Bulletin No. 90

SACRAMENTO VALLEY SECTION ARES TEAMS TO MAINTAIN
A HEIGHTENED ALERT STATUS - FEBRUARY 9 - 25, 2002

The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 22 January 2002 - No. 90

A REGIONAL Bulletin for ARES and other EMCOMM Stations and Public Safety Officials in northern California, southern Oregon, northern Nevada, and
elsewhere.  D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, SV Section EC, Editor.

INTERNET: www.qsl.net/k6soj  E-MAIL: k6soj@arrl.net

+ IN THIS EDITION:

- EMCOMM 2002 UPDATE
- SHORT CIRCUITS
- EC CORNER
- SIMULATED POWER OUTAGE REPORT and FEEDBACK
- TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
- ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE UPDATE
- NWS-SKYWARN NEWS
- WX SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE
- ARES NETS REMINDER/SCHEDULE
- COMING ATTRACTIONS

+++ IMPORTANT +++

+ EMCOMM 2002 UPDATE(S) -
The 3rd Annual “EMergency COMMunications EXPO” - EMCOMM 2002, will feature new classes, workshops and seminars.  Watch this spot each week for
progress reports and updates.

+ REGISTRATION  -
We would like each person planning to attend to register separately. (E.g.- A husband and wife attending, should each register.) It’s from this database that name tags, certificates, etc. will be generated.  Register at:  http://www.emcomm2002.net/

+ A FEW HAVE REPORTED PROBLEMS ACCESSING THE REGISTRATION PAGE -
If that happens, please try later when there is less internet traffic (after 0400Z).  Our Webmaster, Bill Frazier, KC7REK, says: 
     “I have ran tests using three different browsers.  MSIE 6.0.26, Netscape 6.2.1, and Netscape Communicator 4.79, and have had no problems opening the registration page or registration form.  Possibly some are using one of the older "cached" pages on their machine.  It may be that some hams who haven't upgraded their browsers since Netscape 2.0.  

I checked with an online utility and it says that both the registration page and the registration form are very browser compatible for any browser under any
service, including WebTV."

+ THE SATURDAY NIGHT B-B-Q IS... “A GO!”
We now have enough persons indicating that they will purchase tickets. The B-B-Q will include: Tri-tips, chicken, salad, rolls, beans, cake and soft drinks.  The price is $10 per person, pre-paid by April 1, 2002. Get your tickets early.  Details at: http://www.emcomm2002.net/  (Registration)

+ THE EMCOMM 2002 CURRICULUM IS STILL A “WORK IN PROGRESS” -
Here is a list of what’s planned (so far).  Seminars on: “The History and Role of Volunteer Organizations in America”, The WTC Disaster...a report by those “who were there”, “Back to Basics”, Traffic Handling Workshop, Incident Command System, ARES Leadership Seminar, American Red Cross course, “Introduction to Disaster Services”, NWS SKYWARN WX Spotter class.

Also Vendors, VE Testing, Mobile EMCOMM unit parking lot display and contest, and a Special event station: W6E.  Watch the 5-1-2+ Bulletin for updates and a class schedule soon!

+++ SHORT CIRCUITS - (Brief, but important announcements)

+ SACRAMENTO VALLEY SECTION ARES TEAMS AND STATIONS -
Please maintain a heightened ALERT STATUS from February 9 through 25.
For more information contact your EC or DEC via e-mail, landline, or in
person.  Please DO NOT discuss this “on-the-air”.

+ SISKIYOU / MODOC COUNTY ARES -
Until a viable Emergency Coordinator candidate for Modoc County ARES
emerges, Nannette Thorne, KE6MZT, Siskiyou County EC has agreed to serve as the interim EC for Modoc County.  Modoc County ARES members are invited to check in to the Siskiyou/Modoc ARES net on Thursday evenings at 1930L on 3987 LSB.

The Modoc County CDF-VIP will remain under Terry Cobb, K6ME, CDF HAMCO for the Lassen-Modoc Ranger Unit.  Modoc CDF-VIP members are invited to check in to the Lassen County ARES/CDF net also on Thursdays at 1830L on 3987. The Modoc ACS Officer position remains vacant.  ACS leadership for Modoc will operate on a mutual aid basis (Under MAR III) until further notice.

+ COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMY 2002 SEATTLE - MARCH 23-24, 2002
www.eskimo.com/~brucem/kc7iay/2002/index.htm

+ FOR ANYONE -
Who doesn’t see the value of documenting ALL amateur radio public service
activities, with records and reports; and submitting them to your EC, DEC,
or SEC, I suggest you read page 15 of the February 2002 QST. - Editor

+ EC CORNER -

REMINDER: 2001 EC ANNUAL REPORTS (Form C) are due January 31, 2002. Print a copy at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/ec_ann.pdf
Send copies (via U.S. Mail) to: ARRL HQ, your DEC and SEC.

+ “THE BOX” - A NEAT SET UP -
Steve Merrill, KB1DIG, has posted information on his Web site (http://people.ne.mediaone.net/buck0/combox.htm) on "The Box". It’s a plastic file-folder box with hinged cover, configured as a portable emergency communications station. It consists of a 2-meter transceiver (eventually to be a dual-band radio), junction box, 12-volt fused connections, cigarette-plug outlet, 12-volt battery system monitor, SWR meter, powered speaker, LCD clock, etc.

Photos of "The Box" appear on the Web site.
(From: The California OES ACS Newsletter - January 14, 2002)

+ SIMULATED POWER OUTAGE EXERCISE #2 - RESULTS
On January 19, 2002,at 1224L, during the JNN (7232 kHz), back up NCS K7DXV Klamath County AEC and Training Officer, operating on generator power, declared a “simulated power outage”.  All stations were asked to switch to emergency/auxiliary power and call the alternate NCS as soon as they were
operational.  Participating in the exercise (and the time they re-checked in) were:

Elapsed time ranged from between less than one to four minutes.  FB!

TESTS TO CONTINUE -
Once during each calendar month, expect an unannounced “Simulated Power
Outage” on the JNN.  Here’s how it works:
1. Stations check in as usual using their normal power source.

2. Sometime after the first round of check-ins, a “simulated power outage”
will be declared.

3. Net stations switch or connect to emergency power and call the NCS as
soon as they are “back on the air” (using an auxiliary power source).

4. As stations check in (using emergency power) the NCS will note the time
in the log.  Elapsed time will be recorded by the NCS, in the order of “re-checks” and will be announced the next day on the JNN and published in
the following issue of the 5-1-2+ Bulletin.

5. Stations who normally operate “off the grid” may participate by
simulating a failure in their normal power source, and by switching to a
different system.

6. “Emergency power” is defined as:
    - A gas, diesel, solar, wind, pedal, or hydro powered generator...or
      any other “off the grid” power source.
    - A Battery.  (Pre-charged “from the grid” is allowed.)
    - Going outside to your mobile unit.

7. If a station does not have emergency power for HF, they may go to a VHF
mobile, HT, or other emergency powered VHF radio and check in, PROVIDING
they contact a participating VHF-HF station (also on emergency power)
and be relayed in to the NCS.

8. The “exercise” will end at 1300L or until all stations have checked in.
(If you are unable to be operating by 1300L, you need to improve your
response time.  ;-)

9. Stations who participate in one or both “tests”, and send a business
size SASE to: The SOJOURNERS, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA  96058 will receive a SPECIAL QSL CARD that will confirm the number of minutes that it took them to switch to an emergency (or other back up) power source.

+++ TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION SECTION -
(Previous training bulletins are archived at: www.qsl.net/k6soj)

+ RADIOGRAM TIP # 8 - In the preamble the time (UTC) that the message was written is not necessary in routine traffic, but may be found in EMERGENCY or priority traffic.  Always make sure that date is also in UTC if the time is included.

+ AN EXCELLENT NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) TRAINING WEBSITE IS AT: http://www.qsl.net/aresco/nts-top.htm
Thanks to Ed Ewell, K7DXV, AEC and Klamath County ARES Training Officer for finding this one!  It’s the best I’ve seen so far - de K6SOJ

+ RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS -

RADIOGRAM practice sessions are Wednesday nights following the ARES
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP NET - (Approximately 2000L on 3987 LSB + or -.)
- Test messages will be sent by volunteer operators.
- The RADIOGRAMS will be published in the following 5-1-2+ Bulletin, so
participants can check their copy 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

+ TEST (PRACTICE) RADIOGRAMS AS SENT ON 16 JANUARY
SENDING STATION WA7IZU -- RECEIVING STATION K7DXV
-----------------------------------------
TEST 15 P B4 WA7IZU ARL28 BLY OR 0410Z JAN 17

ED EWELL K7DXV
6719 BECKTON AV
KLAMATH FALLS OR  97603
541 884 3392

TEST MESSAGE X ARL FIFTEEN
CONDITION OK X TOWLINE AND
HANDYMAN JACK X LOCATION TWN
38 R 14 S 22
SE OF NE X MONITORING
146 DOT 52

BOB
----------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT: ARRL FORMAT RADIOGRAMS SHOULD NOT EXCEED
25 WORDS IF MORE IS NEEDED SEND ANOTHER MESSAGE
----------------------------------------------------------
TEST 16 W E WA7IZU 18 KOREA VIA MARS/ABM4USA 0001Z JAN 16

SALLY OWENS
2400 32ND ST
LOVELOCK OR  97603
541 882 6548

TEST MESSAGE RECEIVED PICTURES X
THANKS X TELL KIDS I
LOVE THEM X CALL YOU
SOON X LOVE

PHIL
----------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT: THE SEPARATOR X (SAID AS “INITIAL X-RAY”) SHOULD
HAVE BEEN USED BY THE ORIGINATING STATION BETWEEN
MESSAGE AND RECEIVED AND WOULD THEREBY RAISE THE CHECK TO 19

-------------------------------
TEST 17 R WA7IZU 23 KLAMATH FALLS OR JAN 16

KATHRYN R WALTER
PO BOX 429
CLACKAMAS OR 97222
503 429 6897

TEST MESSAGE X MOBILE USA
FLAG FLYERS SHOULD DISPLAY THE
FLAG ON THE RIGHT SIDE
OF THEIR CAR X DISPLAYING
PATRIOTISM HAS ETIQUETTE

BOB
--------------------------------
“TRAFFIC HANDLING IS FUN AND REWARDING!”

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
http://www.area-ham.org/tngdocs/ntsdocs/ntsman.htm

A SPECIAL QSL CARD is available to all operators who participate in any
Wednesday session, and submit a copy of a correctly copied RADIOGRAM by
regular mail.  All radio amateurs (including “no code” Technicians) are
invited to listen in and submit an entry.  Here are the rules:

1. Listen on Wednesdays at 2000L on 3987 LSB (+ or -).  Three RADIOGRAMS will be transmitted.

2. Copy the entire RADIOGRAM(s) (preamble, text, and signature).  Copy(s)
must be accurate and correct.  VERY minor (non-consequential) errors, MAY
be accepted.

3. Use an ARRL RADIOGRAM blank; (a “printer friendly” version is available
at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/radiogram2.pdf or, you may use a plain piece of paper.  However, your “copy” MUST be in ARRL RADIOGRAM format.

4. Send your completed RADIOGRAM(s) and a business-size (4 x 9.5”)
self-addressed stamped envelope (.34 cent stamp affixed) to:
D. W. Thorne,  K6SOJ, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058.

5. Entries MUST be postmarked by the Monday that follows the practice
session, since the correct copy will be published in the 5-1-2+ Bulletin
the following Tuesday.

RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSION STATION SCHEDULE:

As you can see from the above schedule, volunteer stations will SEND three
messages for two consecutive Wednesdays.  Then, they will RECEIVE messages for the next two Wednesdays.  If you want to “jump in with both feet”, and be a sending (then a receiving) station, please let us know.  Don’t let the
fear of making a “misteak” hold you back.  Operators who have not practiced
this will have one a hell of a time if they ever need to send a message.
Learn how to, or polish your old skills, BEFORE an EMERGENCY occurs!

OK...who will be next?  (Need a receiving station for Feb 27 and Mar 6.)

+ NWS-SKYWARN SECTION
Jim Reynolds, KD7MLO, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Medford NWS
Gary Peterson, N7GK, Acting 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

+ WEATHER SPOTTER CLASS AT EMCOMM 2002 -
Other classes to be announced as they are scheduled.

MEDFORD NWS WX SPOTTER / SKYWARN NETS:
The Medford NWS WX SPOTTER NET every Wednesday at 1915L on:
147.26+ / CTCSS: 123.0, (Mt. Ashland - Jackson County and more),146.55 SIMPLEX (eastern Siskiyou and Klamath Counties), 146.97- (Likely - Modoc County) 3987LSB (1982 LSB alternate).

SKYWARN nets may be activated on these frequencies during severe weather events.

NWS SKYWARN NET CONTROL STATIONS -

ADDITIONAL NWS NET CONTROL OPERATORS SOUGHT -
For more information contact:
Gary, N7GK, gpederso@OregonVOS.net; or,
Dave, K6SOJ, k6soj@arrl.net

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: gpederso@OregonVOS.net

Check in to the JEFFERSON NOON NET daily at 1200L on 7232 LSB (alt. 3987) for announcements regarding anticipated or actual severe WX.

+ 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 and/or 146.55 MHZ DURING THE NOON NET TO RELAY CHECK-INS 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. Starting November 21, 2001 at 2000L (approximate) on 3987 LSB (+ or -):

“ON-THE AIR” RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS

ARES REGIONAL NET CONTROL STATION SCHEDULE:
------------------------------------

(ARES leaders* who are willing and available to serve as the NCS on one of
the blank dates above, please contact K6SOJ to be placed on the schedule.)
* SECs, DECs, ECs, AECs, OES, ORS, etc.)

+ ARES and other EMCOMM NETS - list at: http://www.qsl.net/k6soj/nets/index.htm

+ 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 ...

PLUS:

+ 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) 2002 - 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