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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. 10 ONLINE:
www.emcomm.org/em MARCH 2008
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"BYPASSING
THE POLITICS OF EMCOMM”
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The EM
PHILOSOPHY - 1.5 MHz and UP
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
NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S." (Update)
QSH -
Screen Cleaner
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE - DXers and EMCOMM
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
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The EM PHILOSOPHY - (Editorial)
1.5
MHz and UP*
"Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public
as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to
providing emergency communications." - FCC Part 97.1(a)**
Even though FCC Part 97 only mentions the more general term
service to
the public in the Basis and Purpose of the amateur service, we hear
a lot of talk about "served agencies." We hear very little about
direct
"service to the public."
We've been reading a lot of hype and discussion on the divisive issue of
government (read tax-payer) funding for amateur radio projects ostensibly for
emcomm on behalf of "government" agencies. We recently heard that
in Oregon a quarter of a million dollars has been granted to build an amateur
radio-internet hybrid system. This troubles us. Could this be the
beginning of an eventual government take-over, and eventual end, of the amateur
service as we know it?
In the early days of radio, after radio was discovered to be more than a
novelty, radio amateurs were viewed by some as a threat to the new medium of
wireless communication. The U.S. Navy lobbied to have "the hams" banned
from the airwaves. After a lengthy legal battle, The Radio Act of 1912
provided for licensing of radio amateurs, but they were exiled to the
useless
(so it was believed) wavelengths below 200 meters (1.5 MHz and above).
It wasn't long before radio amateurs began making DX contacts, sending messages
and even talking across the country...and around the world via
shortwave!
Government officials realized what a huge mistake it had been to give radio
amateurs the frequencies above 1500 kHz.
The FCC was formed in 1934, and divvied up the radio spectrum.
Amateurs wound up with band segments close to what we enjoy today. Today,
military, non-military government, business, commercial broadcasters, and yes,
even the citizen's band service, each have allocated segments within the
frequency spectrum.
Most everyone knows that it
is illegal for a plumbing company, a taxi cab outfit, or a funeral home to use
the amateur bands for dispatch. It is also prohibited for a fire
department or an ambulance service to use amateur frequencies on a regular
basis. What seems to have been forgotten is that "government" (whether
local, state or federal) is prohibited from using amateur frequencies for
"government business" except as provided for in FCC Part 97.407*** plus the
"shared use" bands such as 30 meters, where the amateur service is a
secondary
user. NOTE: Recently, over a large portion of California, and
in some areas on the east coast, the 440 MHz band (which is a "shared" band),
the amateur service has been essentially rendered impotent due to alleged
interference to military radar systems.
In essence, "government" agencies are restricted from using the amateur
bands and may only do so when all other means of communications have failed.
What many ignore is that under the RACES provision, all radio traffic must be
authorized by a government official.
In recent years, we have witnessed a trend to co-mingle the voluntary
amateur service with government agencies beyond the provisions of Part
97.407. Some private volunteer civilian emcomm organizations have even combined
their organization's name with a government agency. This makes it appear
logical to seek government funding to support their operations, and some
politicians and bureaucrats have been duped by a small segment of misguided
amateurs into granting public funds to pay for pet projects. Remember:
funding + ownership = control.
Another troubling
side-effect of the advent
of radio-computer-landline-commercial-infrastructure-hybrid-systems is that it
has resulted in a marked decrease in the number of radio amateurs willing to
learn and practice the basic skills of message traffic handling.
In the 1950's, when the
RACES program began, local governments attracted many amateurs by dangling
"carrots" in the form of communications gear. VHF was just beginning to
come into its own, but few hams could afford to purchase commercial gear.
The opportunity to play with a Gonset Civil Defense Communicator once-a-week was
enticing, and "RACES" units sprang up around the country. Some
became "RACES Clubs" and a few have actually are now incorporated. Most of
these
"CD"
portable transceivers were 2 or 6 meter units (CW and AM) and boasted 4
watts output. Later, 25 watt SSB units became available.
Very few of these cold war relics were ever actually used for local government
emergency communications. Some may still be rusting away in the basements
of city halls or county court houses. Others were sold at surplus
auctions. A few appear to have "developed legs" and found their way
into private ham shacks, while many were hauled off to the local landfill.
(That's from where the yellow Gonset "Gooney Bird" in my collection was
salvaged.) Our tax payer's dollars...down the drain. But this all
pales in comparison to the waste of taxpayer funds we have witnessed since
9/11...all in the name of amateur emcomm.
Another alarming trend that may lead to the demise of the amateur service, is
that some (so-called) leaders have suggested that non-hams may originate
transmissions on amateur bands under the guise of a club call sign or a "control
operator" in absentia . Their rationalization is, "anyone may send
an emergency message".
Another approach to circumvent the licensing requirement is to put as many as
possible public agency and private organization employees through one-day
"ham-cram" classes. We ask, how many of these "instant hams" will ever
actually solder-on a PL-259 connector, fabricate and install a simple doublet
antenna over their house, or learn how to tune-up a tube amplifier?
A
BETTER WAY - We respectfully suggest that this
$250,000.00, and any other available public monies in all states and
jurisdictions, be applied towards developing hardened
communication systems, that are designed to operate on existing
government frequencies. This would allow non-ham public employees, as well
as approved volunteers, to originate government radio traffic on a regular
basis, and would not be limited to emergency traffic. It would also keep
the amateur bands available for amateur
service to
the public and for message traffic on behalf of non-profit, private,
non-profit, disaster relief organizations.
What we say may not stop the lemmings**** from rushing over the cliff, chasing
the siren song of public funding for amateur radio emcomm.
But at least we tried. -
EM
* With all due credit to Clinton B. DeSoto and his 1936 classic:
200 METERS &
DOWN
- (Available
from ARRL)
** Note the key words,
"voluntary"
and "noncommercial."
*** Exception (in addition
to Part 97.407) is Part 97.113(e): The key words are
occasionally and
not conducted on a regular basis.
"No station shall retransmit programs or signals emanating from any type of
radio station other than an amateur station, except propagation and weather
forecast information intended for use by the general public and originated from
United States Government stations, and communications, including incidental
music, originating on United States Government frequencies between a manned
spacecraft and its associated Earth stations. Prior approval for manned
spacecraft communications retransmissions must be obtained from the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Such retransmissions must be for the
exclusive use of amateur radio operators. Propagation, weather forecasts, and
manned spacecraft communications retransmissions may not be conducted on a
regular basis, but only occasionally, as an incident of normal amateur radio
communications."
**** Folklore says that lemmings are followers and commit mass suicide when they
migrate.
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SHORT CIRCUITS
JIM SAMUELS, K6TUG, WRRL
168, REPORTS ON NEVADA EARTHQUAKE
Jim Samuels, K6TUG (Salt Lake City, UT) was deployed as a TYPE 4 ARCT to provide
emcomm for the Red Cross Disaster Team
to the 6.0 earthquake-damaged area at Wells, Nevada, 150 miles west of SLC on
February 21. Reports indicated that Wells was without water, gas or
propane, and electric power, and many buildings had collapsed. Jim
reports: "There were no serious injuries or deaths from the quake, just a lot of
damage to the infrastructure and buildings."
The
TYPE 4 ARCT was QRV on HF, VHF and UHF for two days before a Red
Cross ECRV was on scene. His primary contact was Steve Peterson, KI7L in
SLC.
He handled 14 messages during the incident. After experiencing
interference (various malcontents and lids who were jamming, tuning up, etc.) on
40 meters, they moved to 80 meters. "We finally went to a MARS
channel and used our MARS call signs to communicate. This worked without any
interference."
Jim reports several things he learned from this incident: "Don't always
count on NVIS for close in work, but relays will work! We relayed traffic
from Wells to SLC via a station in Arizona. When all else fails, you know
who will be there. And finally:
Adapt and
Overcome!"
(Synopsized from a longer report by Jim Samuels, K6TUG, WRRL 168)
NOTE: A picture of Jim's mobile emcomm unit can be viewed at:
http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/
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CTZNN NOW ON MONDAYS,
WEDNESDAYS, AND FRIDAYS
The
CTZNN (CENTRAL TIME ZONE NOON NET) on 7214 kHz ± LSB is now
three (3) days a week.
NCS on Monday is Jack McSpadden, WA5ROP, WRRL 192, Little Rock, AR (Net Manager)
NCS on Wednesday is Larry Jones, WB9FHP, WRRL 188, Paoli, IN
NCS on Friday is Richard Wise, W5EKB, WRRL 197, Mount Olive, MS
Although these nets are managed by the WRRL you do not have to be a WRRL member
to participate. ANY licensed radio amateur with a sincere desire to learn
and practice proper net operating procedures and standardized message traffic
handling is welcome.
The CTZNN is two hours before the (daily) PTZNN (Pacific Time Zone Noon Net,
also called the Jefferson Noon Net, JNN). All emcomm stations in the
Central Time Zone and Eastern Time Zone are invited to participate.
Stations in the Mountain Time Zone are also invited to check in.
The PTZNN covers the Pacific and Mountain Time zones, and the new CTZNN has the
potential of covering the CTZ and the ETZ, we have the potential of covering all
48 states on 40 meters!
The
primary purpose of the CTZNN and the PTZNN is to train for, prepare for, and
demonstrate proper net discipline necessary for public service and message
traffic. Weather reports are welcome and are a useful tool to practice the
accurate reporting of data. See The EM ADVISOR www.emcomm.org/em/2007/november2007.htm
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RADIOGRAM PRACTICE -
WEDNESDAYS AFTER JEFFERSON NOON NET
The JNN (PTZNN) is daily at
1200 PTZ ON 7204 kHz± and servers the Pacific and Mountain Time Zones.
Each Wednesday following
close of net at least one TEST MESSAGE in the
universal
message format will be sent.
All radio amateurs are
invited to monitor and copy the message(s).
There will be a "Q and A"session after the last message is transmitted.
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UPDATE - GULF 80 METER
RADIO WATCH FREQUENCY CHANGE
Since the "readjustment" of
the amateur bands last year
(read CW only
privileges were squeezed into a 100 kHz sub-band), General class
hams can no longer operate on 3711. The Gulf States (LA, MS, TX, AL, FL)
radio watch CW frequencies (monitored on the hour and half hour) are:
• DAILY - 7111 kHz at 1100Z-2300Z / 3570 kHz at 2300Z-1100Z
During EMERGENCIES: 7111 kHz daytime, 3570 kHz nighttime. --
(via
Frank Thrash, W4DLZ, WRRL 18)
NOTE: See
NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE section (below) for additional
frequencies.
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
UPDATE - Arizona Traffic and Emergency Net
"Arizona's most active
Traffic Net"
•
DAILY - 3986 kHz at 0030Z (1730 MTZ)
(Via Tomy
Ivan, KF7GC, WRRL 157, Net Manager)
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EMCOMM EAST - MARK YOUR
CALENDARS EARLY!
• Location: St. John Fisher College,
Rochester, New York
•
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2008.
EmComm East is an amateur radio emergency communications
conference, where amateur radio operators involved in EmComm can attend training
sessions on technical topics, purchase equipment and supplies from vendors,
learn from served agencies, obtain VE testing for license upgrades, and interact
with other EmComm operators from all over the area. The EmComm East
Conference Committee encourages amateur radio operators, served agencies, and
others involved in emergency communication to submit presentation proposals for
general interest sessions. $30 pre-registration required,
continental breakfast and lunch included. For more information, please
visit our website at:
www.emcommeast.org
(Via Jeff Wigal, WY7Q,
Emergency Coordinator, Monroe County, NY ARES®
EMCOMMWEST®'08 - MAY 2-4,
2006
"The Biggest Little Ham
Convention in the World"
http://www.emcommwest.org/
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CALIFORNIA RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS / ARES® 40 METER NET
• MONDAY through FRIDAY -
7250 kHz at 0830 PTZ
Primary service area: CA,
OR, AZ, Baja California and Maritime Mobiles
(Via George Hiscox, WA6RIK)
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TARRANT COUNTY TX SKYWARN 2008
This video gives a whole new meaning to "You Tube" and it definitely deserves an
"A" for creativity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBDkFAZR7vk
(Via Matt Parker, N7TOD,
WRRL 7)
USGS EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS
PROGRAM
USGS has a new online (by subscription)
Earthquake
Notification Service
Details at:
https://sslearthquake.usgs.gov/ens/
(Don't confuse their "new
message format" with the
universal
RADIOGRAM message format.)
(Via George Hiscox, WA6RIK)
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∙ ∙ ∙ -
"GIT 'ER DONE!"
(With all due credit to
"Larry the Cable Guy")
Two months ago EM
reported that the California Department of Motor Vehicles, arbitrarily and
unannounced, had implemented a policy of inserting a blank space in the middle
of four and five character amateur call sign license plates.
While some ham radio "leaders" suggested that we "hold off", many California
hams got busy and wrote their state representatives, the DMV, and Governor
Arnold "The Governator" Schwarzenegger and politely expressed their displeasure
with the CA DMV's draconian policy.
On February 5, 2008 the California DMV reversed it policy and new call
sign plates are being issued to radio amateurs at "no extra charge".
YES
VIRGINIA, YOU CAN FIGHT "CITY HALL"... AND WIN!
“There are people who make
things happen,
People who watch things happen,
And people who don’t know anything happened.”
- ARISTOTLE
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EMCOMM ACTIVITY IN BRITISH
COLUMBIA
The SEPAR (Surrey Emergency
Preparedness Amateur Radio) website has been updated with the SEPAR meeting
report and a slide show on the grab and go kits. Both the January report and
the slideshow on the grab and go kits are on the Current Events & News page.
http://separ.comm.sfu.ca/current.html
(Via David Goodwin, VE7DWG, Aldergrove, BC, and Fred Orsetti, VE7IO,
Surrey, BC, Canada)
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EMCOMM ACTIVITY In
SOUTH AFRICA
HAMNET is the Amateur Radio emcomm organization in South
Africa.
View pics of their activities at:
http://www.wrrl.org:80/hamnet/
Main page at:
http://www.sarl.org.za/public/hamnet/hamnet.asp
(Via Pierre Tromp, ZS1HF,
Worcester, So. Africa)
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FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and
SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
WINDCHILL
"While reading Emcomm Monthly, I was checking out the links included. A
consideration we all should pay attention to is wind chill and temperature. At a
time when we may be deployed somewhere outside we need to pay attention to
temperature and its effects on the body. Hypothermia is our enemy and can
effect us when the air temp is at 60 deg. This isn't discussed enough. From my
sailing days both on the ocean and on lakes I have felt Hypothermia effects many
times.
Perhaps the link below should be added to the list." - Jim Samuels, K6TUG,
WRRL 168, Salt Lake City, UT
COMMENT: Good idea Jim. Here it is:
www.weather.gov/os/windchill/index.shtml and it has been added
to our
REFERENCE and
RESOURCE SECTION.
Also see:
www.hypothermia.org:80/
for information about emergency treatment for hypothermia. -
EM
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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.
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
Q:
There seems to be an ever-increasing percentage of "lids" on the air, when
compared to the number of skilled operators or even average operators. Do
you have any idea why? And, how did the term "lid" originate? -
(Name and
call sign withheld.)
A: Few of
us would challenge you on your first comment. As to why...we have a few
theories...but will refrain from comment for fear of irritating some of those
who are in "high palaces." After implementing a RADIO WATCH after the
recent northeastern Nevada earthquake we received this comment from one of our
monitors: "After an hour of monitoring, I'm discontinuing the Radio Watch
as being too annoying and disruptive to life itself. Someone is tuning,
throwing a carrier, or whatever you want to call it, and continuing to maintain
a Radio Watch is worse than listening to CB Channel 17."
Sadly, a recent public service net was jammed and heckled by a few
miscreants who apparently never fully developed past adolescence. The FCC
says: "Police yourselves." (Yeah, right....)
Although there never was a Morse code requirement, most of us remember when a
Citizens Band operator was required to have an FCC license and actually adhere
to some fairly rigid operating rules and restrictions. We all know what
happened to that. It now appears that the amateur radio service is on the
same course.
As to the origin of the term "lid"...we don't know. Perhaps some of our
readers can shed some light on this? -
EM
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∙
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ICS PERSPECTIVES
By
While not directly related to ICS (though in a way it is), this month’s
discussion will deal with one of the “cardinal sins” in terms of responding to
emergency/disaster situations. That cardinal sin is exceeding one’s
authority and performing tasks not part of the mission assignment given by the
authorities for whom the emcomm group may be working.
This discussion is prompted by some recent articles describing the efforts of
various emcomm organizations as they responded to incidents within their
jurisdictions. While I know better than to believe everything I read, the
fact is that, in the articles I refer to, the very people who were involved were
quoted directly. Thus, one must conclude that they either exaggerated
their role or reported accurately as to their involvement.
One of the reported “facts” that I take issue with concerns an emcomm leader
appointing an “IC” to head a specific professional support effort. Emcomm
leaders have absolutely no authority, under ICS or otherwise, to appoint an IC.
As was pointed out in
EM
in January 2008* issue, having someone within the emcomm structure called the IC
is inviting trouble. If that person was “appointed” to work outside the
emcomm structure, the legitimacy of such an appointment is even further in
question.
Another concern I have, based upon the articles I refer to, is amateurs taking
it upon themselves to decide what roadways are safe to use in a disaster area
and which ones are not. Recommending evacuation routes or, as one emcomm
leader was quoted, “turning around a traveler because we didn’t think the road
was safe,” is not an appropriate emcomm role. I’m sure there will be some
readers who disagree with me on this point, but let me conclude by asking you to
think seriously about just one word—liability. Do you really want to
assume both the legal and financial liability that comes with making a decision
or offering a recommendation that is not within your area of expertise? I
don’t. - From NE Oregon 73 de N7WR
* Ref.
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2008/jan2008.htm
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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: Daily at 1200 PTZ on 7204± kHz (3987 kHz
alternate) Jefferson Noon Net (JNN)
Central (and Eastern) Time Zones: Mondays and Wednesdays only (at present)
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
TO HELP KEEP YOU FROM
SOUNDING LIKE AN UNTRAINED OPERATOR GO TO:
• OPERATING PROCEDURES: www.wrrl.org/operating/
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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∙
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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...
If your computer screen is a little dirty click this link below to help clean
it. Works like a charm.
(This is an especially good utility for those of you with ICS and network
responsibilities.)
http://theglobalbible.com/temp/screenclean.swf
∙
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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 1
by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, WRRL1, (a once-in-awhile DXer)
For myself and many other hams, "DXing" is one of the most enjoyable aspects of
the amateur service. "DXers" come in all sizes, shapes, colors, ages,
genders, and with all sizes of budgets. Interest levels range from"casual
DXers" to "serious DXers" to "fanatics" who will stay up all night just to
receive a "59" from a rare station at some exotic new "country" or from some
brave souls aboard a coral reef or pile of rocks with a elevation a few feet
about sea level. Others will travel to some distant or rare place on a
"DXpedition" for the sheer pleasure of adventure and challenge and to provide a
rare location to thousands of eager operators around the world.
"DXing" is
defined differently by many hams. The abbreviation DX
simply means distance, or more accurately...LONG DISTANCE.
For many decades amateur radio has been (and continues to be) widely
promoted by many as "a fun hobby," and hobbies are big business.
DXing is one of the more popular hobby aspects of the amateur service and can be
a lucrative business for equipment manufacturers, travel agents, and more.
Like many other hobbies and avocations, DXing (and its city cousin contesting),
can become very expensive, especially if one becomes a fanatic.
I know of hams who have a quarter-million dollars (maybe more) invested in their
stations. All this to get an award or a listing in a magazine. One such
avid DXer once complained to me about having to fork over $100 to the ARRL to
get a well-deserved metal plaque award.
DXers often use non-ITU phonetics (e.g. - using of names of countries such as
America, Germany, Norway for A, G and N) which may cause confusion. As a
casual (U.S.) DXer, I have noticed that foreign amateurs are more consistent
about using ITU phonetics, and that it is more common for U.S. hams to use
non-ITU phonetics.
DX chasers also tend to be more casual about the FCC Rules and Regulations,
proper operating procedures, and common courtesy. It is not uncommon to
hear a station use bye-bye to end a transmission instead of saying
their call sign. Most people are followers...monkey see, monkey do.
Is that why there are
so many undisciplined operators on the air? If the amateur service is "just a
hobby," then why should anyone bother to follow standardized
operating procedures, protocols, or even practice common courtesy? After
all, isn't the main objective to make that five second "Q", and get a few points
or a new certificate? As a "casual DXer"* myself, I have my share of QSL cards
from some pretty exotic locations proudly posted on the wall of my shack, but
I refuse to use rude or illegal practices to obtain one single card.
Amateur radio is multi-faceted. There are DXers, contesters, QRP
aficionados, kit builders, "home-brew" artists, ragchewers, CB style yakkers,
and even a few public service and/or emcomm operators. There are of course
a percentage of "cross-over" operators. If you go back and read FCC part
97.1, you can easily see that all of the
basis and
purposes for the amateur service
potentially and theoretically
contribute to providing
service to
the public!
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 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.
NEXT
MONTH: A look at some possible approaches to increasing the
number of DX-capable operators and stations available for emcomm and other
public service communications.
* I enjoy working a new
"radio country" as much as the next guy (or gal), but I rarely use "helps" such
as a DX Clusters. To me, that is like fishing using a "fish finder".
I find it more enjoyable to slowly tune across a band and see what, who, and
where is operating. If I hear a "feeding frenzy" (pile-up) in progress,
and don't feel like raising my blood pressure by trying to break the pile-up, I
often tune up or down a few kHz, and there is often another DX station (maybe
not quite as much in demand), and have often enjoyed a very nice contact.
But, to each his or her own.
** The Bay of Bengal Tsunami three years ago is the best example in recent times
See: January 2005
EM
at:
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2005/january2005.htm
And: January 2007
EM
at
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2007/january2007.htm
NOTE: Please don't write and suggest some internet,
landline, or other infrastructure-based system. We know about all that.
Emcomm is about what still works when all that stuff goes...CRUMP.
"Record Message Traffic, by
skilled operators, and by RADIO (only)!" It's about Dependability,
Accuracy and Accountability!
-
∙ ∙ ∙ -
======================================================
EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Features D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, as the instructor. The session was taped
live at the U.S.F.S. facility at
Send check payable to:
EMCOMM,
VIEW MORE EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS AT:
http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/
======================================================
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Arkansas Dept. of Health
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• Jesse Plummer, KE5SUA, Guymon OK - SKYWARN, ARES®, OEM
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RECENT CONTRIBUTOR$ - Thank you for your support!
(The individuals listed below have recently made monetary contributions to help EMCOMM MONTHLY
and
EMCOMM.ORG survive.)
• Tomy Ivan,
KF7GC, WRRL 157, Chino Valley, AZ
•
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EMCOMM
MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG are private
(non-government, non-commercial) endeavors and are funded 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.
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,
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:
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 ®)
EMCOMM MONTHLY is
free of paid commercial advertising and "pop-ups". However, we list
commercial 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,
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/
• 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/
• 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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EM
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If you change your email address, be sure to notify us at:
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as it is intended to appear, at:
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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
permission.
For
permission to reproduce material in EMCOMM MONTHLY
contact: D. W. Thorne at:
k6soj@wrrl.org or write:
EMCOMM MONTHLY,
EM STAFF:
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ - Editor and Publisher -
k6soj@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
∙
-
∙
- ∙
IN THE APRIL
ISSUE OF EMCOMM MONTHLY:
• "DXers" and
EMCOMM - Part
2
• NEWS...
FEATURES... FEEDBACK.... QSH... and MORE!
IN THE WORKS:
• The FIELD OPERATION DISASTER PORTABLE STATION
EMCOMM MONTHLY -- The Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League - WRRL®
Copyright (c) 2008 - All rights reserved.
- ∙
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∙ ∙
