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

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VOL.  4 -- No. 5        ONLINE: www.emcomm.org/em                October  2007
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                 "Radios don't communicate.  People communicate."
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
The EM PHILOSOPHY - "SPURIOUS OMISSIONS"

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
QSH - "CALVINBALL"
 NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE -  "FIXED, MOBILE, or PORTABLE?"
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION

∙ - ∙ - ∙
The EM PHILOSOPHY 
SPURIOUS OMISSIONS
We were pleased when the National Association for Amateur Radio - ARRL published their "first-ever emergency communications issue"* of QST (September 2007).  It is a great idea and we hope that there will be an emergency communications issue every year.

The information presented was, for the most part, forward looking.  New solutions and new technologies are being researched and tested.  We, however, suggest that it is wise to occasionally take a look back (in any rapidly changing discipline), to determine if any important essentials are being overlooked and left behind.

We were disappointed that some of the basic essentials of emcomm were omitted.  For example, we couldn't find any mention for the urgent need for amateur emcomm operators learn and practice record message traffic handling.  We believe that this is fundamental and essential for all "skilled" emcomm operators.  (The issue did mention the importance of "skilled operators" -- where have you heard that before?)  But if "skill" does not include fluent traffic handling, (both tactical and formal), are emcomm operators really "skilled"?  Regardless of the mode used, or what kind of equipment is utilized, the universal RADIOGRAM format is still the only reliable form of "interoperability".  Sorry, we just don't buy the old argument, "that's the NTS's job!"  (We didn't find any mention of the NTS either.)

We did not see any mention of the importance of learning and maintaining proficiency in CW.   How much more "interoperable" can communications get than the International Morse Code...the essential emcomm language?   Is the mode that works "when all else fails" being abandoned?

To be the most effective and versatile amateur radio operator, you will know both of these old, but fundamental, skills.

We were also disappointed, we didn't see find any mention of ARCT (resource typing system for emcomm) in the special issue.  (Ref. QST December 2003 and
January 2004 QST www.emcomm.org/ARCT/ )  The ARECC Level III course recommends ARCT and it has been implemented by various emcomm units around the country.   Is also is heavily promoted by the WRRL www.wrrl.org/arct_program/ 

Unfortunately, the implementation of RESOURCE TYPING has been slow to be adopted.  Not only in amateur radio circles, but by emergency planners in general.  One exception is the U.S.F.S. which has used it for years.)   Some are waiting for FEMA to act...they may have a long wait.  It is a state-by-state process, and many government and private disaster organizations seem to be sitting-on-their-hands bogged down in burro-cratic quagmires.  However, we have heard that at least one state government may soon require that all resources (including amateur radio emcomm teams) be "typed".  We think that amateur radio should set the example and move ahead (some areas of the country already have), and we would have been pleased if the ARRL had shown some forward thinking by promoting ARCT in the emergency communications issue of QST. 

The concept of deployment by TEAMS, that have trained and drilled together, and that are equipped and ready, has been around since the days of the Roman Empire.  We believe that the ARCT system is far superior to a haphazard method of trying to form an emcomm team at the last minute.   This is analogous to trying to form an orchestra from a list of musicians the day the concert is set to begin, or assemble an America's Cup yacht crew the same day the race begins.
(Ref: Trauma Alert in RETRO REVIEW - February 2006 EM at:  www.emcomm.org/em/february2006.htm )

EMCOMM MONTHLY and the WRRL will continue to preserve, promote, practice and provide skilled radio amateurs for emcomm.  Not only to serve the general public (FCC part 97.1a), but to any and all agencies, public and private.  (The images of thousands of victims during Katrina with no way to communicate is indelibly stamped in our memories.)  Emcomm is best accomplished via radio networks, in contact with on scene networks established and operated by trained and prepared ARCTS, providing message traffic service from as many points as possible within a disaster area...to anywhere else.   Proficient radio amateurs using good communication skills, and simple, reliable and (relatively) inexpensive equipment that is not dependant upon any other (commercial or otherwise) services, is what emcomm is what we are all about. - EM.

*ARRL Letter - August 17, 2007

∙ - ∙ - ∙
SHORT CIRCUITS


P.O.E.M.

HM2 James Bourland, a U.S. Navy Corpsman currently assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps and currently deployed in Iraq, has indicated a few ways that EM readers can SUPPORT OUR TROOPS in a very tangible way.   Our 1800+ readers can demonstrate the Power Of Emcomm Monthly - "P.O.E.M." in several ways.
 
James said that many of our service men and women receive very little (if any) mail.  You can help by writing a personal letter and address it to:
"Any Sailor or Marine."  Tell them a little about yourself, the area you live in, your interests (such as amateur radio).  Be "up beat" and be sure to tell them how much you appreciate the sacrifice they are making.  Be sure to include your mailing address, and telephone number if you wish.

You can also include other items in an envelope, or send a small parcel.  There is a need for pre-paid phone cards, stationary, envelopes, pens and/or pencils.  These items are inexpensive and lightweight.  Personal items such as lip-balm (Chapstick®) and sun-block are also needed, and snacks such as candy (send kinds that don't melt easily), or gum, dried fruit, and nuts, etc.  All will be greatly appreciated.

FOR PARCELS, YOU WILL NEED TO GO TO A POST OFFICE AND FILL OUT A CUSTOMS FORM.
Then, send to James at the address below.  He will see that the letters and parcel items are distributed equitably.

HM2Bourland, James
Lima Co 3/3 H/Q
UNIT 44090
FPO/AP96607-4090
 - ∙ ∙ ∙ -
MCECS

Muskegon County Emergency Communication Services, Inc.,  (MCECS)  is celebrating the completion of a new communications room at the Muskegon County Sheriff's Department, Emergency Services Division EOC/ECC in Muskegon County, Michigan.
 
James C. Duram, K8COP, Muskegon County EC/RO reports that they now have a beautiful operating location and tower site for emcomm operations.  Muskegon County provided a remodeled room with two VHF, UHF, 800 MHz P-25, and HF operating positions, plus a supervisor's operating position.  Many volunteer hours went into the project.  To celebrate this milestone, the group is having a special event station on:
 
Nov 3-Nov 4, 1300Z-0100Z -- Muskegon County Emergency Communication Services, K8WNJ. 146.820 / 14.267 / 7.267 MHz.  For a certificate, send your QSL and SASE to: Muskegon County Sheriff's Dept, Emergency Services Division (MCECS), 1611 Oak Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442. www.co.muskegon.mi.us/emergencyservices/index.html
∙ - ∙ - ∙
 FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS

FROM THE SUNSHINE STATE
I loved "The Chronicles of Nocandoo" and would hope that you would continue the adventure and survival that these people endured. It's not that far from being a possibility in this day and age. God Help Us. Thank you for a great professional publication that I so much look forward to reading each month. - Budd Johnson, N4WBJ,  Brandon, FL

I received my EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS license plate and it looks great!  - Alan Dixon, N3HOE, Melbourne, FL
(View our EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS license plates at:  http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/ )

FROM THE OREGON COAST
September was an absolutely "off-the-scale-issue".  Your "e-TOASTER" is some of the best writing I've seen in a long time.  Jerry Boyd's comments about D-Star reminds me of the current stupid brouhaha over DVD video format.  You know, should you by a $5K HD TV to play this format or that one?  (I'm not in the market for either one.) - Sharon McLennan, KM7S, Waldport, OR

FROM SOUTH TEXAS
I read your reply to Ed Breneiser, WA3WSJ, another person who sees the value that the Winlink system brings to the EMCOMM mission.  Your mention of "The Last Mile" article - "The Last Mile" http://www.emcomm.org/em/2005/september2005.htm - could not have been more perfect.

The key value of the Winlink system is that it automates the transport and delivery phases of messaging.  It "uses" the Internet when it is available, but it is not totally dependent on it being present.  Independent of the Internet, messages can be posted to, and retrieved from, emcomm-dedicated Winlink PMBOs. 

During the recent threat to the lower Texas Gulf Coast from Hurricane Dean, Texas state RACES was unable to reliably use 40 and 75m SSB voice 24/7 for communications with the state operations center in Austin.  They relied on VHF/UHF FM repeaters linked by IRLP.  ARES operators in the same area used HF Pactor to send messages using out of state Winlink HF PMBOs, which HF propagation allowed.  Fortunately for everyone, that storm made landfall well South of Texas.

As The Last Mile article pointed out, the last part of any message network is delivery to the final recipient.  This was a key point made by the messaging sub-committee of the ARRL's National Emergency Response Planning Committee (NERPC). - Jerry Reimer, KK5CA, ARES Section Emergency Coordinator ARRL South Texas Section

COMMENT:
Thanks for your comments and viewpoint Jerry.  You and I usually agree more than we disagree, and I have no doubt that your automated systems worked well "during the recent threat to the lower Texas Gulf Coast from Hurricane Dean".  While telephones, e-mail, and other infrastructure-based communications systems normally work well before a storm, we are concerned about how well they work after a major storm hits

No one claims (certainly not me) that any HF band will be open "24/7" every day.  On HF, 40 and 80m SSB may be our first line of defense, but don't forget 160 and 60m.  Even 10m can be used with NVIS or line-of-sight.  A wide-area network of VHF stations, properly equipped with good antennas and staffed with skilled operators can also handle much traffic on simplex.  And there are always portable repeaters with their own independent power source.  Don't forget about CW.  It will "get through" when all else fails. - 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:  No questions this month

A:  No answers this month
∙ - ∙ - ∙
ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor


A reader asks whether I, as WRRL’s coordinator of the ARCT (Amateur Radio Communications Team)  Type I program, have plans to form a Type I team myself. If not, why not?  Were I still living in a highly populated area of California, like I did for most of my life, I certainly would have formed a team by now.  But a Type I team does require a fair number of qualified and dedicated amateur radio operators.  Simply put, I live in a rural, small county…small in terms of total population and small in terms of licensed hams.  All bordering counties are as small, or smaller, than my own.  Forming a viable Type I Team is just not realistic or even possible.  What we have done, however, is to utilize the ARCT Type IV and Type III configurations.  All of our individual emcomm volunteers are considered to be stand-alone Type IV emcomm resources.  They can be combined, if needed, into Type III teams.
 
NIMS (National Incident Management System) resource typing for fire and law enforcement is something our local public safety entities are aware of.  Like amateur radio emcomm, they too make an effort to comply with the resource typing system.  Our local law enforcement agencies have combined to form a Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).  Guess what?  Due to the small size of those agencies they, too, are at the Type IV (in a couple of cases Type III) level.  Whether it is SWAT Teams, fire structural Task Forces, or ARCT, the population of an area will very much determine what sort of resources can be mustered.
 
Finally, an interesting note.  Our State Office of Emergency Management several months ago decreed that to be eligible for any future Homeland Security grants all counties in the State must submit a list of resources available to them typed under the NIMS Resource Typing System.  Our County Emergency Manager took on that rather complex task and called me to confirm that our 9-1-1 Center (www.baker911.org) maintains both a Type IV and a Type III mobile communications unit.  After confirming that, I added that our “RACES” program was also configured by “type” and mentioned our Type IV and Type III ARCT resources.  He submitted that to the State along with all of the other resources by type.  He was informed that we are the only county in the State to have included its amateur radio emcomm personnel in a resource typing system.  All the more reason to adopt ARCT, even if Type I Teams are not possible. -- Until next month 73 from NE Oregon de N7WR
∙ - ∙ - ∙
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, a message was lost.
                         For want of a message, a life was lost.”
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TAKE THE TRAFFIC HANDLER'S CHALLENGE AT:  http://thc.emcomm.org
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 (Handling Instructions) • STATION OF ORIGIN • CHECK • PLACE OF ORIGIN • TIME • DATE

To help you to memorize the eight parts of the preamble,  RECITE the "Traffic Handlers Mantra" often:
“No • Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
ASSESS your current traffic handling skill.  Take the "TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE" at: www.emcomm.org   (main page)

∙ - ∙ - ∙
NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE  (N.E.T.S.)

The NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE uses designated watch and calling frequencies.   Public service amateur radio operators everywhere are invited to monitor these frequencies whenever possible.  But when disasters or other incidents occur, emcomm operators are asked to warm up their radios and "light up" the NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE..."24/7".  Active operators know which bands are most likely to be "open" depending upon the time of day, season, etc.

During disasters and for other emergencies, the frequencies are "open nets".  When traffic becomes heavy, they will become "command and control" frequencies with a net control station "triaging traffic" and directing stations with traffic to another (traffic) frequency.  (At least 5 kHz away.)  Proper net procedures are essential.

NETS does not maintain regular schedules and does not handle routine "make work" messages such as birthday greetings, "your license is about to expire", "book messages", etc.  NETS is intended to supplement and fortify other networks by providing a vehicle for emcomm operators to originate, relay and deliver legal radio message traffic (i.e. - "first class mail") of any precedence, at any time, from and to anyone and anywhere--especially during disasters or other crises.  NETS stations will cooperate and use other networks that are known to be capable of accurately and efficiently handling RADIOGRAMS.

NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (NETS) WATCH • MONITOR • CALLING • TRAFFIC FREQUENCIES
All listed frequencies (except 60 meters) are nominal.  Actual nets may be up or down as much as 20 kHz.
SSB:
•   1982 kHz

•   3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
•   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
•   3540 kHz
•   3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
•   7111 kHz
• 10119 kHz

• 14050 kHz
• ALASKA - 3540/7042/14050 kHz
• GULF STATES (LA, MS, TX, AL) - 7111 kHz 1100Z-2300Z / 3711 kHz 2300Z-1100Z 
  (Times approximate depending on band conditions and changes in sunrise/sunset.)


VHF/UHF FM
• LOCAL EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 146.55 MHz
• RED CROSS EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 147.42 MHz
• NATIONAL CALLING SIMPLEX - 146.52 MHz 

Frequencies listed may be on or near other established net frequencies.

As a matter of operating courtesy, always move up or down a few kHz to avoid QRM when a frequency is in use.
∙ - ∙ - ∙
QSH --  (I HAVE HUMOR FOR YOUR STATION)
EM’s Quiz, Survey, and [attempt at] Humor Section...

 
CALVINBALL
(With all due credit to Bill Watterson, Calvin, and Hobbes)
 
An EM reader recently forwarded a copy of their "State ARES/RACES Plan" and asked us to comment.  (Names and place withheld to protect the guilty.)  Frankly, we wouldn't know where to begin.  Simply saying that "they are out in left field" doesn't really fit.   In our humble opinion, they are not even in the emcomm ballpark.  It is so full of misinformation and contradictions that we doubt that even King Solomon could sort it out.  So we won't try either.

But one word did come to mind as we attempted to sort through all the gibberish, tech-speak and burro-crat-ese:  CALVINBALL.  The document is one of the best examples of Calvinball that we have seen in a long time.  If you are not familiar with Calvinball, take a few minutes and learn about it at:  http://www.simplych.com/cb_rules.htm
∙ - ∙ - ∙
 "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


ARE YOU FIXED, MOBILE, or PORTABLE?
An EM basic studies training module)


Although it is no longer a FCC requirement to state if your are operating  "mobile" or "portable" when identifying, these terms are still often used.   Frequently they are  incorrectly used after a call sign.  To help alleviate some of the confusion (and misuse) we offer this:

The terms mobile and portable have nothing to do with the type of radio being used.  If you are at your home location (the location given on your FCC license), you are not "mobile" even if you're in your car in the driveway or parked on the street in front of your house.  Also, you are not "portable" if you are using a Handie-Talkie in your back yard.

Here is how the terms have been traditionally defined*:

    Fixed operation:  Radiocommunications conducted from a specific geographical land location shown on the station license.  Normally, your home "shack".

    Portable operation: Radiocommunications conducted from a specific geographical location other than that shown on the station license.  For example,
a vacation home, or a friend's house.  A portable station is a solitary hiker using an HT camping at Beaver Lake for a few days.  Or, it could a multi-band, multi-mode, multi-operator Field Day Station, with multiple tents, numerous antennas and several transmitters running up to full legal power with a 12 KW diesel generator running 24 hours a day!

    Mobile operation:  Radiocommunications conducted while in motion or during halts at unspecified locations.  (Note: It's important to make the distinction between portable and mobile operation.  Mobile refers to talking on your 2-meter rig while driving your pick-up truck, while jogging or while backpacking.  Portable means operation for an extended period of time at a specific, definable location, such as your retreat cabin."
     Maritime mobile and aeronautical mobile are occasionally heard.  You may also hear pedestrian mobile, wheel chair mobile, bicycle mobile, equestrian mobile, railroad mobile, or other such definitive terms.  These terms attract attention, add to the interest and the magic of radio, and are fun to contact.
     Sadly, amateur radio (like many other things in today's world), has embraced a “laissez faire” (anything goes) approach to what was once a proud discipline.  I for one, still prefer "the old  ways" and still try to follow the traditional good operating procedures. -- Editor

*Source: The FCC Rule Book.  A Guide to the FCC Regulations.  ARRL 1989

======================================================
 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

• Robert Wiseman, WB3W, Schnecksville, PA - ARES®, RACES

• Monte Winters, K6FE, Clearlake Oaks, CA - ARES®
• Jerry Taylor, KDØBIK, Denver, CO
• James Curio, KI6FGV, Los Angeles, CA - ARES®
• Jerry Howard, Mesa, AZ
• Darrel Daley, K1KU, Putney, VT - ARES®, RACES
• Scott Thayer, N7ZTI, Cottage Grove, OR - ARES®

• Joe Dabrowski, KE7IWY, North Las Vegas, NV - ARES®, RACES, SKYWARN
• Terry Dillard, KI4YZI, Alabaster, AL
• Stephen J. Foster, N4SZ, Anderson, SC - ARES® EC, RACES Officer

• Donovan Hoggan, VA6DON, Medicine Hat, AB - ARES®, Canadian Red Cross
• Mark Milburn, KQØI, Des Moines, IA - ARES®

• Timothy Robinson, KF4MGU, Bowling Green, KY - ARES®, RACES

• David Johnson, W9DWJ, Morton, IL - ARES®
• Rebekkah L Whiting, W2WHT, Norwich, NY - TASIS Group, CVARA, ARES®
• Russ Clifton, KG6SYK, Benicia, CA - RACES, Solano County Auxiliary Communication Service

• Jon Morris, Lincoln, NB - CAP, SHARES
• Bruce E. Ohlendorf, KC2PBJ, East Brunswick, NJ - County RACES Coordinator and local ARES® Coordinator
• Eric Weber, KCØAHK, Friend, NB - ARES® AEC, Friend VFD, Saline County EM
• Ed Hughes, KG4VDY, Richlands, VA
• John Abitabilo, KB3MJD, Coatesville, PA - ARES®, RACES, SKYWARN

• Billy Vaughn, KG4LWD, Gold Hill, NC - ARRL
• Michael S. Graham, K7LKP, Central Point, OR - ARES®

 

 

 

• Wayne Briggs, Abilene, TX - AF AUX US Civil Air Patrol
• Monroe Knight, NT7C, Whitesboro, TX - ARES® DEC, RACES CLO alternate, Grayson County
• Marcus Bell, N5PSL, Mandeville, LA - ARES®

RECENT CONTRIBUTOR$ - Thank you for your support!

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

• 
•   - - -  No contributions received in September.   - - -

•

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

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

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


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/
(541) 763-3890
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
 www.powerflare.com
(Safety Illumination and Signaling Products)

RDTechnology

Robert D. Miller, WA6MTY

http://dualradiotnc.no-ip.biz

bobmiller@gbis.com
(775) 843-5952

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

 

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


REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
 
• ICS-ARCT GUIDE:  www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
• WRRL ARCT Page www.wrrl.org/arct_program/

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

ARES® and Amateur Radio Emergency Service® are registered service marks of the

American Radio Relay League Inc., and are used with permission.


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

 

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

Bill Frazier, W7ARC - Associate Editor and Webmaster - w7arc@wrrl.org
Ed Ewell, K7DXV - Technical Advisor - k7dxv@wrrl.org
Ed Trump, AL7N - Traffic Editor and Alaska Correspondent - al7n@wrrl.org
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IN THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF EMCOMM MONTHLY:
 • FIRST RESPONDERS?
 • ZIG ZAG COMMUNICATIONS
 • NEWS... FEATURES... FEEDBACK.... QSH... and MORE!

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

 

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

Copyright (c) 2007 - All rights reserved.
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