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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. 11 ONLINE:
www.emcomm.org/em APRIL 2008
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WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT EMCOMM -- NO
FOOLIN'
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The EM
PHILOSOPHY - Guest Editorial
SHORT CIRCUITS - News and Announcements
FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
The EM
ADVISOR - "Q and A"
ICS
PERSPECTIVES - by
WRRL NEWS
and NETS
TRAFFIC HANDLING -
Practice Messages
NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S." (Update)
QSH -
You Might be a Ham Operator if…
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE - DXers and EMCOMM, Part 2
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
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The EM PHILOSOPHY
A
Guest Editorial by Fred Gray, WB5BNV, WRRL 141, Meridian, Mississippi
Being prepared for a
communications emergency is very boring. You check into the HF net almost
every night, same NCS stations, same poor band conditions, same check-ins, and
very little traffic passed. Also, the VHF net. Same check-ins, nothing exciting
to report, no traffic, just the same ol' boring net. You look around your shack.
There's the spare HF rig you bought, sitting on the shelf gathering dust. It's
there, in case you need it, but so far you have not. What about the generator
you have in your utility shed? You could buy another HF rig for what you paid
for it! Then there's the extra antenna you put up. Hardly ever use it but the
birds like it. Also there's that blankity-blank Packet rig. It just sits on the
desk taking up space. Usually has nothing to say, perhaps a BURRRP every now and
then. Do you really need to tie up a good 2 meter rig? You could use it in
a vehicle and then you would be able to operate VHF from all your vehicles.
Being ready for Emergency Communications is EXPENSIVE as well as BORING.
Then it happens. Big blow on the coast. Evacuees crowding the interstate.
Shelters are opened here in Meridian, and begin to fill up. You report to one
such shelter to handle Welfare or other traffic. You meet a young lady, with two
small children. They are new to the Gulf Coast, and have never had to
evacuate from anywhere before. She is anxious about her husband who remained in
Biloxi to do Salvation Army relief work. He has no idea where she is
because there is no phone service to Biloxi. You take a message from her to her
husband. Her anxiety is immediately relieved because she has given a message to
a skilled emcomm operator and she believes that he will get the message through.
She can now direct all her attention to her young children knowing her husband
will not worry about her.
Guess what? Some other ham on the coast has also been bored just like you.
He has checked into the boring nets each day, tested his generator monthly,
built his quick and dirty antenna to be thrown up in case his main antenna is
taken down by the big blow. He has developed working relationships with other
operators that have a good understanding of how to deliver your message. The
message is delivered. What a relief for the husband, to know his wife and
children are off the interstate, being cared for in a shelter. He will have a
broader smile when he gives out those Salvation Army meals.
Now, all things considered, how boring is it to be involved in EMCOMM?
What value can be placed on the service you just provided?
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SHORT CIRCUITS
NWS PENDLETON (OR) IS
LOOKING FOR RADIO OPERATORS
The National Weather
Service (NWS) in Pendleton, Oregon is looking for volunteers who are willing to
commit to a level of training and for on-the-air operations one night a week on
yet to be announced frequencies for weather related communications on 160,
80/75, 60 and 40 meters SSB. They are also seeking operators with digital
HF capabilities and CW capability (especially 30 meters) who reside in these
counties:
Washington: BENTON, COLUMBIA, FRANKLIN,
KITTITAS, KLICKITAT, WALLA
WALLA, YAKIMA.
Oregon: CROOK, DESCHUTES,
GILLIAM, GRANT, JEFFERSON, MORROW, SHERMAN, UMATILLA, UNION, WALLAWA,
WASCO, WHEELER.
Contact: Robin Faulkner, N7GSU at: N7GSU@emcomm-products.com
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JEFFERSON NOON NET (JNN aka
PTZNN) is now on 7214 KHZ
Due to daylight savings time the daily JEFFERSON NOON NET is now on 7214 KHZ,
since the foreign AM SWBC station on 7200 signs on at 2030Z (1230 PDT) just as
the JNN calls for message traffic.
RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSION
WEDNESDAYS FOLLOWING THE JNN
If poor band conditions
prevent the majority of stations who want to listen/participate, the session
will be on Thursday or Friday. One or more TEST MESSAGES* will be sent and
all radio amateurs are invited to practice copying formal message traffic, and
a "Q & A" session will follow the practice message.
* See
TRAFFIC HANDLING section below
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EMCOMM "LICENSE PLATES"
For your vehicle, shack or mobile emcomm unit.
View at:
http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/
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FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and
SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
OREGON EMCOMM FUNDING
"I attended the Salem (OR) Ham Fair a couple of weeks ago. I asked several
people about the (December) storm situation and the Governor's grant of money.
Lots of communities were cut off for a while, and when ham radio saved the day
in many cases, the Governor wanted to show his support. Government offices
all over the state will have computers and radios for hams to use, primarily
with WinLink 2000. I don't see a problem with this and they don't either. There
were plenty of volunteers. Having a ham in an OEC with the right equipment seems
like a good idea to me." - Ron Murdock, W6KJ, Yuba City, CA
"Outstanding editorial in the March 2008 issue." - Fred
Gray, WB5BNV, WRRL 141, Meridian MS
COMMENT: The above "feedback" is typical of most of what
was received. Two readers wrote lengthy letters contesting our March
editorial
"1.5 MHz and
UP."
Both are much too lengthy
to publish and it would not be fair to edit out portions. Suffice it to
say, not everyone agrees with our EMCOMM Philosophy, and we have no delusions
expecting that everyone will...or should. But you can count on this:
EM
calls 'em as they see 'em. No PR machine here to "sugar-coat"
anything when we present our perspective(s). And we hope that, at the
least, what we say will at least break up the fallow ground in our
reader's minds. -
Editor
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SURPLUS GOVERNMENT GEAR
"There is the potential for
obsolete equipment to be 'liberated' into private use rather than dumped or sold
as salvage. It is the "government way". People
in charge of material often avoid the paperwork necessary to recycle useable
equipment. Besides, government surplus recycling competes with
civilian industry.
However, it looks like the someone in government understands the need for
civilian participation in homeland security.
Here is an interesting FYI." - Bob Nelson, KA6NSN, Quincy, CA
http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2008/March/ViewPoint.htm
COMMENT: Thanks Bob. Historically, hams have been
notorious scroungers, and we are all for the re-cycling surplus gear and goods.
When I was with the Red Cross in Southern California I had a DOD card that
allowed me to go aboard Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro (now closed)
and forage through the surplus depot. We would "tag" items we were
interested in. The "pecking order" in those days was that other federal
agencies had "first dibs," followed by state, then local, government agencies,
and finally, non-profit organizations (Red Cross, Boy Scouts, etc.). We
never did obtain any radio gear but were able to get some other useful
items such as office equipment, warehouse shelving, etc. Sadly, in today's
world it is easier for many to say, "Let's get a grant and buy all new stuff." -
Editor
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THANKS FOR "TRAFFIC
HANDLER'S CHALLENGE"
"Thanks for the lesson and for taking the time to go over the errors and
explaining them. Yes, this test is a challenge, and a learning experience that
goes beyond daily practice. - Claire Johnson, N7CM, Hillsboro, OR
COMMENT by AL7N -
"You are entirely welcome Claire. We like to
think of this little quiz as a tool for other amateurs to use to improve their
written third party traffic handling skills. We hope that some of the
things learned from it will "stick" and be helpful to those who may find
themselves in an emcomm situation someday where accuracy and timeliness in
message handling is most important. - Ed "FB" Trump, AL7N, WRRL 6,
Fairbanks, Alaska
TAKE
THE TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE at:
http://www.emcomm.org/thc/
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LID?
In the March issue a reader
asked: "How did the term 'lid' originate?" We asked our
readers to comment. Here are two:
"This is not a possible 'origin,' but I think it is an interesting anecdote:
I have a friend here in Phoenix (AZ) who was shocked in his early days on CW
when stations repeatedly responded to his transmissions with, 'R R R
So lid copy'. He was quite relieved when he learned what they meant!
- Mike Pulley, WB4ZKA, Chandler, AZ
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"Here is one version of the origin of the term 'LID' to describe a poor or
inexperienced operator. It was told to me by an old timer many years ago. It's
more plausible than some of the other 'origins' I've heard.
"In the days of landline Morse telegraphy, operators in relay offices were
assigned to 'work' certain wires by the office Chief Operator or Office Manager.
The skill level of the operators in sending and receiving was one of the
criteria considered when doing such assigning. Also, the ability to 'get
along' with the other operators on the circuit was important.
"If an operator was assigned to work a certain wire during his (or her) 'trick'
(shift), and was subsequently found to be unable to handle the job for any
reason, the Chief Operator or Office Manager would then take them out of service
and reassign them to something they could handle or perhaps let them go
entirely. The term used for this 'taking out of service' action was
'lifted', as in: "The Chief 'lifted' Jones off the Chgo 'C wire' last
night".
"Telegraphers like to be brief and will use 'cut stuff' when informally
conversing among one another over a wire and the word 'lifted' was naturally
shortened to 'li'd' (sent over the wire as "LID"). Example: "DD U
KNW CHF LID JONES OFF CHGO C LST NGT"
"Soon word would get around, and any poor operator who had the misfortune of
being 'lifted' from an assignment more than once or twice was soon considered a
'LID' and probably would end up having trouble finding employment as an operator
anywhere except maybe out on the far end of a way-wire somewhere. Most of them
brought it on themselves one way or another.
"Anyway, the term 'LID' meaning a poor or inexperienced operator stuck.
And since the radiotelegraph operator profession directly descended form
landline telegraphy, many of the terms and traditions of landline telegraphers
followed. 'Lid' is one of those terms and traditions." - Ed "FB" Trump,
AL7N, WRRL 6, Fairbanks, Alaska
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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
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.
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Q:
What do you think about listing a 60 meter frequency for emcomm in the event 40
meters is unusable? As you know 80 meters is sometimes a bed of snakes
when it comes to finding an available frequency. - Jack McSpadden, WA5ROP,
Little Rock, Arkansas
A: We don't recommend
listing a 60 meter channel as a "primary-secondary"* frequency for emcomm for
these reasons:
1. Power is limited to 50 watts ERP.
2. Not all operators know
how to legally use it.
3. Older radios do not have
60 meter capability.
4. Transmitters that have
been "opened up" may not meet frequency stability requirements.
5. Amateur radio is a
secondary
user.
We suggest 3911 kHz (up or down) as your "secondary."
Of course, 60 meters does remain a viable option as listed in:
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)
• 5332 kHz "Up" to other 60M channels as
necessary. 50W maximum ERP. (Activated during actual incidents.)
• 7204 kHz
• 14280 kHz
•
* -- "Primary-secondary" may be a new "oxy-moron!"
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ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry
Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor
A reader challenged a recent position taken by Emcomm Monthly that amateur radio
Emcomm operators are not really “first responders”. The reader provided
the definition of First Responder as contained in the most recent Homeland
Security Presidential Directive 8 (Section 2, Homeland Security Act of 2002
U.S.C. 101) which includes, among others, “skilled support personnel” such as
equipment operators that provide immediate support services during prevention,
response, and recovery operations. While we would agree that, liberally
interpreted, amateur radio operators could be covered by that definition,
we note that there are significant differences between the types of persons the
definition is intended to include and members of the amateur radio service.
If I am a law enforcement officer following a disaster, I can, independently,
respond and decide to close a certain roadway and I can do that myself. If
I am a firefighter I can, if I choose, take independent action in responding to
an incident by finding a water source and attempting to put out a fire. If
I am an EMT, I can, individually if necessary, provide some level of
treatment to an injured person. If I am a dozer driver I can,
individually, use my skills to remove rubble from atop trapped people.
As an amateur radio operator, by myself I can do very little in terms of first
response. Screaming into a microphone without a “system” in place (other
hams) to receive, properly copy, and take appropriate actions regarding the
messages I send will not prove to add much in the way of first response.
So, technically we in Emcomm are “first responders” under a government
definition. In terms of our actions, however, I hope we can appreciate
that there is a real difference between how we need to respond to be effective
vs. how other, more traditionally-accepted, first responders can make their
contribution. - From NE Oregon 73 de N7WR
WRRL NEWS and NETS
∙ 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: PTZNN (aka Jefferson Noon Net/JNN)
daily at 1200 PTZ on 7214± kHz (3911± kHz alternate)
Central (and Eastern) Time Zones: CTZNN Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at
1200 CTZ
on
7214± kHz
∙ 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, a message was lost.
For want of a message, a life was lost.”
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NET and TRAFFIC HANDLING
A NET CONTROL STATION
OPERATING TIP
An EM basic studies
training module)
On a voice net, when a
station says: "I have message traffic" and does not state the destination
or precedence, the net control operator (of a net that accepts message traffic
should say: "What is the destination and the precedence?" Once that
is determined, the NCS should ask if there is someone on the net that
will handle the traffic. The two stations then move off the net frequency,
or in the case of a routine message, they may stand by until close of net.
The latter will allow other stations to help with relay (if needed) and/or copy
the message for practice.
TO
HELP KEEP YOU FROM SOUNDING LIKE AN UNTRAINED OPERATOR GO TO:
• OPERATING PROCEDURES: www.wrrl.org/operating/
PRACTICE RADIOGRAMS RECENTLY SENT ON JNN (PTZNN)
(An EM basic studies
training module)
The messages below are offered here so:
1 - Operator's who may have listened in can check their copy.
2 - Others may wish to use
them as examples in their own training efforts.
NOTE: Messages number 11,
12 and 17 do
not
include a ZIPCODE or a telephone number.
This is irregular, but they may not have been known by the originator.
Since they are logistics messages, the final receiving station (in the town or
locale),
should know to type or
print the message, and assign a courier to deliver the message (and stand by for
a reply).
==========================================
10 TEST W K6SOJ 22 ANAHEIM CA 1840PST FEB 26
PATTY KAKE
1504 DRESSER ST
SANTA ANA CA 92701
714 555 3017
TEST MESSAGE X I AM
AT ANAHEIM STADIUM EVACUATION CENTER
X I WILL BE AT
HOSPITAL ON WASHINGTON AVE SOMETIME
THURSDAY AFTERNOON
DAVE
===========================================
11 TEST P HXE K6SOJ 25 ALTURAS CA 1100PST MAR 5
SUPERVISOR WALMART PHARMACY
3600 WASHBURN WAY
KLAMATH FALLS OR
TEST MESSAGE X NEED SIX
10ML VIALS OF REGULAR HUMULIN
TO MODOC HOSPITAL BY 0700
MARCH 6 X REPLY VIA
COURIER THAT DELIVERED THIS MESSAGE
SUE JONES MD MEDICAL DIRECTOR
===========================================
12 TEST R K6SOJ 15 YAZOO MS MAR 12
LOGISTICS OFFICER
INCIDENT SUPPLY DEPOT
COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
RICHTON MS
TEST MESSAGE X NEED SPARK
PLUG FOR GROBAN GENERATOR BRIGGS
8HP ENGINE CHAMPION J8 ASAP
A E JONES CHIEF MECHANIC
============================================
17 TEST R W7RRL 14 RICHTON MS MAR 12
A E JONES CHIEF MECHANIC
INCIDENT STAGING AREA
ANDREW JACKSON HIGH SCHOOL
YAZOO MS
TEST MESSAGE X SENDING TWO
AUTOLITE 295 SPARK PLUGS X
EQUIVALENT TO CHAMPION J8
HOMER PYLE SUPPLY OFFICER
============================================
TAKE THE TRAFFIC HANDLER'S CHALLENGE AT:
http://www.emcomm.org/thc/
TRAFFIC HANDLER'S SUPPLIES:
http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/
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THE “TRAFFIC HANDLER’S MANTRA” (Recite often to help
remember the eight parts in preamble):
“No •
Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
“No •
Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
“No •
Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
NUMBER • PRECEDENCE
•
HX
(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)
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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
• 3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
• 5332 kHz "Up" to other 60M channels as necessary. 50W maximum ERP.
(Activated during actual incidents.)
• 7204 kHz
• 14280 kHz
•
CW:
• 1911 kHz
• 3540 kHz
• 3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
• 7111 kHz
• 10119 kHz
• 14050 kHz
•
•
GULF STATES (LA, MS, TX, AL)
- 7111
kHz 1100Z-2300Z / 3570 kHz 2300Z-1100Z
During EMERGENCIES: 7111
kHz daytime, 3570 kHz nighttime.
(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.
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QSH -- (I HAVE HUMOR FOR YOUR STATION)
EM’s Quiz, Survey, and [attempt at] Humor Section...
You Might be
a Ham Operator if…
A friend remarks that you have a lot of CBs in your vehicle, and it turns into
an hour-long rant on how ham radio is not CB.
Your cell phone ring tone is a Morse code message of some kind.
You have accidentally said your Amateur Radio call sign at the end of a
telephone conversation.
The local city council doesn't like you.
You actually think towers look good.
Your HF amplifier puts out more power than the local AM radio station.
You refer to your children as your "harmonics".
You have pictures of your radio equipment as wallpaper on your computer’s
desktop.
Every family vacation includes a stop at a Ham radio store.
The first question you ask the new car dealer is: "What is the alternator’s
current output"?
You buy a brand new car based on the radio mounting locations and antenna
mounting possibilities.
You have tapped out Morse code on your car’s horn.
You always park on the top floor of the parking deck, just in case you might
have to wait in the car later.
When house hunting, you look for the best room for a radio shack, scan the
property for possible tower placement and check for CCRs.
The real estate agent scratches his head when you ask if the soil conductivity
is high, medium, or low.
You have Ham radio magazines in the bathroom.
You have found yourself whistling "CQ" using Morse code.
You really start to miss people that you've never met.
You walk through the plumbing section at the hardware store and see antenna
parts.
-- Author unknown
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"SHOW US YOUR SHACK"
•
"SHOW US YOUR SHACK" is at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/shacks/
• Send a picture of you
AND
your shack (all in one frame and in JPG or JPEG format) to:
k6soj@wrrl.org
∙
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FEATURE SECTION
DXers and EMCOMM - Part 2
by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, WRRL 1, (and occasional DXer)
Last month in
DXers and
EMCOMM - Part I, we provided a definition and basic overview of
"DXing" and how a capable DX station and operator could make a significant
contribution to public service communications. We concluded with, "There
is a need for skilled operators with DX-capable stations for public service
communications world-wide. Sadly, the number of experienced DXers who are
skilled in message traffic handling seems to be relatively low."
There are at least two possible solutions to this problem:
1 - Recruit DX operators with "world class" stations into the ranks of public
service.
2 - Promote and develop more interest in DXing to emcomm operators already
involved in traffic handling.
The first of these two approaches is worthwhile, but don't be too disappointed
if and when you approach a hard-core DXer with a suggestion they consider
getting involved in public service, and you receive a lukewarm response. Try
this
one-on-one-recruitment-approach if you have a DXer ham friend who
has a capable station.
You may have to convince him/her that there is more to emcomm than
strutting around with a belt-load of HTs, a bright vest, and maybe sporting a
hard-hat with a blinking whirl-a-gig on top. Funny? Yes...but sadly
that is the image that many non-emcomm hams have of us, and it has been
indelibly impressed upon their psyche by those who present that image.
Another idea is to get on the program at a radio club and present the value and
reason (and need) for public service/emcomm. If you are really brave, and
can get on the agenda at a DX Convention, give it your best shot. Just be
sure that your presentation is well-prepared, factual and interesting.
DXers are not stupid, and they can see through unfounded sales pitch nonsense.
And DO NOT show up looking like the "yo-yo" described in the preceding
paragraph!
Whether one-on-one, or in a group setting, be prepared for polite rejection.
My experience is that you will be met with something like, "I (we) support what
you do, but it's just not something that I am interested in." I had one
world class DXer tell me that while he wasn't interested in getting involved in
emcomm, I was welcome to come to his station and use his facilities any time I
wished. If this happens it may, or may not, be an offer worth considering.
If you ever do use another operator's station be sure you have
visited periodically and are familiar with the set-up.
Here is
a second solution that you can apply to yourself and/or your efforts to motivate
others, and it is more likely to produce more DX-capable stations and operators
available for emcomm. The advantage is that you are starting with a
motivated public service operator that already knows the basics of emcomm,
including skill and experience in using the universal message format
(RADIOGRAMS).
Start thinking about, and develop a plan, as to how you can improve your
station. A lot will depend upon your available space, local rules,
regulations and covenants, your own available time, energy, and of course...your
budget. Don't think you will need 40 acres of real estate. I know a
very active emcomm volunteer who has worked over 100 countries from his
apartment (that has severe antenna restrictions), using less than 100 watts
output and a stealth (rain gutter) antenna! All it takes is a little
know-how and patience. While it may be difficult to work DX on a regular
basis, under good band conditions it is possible to "work the world" with a QRP
rig. Of course, a transmitter with at least 100W output makes it a lot easier.
(Ref. "THE WELL EQUIPPED
AMATEUR RADIO STATION" in the April 2007 EM at:
www.emcomm.org/em/2007/april2007.htm
Although a linear power amplifier and/or a tower with a beam antenna will
greatly improve your station's capability, these items are not necessary to get
a into DXing. Also, all emcomm stations should be "hardened" and include
an easily-activated auxiliary power source such as an generator with adequate
(but not excessive) wattage and fuel supply. Without an
adequate generator, a linear power amplifier will be useless. (A mobile
linear amplifier is an option, but only if you can afford the fuel to keep your
truck or car engine with an adequate alternator circuit idling.)
Whether you use a fixed or portable gas or diesel generator, or a vehicle engine
as power source to provide the current necessary for a linear amplifier, fuel
can be conserved by establishing schedules to send (transmit) traffic. It
doesn't take much current to maintain a "radio watch." Most receivers will
run for days on end on a 12v car battery. Consider a solar panel or
windcharger to keep your battery replenished. If you start your generator
only when you wish to transmit, it can also be rigged to recharge the 12v
battery.
A good antenna that will withstand severe weather is also important.
A back up antenna that can be easily erected after a storm is also a good idea
(just in case your normal antenna succumbs). In regional emcomm we talk a lot
about using a simple wire NVIS* (sky-wave) antenna for the lower HF frequencies
(30-40-60-80-160 meters), but an antenna with low angle signal (that "shoots"
the horizon) is better for DX on the higher frequencies (20-17-15-12-10 meters).
For 20 meters, I use a simple 1/4 wave (about 16.5 ft.) vertical, made from
aluminum tubing mounted on a 20ft. mast, with four ground plane radials (1/4
wave +5%) with their downward angle adjusted to obtain 50 ohms (usually around
45 to 60 degrees). It provides excellent results. A vertical is easily
transported, can be set up nearly anywhere, and only need to be mounted high
enough above ground level to avoid being shielded by man-made or natural
obstructions.
If you can afford one, a commercially-manufactured single- or multi-band
vertical can be ordered from any amateur radio supply house. However, you can
easily build your own, and there are many good "how-to" antenna books readily
available. Verticals are also omni-directional, and are great for
listening/monitoring even if you have a directional antenna (such as a Yagi on a
tower) that you can switch to for transmitting.
Wire beam antennas, while normally effective only in one or two headings
(usually 180 degrees opposite), are not suggested for emcomm stations, (since
they cannot be rotated), but a rotatable Yagi or quad antenna at a
respectable height (about 1/2 wavelength above ground is good), will
give satisfactory results under most conditions.
Here's yet another way to greatly enhance your station's long-distance
capability that will not cost any money and it does not involve any new
or extra equipment: learn, and/or develop, your International Morse Code
traffic handling skills. (What a novel idea!) On CW, 50 watts can be as
efficient as 500 watts on 'phone! As a Morse operator, you will soon
notice that CW is much faster, easier (and more fun) than handling message
traffic on voice. 15-18 wpm is considered a good "traffic speed," but even
at 10 wpm you will be amazed at how fast and how accurately message traffic will
flow.
If you have never tried DXing...now is the time to get started! You will
learn about signal paths, propagation patterns and cycles, how to listen
carefully, how to copy weak signals, and how to react to a partially received
message. These skills are very important in emcomm.
You will also learn how to "break a pile-up" by using patience and good timing,
and how to work "split" when the DX is transmitting on one frequency and is
listening (usually) "up" 5 or more kHz. Sometimes the DX will gradually
"inch" his listening frequency up to avoid the feeding frenzy of DX hounds.
One trick you can use is to listen awhile and determine the DX station's
pattern, and then anticipate when he will move up. Then make your call.
You will also learn that not every operator on the bands is a polite person, and
you'll also learn that there are more "lids" than you ever imagined. (It
is common for stations to call the DX on his transmitting frequency. (Do
that, and you will be instantly reprimanded by several high-power "channel-cops"
about your transgression. Of course they rarely bother to identify
themselves!) But I digress, and hopefully on domestic or
international traffic nets or watches, this problem will be minimal.
* NVIS - (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) More information plus a
portable/field NVIS antenna project is at:
http://www.emcomm.org/antenna/default.asp
http://www.emcomm.org/projects/default.asp
"Record
Message Traffic, by skilled operators, and by RADIO (only)!" It's
about Dependability, Accuracy and Accountability!
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Features D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, as the instructor. The session was taped
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REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
• ICS-ARCT GUIDE:
www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
• WRRL ARCT Page
www.wrrl.org/arct_program/
• TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE:
http://www.emcomm.org/thc/
• 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/
• BEAUFORT WINDSPEED SCALE: http://www.zetnet.co.uk/sigs/weather/Met_Codes/beaufort.htm
• NOAA/NWS WINDCHILL CHART:
http://www.weather.gov/os/windchill/index.shtml
• 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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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
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For
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contact: D. W. Thorne at:
k6soj@wrrl.org or write:
EMCOMM MONTHLY,
EM STAFF:
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ - Editor and Publisher -
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