question so the originator may compare data with the original or check back with the person for whom the message was sent.8.1.4.6 UNDELIVERABLES
Undeliverable messages for any other reason should be serviced back to the station of origin as soon as possible, explaining the problem. There are numerous situations that might prevent delivery, among which are incorrect and unlisted telephone numbers, addressee unknown, etc. In the case of incorrect and unlisted telephone numbers the service message should contain the telephone number received in case the unlisted number was garbled in the original transmission.
Indicate if the telephone number is unlisted or private if there was none given in the message and you learn that in your checks.If a number was given, but it was incorrect, and you were not able to make contact due to the correct number being unlisted or private, so indicate. Do not service back changed or corrected telephone numbers, or other information, without permission of the addressee.
If the address or telephone number does not seem to match anything in your area, attempt to find the correct location, forward the message there, or service as unknown address and no listing. A good atlas or web search can find errors in state, town, zip, address, etc.
Report if the addressee is unknown at a valid address, a former resident, etc.
Report "silent keys" only with permission.
Do not send back forwarding addresses without permission. Simply report such undeliverables as unknown.
IN CONCLUSION...
All emcomm traffic operators should commit the above rules to memory, and apply them with diligence in their traffic handling work. Accurate servicing is part of proper message traffic handling. Always use service messages promptly.* The use of "ARL SIXTY SEVEN" is optional, plain text that says the same thing is also proper.
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TAKE THE TRAFFIC HANDLER'S CHALLENGE AT: http://thc.emcomm.org
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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)
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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
• 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.
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QSH -- (I HAVE HUMOR FOR YOUR STATION)
EM’s Quiz, Satire, and [attempt at] Humor Section...
"Silliness for the Month"
Advice for poorly trained EMCOMM Operators:
http://www.emcomm.org/em/QSH/images/Fox_Hounds_1.jpg∙-∙-∙
"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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FEATURE SECTION
PROPAGATION AND EMCOMM
An EM advanced studies training module - by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
A few years ago I was involved in a Search and Rescue operation in extremely rugged country in the far NW corner of California. The primary search area consisted of two very deep and steep canyons that are separated by a 2,000 ft. ridge. Before the search was over about a dozen SAR units from as far away as 300 miles were called in to assist. There was no cell phone coverage and only one Sheriff's Department repeater was accessible. The IC (who was from an adjacent county) said the local Sheriff wanted to keep their SO frequency clear of the SAR traffic and asked that it be used (by SAR) for emergency traffic only.
Around 2200 local time, one other emcomm volunteer (a trainee) and myself arrived at the SAR CP/base camp positioned in a deep canyon and we were asked immediately to establish contact with the Sheriff's Office the IC's home county. My first thought was about setting up a NVIS* antenna, and establishing an HF link either on 40 or 75 meters with one of several HF stations that had been previously alerted and were monitoring some previously designated frequencies and that could relay traffic to and from the Sheriff's Dispatch Center via telephone.
I knew there was a VHF amateur repeater located on a mountain top about 20 miles to the north...in another state! I thought, why not give it try? I switched to the repeater frequency, keyed the mic, heard the identifier, and then identified myself. Immediately, I heard a familiar voice reply...it was my wife! She was at our home station over 125 miles away, but by using out tower mounted 13 element Yagi she had solid contact with the repeater. Needless to say, the IC, who was watching, was very impressed!
The search went on for about a week before finally being called off. The missing person (or his remains) were never found. Most of the searchers were non-hams, so all tactical communications were on VHF public service simplex frequencies (NASAR, CLEMARS, etc.). By stationing a radio relay team (the young trainee and myself) on the ridge that separated the two deep canyons, effective communications were maintained. Every message between the two canyons was through our relay.A portable repeater may have worked, but there are very few (if any) used by public service agencies and there are very few "spare" public service "frequency pairs" available for portable/field operations. Plus mutual aid responders may not be able to program the radios to an "new" pair. Frequencies such as NASAR, CLEMARS, NALEMARS and other SOA (scene of action) simplex frequencies should be in all SAR transceivers.
(NOTE: Typical amateur radio gear is not FCC "type accepted" transmitting on PS channels. Listen only. Hams who are active in SAR, fire, EMS, or other public service, should consider buying commercial radio gear that can be legally operated on both public safety and amateur services.)
Most local amateur emcomm (and nearly all public service communications) are handled on VHF, UHF, or higher frequencies. Which are line-of-sight whether direct or via a repeater (if available).
One of the great advantages that we as radio amateur have is that we have a wider range of frequencies and modes option that just about anyone! With all the new emcomm volunteers now entering the world of HF, it is advantageous to know some basic and practical aspects of HF radio propagation.
40 and 80 meters are the "Workhorse Bands" for Regional Emcomm:
While most local or tactical emcomm can easily be handled on VHF or UHF frequencies, most regional traffic (50-300 or more miles) is handled on the 40 or 75-80 meter bands. (The 160 meter band and the 60 meter band should not be ruled out, but by and large the 40 and 80 meter bands are the workhorse bands most used for emcomm networks.I am not a physicist are these comments an attempt to explain and define all the intricacies and nuances of HF radio signal propagation. There are many excellent books available that can adequately explain that area of science that is wrought with multiples and rarely understood variables. As one ham friend of mine says, "It's all Voodoo!"The SEA and the SUN
Most of us who have studied the basics of radio know that the earth is surrounded by layers of ionized particles. The ionosphere is in a constant state of flux. It is affected primarily by the sun, and it varies immensely with the time of day, the time of year, the solar cycle, geomagnetic storms, and other factors. The ocean tides on the earth are influenced by the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon and to a small degree, the other planets, and is compounded by the winds. The ionosphere (envision a canopy above the earth), is ever expanding, contracting, fluctuating in the amount of ionization level, and possibly other factors that scientists may not have even discovered.The D layer (closest to the earth) is only a factor present during the daylight hours and is responsible for the absorbing most MW and HF radio signals. This is why MW BCB signals do not propagate (over any great distance) during daylight hours. Then there is "sporadic E", which some liken to clouds of ions which come and go with the seasons often only lasting a few minutes or hours. Radio hams who enjoy the six meter band (50-54 MHz) love it when the "E layer comes to life!"
The most commonly relied upon layer for HF radio is the highest...the F layer. To further confuse the issue, the F layer divides into two levels during the daytime. F1 and F-2. One or the other will refract (bounce a signal back to earth) from a point of refraction depending upon: 1) the frequency; and 2) the angle at which a given signal hits that refraction point.
Most of us knowledgeable hams who want to be able to maximize their ability to communicate by bouncing radio signals off the ionosphere, have learned by experience what works and what doesn't work. Often by much trial and error. (This is what is known as experience!) They have learned and also realize that what works today, may not work tomorrow, but it may work again the day-after-tomorrow. Even at the same time and on the same frequency! In fact...what works now, may not work five minutes from now!Most of us have played pool or billiards. The object in those games is to bounce (or ricochet') a ball off of the opposite bumper. The more direct, or acute the angle that a ball hits the bumper, the closer it will return to it starting point. (E.g. - the side pocket near to you.) If you "glance the ball" off the bumper at an obtuse angle, it will "land" farther way from the starting point. (Hopefully, in the corner pocket.)Radio signals behave in much the same way. Where they go, depends (in part) at what angle they are directed towards the ionosphere. NVIS (near vertical) go up, and down, land closer to the transmitting station, and may not interfere with distant stations. Low angle (aimed at the horizon) will land a long, long way away, but may not be heard by who you want to talk to.Now, if the ionosphere was a straight edged surface like the bumper of a billiard table, it would be easier to calculate just where a signal might "bounce to" or land. (This is actually done using solid passive reflectors on mountains for micro wave communications.) But the ionosphere is curved and it consistently varies in thickness. Imagine that you are playing pool on a circular table! Imagine also the cushion is constantly changing in its softness. Now imagine that the table is constantly changing it's circumference. (Like the iris of the human eye or a camera.) That would make for a very challenging game of pool!The ionosphere is constantly changing in all of these physical characteristics. Therefore, so does the refraction point (distance above the earth) vary for any given frequency. And...just as in billiards...the angle at which a signal "hits" that refraction point will determine how far it will "skip" or return to earth. To further complicate tings, the layer varies in thickness and intensity. If it didn't, the radio signals would be very specific as to where they land. When propagation is marginal, signal paths may actually be very selective. When band conditions are is optimal, signals on many frequencies may propagate well and be received over a wide footprint. This is often called signal scatter.
A few generalities to keep in mind:1. 40 meters usually provides a better signal path during daylight hours for communications in the 100 to 800 mile range.
2. 75-80 meters is usually better during daylight hours for communications in the 30-200 mile range.
3. During daylight hours, when the MUF* is below 7 MHz, or when the 40 meter band "goes long", 75 meters may work.4. 75-80 meters is usually better during nighttime hours. (40 meters tends to "go long" at night.)
5. On 160, 80/75, and 40 meters, lower (30 ft. or less) horizontal antennas (NVIS**) are usually better for closer ranges.6. Normally, the higher any antenna is (above ground) the lower the angle of radiation. (Good for DX...but not as good for NVIS.)7. A vertical antenna has low angle of radiation, and probably will not get your signal "up and out" of a deep canyon or over another obstruction.
