Bulletin No. 92

SACRAMENTO VALLEY SECTION ARES TEAMS TO MAINTAIN A HEIGHTENED ALERT STATUS STARTING THIS FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8.  ALERT CONTINUES THROUGH FEBRUARY 25. ARES MEMBERS IN OTHER SECTIONS CHECK WITH THEIR LEADERS FOR POSSIBLE CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR THEIR AREA.

The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 5 February 2002 - No. 92

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 “JAM PACKED” EDITION:
- THE “CQ SERENADE”
- EMCOMM 2002 UPDATES
- 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

+++ THE “CQ SERENADE” +++
With all the trouble in the world today...it’s nice to “lighten up” ever now and then.  Ray Balch, K6VX, sent this one along and says: “This one is really neat. According to the info on the page, 'CQ Serenade' was written and recorded in 1951.  Perhaps some of you old timers have already heard it.  

There is a French and English version of the song 'CQ Serenade'. The ‘Rhythm Of The Code' is also on this page. It takes Real Player or Real Audio to hear the music.”  (About 3 minutes) http://www3.sympatico.ca/ddufault/cq-serenade/cq-serenade.htm

COMMENT: I don’t know where you find all this weird stuff Ray, but I really got a big kick out of it! - de K6SOJ

+++  EMCOMM 2002 NEWS AND UPDATES +++
Watch this spot each week for progress reports and updates.

+ REGISTRATION - The rush is on!  During the first two weeks of the registration period, radio amateurs from Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and California have pre-registered!

+ WHY PRE-REGISTER?  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.)  Each person planning to attend please 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. 

Send your registration fee ($10/person) in advance, and expedite your check in the morning of EMCOMM.  Pre-register at: http://www.emcomm2002.net/

+ THE SATURDAY NIGHT B-B-Q -
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.  If you would like your tickets sent to you via return mail enclose a SASE. Other wise pick them up when you check in on April 20.  Details at: www.emcomm2002.net/

+ EMCOMM 2002 CAPS - STRAW POLL #2 -
If you are interested in purchasing a commemorative EMCOMM 2002 cap, and
haven’t voted in STRAW POLL at: www.emcomm2002.net/  (Click on Cap Poll) please vote.  The baseball style cap will be blue, with a flag design. 2002 in white in the upper left hand corner of “the flag”, with EMCOMM and “WE SERVE”  between the stripes.  They will cost $20 each (including sales tax).  Advance payment will reserve a cap for you.  Do not send any money until it is announced that we have enough to make up an order.

+ LODGING - Another major event is scheduled for Redding the weekend of April 20-21.  Make your reservations ASAP!  A few have reported that when they called an “800” number for reservations, they were told that there were no rooms available.  But when they called a motel/hotel direct, they were able to reserve a room.  PLEASE do not let this discourage anyone from attending!  If you are unable to secure a room reservation...contact us ASAP.  We may be able to help.  We are also working on alternative lodging arrangements.

+ CAMPING AND OVERNIGHT PARKING FOR RV’S -
Full details at the EMCOMM 2002 website.

+ 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.

+ 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 -

SATURDAY (APRIL 20) -
0700: VE Testing ($10.00)
0730: Doors open to EMCOMM 2002.  Check in, coffee and donuts
0845: Opening Ceremonies and Pledge of Allegiance
0915: OES/ACS Update
0930: Historic Role of Private Volunteer Organizations in America
1030: Break
1045: The World Trade Center Disaster Report: “I Was There”
1100: News from Newington - A Report from ARRL HQ
1130: “Back to Basics”
1200: Lunch break - Parking lot displays
1300: Winter Olympics SLC Report
1315: “READY, SET , GO! Seminar - Is YOUR “Ready Kit” Ready?
      (Individuals are encouraged to bring their “Ready Kits” for
      “Show and Tell”.  If you wish to “show your stuff”, or for more
      information contact Paul, NN7B, at: nn7b@arrl.net
1350: Break - To move to either ARC or RADIOGRAM class.
1400: American Red Cross Introduction to Disaster Services - (3 hrs)
      (This course will be repeated again on Sunday at 0900.
      The course is the basic orientation and prerequisite to all
      other ARC disaster courses.  Cards are valid throughout the U.S.)
1400: Traffic Handling, RADIOGRAMS, and more...a WORKSHOP (3 hrs)
1700: Socialize, parking lot displays, relax.
1800: B-B-Q Dinner
1900: SPECIAL EVENT STATION “W6E”, DISPLAYS, EYE-BALL “RAGCHEWS”
2400: QUIET TIME IN THE CAMP!

SUNDAY (April 21) -
0900: American Red Cross Introduction to Disaster Services -
      (3 hrs - repeat of Saturday class)
0900: Incident Command System and SEMS (1.5 hours)
1030: WX Spotter / SKYWARN class - (1.5 hours)
1030: ARES Leadership Seminar -
      (For SECs, DECs, ECs, AECs, and other ARRL Officials)
1200: Closing and Awards Ceremony, Door Prize Drawings
1300: Adjourn
NOTE: A more detailed version is available at: http://www.emcomm2002.net/

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

+ NWS / SKYWARN WX SPOTTER CLASSES SCHEDULED -
(See NWS Section below)

+ NEW EMCOMM RESPONDER - MUTUAL AID
Lee Dibble, KE6EAQ, who is also the San Francisco Section EC is now an
“ERMA”.  Tactical call sign: ERMA-16

+ WHAT IS AN “ERMA”? -
The ERMA Program was initiated in August 2001, less than a month before the
September 11 terrorist attacks upon the United States.  For information and
registration review the 5-1-2+ Bulletin No. 75 at:
http://www.qsl.net/k6soj/archives/number75.htm

+ THE REGIONAL ARES NET LIST HAS BEEN UPDATED:
http://www.qsl.net/k6soj/nets/index.htm

+ OREGON ARES EC MEETING SCHEDULED -
From Al Pion, KK7XO, Oregon District Five EC:
There will be an EC meeting at the semi-annual statewide ARES meeting in Rickreall, OR on February 16th 2002. The meeting will commence at 10:00am.

+ EC CORNER -

REMINDER: MONTHLY EC REPORTS ARE DUE.

2001 EC ANNUAL REPORTS - Thanks to the Emergency Coordinators in these SV counties for submitting annual reports:  Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Yolo.

+ FEEDBACK -
From: Ed Bruette, N7NVP Western Washington SEC

“I thought the anti-virus info (Bulletin #91) was very apropos. You may want to make an addition to the defense array that prevents the spread of viruses. Try this:

To avoid spreading computer viruses, create a contact in your email address book with the name : !0000 with no email address in the details. This contact will then show up as your first contact. If a virus attempts to do a "send all" on your contact list, your pc will put up an error message saying that: "The Message could not be sent. One or more recipients do not have an e-mail address. Please check your Address Book and make sure all the recipients have a valid e-mail address." You click on OK and the offending (virus) message would not have been sent to anyone. Of course no changes have been made to your original contacts list. The offending (virus) message may then be automatically stored in your "Drafts" or "Outbox" folder. Go in there and delete the offending message. Problem is solved and virus is not spread. Try this and pass on to your email contacts. This process works in Outlook and Outlook Express.”

COMMENT: Thanks Ed for the tip! - de K6SOJ

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

+ RADIOGRAM TIP # 10 - PUNCTUATION is not used in RADIOGRAMS.  A decimal point or period may be sent as: DOT,  the @ symbol may be sent as: AT.

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

+ WEDNESDAY NIGHT 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 30 JANUARY
SENDING STATION K7DXV -- RECEIVING STATION K6SOJ
------------------------------------------------
TEST 25 R K7DXV 17 KLAMATH FALLS OR JAN 30
JOHN HARRIS
RT2 BOX 117
CHECULEA WA 76217
712 603 7719

TEST MESSAGE X ARL NUMBERED
RADIOGRAMS ARE PREFORMATTED TEXTS WHICH
ALLOW COMMON PHRASES TO BE
TRANSMITTED QUICKLY

BILL 972 266 3927
-----------------------------------------
TEST 26 R KB7EKF 12 GRANTS PASS OR JAN 30
DAVE THORNE
3616 LAZY RANCH RD
MACDOEL CA 960589700
762 504 1677

TEST MESSAGE X REMEMBER BREVITY
AND TWENTY FIVE GROUPS MAXIMUM
IN TEXT

WARREN
------------------------------------------
TEST 27 R B72 G K7DXV 22 KLAMATH FALLS OR JAN 30
WARREN OLNEY KB7EKF
PO BOX 1182
GRANTS PASS OR 97526
706 371 1722

TEST MESSAGE X CW NETS
ARE IDEAL FOR QRP MOBILE
OR EMERGENCY STATIONS X LEARN
CW TRAFFIC HANDLING FOR MAXIMUM
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

ED K7DXV
------------------------------------------------
“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

+ NWS / SKYWARN WEATHER SPOTTER CLASSES SCHEDULED -

LAKE COUNTY (OR):
Thursday, April 11 - 7-9 p.m. at the Senior Center in Lakeview.

KLAMATH COUNTY:
Tuesday, April 16 - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Klamath Falls Sizzler
(South Sixth St. near Washburn Way - Optional dinner at 5:30 p.m..)

MODOC COUNTY:
Thursday, April 18, 7 PM at the Modoc County Office of Education
Conference Room, 139 W. Henderson, Alturas.
Contact: Nancy Ballard, Modoc County Sheriff’s Office.
(530-233-4416 or toll free 1-888-233-4416)

SHASTA COUNTY:
Sunday, April 21, 10:30 am (at EMCOMM 2002)

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: 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