Bulletin No. 91

SACRAMENTO VALLEY SECTION ARES TEAMS TO MAINTAIN
A HEIGHTENED ALERT STATUS - FEBRUARY 9 - 25, 2002.
ARES MEMBERS IN OTHER SECTIONS CHECK WITH THEIR LEADERS
FOR POSSIBLE CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR THEIR AREA.

The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 29 January 2002 - No. 91

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
-----------------------------------------
+ MALICIOUS CODE ALERT -
(NOTE:  I hate to take up valuable space and time by running warnings such
as the one below.  (I almost didn’t.)  But, if it saves one person from opening an infected message...it’s worth the hassle. - de K6SOJ)

Issued 28 Jan. 2002 by: James J. Watkins, CIO, OES Team IT:California OES
“The Department of Information Technology has alerted us to a new computer
virus making the rounds.  Please use extra care in dealing with e-mail.”
-------------------------------------------
From: Patricia G. Kuhar, CISSP
Department of Information Technology
Chief Information Security Officer
Governor’s Office of Emergency Service

“A new computer virus disguised as a link to a website with pictures of a party has appeared. W32.Myparty@mm is a mass-mailing email worm. If opened, the worm emails everyone in the Windows Address Book and by searching for email addresses in Outlook Express inboxes and folders. In addition, the worm sends a message to the author allowing him to track the worm. Finally, the worm may launch your web browser to <http://www.disney.com> if the filename is 'access' with any extension. The worm arrives via email with the following
characteristics:

Subject of email: new photos from my party!
Name of attachment: www.myparty.yahoo.com
Body:
‘Hello!  My party... It was absolutely amazing! I have attached my web page with new photos! If you can please make color prints of my photos. Thanks!’

Psychological tricks. Despite initial concerns, the MyParty virus seems to be being contained with only a few thousand reports so far. MyParty is the latest in a series of so-called socially engineered viruses that use psychological tricks to get clicks. While the e-mail worm MyParty is not proving nearly as devastating as it predecessors Nimda and Kournikova, it is interesting because it uses a new psychological tactic to fool computer users. The highly infectious worm is the first to use the .com extension in an attempt to fool users to open it.

PROTECTION:
1) If you receive the W32.Myparty@mm worm , simply delete the entire e-mail from your MS Outlook Inbox and from your Deleted Items Folder.  DO NOT OPEN OR EXECUTE THE ANY OF THE ATTACHMENTS.

2) Practice safe computing: don't open suspicious attachments. Your system DEFINITION FILE UPDATES FROM SYMANTEC SHOULD BE AT LEAST January 28, 2002 , IN ORDER TO BE PROTECTED FROM THIS WORM.”
-------------------------
+ IN THIS EDITION:

- EMCOMM 2002 UPDATE
- STRAW POLL # 2
- SHORT CIRCUITS
- EC CORNER
- FEEDBACK
- TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
- ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE UPDATE
- NWS-SKYWARN NEWS
- WX SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE
- ARES NETS REMINDER/SCHEDULE
- COMING ATTRACTIONS

+++  EMCOMM 2002 NEWS AND UPDATES +++

+ 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.

+ ARRL HQ STAFF MEMBER TO ATTEND EMCOMM 2002 -
Steve Ewald, WV1X, ARRL Public Service Specialist, and editor of the monthly QST column Public Service, has confirmed that he will attend and address the group in a general meeting.

+ 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/

+ PRE-REGISTER - And you’ll have a complimentary EMCOMM 2002 NAME BADGE with your CALL SIGN waiting for you when you check-in.  (For non-hams it will have your first name.)

+ LODGING ALERT - We learned yesterday that another major event is scheduled for Redding the weekend of April 20-21.  Hotel and motel rooms are already being booked.  Make your room reservations ASAP!  Alternatives are lodging in nearby Anderson, or Red Bluff (30 miles south of Redding). If you were undecided as to whether to RV or camp, we suggest you lean towards RVing/camping at the school.  PLEASE do not let this discourage anyone from attending!  We are working on some alternative lodging arrangements for anyone that needs a place to sleep.  Watch this column for updates.

+ INFORMATIONAL FLYER AVAILABLE -
A “downloadable” informational flier is available at the EMCOMM 2002 Website.  Print one out, make a bunch of copies, and distribute them at
ARES meetings, club meetings, hamfests, and wherever else you wish.

+ 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.  Unfortunately, The Dixie Chicks were already booked, but we are working on some other good live entertainment.  The price is $10 per person, pre-paid by April 1, 2002.  Get your tickets early.  Details at: www.emcomm2002.net/  (Registration)

+ AND NOW...STRAW POLL #2 -
Last year we offered EMCOMM baseball-style caps.  Sales were “so-so”, and we had a few left over.  It was decided then that the caps were not what you’d call a hot item.  HOWEVER...we’ve received a few queries asking if we will have caps again this year.  Help us decide by voting in STRAW POLL NUMBER 2 at: www.emcomm2002.net/  (Click on Cap Poll). Vote ONLY if you will purchase a cap.

The proposed EMCOMM 2002 cap will be a “low-profile” baseball style (as opposed to the “golfer-duffer” high-rise style).  We will only offer high-quality caps, (“Made-in-the U.S.A.” if we can find them).  The proposed color is blue, with a logo in red and white.  The design will be a “flag” configuration with 2002 in white in the upper left hand corner of “the flag”, with EMCOMM and “WE SERVE”  between the stripes.  High quality, custom embroidery caps are not cheap!  We’ll try to keep the price down, but expect they will cost about $20 each (including sales tax).  Advance sales will be accepted to reserve a cap for you.  Do not send any money...yet.  But vote YES if you are interested.

+ EMCOMM MOBILE UNIT SHOW AND COMPETITION - TROPHIES TO BE AWARDED
This has generated a lot of interest.  Watch this bulletin and the EMCOMM 2002 website for registration information, what the judging criteria will be, plus other details.  There will be two categories:

 -  BEST ARES OR CLUB OWNED EMCOMM UNIT
 -  BEST EQUIPPED PRIVATE MOBILE EMCOMM UNIT

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

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

+ SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY - “RECOGNITION” -
Mark Dibelka, AB2LI, Rochester, NY, (Mark is the son of George and Wilma
Dibelka, AB6UE/KD6WZC, Siskiyou County) sent a link to a page that depicts
many of the NWS Special Event Stations active on December 1, 2001.   

You can see Mark at the logging position of KB2UOX, NWS Buffalo.  (Bottom line, left.)  Mark says the photo was taken just as his partner made contact with
K6SOJ on 40 meters. (Which prompted Mark’s taking over the operating position!)  The page is at:  http://hamradio.noaa.gov/photos.htm (click on photos to enlarge).

COMMENT: Thanks Mark, for send this URL along.  But I say that K0NWS,
Duluth, had a much better looking station!  - de K6SOJ.

+ 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.

SV counties reporting to date:  Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Siskiyou,
Tehama, and Yolo.

+ FEEDBACK -
From Don Trask, KF6JMQ, San Jose, CA: “I'm a struggling RACES training
officer. I have heard different stories about the value of packet in a real emergency. I would like to know the REAL skinny.”

Editor’s REPLY:
Thanks for your query Don, you really know how to ask a $64 question! I wish we could sit down and talk over a cup (or pot) of hot coffee and discuss it.

Packet does have a useful place in EMCOMM. But as with most everything it
has it's strengths and weaknesses. What follows is just my opinion...and is
based solely upon my personal experience.

Advantages of PACKET in EMCOMM:
1. It is more "private" than voice (but probably not as “private” as CW).

2. Served agencies like "hard copy" traffic.

3. It MAY be more error free.

4. It is good for logistical or health and welfare traffic, but is not very good for tactical traffic.

5. It's good for those who are hearing impaired, have trouble speaking or communicating well verbally.

Disadvantages of PACKET for EMCOMM:
1. It is “equipment intensive” and requires a computer a TNC and other
assorted goodies; each of which are expensive, in limited supply, and may
break down at any time.

2. It requires more power, which may be a problem.

3. It requires a certain type of "special expertise" by operators.  And many hams do not enjoy keyboard communications.  Packet (and other digital) operators are few and far between in many areas.

4. There is little standardization of equipment...making it hard for some operators to take turns (shifts) during an operation.

5. If the packet system isn’t functioning properly, it may take up excessive air time on phone frequencies between two packet stations attempting to trouble shoot the system.

6. It's not very good for people who can't type.

My opinion is to NOT put all your eggs in one basket. If you have operators that like packet (and don't leave out digital HF), and want to serve in that manner, encourage and support them.  But, you'll have little success trying to "convert" non-digital oriented operators over to digital communications.  (It’s as difficult as trying to convince phone operators to switch to CW!)  And if you have operators who like voice or CW...utilize them in that way. After all, 99% of EMCOMM operators ARE volunteers. To ask them to do something that they are not familiar with, or do not enjoy, is usually futile.

For EMCOMM, I do believe that point-to-point packet, or HF pactor using NVIS antennas, is preferable over trying to do EMCOMM using elaborate nodes and BBS systems.  A portable digipeater may be very helpful for EMCOMM.

In RACES operations, where 99% of all traffic is “third party” (on behalf of a government agency or official), and is mostly between two fixed locations (e.g.- a city hall and a county seat of government), digital communications are ideal.  (NOTE: Additional comments on this topic are welcome.)

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

+ RADIOGRAM TIP # 9 - The date is always written (and said) as “DEC 10”,
not “twelve ten” in much of the world 12/10 is October 12.)

+ AN EXCELLENT NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) TRAINING WEBSITE IS AT: http://www.qsl.net/aresco/nts-top.htm

+ RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS CONTINUE -

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 23 JANUARY
SENDING STATION WA7IZU -- RECEIVING STATION K7DXV
-----------------------------------------
TEST 21 R G WA7IZU 16 KLAMATH FALLS OR JAN 23
ED EWELL K7DXV
6719 BECKTON AV
KLAMATH FALLS OR  97603
541 884 3392

TEST MESSAGE X BOY SCOUT
MOTTO X BE PREPARED X
IS ONE WE COULD ALL
USE

BOB WA7IZU
----------------------------------------------------------
TEST 22 R G WA7IZU 24 KLAMATH FALLS OR JAN 23

DENNIS KNIGHT WA7FXF
16230 MCBEE  RD
DALLAS OR 97338
503 623 3350

TEST MESSAGE X MINIMIZE AMBIGUITY
AND ENUNCIATE CLEARLY X EXAMPLE
X CANNOT CALLSIGN ALWAYS ARE
EXAMPLES OF 2 WAY SPELLING
AND GROUP COUNT ERROR

BOB WA7IZU
-------------------------------
TEST 23 R G WA7IZU 24 KLAMATH FALLS OR JAN 23

JOE REVOIR KA7FUL
PMB 351 19093 S BEAVER CREEK RD
OREGON CITY OR  97045
503 631 8446

TEST MESSAGE X REFERENCE RESOURCE
FOR PROCEDURE AND TRAVELERS IS
THE ARRL NET DIRECTORY X
HAMS SHARE AND VISITORS ARE
WELCOME WHEN CHECKING IN

BOB WA7IZU
--------------------------------
“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 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 -).

2. Copy at least one 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
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 mistake hold you back.  In an emergency or disaster,
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 March 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 CHECKI-NS 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