Bulletin No. 94

SACRAMENTO VALLEY SECTION ARES TEAMS TO MAINTAIN
A HEIGHTENED ALERT CONTINUING THROUGH FEBRUARY 25.
ARES MEMBERS IN OTHER SECTIONS CHECK WITH THEIR LEADERS
FOR POSSIBLE CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR THEIR AREA.

The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 19 February 2002 - No. 94

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:
- OLYMPIC AMATEURS
- SHORT CIRCUITS
- EMCOMM 2002 UPDATE
- FEEDBACK
- TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
- ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE UPDATE
- NWS-SKYWARN NEWS
- WX SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE - UPDATED
- ARES NETS REMINDER/SCHEDULE
- COMING ATTRACTIONS

+ OLYMPIC AMATEURS - By D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ

 Amateur: (am’e-choor’) n  1. “One who engages in an activity as a pastime rather than a profession.”  From the Latin: “amator”.  A lover.  An “amateur” has often been referred to as someone who does something for the love of it.

I’ve been watching the Winter Olympic Games from Salt Lake City nearly every evening.  I’ve never been more impressed, as I’ve watched the amateur skiers, skaters, sledders and snowboarders compete. Both as individuals and as teams. Amateurs...striving for perfection in their chosen sport or event. But even after many years of training and practice, very few if any, ever complete a perfect performance.

I attended a classic car show last summer. I recall the pride and joy each aficionado had in his or her piece of rolling sculpture. The owner of each vehicle was never far away, jealously keeping a watchful eye on their entry, and quickly stepping forward with polishing cloth in hand to remove even the slightest smudge or dust on a fender or a radiator shell. Perfection was the goal.

I tuned across the amateur bands a few nights ago. Venturing away from my usual public service net frequencies. Sadly, much of what I heard was better described by the second definition of amateur as listed in my dictionary: 2. “One who lacks expertise.”  Why is it that some radio amateurs take pride in disgracing amateur radio by sounding just as ignorant, and “lacking in expertise”, as they possibly can?

Maybe it’s just an aversion to learning. Or, perhaps it’s some latent psychological need to get on their electronic soapbox, and proudly showcase their ignorance and lack of courtesy to the whole world. 

As radio amateurs we could all take a lesson from the Olympic amateurs. If our chosen event is DXing, strive for that DXCC, WAZ, 5BDXCC, 5BWAZ or other award. I have a close ham friend who just completed his 8 Band WAZ. It took him ten years. Perfection!

Maybe your interest is in restoring antique or classic radios. Those who enjoy this hobby must have a lot of patience and usually take a lot of pride in the work.  Perfection!

Are you a “contester” or “paper chaser”?.  Why not “go for the gold” next time?  But be sure to play by the rules. What satisfaction is there in winning an award or event, knowing that you cheated?  And by the way, why not put some of your operating skills to use by joining your local ARES team or public service net?

And last but not least, if your primary area of interest is emergency and public service, please strive for proficiency.  Learn all you can about the technical skills, the operating procedures, your local, regional, and even national emergency plans.  Practice teamwork.  Practice net procedures. Practice traffic handling. Training and practice never stop...that is if you want to be “an Olympic amateur”.

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

+  EMCOMM 2002 NEWS AND UPDATES -
Watch this spot each week for progress reports and updates.
(Previous updates are located in the “EMCOMM 2002 SECTION” near the end of this bulletin and on the EMCOMM 2002 website: www.emcomm2002.net)

+ EMCOMM 2002 CAPS TO “HAPPEN” -

Our “straw poll” indicates that there are enough people willing to plunk down twenty bucks for a commemorative EMCOMM 2002 cap for us to place an order.  The baseball style caps will be blue, with an embroidered flag design, with 2002 in white in the upper left hand corner of “the flag”, and EMCOMM and “WE SERVE”  between the stripes.

To order / reserve your cap send a check or money order for $20. (Say what
it’s for and make it payable to EMCOMM.) Mail to: EMCOMM, P.O. Box 99,
Macdoel, CA  96058.  Payment MUST be received no later than April 1, 2002.
(no foolin’!)

+ SATURDAY NIGHT B-B-Q REMINDER -
If you are planning on enjoying the B-B-Q dinner with us on Saturday night, you must purchase your tickets in advance.  $10 per person.  Send check or money order made payable to: EMCOMM.  Mail to: EMCOMM, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA  96058, not later than April 1, 2002.  Your meal tickets will be waiting for you at the registration desk on Saturday morning.  Or you may enclose a SASE and they will be mailed to you.

+ “FAQ” PAGE NOW ON WEBSITE AT: www.emcomm2002.net/faq.htm

+ EMCOMM 2002 MOBILE UNIT SHOW AND COMPETITION - UPDATE
ARES teams, clubs, other EMCOMM units, AND individuals, may now pre-register their mobile unit for the display and contest by going to: http://www.emcomm2002.net/mobile/index.html

- PRE-REGISTRATION is not required for this event, but all individuals and
groups who pre-register will receive an engraved dash plaque.
- There is NO FEE to enter the show and competition.
- WINNERS in each category will be presented with a handsome trophy.
- JUDGING period begins at noon Saturday.
- WINNERS will be announced after the B-B-Q dinner Saturday evening.
- Paul Cavnar, NN7B, Nevada SEC, has suggested some excellent additional
ideas for the “judging criteria”.  Nothing exotic...just common sense items.  They have been added to the “unannounced criteria” list, and have raised the potential BONUS POINTS to 100!

NOTE: If the entered MOBILE EMCOMM unit is a trailer, and the towing
vehicle is 4WD, the five 4WD points will be awarded.

ALREADY REGISTERED in the ARES, CLUB, or other EMCOMM group class:

  #1 - ARES / HUMBOLDT COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB.
       1991 Ford E350 Econoline Van

ALREADY REGISTERED in the private/individually owned unit class:

  #1 - Ed Ewell, K7DXV, Ford F150 pick up truck.

+ FEEDBACK -
From Gary Willett, KB7QWC, SV District Four EC:

Hi Dave,
“Hope all is well.  Just a note to let you know how much you are appreciated.  The work on EMCOMM alone has got to be overwhelming, let alone the many other things you are involved in.  Thanks!

As I mentioned earlier, my week has been really busy, and I didn't get a chance to read the latest bulletin until today.  Please accept my congratulations on getting a quote from Abraham Lincoln in "1961".  What a feat.  That “medium” on your staff does a GREAT job (grin).  On the other hand, you may have done that on purpose just to see if we actually read the bulletin.  Nice touch!  Really - I'm just kidding.  The work you do on this bulletin is amazing in itself.  Thanks again.”

COMMENT:  Oops!  (That’s a word you never want to hear in an operating
room.)  Now I know that there’s at least one person that reads the 5-1-2+ Bulletin carefully!  And contrary to what you may have heard, I have not been communicating with “Honest Abe” since the battery in my OUIJA board
died.  Anyway, make that 1861, and thanks for the kind words. - de K6SOJ

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

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

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 (earlier buff colored cover edition);
or, ARRL Net Directory (FSD-50, 2001-02 edition);
or, go to: www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/teacher/kemp/appendixa.html

+ TEST (PRACTICE) RADIOGRAMS AS SENT ON 13 FEBRUARY
SENDING STATION K6SOJ -- RECEIVING STATION KC7IXX
------------------------------------------------
TEST 75 P C W5ARC 25 HOUSTON TX 2012Z FEB 13

VANCE MONTGOMERY ARC
4117 OAK ST
GRANTS PASS OR 97526
503 213 2002

TEST MESSAGE X ARC ERV
219 DEPARTED HOUSTON TODAY WITH
TWO VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE MONITORING
7232SSB CALLSIGN K5RC X ETA
GRANTS PASS SATURDAY FEB 16

CLARK BARTON
------------------------------------------------
TEST 46 P KK7BF 20 GRANTS PASS OR 0235Z FEB 14

CLARK BARTON ARC COORDINATOR
1330 N 34TH AVE
HOUSTON TX 77702
512 499 6789

TEST MESSAGE X MESSAGE RECEIVED
AT 0215Z FEB 14 X
ARES STATION HERE MONITORING 7232
X WILL ADVISE ERV ARRIVAL

VANCE MONTGOMERY
----------------------------------------------
TEST 76 P C W7ARC 21 HOUSTON TX 0630Z FEB 15

VANCE MONTGOMERY
4117 OAK ST
GRANTS PASS OR 97526
503 213 2002

TEST MESSAGE X REFERENCE ERV
219 X BLIZZARD IN ALBUQUERQUE
NM X BAND LONG LOST
CONTACT X PLEASE ATTEMPT CONTACT
7232

CLARA BARTON
------------------------------------------------
TEST 47 P KK7BF 25 GRANTS PASS OR 0721Z FEB 15

CLARA BARTON
1330 N 34TH AVE
HOUSTON TX 77702
512 499 6789

TEST MESSAGE X I40 CLOSED
AT MORIARTY NM X 219
ERV CREW SAFE AT SOMBRERO
MOTEL TUCUMCARI X SKED AT
0800 CST 7232 FOR UPDATE

VANCE
----------------------------------------
“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 following 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, or polish up your old skills,
BEFORE an EMERGENCY occurs!

OK...who will be next?  We need a receiving station for March 13 and 20.

+ 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 -

CURRY COUNTY:
Monday, April 8 - 7-9 p.m. downstairs in the Blue Room of the County Annex
Building in Gold Beach.

COOS COUNTY:
Tuesday, April 9 - 7-9 p.m. at the North Bend Housing Authority Office
1700 Monroe Ave., North Bend.

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

JACKSON COUNTY:
Monday, April 15 - 7-9 p.m. at the NWS office in Medford.

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..)

SISKIYOU COUNTY:
Wednesday, April 17 - 7-9 p.m. at Grange Hall, Happy Camp.
(In conjunction with Neighborhood Watch.)
Tuesday, April 23 - 7-9 p.m. CDF Training Room, 1809 Fairlane Rd. Yreka.

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)

DOUGLAS COUNTY:
Thursday, May 2 - 7-9 pm Ford Room, Douglas County Library in Roseburg.

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 Relay)
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

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 SECTION +++
    (Info from previous bulletins)

April 20-21 2002 - Bishop Quinn High School, Palo Cedro, CA.
www.emcomm2002.net

+ REGISTRATION - 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 speed up 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/

+ 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.

+ THE EMCOMM 2002 CURRICULUM -
  (Updated 05 FEB 02)

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/

+ EMCOMM MOBILE UNIT SHOW AND COMPETITION - TROPHIES TO BE AWARDED!   (Updated 19 FEB 02)

There will be two categories:

 -  BEST ARES, CLUB, OR OTHER NON-PROFIT MOBILE EMCOMM UNIT
 -  BEST EQUIPPED PRIVATE/INDIVIDUAL MOBILE EMCOMM UNIT

Judging will begin at noon and end in the evening on Saturday, April 20.
Decision of the judges will be final. The “scores” will be based upon the
criteria below; PLUS UP TO 100 BONUS POINTS are possible based upon
unannounced criteria.

Categories and maximum points possible (in each category):

                              POINTS POSSIBLE: 200
                              BONUS POINTS POSSIBLE: 100
                              TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 300

+ 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