“The time to learn the game plan, is not 15 minutes before the
kick-off”
- Charlie Brown.
-----------------------------------------
The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 16 October 01 - No. 76
TO: OR-NorCAL-NV ARES and other EMCOMM Stations, ARRL Officials, other EMCOMM and Public Safety Officials; in Oregon District 5, California SV Section Districts 1, 2...and BEYOND.
FROM: D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ, ARES SEC, SV Section (North), editor.
Assistant ACS Officer MAR III California OES
INTERNET: www.qsl.net/k6soj
E-MAIL: k6soj@arrl.net
CA OES ACS INLAND REGION WEBSITE: www.acs.oes.ca.gov/Inland
+++ SHORT CIRCUITS - Brief
(important) announcements:
“THE 5-1-2 BULLETIN” HAS A NEW
NAME! IT IS NOW “THE 5-1-2+ BULLETIN”
The “plus” is added as an attempt to make EMCOMM personnel in other
districts and sections feel more INCLUDED!
+ ON THE LIGHTER SIDE -
I forward very few of the zillions of e-mail poems, jokes, and other assorted
gobbley-gook, I receive here at “5-1-2 Bulletin Central”. But Terry
Cobb, K6ME, AEC Lassen County, sent one that I really enjoyed. It is
entitled: “We'll fight to the last 50-year-old!” - by Jeff Ackerman.
It’s at the far end of today’s bulletin. I hope you get as biga’
kick out of it as I did. - Editor
+ ERRORS and OMISSIONS -
The Jackson County NWS WX Spotter class is on:
Thursday, November 15; 7-9 PM at:
Jackson County Public Works Auditorium
200 Antelope Road (not “Drive”, as previous announced)
White City, OR
Last week, in the Tuolumne County article, we reported that:
“Fred White, WB6WFF, (Sonora) is the new EC for Tuolumne County.”
We should have said: “Fred White, WB6WFF, (Sonora) is the EC for Tuolumne
County.” (Fred has been the EC for several years.) Also: the acronym
“TCARES” stands for “Tuolumne County Amateur Radio & Electronics
Society” (a club); NOT Tuolumne County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (as
stated). The “Railtown 1897 Rail Fair” was a California State Park event.
The Moccasin Fire, was an Tuolumne County OES/RACES incident; and the Darby
Fire, was a CDF/VIP incident.
COMMENT: Thanks to Phil Fish, WB6GGY Tuolume County RACES Officer; and Carl
Croci, NI6Z, President of the Tuolume County Amateur Radio &
Electronics Society; for the additional information.
+ THREE NEW “ERMAs” (EMCOMM
Responders - Mutual Aid)
ERMA - 11: Tom Campbell, K6KMT, Santa Clara County
ERMA - 12: Phil Fish, WB6GGY Tuolumne County/SJV Section
ERMA - 13: Ed Ewell, K7DXV Klamath County (also Siskiyou)
(“ERMA” Program information near end of this bulletin)
+ UPDATED - REGIONAL ARES NET
PROTOCOL AND ROSTER -
(Including a “printable version”) is now available at:
www.qsl.net/k6soj (click >“NETS”,
then click > “5-1-2 Net Protocol”
+ REMINDER - 5-1-2+ REGIONAL ARES
AND NWS NETS
DAILY:
1200 to 1230L: Jefferson Noon Net on 7232 LSB (3987 LSB alternate)
NOTE: ALL STATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO MONITOR AND/OR CALL ON 146.52 MHZ
DURING THE NOON NET TO RELAY CHECKINS OR TRAFFIC.
WEDNESDAYS:
1915 to 1930L: NWS WX SPOTTER NETS (see NWS-SKYWARN section below)
1930 to 2000L: A.R.E.S. LEADERSHIP NET on 3987 LSB (1982 LSB alternate) ALL ARES
and other EMCOMM leaders are welcome. A net roster is available at: www.qsl.net/k6soj/nets/net.htm
+ ARES and other EMCOMM NETS
- list at:
www.qsl.net/k6soj/nets/index.htm
+ “ON-THE-AIR” RADIOGRAM
PRACTICE SESSIONS SCHEDULED -
The details are still being worked out; but beginning in November (exact date
TBA), RADIOGRAM practice sessions will be held following (approximately 2000L)
the weekly ARES REGIONAL LEADERSHIP NETS on Wednesdays on 3987 + or -.
- One or more “test messages” will be sent by volunteer operators.
- The preamble and text of the RADIOGRAMS will be published in the 5-1-2+
Bulletin the following Tuesday, so participants can check for accuracy.
- You will need a supply of blank RADIOGRAMS. They are available from
league HQ; or, you can print them out from: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/RADIOGRM.pdf
- ALL EMCOMM operators are invited to “practice” with us. ARES leaders
are
asked to encourage members on their teams to participate.
- Operators that do not have an HF station, can still practice. All you will
need is an HF receiver.
- Later on, we may also do some sessions on CW.
- Watch the 5-1-2+ Bulletin for more information.
Reference materials are:
- The ARRL Public Service Manual; or go to:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/teacher/kemp/appendixa.html
“TRAFFIC HANDLING...CAN BE FUN!”
ADDITIONAL (VERY) USEFUL information is available at:
http://www.remote.arrl.org/FandES/field/pscm/sec2-ch11.html
http://www.iea.com/~donf/pan/NTSMinutes.htm
+ FEEDBACK -
“I enjoyed participating in the (Regional) ARES net last night. Here is the
latest roster for our HF net. We welcome all interested in EMCOMM stations, but
we’re particularly focused on the Sonoma Operational Area and the Mendocino
Coast. If we activate in the frequency is 7245 kHz/daytime), and 3915 kHz/nighttime.
(These are also Sonoma OA ACS frequencies.) Our regularly scheduled net is
every Tuesday at 1930L on 3915 LSB.
Nice to contact David, N2RSN. I will try to work with him to assess HF
digital possibilities. I am already trying to push the rebirth of VHF packet
here.
I am the ARES EC for Sonoma Valley in the SF Section and the Asst ACS Officer
for MAR II for Lake, Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma Counties. It does keep me busy
at times.
I subscribe to the 5-1-2 Bulletin and enjoy it. Keep up the good work.”
73 Ken McTaggart, N6KM
PS - As an ACS staff member with Coastal/MAR II, I would appreciate being
keep informed about any ERMA stations in my area. Thanks.
COMMENT: Thanks Ken. It’s great to have EMCOMM stations from your area
checking in to 5-1-2+ Regional ARES Nets. From time to time I will publish
a list of “ERMAs” in the 5-1-2+ Bulletin. de K6SOJ
------------------------------------
+ TRAINING and CONTINUING
EDUCATION SECTION -
The article: “DISASTER / MAJOR EMERGENCY -- WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? by Lt. Dan
Blackston, Chula Vista Police Department” appeared in its entirety in BULLETIN
# 36 (January 9) and is archived at: http://www.qsl.net/k6soj
. Below are excerpts from that article with comments.
68. There will be an overcritical desire to "verify" all incoming
information. If it is received from a field unit, it should be considered as
verified.
COMMENT: That may be true as it applies to messages from professionals;
but, how much trust can an agency place in amateur operators? This
underscores the importance of maintaining an ongoing rapport with the served
agency(s). Officials need to be able to know that the flow of information
from the field is reliable and ACCURATE. Whether from one of their own
“pros”, or one of our “amateurs”. EMCOMM operators, properly
trained and disciplined, will provide only accurate and verifiable information
or traffic.
TRAINING BULLETINS are archived at: www.qsl.net/k6soj
------------------------
+ NWS-SKYWARN SECTION
Jim Reynolds, KD7MLO, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Medford NWS
Gary Peterson, N7GK, Asst. Medford SKYWARN Coordinator
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, Asst. Medford SKYWARN Coordinator
SKYWARN is the National Weather Service program of trained volunteer spotters
reporting severe weather. The ARRL/ARES has a national “memorandum of
understanding” (MOU) with the NOAA/NWS.
MEDFORD NWS SKYWARN WEBSITE: www.qsl.net/mfrskywarn
SKYWARN / WX SPOTTER NET CONTROL OPERATORS NEEDED -
Currently there are only two NWS NC operators for the Medford NWS.
Help us “carry the load”!
1. If you live in the nine county service area of the Medford NWS
2. Are an active registered WX spotter
3. Have a VHF and HF station (with NVIS antenna)
4. Would like to serve your country as a NCO for the NWS;
Contact:
Gary, N7GK, gpederson@orednet.org ,
or:
Dave, K6SOJ, k6soj@arrl.net
WINTER WEATHER SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE - UPDATED
JOSEPHINE COUNTY:
Tuesday, October 23; 7-9 PM
Anne Basker Auditorium in Grants Pass
(between city offices and court house on 6th St.)
DOUGLAS COUNTY:
Monday, October 29; 7-9 PM Drain Fire Station
531 South Cedar St. Cedar St. is also Hwy 99
LAKE COUNTY (OR):
Thursday, November 1; 7-9 PM at Lakeview Senior Center
MODOC COUNTY:
Saturday, November 3; 1-3 PM at Modoc Office of Education in Alturas
CURRY COUNTY:
Tuesday, November 13; 7-9 PM downstairs in the Blue Room in the County
Annex Building in Gold Beach.
COOS COUNTY:
Wednesday, November 12; 6:30-8:30 PM Coquille Fire Station
JACKSON COUNTY:
Thursday, November 15; 7-9 PM at Jackson County Public Works Auditorium
200 Antelope Road, White City (just north of Medford).
SISKIYOU COUNTY:
Monday, November 19; 6-8 PM at Ray Trigar Training Center @ CDF Yreka
KLAMATH COUNTY:
Tuesday, November 20; 6:30-8:30 PM in the Banquet Room of the Klamath Falls
Sizzler. Optional dinner at 6:00 PM.
---------------------------------------------
MEDFORD NWS WX SPOTTER / SKYWARN NETS:
The Medford NWS WX SPOTTER NET every Wednesday at 1915L on:
147.26+ / CTCSS: 123.0, (Mt. Ashland); 146.55 SIMPLEX (eastern Siskiyou and
Klamath Counties) 146.97- (Likely); 3987LSB (1982 LSB alternate).
SKYWARN nets will also be activated on these frequencies during severe
weather events.
ALSO, the NWS PACKET NODE ON MT. ASHLAND is on 145.030 MHz, ID is: skywrn. NWS
is asking for SKYWARN and ARES packet stations to connect and let them know your
location, the type of antenna and power you use to access the Mt. Ashland node.
The “connect” to NWS packet bbs (direct) is 145.090 and the ID is NWSMFR.
Then connect to NWSBBS, e.g., c nwsmfr. Then, c nwsbbs. The NWSMFR at nws mfr is
a node.
Questions? contact Gary, N7GK e-mail: gpederson@orednet.org
Check in to the JEFFERSON NOON NET daily at 1200L on 7232 LSB (alt. 3987) for
announcements regarding anticipated or actual severe WX.
+ 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...send it to:
k6soj@arrl.net
+ COMING ATTRACTIONS ...
ITU PHONETICS - WHY?
NTS - WHY?
WX SPOTTER NETS - WHY?
CW - WHY?
PLUS:
WHAT does “Amateur Radio”...mean to YOU?
MORE... “SATIRICAL SYMPHONIES”
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? THE SERIES CONTINUES
HOW PREPARED ARE YOU? - A FUN QUIZ
+ EMCOMM 2002
April 20-21 2002 - Bishop Quinn High School, Palo Cedro, CA.
www.emcomm2002.net
+ PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THE 5-1-2
BULLETIN ARE ARCHIVED AT:
www.qsl.net/k6soj
+ The “5-1-2 BULLETIN” -
Copyright (c) 2001 - D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce and re-circulate items from this
bulletin providing appropriate credit is given to the “5-1-2 REGIONAL ARES
BULLETIN” and/or the author or originator of the material. Send corrections,
updates, etc. to: k6soj@arrl.net
+ PLEASE REMEMBER TO CONSERVE ENERGY!
------------------------------------
5-1-2
CLASSIFIED ADS - FREE TO ALL EMCOMM OPERATORS -
(Please keep your ad short (2-4 lines), and limited to radio and / or other
EMCOMM related equipment only. Listings will appear at end of every 5-1-2
Bulletin and will run for four issues unless cancelled or extended.)
Send text to: k6soj@arrl.net
FOR SALE -- YAESU FT-290 II 2 meter FM/SSB/CW Transceiver. Includes
snap-on 6 “C” cell battery pack (2.5 watts output), snap-on 12v power amp
(25 watts out), tone board, shoulder strap, mobile mount. Excellent
condition (like new) with original box, manual etc. $350.00 + shipping.
Contact: k6soj@arrl.net
(10/9)
----------------------------------------
WE'LL FIGHT TO THE LAST 50-YEAR-OLD
by Jeff Ackerman
A couple of weeks ago I indicated that if I could, I'd enlist today and help my
country track down those responsible for killing thousands of innocent people in
New York City and Washington, D.C. But I'm 50 now and the Armed Forces says I'm
too old to track down terrorists. You can't be older than 35 to join the Army.
They've got the whole thing backwards. Instead of sending 18-year- olds off to
fight, they ought to take us old guys. You shouldn't be able to join until
you're at least 35.
For starters:
* Researchers say 18-year-olds think about sex every 10 seconds. Old guys only
think about sex every 15 seconds, leaving us more than 28,000 additional seconds
per day to concentrate on the enemy.
* Young guys haven't lived long enough to be cranky and a cranky soldier is a
dangerous soldier. If we can't kill the enemy we'll complain them into
submission. "My back hurts!" "I'm hungry!" "Where's the
remote control?"
* An 18-year-old hasn't had a legal beer yet and you shouldn't go to war until
you're at least old enough to legally drink. An average old guy, on the other
hand, has consumed 126,000 gallons of beer by the time he's 35 and a jaunt
through the desert heat with a backpack and M-60 would do wonders for the beer
belly.
* An 18-year-old doesn't like to get up before 10 a.m. Old guys get up early
just to show we can (and to steal the neighbor's newspaper).
* If old guys were captured we couldn't spill the beans because we'd probably
forget where we put them. In fact, name, rank and serial number would be a real
brain teaser. If it wasn't for the age barrier, I'd pretty much get into the
Army without a hitch. According to the Army Internet site, I'd need to pass an
entrance exam (officially called an ASVAB), but the sample questions I saw
weren't exactly headache material. For example
A magnet will attract:
a) water
b) a flower
c) a cloth rag
d) a nail
I took a wild stab and guessed, "nail," knowing they'd probably stick
me in some desk job with Army Intelligence after Boot Camp.
If 12 workers are needed to run 4 machines, how many workers are needed to run
20 machines?
a) 16
b) 18
c) 3
d) 60
Let's see...three workers per machine times 20 machines...errr...hmmm...uhhh...60?
Finally, they wanted to know if I had command of the English language, just in
case I had to describe an enemy camp from memory. Small most nearly means
a) Sturdy
b) Round
c) Cheap
d) Little
I knew this cheap, little sturdy guy once, but I wrote down little. Now you know
where the first questions come from for the "Who Wants To Be A
Millionaire" game show. Boot camp would actually be easier for old guys.
We're used to getting screamed and yelled at and we actually like soft food.
We've also developed a deep appreciation for guns and rifles. We like them
almost better than naps. The Army could lighten up on the obstacle course,
however. I've been to the desert and didn't see a single 20-foot wall with rope
hanging over the side. I can hear the Drill Sergeant now. "Get down and
give me...er...one!" And the running part is kind of a waste of energy.
I've never seen anyone outrun a bullet. I'm reminded of the story of the young
bull and the old bull standing on a hill looking down on the cows. "Let's
run down there and make love to one of those cows," says the young bull.
"How about we WALK down there and make love to ALL those cows,"
replies the old bull. Patience is something most 18-year-olds simply do not
have. For good reason, too. An 18-year-old has the whole world ahead of him.
He's still learning to shave. To actually carry on a conversation. To wear pants
without the top of the butt crack showing and the boxer shorts sticking out. To
learn that a pierced tongue catches food particles.
And that a 200-watt speaker in the back seat of a Honda Accord can rupture an
eardrum. All great reasons to keep our sons at home to learn a little more about
life before sending them off to a possible death. Let us old guys track down
those dirty, rotten cowards who attacked our hearts four weeks ago today. The
last thing they'd want to see right now is a couple of million old guys
with attitude.
--......--