Bulletin No. 97

The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 12 March 2002 - No. 97

--------------------------------------------
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.emcomm.org  E-MAIL: k6soj@arrl.net
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
L = Local time in the Pacific Time Zone (PST winter / PDT summer)
Z = Universal Coordinated Time (UTC)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW EMCOMM WEBSITE: www.emcomm.org
Use this new “master site” to reach SV ARES and many other EMCOMM sites.
(Our existing website addresses will remain in effect during a transition
period.  Also, please report any problems, bugs, gremlins, and glitches.)
Special thanks to Bill Frazier, W7ARC, webmaster, for all his hard work.
“I LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER!” - Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, (George Peppard) of the A-TEAM.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+ IN THIS EDITION:
- SHORT CIRCUITS
- EC CORNER
- FEEDBACK
- 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)

+ ALASKA ARES / TRAFFIC NETS - (suggest: “clip and save”)
The Alaska ARES is establishing 24/7 “listening watch” on 3535 and 7042 kHz (CW) for NTS traffic within or into ALASKA.  Listen for AL7N, Fairbanks; and/or KL5T and KL7HF, Anchorage.  Full details at: www.qsl.net/aresalaska/news/ACWN.html  Also check out their main page at:
www.qsl.net/aresalaska/index.html  (Thanks to Walt Foss, K6HTD, for this “heads up”!)

+ PLACER COUNTY ARES NET - UPDATE
Wayne Mikel, KE6DJE, Placer County EC has announced that beginning March 17, Placer County ARES nets will be every-other-Sunday at 1930L on 145.430- (162.2) - (Sierra Foothills Amateur Radio Club / K6ARR repeater.) All ARES stations and interested visitors within range are welcome. NOTE: Wayne advises that there will NOT be a net on March 31. (Easter)

+ NEW CALL SIGN FOR OUR WEBMASTER -
William Frazier, is now: W7ARC (formerly KC7REK)...Congratulations Bill!

+ EC CORNER -  Monthly Reports for February were submitted by ECs or AECs in LASSEN, PLACER, SHASTA, SISKIYOU/MODOC and YOLO counties, and Districts 1 and 2.

+ FEEDBACK -
From Richard Davis, N3FDR, Warrenton, VA:
“I was recently directed to a web page of yours that had plans for a ‘simple NVIS antenna’ by my mentor in the ARRL Em Comm course I'm taking. I visited the page and book-marked it for later review, and now I can't bring it up--although I did enjoy being redirected to the very cool www.emcomm.org site and spent some time wandering around there. Anyway--does that info still exist, and if so, how might I get hold of it?”  Thanks much and 73, Rick Davis, N3FDR
COMMENT:  Thank you for your query and the kind words Richard.  We have
been in the process of changing our website(s) and perhaps the page you
wanted was temporarily down.  Anyway, I think the info you are seeking is
now at: www.emcomm.org/svares/projects/index.htm NVIS antennas work well on 40-80-160M out to a distance of about 300 miles, (which is what is desired for 90% of all emergency communications).  They also won't interfere (hopefully) with more distant stations on the same frequency.  NVIS signals go "up and down"...out of deep valleys, over mountains, and into another valley, if necessary.  They are easily erected and may even be laid out on the ground, often with satisfactory results! Good luck on the ARRL EmComm course! de K6SOJ

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" -
(A complete list of previous “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’!) - Pick up your cap at EMCOMM 2002...and wear it proudly!

+ SATURDAY NIGHT B-B-Q DEADLINE TO PURCHASE TICKETS DRAWS NEAR - 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.  The DEADLINE is 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:
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 mobile 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.
  #5 - Wayne Mikel, KE6DJE, 2001 Jazzy 1115 “6 Wheeler”, Lincoln, CA.
  #6 - Joe Park, WB6AGR, 1996 Dodge 3/4t 4x4 Pickup.  Roseville, CA.
  #7 - Mac McCulley, W6MAC. 1989 Chevrolet 4x4 2500 Pickup.  Redding, CA.

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

+ FEEDBACK ON LAST WEEK’S RADIOGRAM SECTION -

From last week’s issue (No. 96):  “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!

Here are the replies (in the order received) plus editor’s comments:

From Rich Freitas, KF6SZA, Greater Santa Rosa Area ARES EC:
In test message 52 the last "x-ray" is not needed.
In test message 53 there's no "HXE" in the header
COMMENT:  “Good eye” Rich!  You are correct about no “XRAY” being needed at the end of text.  You are also correct that “HX” should appear before the letter designating handling instructions...but there was no handling instructions sent in test message 53.  So... “no cigar” today!  :-)

From Terry Cobb, K6ME, AEC Lassen County and CDF-VIP HAMCO for the Lassen-
Modoc Ranger Unit:
In test message 52 I will guess that the Zip Code is missing.
In test message 53 there is no BK at the end of the text?
I also believe 53 could be shortened by at least one word?
Its been a long time since I was in Army MARS Though ;)
COMMENT:  Nice try ol’ buddy!  You are correct that the “ZIP figures” are missing, and should always be included by the originating station...if at all possible.  However, a message should not be refused by an originating station or delayed if they are not known.  Especially with PRIORITY or EMERGENCY traffic.  The delivering station will just have to work a little harder to deliver the message...possibly in person or by volunteer courier. And, we must always remember that the U.S. Postal Service is often severely disrupted, sometimes for weeks, following a major disaster.  

Although the procedural sign “BK” is sent in CW, and the proword “Break”, is said on phone just before the text and just after the text, it is not included in a written message.  You are also correct, that the message could (should) have been shorter.  The “X THANKS MUCH” is superfluous and only adds three extra words.  However, whatever is included in an original message, and is sent by the originating station, should be relayed and delivered exactly as sent!  There are horror stories about well-intentioned operators making changes or “correcting” messages along the way.  “ARMY MARS”?   What was that old saying?  Something about, “There is the right way, the wrong way, and the Army way!”.  (Just kidding)...But this is a friendly reminder to everyone:  MARS procedures may (and do) vary from ARRL NTS RADIOGRAM procedures...be careful.

From George Dibelka, AB6UE, Assistant ACS Officer, Siskiyou County:
“I know I'm not the first to respond with the correct answers, but I want to make a statement:
In Test #52, there should be no XRAY at the end of the text. "Break"
indicates end of text.
In Test #53, what time is now?  If the header would include a date/time
group, which in my opinion is a message requirement.”
COMMENT: Wrong...you were the first to submit both correct answers! And you are NOT “The WEAKEST LINK”!  You WON...and your “TEAM ARES” button is in the mail!

From Buck Buckley, W6HOR, Trinity County EC:
On #52 shouldn't end text with "X" and then count it as a word.
On #53 -- 12 hours from WHEN (no time indicated).
COMMENT: BINGO!  But...sorry Buck, you weren’t the first to submit the correct corrections.  Anyway, didn’t I give you a TEAM ARES button at the SCARS swap meet?

From Gary Willett, KB7QWC DEC, Sierra Motherlode District 4:
“While I suspect I'm quite late, I'm just now reading the last bulletin.
In Test 52 there is an X following the message text.
In Test 53 and the 53 there are no handling instructions.
These are good exercises. If I ever get an antenna up so I can copy the Wednesday net, I'll do some copying.”
COMMENT:  You are correct Gary, that the X (XRAY) at the end of the text is
improper;  but, handling instructions are only used when needed.

+ 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 MARCH 6
SENDING STATION KC7IXX -- RECEIVING STATION KB7EKF
--------------------------------------------------
TEST 53 P HXE KB7OJT ARL20 RIVER CITY OR MAR 6

JIM JOHNSON
JEFFERY COUNTY ARES

TEST MESSAGE X OUR COUNTY
ELECTRIC SUBSTATION HIT BY DOWNSTRIKE
X WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGE X
ARL NINE ARL ELEVEN 146.64

BOB RHODES BROWN COUNTY ARES
--------------------------------------------------
TEST 54 P KC7TJO ARL24 HARD ROCK CITY OR  MAR 6

BOB RHODES
BROWN COUNTY ARES

TEST MESSAGE X 4 OPERATORS
IN SEPARATE MOBILES ON ROAD
TO YOUR LOCATION X WILL
LINE UP ADDITIONAL X ARL
15 IN ONE HOUR

JIM JOHNSON JEFFERY COUNTY ARES
--------------------------------------------------
TEST 55 P KB7OJT 20 RIVER CITY OR MAR 6

JIM JOHNSON
JEFFERY COUNTY ARES

TEST MESSAGE X POWER RESTORED
X SITUATION UNDER CONTROL X
APPRECIATE YOUR HELP X YOUR
OPERATORS WILL BE RELEASED 2300

BOB RHODES BROWN COUNTY ARES
--------------------------------------------------
COMMENTS: Again, there is room for improvement.

In TEST 53, there is a procedural error.  The first station receiving this
RADIOGRAM should not accept it.  Can you spot the “no-no”?

In all three messages, the address is incomplete.  If a street address and
phone number is not known and cannot be looked up, the state MUST be
included.  No one knows what route a message may take, and a relay station
must know which state a county is in order to move the traffic in the right
direction.

In Test 55, the originating STATION (not necessarily the same as the SENDER
of the message) was not very adept at composing a RADIOGRAM TEXT.
(A relay station should never change anything in a message...and this would
be passed and delivered as originated).
The ARRL Public Service Communications Manual states:
“THE TEXT IS WHAT THE SENDER OF THE MESSAGE WANTS TO TELL THE ADDRESSEE. GOOD AMATEUR RADIO TEXTS SOUND LIKE TELEGRAPH MESSAGES, ARE CLEAR AND SUCCINCT AND WRITTEN IN SUCH A WAY THAT THEIR MEANING CANNOT BE MISCONSTRUED OR INTERPRETED IN MORE THAN ONE WAY. GOOD AMATEUR MESSAGE WRITING TAKES PRACTICE!

How would YOU have composed the TEXT in Test 55?
-----------------------------------------------
“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:

  SEND  RECEIVE
------------------------------------
Mar. 13 KB7EKF       K6SOJ
Mar. 20 KB7EKF       K6SOJ
Mar. 27 K6SOJ
Apr.  3 K6SOJ
------------------------------------
Stations SEND messages for two consecutive Wednesdays.  Then 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 27 & April 3.

+ 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.emcomm.org/skywarn 

+ NWS MEDFORD WX NET PARTICIPANTS WILL BE POSTED EACH WEEK ON THE NWS WEBSITE AT: www.emcomm.org/skywarn/nets.htm

+ 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 -

DATE     147.26+       3987 LSB
Mar.  6: K6SOJ          KC7WEU
Mar. 13: N7GK         N2RSN
Mar. 20: K6SOJ          KC7WEU
Mar. 27: N7GK         KB7EKF

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.emcomm.net/svares/nets.htm 

ARES REGIONAL NET CONTROL STATION SCHEDULE:
------------------------------------
Mar.  6  Josephine County EC  KK7BF
Mar. 13  Klamath County AEC N2RSN
Mar. 20
Mar. 27  District 1 & 2  DEC  WO6P
------------------------------------
(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.emcomm.org/SVARES/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 ...
+ HISTORY OF THE 5-1-2+ BULLETIN
+ DEVELOPING YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN - TIPS
+ PLANNING AND EXECUTING YOUR NEXT “SET” - TIPS
PLUS:
+ WHAT does “Amateur Radio”...mean to YOU?
+ MORE... “SATIRICAL SYMPHONIES”
+ HOW PREPARED ARE YOU? - A FUN QUIZ

+++ 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.
1730: 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):

HF mobile / portable                                  10
HF “Park and talk” antenna / NVIS                     10
VHF                                                    5
UHF                                                    5
HF Digital                                             5
VHF Packet                                             5
Mast (at least 16 feet)                               10
47.42 MHz FM (American Red Cross)                      5
ARES affiliated                                       10
RACES affiliated                                      10
4WD (if trailer, tow vehicle will count                5
Fire extinguisher                                      5
First aid kit (adequate)                               5
Jumper cables                                          5
Generator and spare fuel                              10
Safety gear (gloves, goggles, respirators, hard hat)  10
Log books, maps, plans, clip boards, pens/pencils     10
HD Flashlights                                        10
Shovel                                                 5
Tow strap                                              5
Coffee pot, stove, food rations                        5
Sanitary supplies (TP, paper towels, etc.             10
Blankets                                              10
Innovative design use of recycled / surplus equipment 15
Over all appearance                                   15

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

+ PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THE 5-1-2+ BULLETIN ARE ARCHIVED AT: www.emcomm.org/svares 

+ 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
--- end of bulletin ---