TO: OR-NorCAL-NorNV Regional VHF and HF A.R.E.S. Stations
SECs, DECs, ECs, AECs in OR District 5 and CA Districts 1, 2;
ARRL Officials and other HF EMCOMM stations
Selected EMCOMM and Public Safety Officials
FROM: D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ, SEC, SV Section (North)
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
ACS Officer MAR III California OES
LOTS ‘N LOTS OF IMPORTANT STUFF THIS EDITION!
AND...IT’S A LONG ONE...AND THERE ARE PROBABLY SOME MISTAKES - HI PLEASE LET ME KNOW
IF IT’S SOMETHING THAT NEEDS CORRECTING DE K6SOJ IN THE “5-1-2
BULLETIN” 3 OCT 2000 - No. 22
1 - QST - QST - QST - VERY IMPORTANT BULLETIN !!!
2 - THE ROLE OF THE EMERGENCY COORDINATOR
3 - NEW EC FOR SISKIYOU COUNTY
4 - SHASTA COUNTY - REQUEST FOR HELP WITH DWI
5 - SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST (SET) IS “SET” TO GO
6 - NEW NWS/SKYWARN NET AND WX SPOTTER TRAINING
7 - REMINDER TO ALL ECs
7 - IF YOU HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ...
8 - COMING ATTRACTIONS
9 - REGIONAL ARES NET - REMINDER
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1 - TO ALL WEBMASTERS, ARRL SECTION, DIVISION, AND NATIONAL HQ OFFICIALS,
STATE AND LOCAL OES, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AGENCIES, AFFILIATED CLUBS, AND ALL OTHER
AMATEUR RADIO AND OTHER EMCOMM OPERATORS...EFFECTIVE 3 OCTOBER 2000...
A NEW WEBSITE FOR SV SECTION DISTRICTS ONE AND TWO ARES is “ONLINE”
INCLUDING A NEW WEBSITE ADDRESS FOR THE SISKIYOU COUNTY ARES; AND, THE
SOJOURNERS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB. THE FORMER ADDRESSES ARE NOW OBSOLETE.
PLEASE BOOKMARK AND CHANGE ALL EXISTING ARRL, ARES, CLUB, AND GOVERNMENT SITES
THAT HAVE EXISTING COURTESY LINKS.
The new Sacramento Valley North (Districts 1 and 2) ARES website address is:
www.qsl.net/k6soj ARES teams in
Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, and Trinity Counties (Dist. 1); and Butte, Glenn, Shasta
and Tehama counties (Dist. 2), will either have a page of their own on this
site; OR, a “courtesy” link to their local home page will be
provided.
NOTE: THE SISKIYOU COUNTY ARES WEBSITE HAS MOVED. JUST GO TO THE ABOVE WEBSITE
AND CLICK ON “SISKIYOU CO. ARES” ALSO NOTE: THE NEW WEB ADDRESS FOR
THE SOJOURNERS IS: www.qsl.net/w6soj
JOIN THE STAMPEDE! See how close to the beginning of the GUESTBOOK list you
can have your name and callsign on this NEW WEBSITE! (HINT: There are
only three “sign-ins” as I write this.)
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I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Frank Cross, N6MRX, for his time,
and effort, as the former webmaster for the Siskiyou County ARES and The SOJOURNERS.
(s)
D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ
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2 - The Emergency Coordinator, or “EC”, may be the toughest volunteer
position in amateur radio. I readily acknowledge that there are many
hard working volunteers in other areas of service that deserve an immense
amount of gratitude. The Volunteer Examiners. The ARRL QSL Bureau
Managers and workers. Section Managers and Directors. The work is
endless...and often without much appreciation.
DECs and SECs generally work within the ARRL structure, and thereby with
individuals who are supportive. The EC, however, is out on “the
front lines” usually working with informed and supportive members.
But the EC is also a recruiter and trainer; and therefore must have interaction with
hams and non-hams, that may or may not be supportive of, or even
understand, the importance of structure, training, operating discipline,
or the mission of the ARES..
“ECs” need to have a good basic knowledge of the
technical side of radio, but it is not necessary for them to be electronics
experts. Of course the EC must be a current, active,
and supportive member of the A.R.R.L. and must reside within the county
in which he/she serves. To qualify for the position a candidate should
have experience as an active member on a local A.R.E.S. team, be a proficient radio
operator (ideally with NTS traffic experience), and will have demonstrated some
leadership skills, ideally as an AEC in the
same team he/she intends to lead.
ECs are not perfect. Nor are they expected to be perfect. And when they
make mistakes, they need to admit the mistake, correct it, and move on. They
also must be able to endure criticism. When a mistake is made it is
usually mild. They also may be penalized for or doing a good job and are often
criticized for upholding high standards. Unfortunately, hams are no different
that any other segment of our society. There are to many
“sidewalk superintendents”... bystanders who like to point out faults, but
are not willing to help.
As odd as it sounds, the EC must sometimes hear from hams who have a built in
negativism towards anything, that is in the least bit...“authoritarian”.
E. g. - the FCC.
Or the ITU. Or even “The League”. They often take pride in their
“independence”, and delight in their right to “do their own
thing”. A real tragedy, is the very few who spend inordinate amounts of
time attempting to destroy what others have built. To these we say:
“Go ahead...do your own thing. But please keep your operations legal and
considerate.
And please...just let US do our thing without inteference.”
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3 - NEW EMERGENCY COORDINATOR FOR SISKIYOU COUNTY
The Siskiyou County EC position has been vacant for six months. There were no
applicants who were willing to meet the qualifying requirments.
During the past six months several ARES members have asked: “Why doesn’t
Nannette take it?” (KE6MZT, AEC, and my YL). Well, it’s a long
story, but due to a recent change in her employers, and with some
“arm-twisting” by others, (not by me!); I am proud to announce
that, effective 1 October 2000, Nannette S. Thorne, KE6MZT has been appointed
as the new Siskiyou County ARES Emerergncy Coordinator.
In addition to serving as an Assistant EC for over five years; she is also a member
of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team typically working in
communications and command post operations. Nannette also served as a
Co-chairman of the Red Cross Disaster Committee, and served two terms on the
local Red Cross Board of Directors. She also makes “one whale of a pizza”!
Nannette says one of her primary goals is to recruit and train a few AECs...
“so I’ll have a replacement ready.” I know that the
Siskiyou County ARES team, as well as, the entire ARES/ARRL family will
support her in this difficult undertaking.
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4 - SHASTA COUNTY ARES REQUESTS HELP WITH A DISASTER WELFARE INQUIRY ( D W I )
FROM: Drew Witham, W1SAR, Shasta County EC...
Subject: Urgent Request for Assistance from SO
I have just received a request for help forwarded to us by the Office of the Shasta
County Sheriff.
A Redding resident has family and friends missing on the island worst affected by
the hurricane, Ambergris Caye. The only town on the island is San Pedro. We
are seeking information on the safety of Milo Paz and family. He was
last heard from on Saturday evening.
There is a Salvation Army Emergency Radio Net currently operating on 14.265MHz, and
I have requested Chuck WD6BXN to try to make contact for us. If anyone else is able
to help, please pass any POSITIVE contact information to me at 1 877 384 8024.
There is also a weather net operating on 14.325 MHz, but this is not being used for
welfare messages.
A message has also been posted on a message board on the internet at requesting
contact. Anyone able to pick up specific welfare messages may like to post them
there also.
Thanks for your help.
73 de Drew
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Editors note: Thanks for the note Drew. Maybe one of our readers can help
locate and check on the Paz family. The INTERCONTINENTAL AMATEUR
TRAFFIC NET (14.300 TO 14.313 MHZ at 1100 to 1500Z daily) <http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Gold/2485/main.html
may be of help.
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5 - ARES SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST (SET) OCTOBER 7-8, 2000
WE ARE NOW “X-MINUS 52 HOURS”!
For general information about the “SET-2000” go to: http://www.arrl.org/field/setguide.html
TO: ALL SACRAMENTO VALLEY ECs and ARES STATIONS...
Here is the schedule for the “section-wide”component of this year’s
“SET” on Saturday, October 9, 2000. NOTE: Communications
may be difficult due to a non-ARRL sponsored contest scheduled for the same
day. We’ll just have to live with the QRM...just like in a real
emergency!
1400L (or earlier): Individual counties (or districts) have there own
scenario(s) at
their own discretion.
1400L: ARES teams participating in the section-wide exercise, activate local
nets on VHF/UHF (simplex or repeaters) per their local ARES plan(s) at 1400L.
Then hourly at the top of the hour, (more often as needed) per the mutual aid
SOP. NOTE: District 2 and portions of District 1 use 145.45- (Red Bluff) for
“control and command”.
1400-1430: Digital stations activate using PACKET, PACTOR, AMTOR, PSK-31, or
CW. Station in this group must be able to interface with the HF and VHF nets
for cross-mode traffic handling.
1400-1900: Local ARES stations forward simulated routine traffic (NTS format),
addressed to agencies or individuals within the SV Section, to a designated VHF-HF
relay station. ECs prepare “status reports” and forward to the
appropriate DEC and/or SEC via HF or VHF.
1430L-1900: The SV Section Mutual Aid and Traffic Net will be activated on 7232 KHz
(3987 alternate) and will continue until all reports have been received and all
traffic passed. Re-checks hourly at “the bottom of the hour”-
DIGITAL STATIONS check in to the VHF/fone, and HF/SSB nets as appropriate.
1500L: Districts 3 and 4 (SV Section - South) ACTIVATE
1700L: Districts 3 and 4 demobilize.
1900L: Cease all simulated emergency test operations.
IMPORTANT: IN THE EVENT OF AN ACTUAL EMERGENCY - THE EXERCISE WILL BE
SUSPENDED OR TERMINATED IMMEDIATELY.
ALL MESSAGES AND TRAFFIC MUST BE CLEARLY PRECEDED WITH “TEST” OR “THIS IS A
TEST MESSAGE”.
For more information on the SV Section SET please refer to the last three 5-1-2
BULLETINS .
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6 - SKYWARN NET TO BEGIN AND WX SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULED.
FROM: Randy Miltier, K7RPM, SKYWARN Coordinator for Medford NWS...
A SKYWARN Program is being developed for Southern Oregon and Northern California for
ham radio operators (and non-hams). SKYWARN is the National Weather Service program
of trained volunteer spotters reporting severe weather.
A weekly SKYWARN Net will be starting on Sunday, October 8th, 2000, at 7:30PM
on the 147.26 (+) repeater. This repeater is located on Mt. Ashland, and has the NWS
call: WX7MFR.
We're looking for spotters from the NWS/Medford coverage area, which consists of
nine counties: Coos, Curry, Douglas, Klamath, Jackson, Josephine, Lake, Modoc (CA)
and Siskiyou (CA).
Equipment needed is a 2-meter radio. 2-meter packet would be a plus. During
severe weather, Spotter information will be taken on 2-meter voice, but information
can be sent directly to the NWS via packet.
A "Spotter" class will be given Tuesday, October 10th, 2000 at 7PM at the
Jackson County Parks Dept. Auditorium, 200 Antelope Rd. in White City. The
auditorium is actually located on Mosquito Lane off Table Rock Road. If you're
familiar where Search and Rescue is located, it's just a few doors from
SAR.
The class will be approximately two hours in duration and you can sign up as a
spotter at the class. Talk-in will be on the 147.100 (+) repeater located above
Central Point.
If you have any questions concerning the ham radio part of the program, contact
Randy/K7RPM or Gary/N7GK on 147.26+.
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Editors note: Thanks Randy. I am very pleased to see the SKYWARN program
“getting off the ground” in the Medford NWS “service
area”. As you know, many ARES members are
already NWS trained WX Spotters. We are looking forward to cooperating
with and working with you as you build this program.
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7 - REMINDER TO ALL ECs: Your monthly reports (for September) are due.
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ANOTHER REMINDER: WEDNESDAY NIGHT NET --- TOMORROW!
1900 to 1930L - The OR-NorCAL-NV Regional ARES " early net" is on
3987 kHz + or - (7232 or 1982 kHz alternate) This net is open to all ARES and other
EMCOMM
1930 to 2000L - OR/NorCal/NV A.R.E.S. LEADERSHIP NET 3987 + or - (7232 or 1982 kHz
alternate) NCS: District Two EC - WO6P (Dick in Shingletown)
(NOTE: All ARES Leadership (ECs, AECs, DECs, and SECs), and ARRL OES and ORS,
from any District and/or Section are welcome to check in as visitors. If you wish to
be on the discussion list (second round), just indicate that when you check in.)
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8 - IF YOU HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT OR SOMETHING OF INTEREST TO REPORT about your
ARES team or other EMCOMM unit...and would like it posted in the 5-1-2
BULLETIN...just send it to:
k6soj@arrl.net
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9 - COMING ATTRACTIONS...
*** EMCOMM and 160 METERS. A considerate operators’ band plan.
*** The INTERCONTINENTAL TRAFFIC NET
*** EMCOMM 2001 - MARCH 31, 2001 - PALO CEDRO, CALIFORNIA ***
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ECs and AECs: WE NEED YOUR HELP - BE A NET CONTROL OPERATOR!
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IF YOU ARE A PRIVATE OR GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE AGENCY, OR JUST A
"MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC"; AND YOU NEED EMERGENCY OR DISASTER RELATED
COMMUNICATIONS...JUST CALL "5-1-2". WE'RE OPEN...24 HOURS A DAY!
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