Bulletin No. 95

THE 2002 WINTER OLYMPICS ARE HISTORY. THANKS TO ALL ARES MEMBERS AND OTHER EMCOMM OPERATORS WHO MAINTAINED A HEIGHTENED ALERT STATUS DURING THE GAMES.

The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 26 February 2002 - No. 95

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

+++ 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 WILL “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 and 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,
(April 20) 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.

+ EMCOMM 2002 “FAQs” -

Q: Will showers be available for those who camp overnight?

A: Yes, but bring your own towels, etc.  And if you are staying overnight,
   don’t forget to make your tax-deductible donation payable to: B.Q.H.S.
   (You may pay at the door when you pick up your overnight parking pass.)

   (A complete list of “FAQs” is 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 mandatory 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.
  #2 - Steve Faulkner, KF6OCE, 1995 Jeep Wrangler.

+ EC CORNER -

SECs, DECs, and ECs recently received a query from:
Steve Ewald, WV1X, ARRL Field Organization/ Public Service Team and Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, ARRL Marketing Coordinator, regarding options that are being considered at ARRL HQ for ARES wearable ID and/or “uniform” items.  ARES leaders are invited to send their comments on this topic to Steve Ewald, WVIX, at: sewald@arrl.org
Here is one reply:

Hello Steve,

Below is my reply to your questionnaire. I would venture a guess that the
number of different opinions/ideas will be equal to the number of respondees. ;-)

In the 20 county Sacramento Valley Section we have 152 Registered ARES
Members. This topic has been discussed "ad nauseum" over the past few
years. The consensus here, seems to be, to “leave it up to local option” as
to the TYPE and COLOR of garment...county-by-county.

This makes sense, since other agencies in any given area are not
standardized, and this allows a local ARES unit the option of choosing a
distinctive color/garment.

In addition...if the "uniform" varies by county, it may help to identify
those ARES members from neighboring counties, in a mutual aid / assistance
situation.

My personal suggestion is the vest idea. A vest may be purchased large
enough to fit over a heavy coat, and many are adjustable to allow them to
be worn over a jacket, sweatshirt, or T-shirt.

I believe the existing ARES patch (either in red/white/blue or black/gold)
is the only national standard insignia needed. These can be sewn on to
caps, shirt sleeves, vests, jackets, and coats.

But, I also suggest that these same patches be produced and sold by ARRL
(for a reasonable fee) in a large size (e.g. - 8 inches diameter), for use
on the back of garments.

73 Dave Thorne, K6SOJ, SV SEC

+++ 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 20 FEBRUARY
SENDING STATION K6SOJ -- RECEIVING STATION KC7IXX
--------------------------------------------------
TEST 202 R K6SOJ 20 MACDOEL CA FEB 20

ALL RADIO AMATEURS
PACIFIC TIME ZONE
WEST COAST USA

TEST MESSAGE X JUST PASSED
2002 2002 2002 X SAME
AS 2002L FEBRUARY TWENTY TWO
THOUSAND TWO X SOME PALINDROME

OLD MAN TIME
------------------------------------------------
TEST 104 W E WO6PP ARL13 SHINGLEVILLE CA  FEB 19

FRED WILLARD
3481 POPLAR ST
BRANSON MO  65616
816 222 4897

TEST MESSAGE X ARL FIFTEEN
X CALL TOLL FREE ASAP
866 212 5596

GARY FREIDAN
-------------------------------------------
TEST 38 P K4EOC ARL9 BRANSON MO FEB 20

GARY FREIDAN
28 BAMBI LN
SHINGLEVILLE CA  96088
530 224 5244

TEST MESSAGE X ARL FOURTEEN
TORNADO X ARL FIVE

FRED
---------------------------------------
TEST 44 W K4EOC ARL20 BRANSON MO FEB 21

GARY FREIDAN
28 BAMBI LN
SHINGLEVILLE CA  96088
530 224 5244

TEST MESSAGE X ARL ONE
X ARL SIX X MARY
AND I ARE AT RHINESTONE
COWBOY MOTEL JOPLIN X LOVE

FRED
----------------------------------------
“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 CLASS SCHEDULE -

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