Bulletin No. 96

+++ MARCH IS RED CROSS MONTH +++
“The Red Cross is for us a light in the darkness.  We owe a debt of
gratitude to those who, in 1863, lit this beacon.  It is up to us to make
sure that it does not go out.” - Dr. Albert Schweitzer

The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 5 March 2002 - No. 96

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
- EC CORNER
- EMCOMM 2002 UPDATE
- 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)

+ “AND THE WINNER IS...”
Terry Bell, N2RSI, of Round Lake, OR, submitted correctly copied RADIOGRAMS from the February 13 practice session, and was subsequently drawn as the winner of the portable, battery operated, electrically illuminated dial, “gin-you-wine”, emergency field day and/or station clock!  Terry,  is an AEC in both Klamath and Siskiyou/Modoc Counties, and is active in MARS and SHARES. She works for the Oregon Department of Forestry during fire season as an initial attack dispatcher at the Kingsley Field - Klamath Falls Fire
Center and Air Tanker Base.

+ FROM PLACER COUNTY -
Wayne Mikel, KE6DJE, Placer County EC has announced that Placer County ARES now has a net on the first Sunday of the month at 1930L on 145.430- (162.2) - (Courtesy of the Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club and the K6ARR repeater.) Wayne reports that they may soon go to twice a month. All ARES stations and interested visitors within range are welcome.

+ FROM NEVADA COUNTY -
From Al Hoffmeyer, WA6WER, NEVADA COUNTY EC:
“We now average about 17 check-ins on our Saturday ARES nets at 0800L. Also, we are planning “bar code” identification badges for our members, as well as, business cards.  And we’re making up satchels for “grab and run” kits, that will include road maps, name, agency, and frequency lists, pens, paper, etc.  The Nevada County Amateur Radio Club is putting up an antenna tower and outfitting the new radio room at the Salvation Army HQ Building. That is about it.  -  Al Hoffmeyer, WA6WER, Nevada County EC.”

COMMENT: Thanks for the great progress report Al!  The 0800L time on Saturday is an interesting choice for an ARES net.  Please let us know how it works out.  FB on the “business cards”...nice to have handy to give out when a member assists someone.  I saw some years ago that said: “You have just been assisted by an AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR - A HAM”.  They had a place for the operator to write in his/her name and call sign.  Also, FB on the
“grab-and-run-kit” project!  I hope some of your members will have theirs ready to display in the “READY, SET , GO! Seminar” at EMCOMM in April.  But tell us:  Will those “bar code” ID badges be good in any bar in California...or just those in Nevada County?  HI.

+ FROM SHASTA COUNTY -
Drew Witham, W1SAR, reports that between the Shasta County ARES team and mutual aid operators from nearby counties, it looks like he will have the
THIRTY operators requested for the DISASTER EXERCISE set for April 18.
COMMENT: “I love it when a plan comes together!” - Col. John “Hannibal”
Smith.  (George Peppard of the A-TEAM.)

+ EC CORNER -  REMINDER TO ALL ECs: Monthly Reports Are Due Now
Reports for February are already in from YOLO, PLACER, SHASTA, and
SISKIYOU/MODOC Counties.

+  EMCOMM 2002 NEWS 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 "FAQs" -

Q: Will lunch be available at EMCOMM 2002?

A: YES! A hamburger lunch, complete with chips, cookie, and a soft drink or
bottled water, will be available courtesy of The Amateur Radio Club of
Anderson, for a nominal charge. A picnic area with tables and shade is
nearby.
(A complete list of “FAQs” is at: www.emcomm2002.net/faq.htm )

+ LODGING -

If you need a room and haven’t found one, we may be able to help.
Contact Dave at: k6soj@arrl.net ASAP.

+ EMCOMM 2002 CAPS WILL “HAPPEN” -

Our “straw poll” indicated 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 “UNITED 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 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.

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.  1998 Ford F150 Truck.  Klamath Falls, OR
  #2 - Steve Faulkner, KF6OCE.  1995 Jeep Wrangler.  Citrus Heights, CA.
  #3 - Dan Neuman, K6MLA.  1997 Ford Ranger.  Paradise, CA.
  #4 - Jake Hickok, KF6KDD, 1982 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup, Red Bluff, CA

+++ 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 27 FEBRUARY
SENDING STATION KC7IXX -- RECEIVING STATION KB7EKF
--------------------------------------------------
TEST 51 P HXE KC7BOM 19 GRANTS PASS OR FEB 27

ROCKY CLIMBER
6412 HIGH ST
EUGENE OR  97150
541 123 9876

TEST MESSAGE X 2 HIKERS
LOST IN ROGUE RIVER CANYON
X REQUEST MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM
ASAP X PLEASE ADVISE

BILL WARREN
--------------------------------------------------
TEST 52 P HXE KD7VEU 18 EUGENE OR FEB 27

BILL WARREN
3118 PINE ST
GRANTS PASS OR
541-321-6789

TEST MESSAGE X MRT CAN
DEPART 12 HOURS FROM YOUR
APPROVAL X WILL REQUIRE REIMBURSEMENT
FOR EXPENSE X

ROCKY CLIMBER
--------------------------------------------------
TEST 53 P KC7BOM 25 GRANTS PASS OR  FEB 27

ROCKY CLIMBER
6412 HIGH ST
EUGENE OR  97150

541 123 9876

TEST MESSAGE X PLEASE DISPATCH
MRT NO LATER THAN 12
HOURS FROM NOW X COSTS
COVERED X WX RAINY OVERCAST
AND COLD X THANKS MUCH

BILL WARREN
---------------------------------------
CAN YOU SPOT...a minor procedural error in message # TEST 52?
And, an important omission in message # TEST 53?

The first person to correctly identify BOTH of these errors/omissions, and
send what would be more proper to:  k6soj@arrl.net will receive a “TEAM ARES” button by return mail...postpaid!
----------------------------------------
“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: (PLEASE NOTE location change from previous announcement.)
Monday, April 8 - 7-9 p.m. at the Harbor Fire Hall on Benham Lane,
Brookings.

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 MAR 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
      B-B-Q Hamburger, chips, cookie and drink available for a nominal fee.
      (Courtesy of the Amateur Radio Club of Anderson)
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