EMCOMM Monthly - March 2007

                       Dedicated to Emergency Communications by RADIO
        EMCOMM MONTHLY
                       Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League
                                                                  www.wrrl.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VOL. 3 -- No. 10 ONLINE: www.emcomm.org/em/ MARCH 2007
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - - L A T E E D I T I O N - - -

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The EM PHILOSOPHY - What we are...NOT

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"- Part II
NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
EMCOMM WORKSHOP
   More about Battery Desulfators
   An Antenna Question
QSH - "You're a REAL EMCOMM operator when..."
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE SECTION
   The Chronicles of Nocandoo VII:  "Making Contact"
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION

The EM PHILOSOPHY

One of the fundamentals of SEARCH and RESCUE is to determine where the missing person is not -- (a process of elimination). For the last few years we have been attempting to define what EMCOMM MONTHLY and the WRRL ... IS.   There are a few who still don't understand what we are about. Maybe they never will....or maybe they just don't want to. Perhaps it will help if we define ourselves by stating what we are not.

We are not for every ham radio operator.  ( We wish we were, but...we are realists.)
We are for all licensed amateurs who are serious about public service and learning and using proper operating and efficient procedures. While EMCOMM MONTHLY is available free to any interested person, one membership requirement to join the WRRL is the ability to accurately handle formal message traffic using the universal message format in at least one radio mode.  Plus (of course) $5.00 a year.

We are not about registering individual operators who have never worked together as a team.
We are about TEAMWORK, and the TEAM APPROACH to emcomm. (Try putting an orchestra, a football team, or a ship's crew together sometime...from a list of individual players.)

We are not about using complicated, automated and/or fragile weak-link-hybrid systems to relay message traffic. (We'll let others do that.)
We are about being prepared to provide communications "when all else fails" or when these systems become overloaded during a disaster or other incident. We are about radio operators who know how (or want to learn how) and who love to send and receive signals and messages via the ether. This is whether it is across town or around the world. We are about using simple, reliable, fundamental and proven methods and procedures using 100% radio communications!

We are not about exclusivity or competition with other organizations or services. It makes no difference what gender or color their members are or what cap they wear.

We are about improving all emcomm operators' skills and promoting what others are no longer doing. We cooperate with other groups that are serious about service to the public, and that encourage courteous, effective and good radio operating discipline. One of our objectives is to encourage and improve the skills and capabilities of radio amateurs everywhere.

We are not about commercial interests or selling advertising. We have no quarrel with the business approach, but that is not what we are about.

We are about a low-budget approach to emcomm. There are no commercial advertising displays or "pop ups" on our websites. We do offer a few emcomm specialty items that are not available elsewhere, at a nominal price, to help support our mission.

We are not about big budgets, or getting someone else to pay for our services through corporate grants or trying to get our hands into the taxpayer's pockets.

We are about doing it ourselves. Efficient and effective amateur emergency communications can be provided very inexpensively. All that is needed is for each operator to have a radio with a back-up emergency power supply, and know how to communicate. We are about the "can-do" approach to emcomm. We encourage our readers to learn the necessary know-how and not limit themselves solely to equipment that comes ready to use out of a box. We encourage scrounging and re-cycling and getting the job done -- all the while doing it on a shoestring budget!

We are not about half-million-dollar communication vans. These units are very impressive and could be quite helpful if one were stationed near the hub of a Type 1 ARCT, but they still can only be in one place at a time. And while most of them have amateur radio capability, the current focus seems to be on commercial infrastructure based systems.

We are about skilled radio operators who can communicate over long distances without a lot of expensive and complicated baggage. Sophisticated equipment and vehicles don't communicate. PEOPLE communicate! A skilled operator/traffic handler only needs a simple transceiver, a key or mic, an antenna, a battery, a pen and paper...plus some basic skills. We prefer and advocate gear than is relatively easy to trouble-shoot and/or easily repaired in the field. Most of us own at least one car, truck, motorcycle, RV, boat, bicycle, or horse! And, those who don't can always operate from their home station and still serve very proudly as a relay or net control station. Much of emcomm is performed from home stations anyway.

We are not about political districts and/or other jurisdictional boundaries except when and where we are required to be.
We are about "EMCOMM WITHOUT BOUNDARIES."

We do not employ public relations professionals or other staff.
We are about Keeping it Simple (K.I.S.S.). EMCOMM MONTHLY has a small volunteer editorial staff, and the WRRL is managed by a six member volunteer Board of Directors, plus a few volunteer net managers. This keeps our costs as low as possible. Therefore, EM readers and WRRL members are free to stay focused on keeping their operating skills at peak performance, and their mobile, portable and fixed stations ready and in top operating condition.

We are not a branch of another organization or agency and we do not say that any emcomm operator must choose between us and another group.
Again, we are about cooperating with other emcomm organizations that promote sound operating practices and effective emcomm by skilled volunteers. Many of our readers and members belong to other associations and/or services. WRRL is an independent, direct, emergency communications service provider, to any agency or individual who may need emergency or auxiliary communications. (Including other amateur emcomm organizations!)

Finally, EMCOMM MONTHLY and the WRRL are about RADIO communications. We are about Amateur Radio Operators who love RADIO -- PURE and SIMPLE -- and we are about deriving enjoyment and a sense of satisfaction from providing public service emergency communications using (only) RADIO when the normal means of communications are interrupted or overloaded. We love RADIO and hunkering down at a desk or console at home, or at a field station. Perhaps in a tent or camper or trailer or shed or garage or boat cabin, or some other shelter. Maybe even at an EOC (if invited). If it is in an adverse and/or challenging situation...we love it even more!

∙-∙-∙
SHORT CIRCUITS

Sometimes the older, simpler, ways (and values) really are the best...

Did you hear about the horses that were trapped for 3 days on a tiny piece of land in wind and rain in the Netherlands last November?
Apparently it had the nation mesmerized, watching about 200 horses huddle against the wind and having to watch 18 of them die.

First firemen, then the Dutch Army, tried to rescue them - both unsuccessfully. So FOUR WOMEN on horseback rode out to the grassroots rescue.
Here's a video of the rescue. Leave it to the women.

This is RATED G and is well worth the seven minutes it takes watch.
Music by Vangelis

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7208904950568913763&q=horse+rescue

It is an excellent example of LEADERSHIP and TEAMWORK by all those involved in the RESCUE.
-∙∙∙-
"EXTREME EMCOMM" T-SHIRT

∙ 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

NOTE: Pre-production orders for the EXTREME EMCOMM T- Shirt have been slow. If we don't receive sixty (60) advance orders (the "break even" point),
the project will be cancelled and those who ordered shirts will have their checks returned.

(We're just glad we played it safe and didn't order a pallet of shirts!)

-∙∙∙-
RADIOGRAM / MESSAGE TRAFFIC HANDLING DVD

DVD FEEDBACK:
"I have been watching the Traffic Handling DVD. It is great! I will be ready to take the quiz in the next few days. I had to abort the first time when I realized I did not know several of the answers. Thanks for all you do." - Mark Gebhardt, K9ZQ, La Moille, IL

"I just finished viewing the second half of your RADIOGRAM TRAINING DVD. (The first of probably many times.) You've made it quite informative and interesting. Thanks!" -- John "Pink" Pinkard, KD5KXJ, Carthage, MS. (NOTE: John is in the Mississippi State Guard and was deployed to Biloxi, MS after Katrina. You can read his very interesting account in WorldRadio, November 2005. Subscribe at: www.wr6wr.com

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

∙-∙-∙
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS... and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS

"BZ" AND THANKS FROM STATION 73

"A note to tell you how much I enjoy the EMCOMM Monthly. I consider it a required read. I have not become a member of WRRL, because I am fully involved as a Firefighter and EMT with the Logandale Volunteer FD, which is also Station 73 of the Clark County (Nevada) FD. As such, I am really not available for emergency responses "out of town"...needless to say, being on a small town Fire and Rescue Department is full time and first priority. We had over 500 calls last year, and I was on at least half of them. I am also a Wildland Certified Firefighter...which places an even heavier emphasis on ICS and commo than our structural station, because we work with so many agencies on so many levels on Wildland fires as compared to 'local' fires. Also, I am retired Navy, first a Radioman, and later retired as Commander in the old Naval Security Group, so I have spent a lifetime in communications in one form or another. I just wanted to explain why I haven't formally joined the WRRL, but that I am glad you are there! Our station has six (6) Ham operators...and we have been complimented by other stations and County Leadership for our great radio procedures and discipline. We use EM as a good guide for how to keep ourselves up to par, as in use of phonetics, concise terminology, etc.

"On the subject of Fusees vs electronic flares...we just got rid of our electronic ones and restocked the old fashioned Fusees. The electric ones just didn't have the visibility, especially in the daytime. We make it a part of our training to not use them in the fuel puddles, etc. But the determination was made that the risk of being run down by a car on the I-15 corridor between Mesquite and Las Vegas warranted the extra visibility of the fusees. The offset being that extra training and safety oversight is needed when they are deployed! For helo operations, we have a separate kit of LZ electronic markers for night use, but in the day use other visual indicators, such as vehicle placement, etc., to spot the bird. Having fusees rolling around the LZ would provide some excitement I could do without! "By the way, BZ is Navy speak for "Well Done!" (Not as in steak, either!)" - Don DeCaria, NF7R, Logandale, NV

COMMENT: Thanks for kind words and feedback Don. I like my steak medium-rare, so would that be, BMRZ? Don't confuse being a member of the WRRL with joining a deployable ARCT Type I. As long as any licensed operator meets the requirements (at: http://www.wrrl.org/membership.asp ) and can fork over five bucks, they are welcome. I hope you qualify and will join. Your FD "Station 73" has a nice "ring" to it. Does your alarm go off with: --∙∙∙ ∙∙∙-- ? And, with six hams stationed there, maybe you should do a SPECIAL EVENT sometime, and issue QSL cards that say "73 from Station 73" - Editor

-∙∙∙-
O.P.E.R.A.T.I.O.N. Team

"I came across your site and I'm very excited about digging into it. We are an independent group in NE Ohio and NW Pennsylvania. If possible, could you add
a link to our website on you link page for Ohio?" - Jack Sabo, N8XUA, Team Leader O.P.E.R.A.T.I.O.N. Team

REPLY: Sure thing Jack. Your website www.operationteam.org looks like one that is worth listing. - Editor
-∙∙∙-
"As for the ITU (phonetics - editor) being adopted in 1956, how many times do you use the metric system when giving directions? The US also adopted the metric system. The only place I know it is used regularly is in the military. YES as I have said before we should use ITU, but be flexible to understand other widely used phonetics as we may not always be on Amateur Radio circuits as operators." - (Name withheld.)

COMMENT: The metric system is widely used in the U.S. and it is essential to know in medicine, mechanics, meteorology, surveying, navigation, Search and Rescue (UTM - http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs07701.html ) electronics and...YES even radio. (E.g. kilohertz, Megahertz, microfarads, and wavelength -- for at least a hundred years. Ever hear of 2 Meters? I even drank a .5 liter Coke® today! -- But I fail to see any connection or analogy between using (or not using) the metric system and advocating proper and standardized communication procedures. - 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: "I tried to listen to the WRRL Monday net on February 12, but all I heard yesterday was the "School Net" on 14.280. Ever think of changing frequencies or the time? 14.280 would be a pretty poor frequency in time of emergency." - Doyle Wilcox, WB7OXJ - Shelton, WA

A:  The "School Net" was a "special event" and not a regularly scheduled net. (At least we hope it was!) It doesn't matter what frequency we choose to list as a net frequency. If it's in use by ragchewers we have the option of telling them that a scheduled net is about to begin, and ask them (nicely) to move. This often works, but if they refuse, then we are obligated to move.

The 14.280 MHz frequency was chosen to keep that frequency active (on Mondays at least) and in honor of the IMRA (International Mission Radio Association) which operated for many years there on Monday - Saturday. The IMRA officially disbanded a couple of years ago, but a few IMRA members still use 14.280 on weekdays before 2000Z.  Our idea was to keep 14.280 active as a SSB international public service net frequency. However, if 14.280 is busy on Mondays at WRRL net time with a special event, a DX station, or another net, then we will move. The alternate frequency is 14.270 MHz ± .

20M is about to get very busy again as we move into CYCLE 24.  (Which is predicted by some to rival Cycle 19 which peaked in 1960. See:

http://www.ucar.edu/news/releases/2006/sunspot.shtml ) I've heard that worldwide propagation was possible on 6 Meters during that cycle! Time will tell.

To further complicate the already crowded bands, the recent lowering of the requirements to legally operate on the HF bands will only serve to make all the bands even more congested, and thereby much more difficult to conduct public service nets and other activities.

The time of 2040Z is set to follow the JNN (1200PTZ), the last (conterminous U.S.) "noon net" in the WRRL NETS (National Emcomm Traffic Service), and is intended to minimize the time commitment of the majority of members.
-∙∙∙-
Q: "What's wrong about volunteering for a single agency?" - (name withheld)

A: Nothing is "wrong" with volunteering for a single agency to provide auxiliary communication support. Just realize that you may, or may not, be used for actual radio work, and that you may not be available for emcomm in the overall (BIG) picture. WRRL and EM are about radio emcomm networks capable of handling third-party message traffic (both tactical and formal) on behalf of whoever needs it wherever and whenever they need it...including the general public.

Operators who are properly trained and disciplined, working for (or under) a single agency work well during a single agency incident. But this is not the best utilization of the resource in a multi-agency incident such as a major conflagration, hurricane, or other disaster. There simply will NOT be enough skilled operators or frequencies available. Also, "too many chefs (chiefs) spoil the soup." If emcomm has to answer to too many masters, with each dictating different procedures, the result will be ineffective coordination and poor communication.

What we are aiming for may not be achievable, but we can try! One overall emcomm network (no matter whose name is on it) that can be accessed by one or more "agencies" (plus the general public, which is really our mission) seems like a better method...just like we have one postal service to serve everyone. (NOTE: This concept ("communications is communications") is in compliance with NIMS/ICS.)

-∙∙∙-
Q: "What is the status of the effort to get the ARCTs resource typed?"  - Bob Shelby, W7FPY, WRRL 90,Springfield, OR

A: National Incident Management System (NIMS/ICS) mandates "resource typing" for all disciplines and resources such as Amateur Radio Communications Teams. "ARCTS" are already "typed" by their definition. Your question, however, is about how our efforts to get the ARCT system officially approved by the DHS/FEMA/NIMS. The last contact we had with the NIMS Resource Center was that the plan had been "cleared" at that level, and had passed up to a committee within FEMA.

Subsequent follow up calls and emails to FEMA have been disappointing. Two calls resulted in: 1) "We're working on it...but it is a low priority"; and, 2) "The person that was working on that is no longer with us. Call ------ ------ at --- --- ---- and talk to them."  Subsequent calls have been made, and messages were left, but calls have not been returned.

Since Katrina and the catastrophes that followed (including some this year already), we can only assume that long-term planning has come to a grinding halt and resource typing (for all disciplines) has taken a back seat. If the federal assistance to disaster victims is the priority...we have no complaint.

In the meantime, WRRL is recruiting and registering TYPE I ARCTs.   ARCT resource typing is now a part of the ARECC Level 3 course.  We recommend that other emcomm organizations begin to implement it widely...now! Existing and future WRRL T-1 ARCTs will interface, coordinate, and cooperate, with bona fide local and/or other deployed emcomm units and field stations. WRRL stations are not agency specific, and are available to handle message traffic on behalf of the general public.

The WRRL continues to receive inquiries from leaders of existing emcomm teams who are interested in forming a TYPE I ARCT. Once approved, team leaders will develop and maintain their team and ensure their on-going training, equipping, and readiness/availability to respond. WRRL does not certify Type II, Type III, Type IV teams, or individual operators. We do, however, support the implementation of all four types of ARCTs by other emcomm units, and we support efforts to develop, train, and equip such teams for response to supplement TYPE I teams. For more information:

WRRL: www.wrrl.org

EMCOMM: www.emcomm.org

-∙∙∙-

Q: "I may be mistaken but at one time I thought that you (WRRL) were trying to start a certification program. At that time IC-300 was required for the higher levels and they were required for the supervisors of ARCT type 1. I do remember this as I made comments at that time about the FEMA/RACES requirements for the IC-300 course. I see this has been dropped and the ARCT types have been reduced from 5 to 4 types with no mention of digital capability. As this seems to have been changed, (you may) scratch my comments as the ARCT typing now listed on your site is the same as published by the ARRL.

"As I have said before ITU (phonetics) should be used and I do consider their use standard EMCOMM operating procedures. But we may need the flexibility to understand that not all radio operators use them every day. The question I would pose is: was the problem with the sending station not using ITU or was it the receiving station understanding only ITU? At times we may have to adapt to the procedures used by other radio systems. If Memphis, TN ever needed to man (staff) all locations 24/7 only 1 ARES® member would be available per station. The walk-ins may or may not be conversant or comfortable with ITU." - 73 Bill Kuechler,  N9ACQ, Memphis, TN

A:  You asked several questions Bill. We'll take them one-by-one.

The ARCT Resource Typing was changed from five "types" to four "types" in cooperation with the NIMS Resource Center in August 2005.
www.emcomm.org/em/august2005.htm    The latest draft of the ICS-ARCT guide is at: www.emcomm.org/ARCT/ and www.wrrl.org/arct_program/arct_table.asp

The WRRL does not "certify" or "register" individual operators. We believe that the "team approach" to emcomm is better than attempting to manage lists of individuals. Try to quickly assemble a football team, a ship's crew, or a symphony orchestra sometime, and you will soon realize that a team where the members all know each other, and train and practice together, is a better method.   However, the WRRL ARCT T-1 "certification program" is ongoing for ARCT T-1 leaders.    We think a (local or regional) "team leader" is more capable of "riding herd" on a team's members and thereby ensure their ability to provide a portable emcomm network and handle both TACTICAL and FORMAL message traffic.

Re. "...no mention of digital capability..."

Not every emcomm operator has keyboard/digital interest, ability, and/or the necessary specialized equipment. Software compatibility is a very real and complex problem, and some of these systems depend (at least in part) upon the commercial infrastructure.  ARCT Resource Typing purposely avoided mentioning any particular mode(s) or brand name or type of equipment or proprietary programs. Our theory is that any team "worth its salt" will know what equipment and supplies are needed to provide effective communications. The essential requirement is:   "Can a deployed ARCT originate, relay, and/or deliver third-party messages (regardless of precedence or whether tactical or formal) accurately and in a timely manner?" How they accomplish this is up to them. One of the finest traditions of amateur radio operators is:  "Get the job done with whatever is available!"

Re. "The question I would pose: was the problem with the sending station not using ITU or was it the receiving station understanding only ITU?"

This was covered extensively in EM in the September 2006 issue.  See: www.emcomm.org/em/september2006.htm -- Editor

∙-∙-∙
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)
∙ WRRL STATION MAP UPDATE
Map showing the location of WRRL stations can be viewed at: http://www.wrrl.org/map/

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

"WRRL WINDS" (WRRL MEMBER NEWS)
∙ WRRL NETS - MONDAYS on 14.280± MHz USB 1940Z (SUMMER) 2040Z (WINTER)
Daylight Saving Time starts on March 11.
The WRRL Monday net will change to 1940Z on March 12.

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

I had a reader ask my opinion on taking ICS 300 (Intermediate ICS) and ICS 400 (Advanced ICS). I guess it may be time to re-state my position on ICS training altogether. My perspective is one of both an emcomm-active ham and a government Emergency Manager. You have probably all heard the old saying “too much of a good thing can be a bad thing”. I think we are getting to that point with “forced” ICS training. Don’t get me wrong, I think everyone involved in assisting with an emergency or disaster in which NIMS or ICS is used ought to have an understanding of the system and how it works. Emcomm-active hams need to know where their communications effort fits within the ICS structure. ICS 100 (basic ICS) accomplishes all of those objectives. Anything more than that, for both hams and most professional first responders, is overkill. I have commented in the past that the Department of Homeland Security is using strings attached to money grants to government agencies to require a host of ICS courses (700 & 800 for example) to be taken by every cop, firefighter and emergency medical responder. A complete waste of time! 700 & 800 are valuable for mid- and upper-level emergency managers only, not first responders.

ICS 300 & 400 are the latest “required courses” per the Department of Homeland Security. They are mandatory for those of us who serve as professional staff in government Emergency Operations Centers and for those who serve in a supervisory role with government first responder organizations. In my opinion, they have more practical value than ICS 700 & 800, but even at that there is no reason for emcomm amateurs to take either one of them. Besides, these are NOT on-line courses like the others. Those two in combination require one full week spent in a classroom with a live instructor. They are also expensive, though grants are available to government agencies to pay for instructors.
∙-∙-∙
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.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAKE THE TRAFFIC HANDLER'S CHALLENGE AT: http://thc.emcomm.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HONE YOUR 'PHONE -- OPERATING SKILLS - Part II
(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

Most radio communications are not full duplex.* In other words, you cannot hear while you are transmitting. If two (or more) stations are transmitting at the same time on the same frequency the only stations that can hear this confusion are others who may be listening. This is called "doubling" or "tripling". There is no such thing as "a perfect double" (or triple) except in baseball. How can the lack of communication be "perfect?" When all operators practice good operating procedures and use correct procedural signs ("prosigns"), the result will be accurate and timely communications.

COMPETENCE IS CONTAGIOUS! And we want to believe that EM readers are interested sounding as "professional" and be as effective as possible anytime they are on the air. In the February issue, we reviewed the proper use of ITU Phonetics. This month we take a look at:

PROPER RADIOTELEPHONE (VOICE) OPERATING PROCEDURES

Proper: Use ROGER for "received and understood".

Not so proper: Do not use "QSL" on voice. (On CW, R = received and understood, QSL = "acknowledged.")

Proper: Use AFFIRMATIVE for "yes."

Not so proper: Do not use ROGER for "yes" -- ROGER means "received and understood". It does NOT mean "YES" or "I AGREE."

Proper: Use SAY AGAIN when you are not sure of a word or a phrase, and want it repeated.
Not so proper: Do not use REPEAT -- it may be mistaken for "received".

Proper: End a transmission with your call sign or "over". Or, "back to net control, this is ------".
Not so proper: Ending a transmission with "ROGER", "ROGER ROGER", or "OK?"
Terrible: Ending a transmission by not saying anything and leaving everyone wondering if your power went out, your transmitter blew up, or if you dropped dead.

If you know that you will be transmitting again within ten minutes from the last time you said your call sign, it is acceptable to just say "over" or your station's TACTICAL call sign if one is in use. Otherwise say your legal call sign. And...it is NOT necessary to say, "for ID".

Proper: Tune up using a dummy load. If you need to check your antenna SWR use an antenna analyzer. If you don't have an analyzer:
1. - LISTEN: A few minutes before transmitting. The frequency might be in use, and you are not hearing a station that is transmitting.
2. - ASK: "Is this frequency in use?"

3. - TEST: "This is ------- testing". If sending a carrier only keep the power level low and complete your measurement and adjustment quickly.
4. - IDENTIFY with your call sign

Not so proper: Key down without first listening, and then taking "forever" to tune up.
Terrible: Intentionally keying down on top of another station. But be sure to identify so others will know who the inconsiderate lid is!

Proper: Saying your location when checking into a net.

Not so proper: Not saying your location when checking into a net. You may be famous, but not everyone automatically knows who or where you (usually) are.

Worse: Giving a vague location such as: "I'm at home," or "I'm out in the shop." ( Ref. What is Your Location? http://www.emcomm.org/em/december2005.htm )
Terrible: When asked to "say your location" say: "guess", or "who wants to know?", or some other jerk answer.

Proper: Calling for a signal report.

Not so proper: Saying, "I need a radio check." Your radio may be working fine...but noise, fading, "multi-pathing", interference, distance, or a lousy antenna may result in poor communications. Also, very few of us will be close enough to you to drive over to your house to check your radio for you. However, if you really want to sound like a "CBer"...go ahead and call for a "radio check!"

Proper: Be on time for the net and pay attention. When the NCS calls for "stations on limited time" check in by saying (or sending) your call sign if you cannot stay around for the net.

Not so proper: Checking into a net when the NCS calls for "stations on limited time", and then ramble on for about ten minutes

Do you have a "pet peeve operating gripe"? If so, send it to us.
Space permitting...we will publish any that are appropriate and useful.

* Duplex -- Do not confuse this with semi-duplex (that is commonly called duplex ) over voice FM communications using a repeater, where only one station may transmit at a time. Full duplex is what is heard on traditional commercial landline telephone systems. However, with the advent of cell, satellite and internet based telephone systems, you may have noticed a confusing time delay between "overs." This is because these systems are not actually full duplex.
-∙∙∙-
Check out our TRAFFIC HANDLER'S SUPPLIES at: 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 (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.

∙-∙-∙
THE EMCOMM WORKSHOP
"I love the smell of rosin core solder in the morning!"

More about "Battery Desulfators" (Ref. February EM)

It seems that there are a growing number of battery desulfation devices on the market. We noted two ads in the March issue of CYCLE WORLD www.cycleworld.com/ .
Both of the new models are chargers with built in desulfaters. So as a service to our readers (these are not paid advertisers), here are two websites:
www.batterytender.com and www.firstaidforbatteries.com

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 is the sole responsibly of the manufacturer and/or the user.
∙-∙-∙
An Antenna Question

Q: On today's WRRL net (January 15 at 2040Z on 14.280 MHz)*, I tried to listen, but I guess my random wire isn't so good for that. I could barely hear you (W7RRL) and you were a bit weaker than when you were on 7220. I could tell that you were making contacts. How far away were your contacts? What kind of antenna? What do the nets cover? How often do they occur? - Jan Woldseth, KB6FMZ, Grass Valley, CA

A: W7RRL is currently transmitting on a 1/4 wave vertical for 20 meter operations. The base is about 20 ft. above ground level. You can easily make one by using metal mast stock, EMT, aluminum tubing or wire either supported from above or taped to a PVC, fiberglass, bamboo or any other waterproof dielectric support. (1/4 wave is about 16 ft.) You must have at least 4 down-sloping radials.   By using an antenna analyzer, the angle of the radials can easily be adjusted up or down (an acute angle of about 30 degrees from the support mast is typical) to achieve a 50 ohm impedance.

At the higher frequencies (30-20-17-15-12-10m), verticals take up little space, are omni-directional and you'll get good low-angle signal radiation which is what is desired for long distance communications. Except for a beam antenna (e.g. - a YAGI or a QUAD),  a vertical will give you the "best-bang-for-the-buck" on 20 meters.  They are very inexpensive...if you make it yourself.

NVIS propagation on 20m (and higher frequencies) is usually not desired or attempted, since the higher frequencies are used primarily for long(er) distances.**   NVIS is, however, desirable for emcomm traffic in the 50-500 mile range (±) on 40, 60, 75/80 and 160m)

You probably will not hear W7RRL on 20m in Grass Valley (you are too close), but you should be able to "work" the mid-western and eastern U.S. assuming (of course) that the band is "open". On the day you were on, W7RRL had fair propagation (variable) into AZ, FL, VA, IL and Manitoba. The longest contact was New Zealand ... but it was very weak signal.

* W7RRL is on MONDAYS on 14.280± MHz USB (14.270± alternate) 2040Z (1940Z (SUMMER)

** An exception is 10 meters (28 MHz). Before there were VHF repeaters all over the place, 10m with its 100 in. whip, was widely used for local tactical emcomm.

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

You know you're a REAL EMCOMM operator when...

1. - You can run all your home appliances on your radio equipment back-up battery.
2. - A bank clerk asks you to spell your name and you do so phonetically.
3. - Sight-seeing on your vacation consists of looking for rooftop antennas.
4. - The radios in your car are worth more than your car.
5. - When you leave the house you not only feel your pockets for your keys and your wallet, but also your hip for your handheld.
6. - You're talking on the phone and say, "This is (call sign) over".
7. - You tell a car sales person that your main criteria for a new car is that it must have zero ignition noise.
(Submitted by Bill Frazier, W7ARC, WRRL 3)
∙-∙-∙
"SHOW US