WORLDWIDE
eDISPATCH
- 1 MARCH 2009 - 0303Z
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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. 5 -- No. 8
www.emcomm.org
MARCH 2009
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SPECIAL TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS ISSUE
The EM PHILOSOPHY
- FLIGHT
1549
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."
QSH - "Krazy
Keys" NEW!
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE
- TACTICAL EMCOMM
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
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The EM PHILOSOPHY
Cactus 1549
"For 42 years, I had made small, regular, deposits of education, training and
experience. And the experience bank was sufficient that on January 15, I
could make a sudden large withdrawal." - Capt. Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger
Unless you have been living in a cave, you have heard the story of U.S. Airways
Flight 1549, "Cactus 1549," that struck birds shortly after takeoff from New
York City's LaGuardia Airport, lost power in both engines and "splash landed" in
the Hudson River. The cool, calm, and disciplined actions of Capt.
Sullenberger, the other four crew members, the air traffic controllers, and
the first responders (both professional and volunteer) who assisted in the
rescue resulted in 155 lives saved with only a few injuries.
The Airbus 320 is a complex, state-of-the-art aircraft. Much of it is
controlled by onboard computers. Immediately after the loss of power, the
computers failed, and Capt. Sully disengaged the automated systems and took
control of the aircraft.
The voice recordings of the air radio traffic* is an example of proper
procedures** for emergency communications by voice radio. E.g. - they used
SAY AGAIN as opposed to in the improper "please repeat". There were a few
"breaches" in proper procedure, but considering the critical nature of the
emergency, they performed well.
Radio amateurs who are serious about public service and emergency
communications make regular deposits to their "experience bank" whenever
they pick up a mic or put their hand on a key. They practice and use proper
operating procedures
every time
they are on-the-air. Not just during nets or actual emergency
incidents. In other words, they make "small, regular, deposits of
education, training and experience." Then, when an actual emergency
occurs, they are PREPARED,
and ready to make "a sudden large withdrawal" if needed.
Well done Capt. Sullenberger...and also to your entire crew! You are
an example for all of us to follow. -
Editor
* Audio file at:
http://www.emcomm.org/audio/
** Review proper 'phone OPERATING PROCEDURES at: www.wrrl.org/operating
"Make small, regular, deposits of education, training and experience," and...
"Keep
yer batteries charged, yer hubs locked, and yer powder dry!"
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SHORT CIRCUITS
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
"Daylight Saving Time" will commence on March 8 in most U.S.
states, and in other areas of the world.
This will
affect net schedules where the net maintains a consistent local time.
(This is like taking a bucket of water out of the deep end
of swimming pool, and dumping it into the shallow end, as an attempt to gain
more water. - Editor)
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.50 CALIBRE AMMO CANS
For as long as I can remember, I have used surplus gov't issued (GI) .50
caliber ammo cans, for many purposes. (.30 calibre boxes are too small for
many applications.) These steel boxes are strong, waterproof, dustproof,
and (up until now) inexpensive. Where weight is not an issue, they make
excellent expedition cases for radio gear, cameras, medical suppies, tools,
and by adding a little foam padding inside, they are useful to transport
delicate instruments.
I recently heard a rumor that "the government" has ordered the military to stop
selling surplus ammunition related
gear and supplies, including .50 caliber ammo cans, and that they have ordered
such items to be destroyed. (If anyone can document is, please let us
know.)
I recently had a need for, and decided to order, at least one additional can,
and I was surprised to learn that they are apparently in short supply!
"Cheaper Than Dirt" had a few for $19.97 ea. (twice the going rate). On
February 27 we were able to order five at $7.97 ea. from Sportsman's Guide, even
though their web site says "sorry, out-of-stock".
If you think you may have need some of these in the future, and find some for
sale by surplus dealers, yard sales, mail-order supply houses, etc. you probably
should stock-up! We doubt that "the government" will try to prohibit the
manufacture and sale of new, similar, (non-GI) boxes, but the price will no
doubt be high. -
Editor
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COMPUTER GREMLINS SNEAK IN
It seems that we were plagued with an above average level
of computer gremlins this past month. Most of the troubles seem to stem
from problems with our internet service provider. We also recognize that
the "information super highway" has frequent traffic jams and breakdowns.
We are amazed that it works as well as it does!
EM is dispatched to over 2100 email addresses in HTML format.
We have no way to know if it is received by everyone of our subscriber list.
Or, if everyone who receives it, receives it without any unintended
modifications. We had one report of it changing from HTML format to plain
text somewhere along the path. Others have reported a change in the font,
or it arrives with the URL links we provide "cold." This is no doubt due
to incompatibilities between computer programs. -
Editor
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RADIO-BRAZZAVILLE (Re-visited)
In last month's (February) FEATURE we posted a link to the 1958 QSL card from
RADIO-BRAZZAVILLE. It was NG (no good).
Try one of these (PG rated) links: http://emcomm.org/nostalgia/radio_brazaville.htm
or
http://wrrl.org/nostalgia/radio_brazaville.htm
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FEEDBACK, MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
MOXIE Gone...
"Please unsubscribe me from your news letter. I no longer have the "Moxie"
for this kind of thing." -
Name
withheld
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Great February Issue
"Great February issue! 73, S. McLennan, KM7S, Waldport, OR -- Thank
you and you're welcome! -
Editor
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SAR Numbers
By the way, what are "SAR numbers"? -
Editor (February EM)
"For those who do not know, SAR numbers refer to the monthly Station
Activity Report (SAR) that most traffic handlers submit to their STM. I no
longer collect the little yellow (with red printing) BPL cards which were mailed
to me before I became STM. I have my BPL certificate and plaque, and it is a
one-time award, regardless of the number of times one achieves the 500-plus
message handled total. I should have mentioned that, on several occasions,
I have used Canada Post to deliver messages which could not otherwise be gotten
to the addressees. On only one occasion has one been returned as "undeliverable"
and the originating station was duly notified by ARL Sixty Seven* message." -
Glenn Killam, VE3GNA / VA3OPN, Ontario STM
--------------------------------
* ARL SIXTY SEVEN = Your message number _______ undeliverable because of
_________. Please advise.
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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:
"EM
seems to emphasize learning and practicing "formal" message
handling (RADIOGRAMS). When it is needed, that is a very important
service, but what about supporting public service events as a training ground
for disaster or emergency communications? The idea of "radio with a
purpose" seems to be catching on. Quickly fading are the hams who have
absolutely nothing to say and spend 20 minutes doing it...just "talking on the
radio". Here in the greater Phoenix (AZ) area, they're being replaced with
people who have something useful to say, who are open and welcoming to
newcomers, accept mistakes corrected as the currency to learning, and who know
and enjoy each other. The difference seems to be that the former focuses
on the radio while the latter focuses on the mission. Sounds like a
perfect fit for emcomm, doesn't it?" -
Name witheld
A:
Well stated Mike. One of the reasons EM
tends to emphasize radio message handling is that while that is a basic skill for
all emcomm operators, it is (sadly) often overlooked or by-passed.
The long-standing disconnect between the ARRL's NTS and their ARES® is sad to
say the least. But EM
and the WRRL are
attempting to maintain interest and a minimum level of capability in the
essential
emcomm skill of being able to handle message traffic.
However, effective
tactical
emcomm is a relatively easy skill to master, and most local ARES® (as well
as many other emcomm units) are usually prepared to provide tactical public
service/emcomm with an acceptable level of expertise. While true EMERGENCY
traffic is rare on traffic nets as well as local public service nets, traffic of
other precedence(s) is appropriate and provides training and
experience. Tactical emcomm also promotes a team spirit and camaraderie, which
is a very important ingredient in providing an ongoing level of effective emcomm.
If you go to our SITE SEARCH
http://www.emcomm.org/search.htm and
search for tactical emcomm you will find that we have written a lot about
the importance and need for
tactical,
short-range, informal radio communications for public service and
community events. -
Editor
FOR
MORE ON THIS SUBJECT SEE TACTICAL EMCOMM IN THE FEATURE SECTION BELOW
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ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor
ICS Perspectives
March 2009
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR
One of our readers, N6VI, suggested that a discussion of the role of home-based
stations in an emergency might be appropriate.
There is no question that there is some “graying” of the amateur
population and that not all hams interested in being of service during
emergencies are capable of operating in the field under what might be adverse
conditions. Is there some role they
(elderly, disabled, etc) can play?
Certainly. Properly trained and
properly equipped, there are many ways in which the home based amateur can be
helpful.
In a major incident, home stations can be beneficial if they have a reliable
emergency power source and have erected antennas that can withstand the
disaster. With those basics out of
the way, being trained to accurately copy and relay message traffic (skills
developed, ideally, by regular participation in on-the-air traffic handling
nets) are really all that is needed to provide assistance.
Examples of different types of incidents in which home-based stations can assist
will be provided in future columns, as will specific tips on preparation and
training. Let me, however, provide
an example of how one CERT (community emergency response team) affiliated
amateur group provided needed help some years ago in Coronado, California. In the early 1980’s, what was at the time the largest
structure fire in the history of San Diego County occurred at a huge condominium
complex which was under construction on the waterfront. Flaming embers were falling on roof tops
all over town causing spot fires which could have grown into major
conflagrations of their own. The
police and fire departments were totally committed to the main event. Amateurs (organized and trained in
advance) were used to drive throughout the city, and when they spotted roof
fires in their infancy, they called the information in on 2 meters to a disabled
amateur operating from his home.
That home-based station quickly and accurately relayed fire type, size and
location information to the police-fire dispatch center so that firefighters
could be dispatched. As a result,
none of the dozens of fires started by flying embers (some the size of a four
foot length of two by four lumber) caused any significant damage. More to come, but until next month 73
from NE Oregon. de N7WR
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WRRL NEWS and NETS
Pacific (and Mountain) Time Zones: PTZNN (aka Jefferson Noon Net/JNN)
daily at 1200 PTZ on 7204± kHz (3911± kHz alternate)
Central (and Eastern) Time Zones: CTZNN Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at
1200 CTZ
on
7208± kHz
∙ WRRL NET
on MONDAYS on 14.280 MHz USB (listen up or down the band as much as 20 kHz)
2000Z (When on Daylight Saving Time) and 2100Z (When on Standard Time)
∙ 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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"Record Message Traffic, by skilled operators, and by RADIO (only)!"
It's about Dependability, Accuracy and Accountability!
NET and TRAFFIC HANDLING
LINCOLN NOON NET - LNN (CTZNN) M-W-F
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS at 1200 CTZ on 7208 kHz ± LSB.
All emcomm stations in the Central (U.S.) Time Zone, PLUS the Eastern and
Mountain Time Zones are invited to check in.
JEFFERSON NOON NET - JNN (PTZNN) DAILY
DAILY at 1200 PTZ on 7204 kHz ± LSB. (3911 kHz alternate)
Stations in the MTZ (and CTZ, if the band is very long) are also welcome!
The LNN and the JNN are for operators who want to learn and/or practice proper
net operating procedures and standardized traffic handling skills.
Stations in the MTZ (band conditions permitting) can potentially participate in
both of these nets, and thereby provide a relay
circuit between the east coast and the west coast on 40 meters three times a
week! It is anticipated that the LNN will eventually become a daily
circuit.
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MESSAGES RECENTLY RECEIVED
NR 09 R HXG WB9FHP 25 PAOLI IN
0655Z FEB 10
WORLD RADIO RELAY LEAGUE
PO BOX 99
MACDOEL CA 96058
BT
WRRL MONDAY NET 2100Z QNI
10 QTC Ø QTR 44
MINUTES X STATIONS QNI INCLUDE
WB9FHP KD7DCR AF5G K6SOJ NØJJZ
KL1MS WB6PLH W7LAS KB2LOI W2JRM
BT
QNN LARRY WB9FHP 188
NNNN
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Good net and report Larry! Your MSG NR 9 would make a good practice
RADIOGRAM message on CW!
(Lots of call signs and "Q" prosigns) -
Editor
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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”
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.)
• 7214 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...
"Krazy Keys!"
--- ‹(ô¿ô)›
Check out our NEW "Krazy Keys" page at:
www.emcomm.org/krazy_keys/
Reader submissions of unusual keys and key mounts are solicited.
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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
TACTICAL
EMCOMM
by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
(An EM basic studies
training module)
One important aspect of amateur radio emcomm is providing communications at
community events such as parades, festivals, "Walk-A-Thons", etc.
These events provide experience in tactical emcomm, are (usually) very rewarding
and serve to keep the interest level high within your group. They also can
provide good public exposure for the amateur radio service.
A
FEW GUIDELINES...
• Operators
should be appropriately identified, but don't over-do it.
(Avoid looking like a rodeo clown impersonating a police officer.)
•
Demonstrate polite and professional behavior.
• Use
proper voice operating procedures.
(Avoid using "10-code" or CW "Q" prosigns on voice.)
•
All on-the-air communications should be brief, concise, and
clearly stated.
•
Limit non-third-party-traffic to what is necessary between stations to maintain
the net operation.
•
Avoid "chit-chat" over the air.
•
Be sure your radios and antennas are functioning properly and have back-up power
sources.
•
Use SIMPLEX or portable repeater (dedicated to the event) if possible.
•
Use TACTICAL call signs. Only use FCC call signs as required by Part 97.
•
LOG all traffic. (A spiral notebook is fine.) Include time, summary of the
traffic, and any comments or other pertinent information.
•
Provide a time for participants to critique the operation and (later)
provide AFTER ACTION REPORT
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL TACTICAL TRAFFIC...
==========================
"Station Eight. This is Station One."
"This is Station Eight. Over."
"Contact Sue Jones at the Sno-Cone stand. Advise her that her son Mike
locked his trumpet and car keys in his car. <pause>
A bicycle courier is en route to pick up spare keys. Over."
"Wilco. Station Eight out."
========================
"This is net control. All stations stand by for special bulletin.
All operators be on lookout for a lost four year old boy. Last seen at
Sycamore Lane and First Street.
Wearing red shirt, blue jeans, white sneakers, and yellow cap. Name is
Skip. Law enforcement has been notified."
========================
"Net Control. Station Eight"
"Station Eight go ahead."
"A child fitting the description is at the Sno-Cone concession. He is
crying and wants his mother."
"Roger Station Eight. Police have been notified and a police woman is en
route. This is W6SOJ, net control."
=======================================================
A FEW YEARS AGO...
I coordinated communications for a two-day off-highway road rally in our
county. The event covered about 2000 sq. miles of mountainous terrain.
We used up a portable repeater (dedicated to the event) but had to relocate the
repeater at 0200 in order to provide coverage the second day of the rally.
(I don't recommend that...HI!)
As a learning tool for those who may be interested, below (in three parts and
somewhat "raw") is:
1. The planning information provided in preparation for the event.
2. The event log.
3. The after action report.
1.
TO RALLYECOM 2005 COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
EVENT NAME: “Golden West Rallye 2005”
DATE: July 23-24, 2005
SPONSOR: The Rallye Club of Northern California
EVENT MASTER: Pete Soper
USFS Liaison: Jim Davis, KNF District Roads Manager
RALLYECOM COORDINATOR: D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
PRIMARY FREQ. 146.835- 85.4 Car-to-car (talk-around) 146.835
Event running times:
Sat. - 1200 to 2400
Sun. - 0900 to 1600 + B-B-Q to follow
EQUIPMENT: Full field operations gear
YOU WILL NEED:
2 Meter Mobile and/or portable station(s)
MAPS:
• USFS Klamath National Forest
(Available at most USFS offices for $6.00. If you can’t afford one, or can’t
find one, let me know.)
• Shasta-Cascade California by Compass Maps (optional)
(Widely available at gas / convenience stations, Payless, etc. etc.)
We furnish our own fuel, breakfast, lunch, and Saturday dinner.
Remember, there is an evening run until about midnight.
B-B-Q dinner on Sunday provided by the Rallye Sponsors
OPTIONAL:
GPS Unit (If you have one.)
FRS Handie-talkies (If you have them.)
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VOLUNTEER OPERATORS: Terry Bell, N2RSI; David Bell, N2RSN; Joe
Park, WB6AGR; Kathi Park, KF6AFF; Robert Jackson, KB6YTD; Ed Ewell, K7DXV;
Richard and Dee Cloyd, WO6P/W6DEE; Nannette Thorne, KE6MZT; D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ.
STAGING: Yreka, N. Main St. at Tebbe St. at 1100L. (North interchange)
Day One (July 17):
Tactical call signs
PILOT (following Event Master in Lead Car.) - N2RSI/KE6MZT)
SWEEP (following last car in rallye.) - N2RSN
TECH SUPPORT - K7DXV
WALKER RIDGE RELAY (T46NR1W S21) - WO6P/W6DEE
TIME
LINE:
COURSE and APPROX. TIMES:
Day
One (July 17) 1200: First car lv. Yreka > N on HWY 263.
Cars leave at one minute intervals)
1st Rest stop: Hilt, at Texaco Station
2nd Rest stop: Grouse Gap Shelter (on Mt. Ashland)
3rd Rest stop: (Dinner) Yreka
Evening run: Yreka > south > Greenhorn > Deadwood > Scott Bar
Rest stop: Hamburg
2400: End Day one: Yreka
Day
Two (July 18):
Field Station Tactical call signs:
TECH SUPPORT - K7DXV
DEER PARK (T43NR3W S13) - KE6MZT/K6SOJ
(The routes listed below are approximate...see the maps provided for details.)
0900: Lv. Yreka, S on old 99 > Gram Gulch Rd. > E on Louie Rd. >
S on Slough Rd. > E Jackson Hoy Rd. > HWY 97
Rest stop: Weed
N on HWY 97 > S on Military Pass Rd. >
Rest stop: Deer Mtn. Snowmobile Park
NE on 44N25 around Deer Mountain > Tennant >
Rest stop: Macdoel
SW on HWY 97 > Grass Lake > S on 44N23 >
1500: First cars arrive (again) Deer Mtn. Snowmobile Park
1600: B-B-Q (as their guests)
REMEMBER: Our mission is communications. If assistance of a mechanical
nature is needed we will call whoever the party requests.
=========================================
2.
RADIO LOG for “Golden West 2004” - Off Highway CAR RALLYE
Course location: northern California and southern Oregon
16 July 2004 - Friday:
TECH SUPPORT (K7DXV) installs portable repeater on mountain top overlooking
event course for DAY ONE.
17 July 2004 - Saturday:
1135 - WO6P, W6DEE, N2RSI, N2RSN, KE6MZT, K6SOJ locate rally participants in
Yreka. Some confusion.
1145 - WALKER (WO6P/W6DEE) sent to Walker Ridge (2 mile NW of Craggy Mt. on
45N30 in S21)
1150 - PILOT (N2RSI/KE6MZT) roll north on HWY 263 following EVEN LEAD CAR (Pete
Soper and Bill ?)
1200 - 00.0 Car 1 out from starting point at north end of Yreka (CA)
1214 - 00.0 Car 14 out
1215 - 00.0 SWEEP (N2RSN and rally official Casey) out
1247 - DELTA WHISKEY (K6SOJ) at Hilt (CA) with Stu Rally official
1415 - WALKER is in position.
1415 - KE6MZT has motion sickness. Is relieved by K6SOJ at Hilt rest stop.
KE6MZT is now DELTA WHISKEY, K6SOJ is now PILOT.
1500 - DELTA WHISKEY at Mt. Ashland (OR) ski lift parking lot.
1515 - DELTA WHISKEY returns to Yreka.
1600 - KE6MZT and Stu at Yreka. Tactical now NET CONTROL
1700 - WALKER is released. Return to Yreka.
1815 to 1900 - 30 min. dinner break. Cars arrive/depart Yreka.
(Eat while driving)
1845 - 1300 evening-to-night rally.
2100 - NET CONTROL (KE6MZT and Stu) at Hamburg (CA)
2315 - LEAD/PILOT arrive Yreka. Cars come in.
2345 - All cars in and accounted for. SWEEP is in Yreka.
2400 to 0230 - TECH SUPPORT (K7DXV) removes repeater and returns to Klamath
Falls (OR).
18 July 2004 - Sunday:
0900 - 00.0 PILOT (WO6P/W6DEE with rally official Bill on board) depart Yreka.
0900 - NET CONTROL (KE6MZT/K6SOJ) at DEER PARK (NE of Mt. Shasta) with rally
official Stu. Net: 147.54.
0915 - SWEEP (N2RSN and Rally official Casey) depart Yreka.
0935 - TECH SUPPORT (K7DXV) has repeater positioned and operating at tactical
site overlooking rally east course.
1130 to 1215 - Lunch break at DEER PARK. Cars arrive/depart.
1500 - PILOT/LEAD and cars begin arriving at DEER PARK.
1600 to 1700 B-B-Q, announce winners in each class and presentation of awards
1715 - Head for home!
19 July 2004 - Monday:
TECH SUPPORT (K7DXV) retrieves portable repeater from mountain top.
3.
AFTER ACTION REPORT and OBSERVATIONS, COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS:
1. The event organizers originally requested a radio operator in the lead car
(CAR ZERO) which runs about 15 minutes ahead of the pack; plus an operator in
the “SWEEP CAR” with a rally official riding as navigator “bringing up the
rear”.
2. Since the topography in the course area is very mountainous (northern
California / southern Oregon), 50 watt radios were deemed to be essential. (This
proved to be true.) Since, 50 W mobile radios draw more current than a
typical cigar lighter will provide they must be “hard wired” in vehicle.
3. It was decided that a radio “car” (PILOT) follow CAR ZERO (the lead/pace
car), and maintain radio contact with the rally officials in the lead car via
FRS radio. This worked well. PILOT CAR had a driver and a radio
operator/navigator...both of whom were qualified EMCOMM operators. SWEEP had a
driver/radio operator and a rally official/navigator.
4. We also assigned two mobile/portable stations for deployment as relay
stations along the course and available to relocate as needed.
5. The “rallye” was a VERY challenging, “grueling” 27 hour off highway, event!
It took it’s toll on vehicles, equipment, and persons. But we rose to the
challenge, and completed our mission! Rally leaders were ecstatic about
our communications support and skill in providing what they needed.
6. Road Rallies are not “races”...but you could have fooled me!
7. Without the portable repeater, it would have been very difficult (if not
impossible) to do what we did. The use of a dedicated repeater is the key. It
eliminates the concerns about event communications interfering with casual/hobby
hams, and (better yet) we do not have to listen to them, and/or wait or ask for
a “break”.
8. The course on Day One was over extremely rough terrain including some very
deep canyons, etc. 5 repeaters would not have guaranteed contact 100% of
the time. Operator skill (and patience) made up for the deficiencies in the
“blind spots”.
9. On Day Two the topographical features were not quite as extreme and the
portable repeater covered the entire event. No “blind spots” were identified.
10. We had several radio/equipment failures, but our back up supplies and
equipment and “borrowing from each other make do” met the need.
11. We WERE challenged “to the max”! Nearly all of our back-up equipment
resources were needed!
LESSON LEARNED: Carry more back-up gear, parts, etc.
LESSON LEARNED: Staffing was adequate...but just barely. We could have used more
operators...but if so they must accept some “lulls” in the action.
LESSON LEARNED: Use more operators. Work in shifts if possible.
LESSON LEARNED: We tried to run this event without a fixed station/base net
control. This was NOT a good idea. Logging cannot be done in a mobile at 20-40
mph, strapped in, with everything that isn’t tied down bouncing between floor
and ceiling, while attempting to handle two or three mics, and follow a map and
follow along in the event course guide! A fixed-base of operations net
control station is essential...that is if we wish it keep any kind of an
accurate traffic log. Oh yes, if you are PILOT you cannot stop anytime you want.
If you do...you may get rear-ended!
LESSON LEARNED: Having to change frequencies, duplex to simplex, follow a map,
while being jostled is difficult. (Try holding your finger still and press
a button on a radio with which you are not familiar, in the dark sometime!
And once you hit the wrong button...well...good luck! Many times I reached
to retrieve an item and since the safety belts were in lock down from the
motion, it was impossible. Neck lanyards and vest/shirt pockets are good.
Eyeglass straps/retainers are recommended. A cord on your writing
implement is also a good idea.
LESSON LEARNED: A dashboard "map light" is essential in all mobile units.
2nd best is a headlamp or small "clip-on-to-your-cap" light.
CLOSING COMMENT: All-in-all...this was a blast! We are much wiser
now...and can do even better next time! Thanks to all of you!
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REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
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www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
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www.wrrl.org/arct_program/
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• 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.shtm
• STANDARD TIME ZONE SCALE: http://www.travel.com.hk/region/timezone.htm
• HOSPITAL DISASTER SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (HDSCS): http://www.hdscs.org
• 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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