Bulletin No. 100

The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 2 APRIL 2002 - No. 100

"The wireless telegraph is not difficult to understand.
The ordinary telegraph is like a very long cat.
You pull the tail in New York, and it meows in Los Angeles.
The wireless is the same, only without the cat."
- Albert Einstein

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 EMAIL: k6soj@arrl.net
--------------------------------------------
L = Local time in the Pacific Time Zone (PST winter / PDT summer)
Z = Universal Coordinated Time (UTC)
--------------------------------------------
+ IN THIS EDITION:
- HISTORY OF THE 5-1-2+ Bulletin
- 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


+ A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 5-1-2+ Bulletin -
by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, Editor

In this "ONE HUNDREDTH ISSUE" it is fitting to provide this following
bit of history about the "5-1-2 Region".

Historically, geologically, geographically, culturally, economically, climatologically, and even politically, the general region composed primarily of southern Oregon and the far northern portion of California share a wealth of commonalties.

For example: Siskiyou County, where I live, is in California; but the Siskiyou Mountains and the Siskiyou National Forest are in Oregon. Klamath County is in Oregon, but the Klamath N.F. is in California. Accenting the entire region is Mt. Shasta at 14,192 ft. But it is not in Shasta County, it is in Siskiyou County. And at one time it was in Trinity County! (The county lines were moved...NOT the mountain.) The disastrous "Oregon Fire" last year was so dubbed since it began near Oregon Mountain...in Trinity County, California!

Bisecting the entire region is the arbitrary California-Oregon border. But more significant are the major rivers, including the mighty Klamath, whose headwaters are in Oregon, but meanders southwesterly and meets the Pacific in Del Norte County just south of Crescent City, California. Between the Pacific coast to the high desert plateaus of eastern Oregon and California lie some of the most rugged and (still) pristine mountain ranges and wilderness areas in the country.

From the time of the earliest European settlers, and even the native Americans before, the people of this region have held a common bond. Many northern Californians prefer to trade in Oregon (no sales tax), and Oregonians come to California for other specific items such as liquor, lottery tickets, or to climb or ski on Mt. Shasta.

Politically, there is a long history of dissatisfaction with the centers of state government. Many area residents have historically felt that they are neglected by Salem, far to the north; and Sacramento, far to the south. In the mid 1800's, and just prior to World War II, there were serious attempts by the residents in the region to form their own state...the "State of Jefferson".

There are four major north-south highways that pass through the region. U.S. Hwy. 101 "the coastal route, Interstate 5, U.S. Hwy. 97 (which eventually becomes the AL-CAN Highway, and U.S. Hwy. 395 to the east. These, plus the railroads, provide essential links between the centers of power and commerce in California and the great Pacific Northwest. Severe winter storms, transportation accidents, and other incidents such as widespread power outages and telephone system failures occur far to frequently. 

I became the EC for Siskiyou County in 1994. It soon became apparent that there would be great advantage to maintain a working relationship with the other ARES leaders in our region. Shortly thereafter, and after a few meetings, a weekly regional ARES net was established on a linked repeater system. This net was unique since it involved four ARRL districts in three ARRL sections, two ARRL divisions, and multiple counties in two states.

But the linked VHF system soon proved to be inadequate due to lack of coverage and complaints from other users of the system. Knowing that we would loose some of the ECs whose licenses permitted only VHF operation, and with much soul searching, the leadership group voted to move the net to HF, using NVIS antennas. Over the past few years this has proved to be successful, and many of the former technician level operators have upgraded to general class or higher. 

The 5-1-2 Bulletin ("5" for Oregon District Five, and the "1" and "2" for Sacramento Valley Section Districts One and Two) started as a simple email
reminder for the nets. Soon after, came weekly announcements, a National Weather Service/SKYWARN Section, (Medford NWS serves this unique region), and other articles of interest...not only to those in our region, but to others elsewhere. Eventually, ARES leaders in the Nevada and San Francisco
Section began to join in ...and were welcomed!

The name of the net was later changed from "The 5-1-2 ARES Leadership
Net" to the Oregon/northern California/Nevada ARES Leadership Net. Other names were considered for the bulletin, but it was decided to stay with the
original "5-1-2" and simply add a "+". 

With this issue, the circulation is over 300, and there are subscribers across the U. S. and even a few abroad. To borrow a well-known phrase from Paul Harvey: "Now you know the rest of the story!"

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

+ THE GREAT ARES-EMCOMM SPRING WESTERN ROUND UP! -
Pass the word...on Wednesday, 3 April 2002, the ARES REGIONAL LEADERSHIP NET will digress from it's usual format. At 1930 PST (0330Z) on 3987 LSB the NCS will call for check-ins from all ARES or other affiliated EMCOMM stations...anywhere! The call will be by geographic area. Relays will be accepted that originate from VHF/UHF (and out-of range HF) stations, any mode. Repeaters and digi-peaters OK but simplex preferred. ARES leaders are invited to alert "VHF/UHF only" team members, and help them arrange to have access (via VHF/UHF) to a HF ARES station. How many "troops" can YOUR local unit muster? Stations checking in give their call sign, their county or unit, and any relays. A SPECIAL CERTIFICATE will be issued to all participants who make it into the NCS log AND send a business-size (9") SASE to: EMCOMM 2002 ROUND UP, PO Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058.
Let's see how many ARES-EMCOMM stations we can "round up" tomorrow! NOTE: RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSION WILL FOLLOW THE "ROUND UP" - (see below).

+ MUTUAL AID OR MUTUAL ASSISTANCE? -
The term "Mutual Aid" is a formal procedure defined in California state law as it applies to one government agency assisting another under the "California Mutual Aid Act".

The term "Mutual Assistance" pertains to non-government agencies and organizations. (E.g.- ARRL/ARES; ref. ARRL Field Resources Manual p. 80). Therefore, in order to avoid confusion, when referring to "ARES only", (at least in California), effective immediately, the proper term will be "mutual assistance".

NOTE: The Sacramento Valley ARES Mutual Assistance Guide may be viewed at: www.emcomm.org/svares/mutual_assistance/index.htm.

Other ARES units are welcome to "borrow" this plan to develop a Mutual Assistance Plan suitable for their section. 

+ SV SECTION DISTRICT 3 -
Citing conflicts with work, Tim Tribble, KD6MDV, has resigned as DEC. District 3 includes Sacramento, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba and Yolo Counties, and the search has begun for a qualified replacement. If you live in District 3, have experience as an ARES leader either in the SV Section or elsewhere, please contact: D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, SV SEC at: k6soj@arrl.net.

+ "OUR EMCOMM HERITAGE" -
Part two of: "P R R" at the end of this issue and will be of particular interest not only to radio amateurs...but to "RAIL FANS".

+ JACKSON COUNTY ARES NET FREQUENCY - UPDATED
The Jackson County ARES Nets on Tuesday nights at 1930L are now on the Mt. Ashland NWS Repeater on 147.26+ (CTCSS 123.0) until further notice.
(Via Gary Pederson, N7GK, AEC)

+ EC CORNER - REMINDER TO ALL ECs: Your monthly reports (FSD-212) are due for March. Reports already have been received from SHASTA, and SISKIYOU/MODOC Counties.

+ EMCOMM 2002 UPDATES AND REMINDERS -

NEW EMCOMM 2002 FAQ:

Q: Is the VE Testing open to anyone or only to those attending EMCOMM 2002?

A: The VE testing is open to anyone with ten bucks and the other
necessary paperwork. Contact: Mac McCulley, W6MAC, (530)244-6456 or email: w6mac@charter.net


+++ TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION SECTION -
(Previous training bulletins are archived at: http://www.emcomm.org/svares )

+ 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 RADIOGRAMS AS SENT ON MARCH 27
SENDING STATION K6SOJ -- RECEIVING STATION N2RSI
--------------------------------------------------
TEST 77 W HXE W6SOJ ARL17 REDDING CA MAR 26

AMERICAN RED CROSS
325 MESQUITE RD
GALVESTON TX 77552
409 721 2111

TEST MESSAGE X ARL NINETEEN
EARL ROGERS FAMILY 13 ISLAND
RD GALVESTON TX 77555 409
853 4118

FRED HEFFNER SHASTA COUNTY ARC
-------------------------------
TEST 48 W WA7GRC 24 GALVESTON TX MAR 27

FRED HEFFNER SHASTA ARC
2135 CYPRUS ST
REDDING CA 96001
530 243 3021

TEST MESSAGE X EARL ROGERS
FAMILY SAFE IN ARC SHELTER
NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY X EARL
WILL CALL BROTHER IN REDDING
WHEN PHONE SERVICE RESTORED

RAOUL GONZALES ARC
--------------------------------------------
TEST 78 R AL7N 13 FAIRBANKS AK MAR 27

DICK CLOYD WO6P
30910 THUMPER DR
SHINGLETOWN, CA 96088
530 474 3096

TEST MESSAGE X ALASKA CW
NTS NETS ARE ON 3535
AND 7042 KHZ

ED TRUMP AL7N
-----------------------------
"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, PO 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
------------------------------------
Apr. 03 K6SOJ WO6P
Apr. 10 WO6P
Apr. 17 WO6P
------------------------------------
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 April 10 and 17.

+ 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, CA.

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
Apr. 03:     K6SOJ      KC7WEU
Apr. 10:    N7GK   N2RSN
Apr. 17:    N2RSI         KC7WEU
Apr. 24:    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 email: 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: http://www,emcomm.net/svares/nets/nets.htm 

ARES REGIONAL NET CONTROL STATION SCHEDULE:
------------------------------------
APR 03 SV SEC K6SOJ
APR 10 Klamath Co. AEC N2RSN
APR 17 Curry County. EC KA7GNK
APR 24 Dist. 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

+++ EMCOMM 2002 SECTION +++

+ April 20-21 2002 - Bishop Quinn High School, Palo Cedro, CA.

+ PREVIOUS EMCOMM 2002 NEWS AND UPDATES -
(Also check the EMCOMM 2002 website: www.emcomm2002.net)

+ REGISTRATION - Radio amateurs from Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Utah, 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/

+ ATTENTION NON-HAMS ATTENDING EMCOMM 2002 -
You are encouraged to attend the American Red Cross class: "Introduction to Disaster Services" (Saturday afternoon and repeated Sunday morning). This is the basic orientation and prerequisite to all other ARC disaster courses. Whether you ever become a radio amateur or not, the Red Cross is always looking for "a few more good men and women" to fill many different roles in emergency and disaster services.

+ SPECIAL EVENT STATION W6E -
If you are unable to join us in person, you can contact EMCOMM 2002 on the air! W6E will be operational during selected hours on April 20 and 21. Try (±) 21.390, 14.250, 7.232, 3.987, and 146.55 MHz. QSL. Business size SASE to: EMCOMM 2002, PO Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058.

+ 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 -
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. Make checks payable to EMCOMM, and mail to: EMCOMM 2002, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058. If you would like your tickets sent to you via return mail enclose a SASE. Otherwise pick them up when you check in on April 20. Details at: www.emcomm2002.net/ or www.emcomm.org/emcomm2002/main.html

+ 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 - HUMBOLDT COUNTY ARES / AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 1991 Ford E350 Econoline Van.
#2 - TEHAMA COUNTY ARES 2002 Yamaha Big Bear 400.

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.
#8 - A. J. Grantham, K6LOR. 1987 Dodge Power Ram 50. Nephi, UT.

+ 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 RVs -
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 14 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 and Mutual Aid
0945: 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
--------------------------------------------------------

+ SPECIAL FEATURE - "OUR EMCOMM HERITAGE"

And now...(Courtesy July 1924 QST)...part two of:

"P R R"
by A. L. Budlong, Secretary,
A.R.R.L. Railroad Emergency Service Committee

In April the writer attended a conference in Philadelphia, called by Supt. of Telegraphs Johnson for the purpose of making final arrangements, and at this meeting, attended by representatives from each of the four Pennsylvania regions, it was decided to hold a test on May 17. On that day messages were started from the four regional headquarters offices, at Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago and St. Louis, addressed to, in all, 26 divisional or regional headquarters offices. The messages were mostly in the form of regular train orders, included numbers for accuracy checks, and required an immediate answer in each case.
A typical message ran as follows:

"Phila, Pa, May 17, 1924
J. E. Rothe, Divn. Operator
Care Supvsr. Train Service PRR
3ADE Phone Hbg 1400 Extension 181

Refer to Paragraph 446 page 167 Phila Divn time
table number 9 of April 27 1924. Advise how this
paragraph reads in your reply.

J. D. Jones, Supt Telegraph & Signals PRR."

The test officially started at 11:30 P.M. E.S.T., May 17, and those located in the sections of the country mentioned may remember the very bad QRN, lightning and high winds that maintained over most of the region that night. In addition, practically all of the stations west of Harrisburg, Pa., were handicapped by a power leak which was so terrific that in some cases reception was impossible except in spurts. The final score is as follows: Eastern Region--operating out of Philadelphia: Eight messages sent, 7 answered, 93.75%.

Central Region--Pittsburgh: Five messages sent and 5 answered, 100%. Northwestern Region--Chicago: Seven messages for transmission. Six transmitted, and six answers returned. The missing message was to Crestline, where no station existed. 85.7%.

Southwestern Region--St. Louis: Six messages for transmission. Five transmitted, and three answers returned. Power leak gets the blame for the non-delivery of one of the original messages. One of the lost answers is accounted for by the fact that 9ES, at Terra Haute, lost his mast just after receiving his message. Average for the region, 8 put of a possible 12, 66.66%.

More messages were started, and more were delivered, than in the famous Presidents-Governors Relay in 1922. In addition, only one night was used
on the Pennsylvania test.

Of course not all of the Pennsylvania "gang" could participate. Many of the hardest workers were not directly concerned. However, most of the "reserves" were on deck and ready to be of use, and these men deserve credit also for untiring work. (To be concluded next issue.)

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