Bulletin No. 101

The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 9 April 2002 - No. 101

"Not to know is bad.
 Not to want to know is worse.
 Not to hope is unthinkable.
 Not to care is unforgivable." --- Anonymous, (Africa)

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)
--------------------------------------------

+ IN THIS EDITION:
- EMCOMM 2002 UPDATE
- REPORT ON THE FIRST ARES SPRING WESTERN ROUND UP
- SHORT CIRCUITS
- EC CORNER
- FEEDBACK
- TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
- ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE UPDATE
- NWS-SKYWARN NEWS
- WX SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE - UPDATED
- ARES NETS REMINDER/SCHEDULE
- EMCOMM 2002 SECTION
+ SPECIAL FEATURE: “OUR EMCOMM HERITAGE” (conclusion)

+++ EMCOMM 2002 UPDATE +++

The timing could not be any worse...Murphy’s legacy lives on! -
NEW URL FOR EMCOMM 2002: www.emcomm.org/emcomm2002
Please pass this information on.  Thanks.

+ RESULTS OF THE FIRST ARES SPRING WESTERN ROUND UP -

K6SOJ NCS LOG ENTRIES FOR 3 APRIL 2002 1930 to 2011 PST
(ARRANGED BY COUNTY OR SECTION STARTING WITH THOSE WITH THE MOST STATIONS)
BUTTE/GLENN COUNTIES: 
(17) N6NPN, KF7YKQ, K6DWO, W6GFK, K6PTT, W6TWI, W6GFK, KG6DHU, KC6UFE, KG6JJX, K6QGN, KA6GND, KI6MX, KO6TW, KF6WNQ, KE6IEC, K7XE.

PLUMAS COUNTY: 
(14) WD6FGB, K6BON, KF6APM, KF6ARM, KG6BNM, KF6CCP, KF6CCR,
KF6CCS, KF6ELV, KA6HVY, WB6SBI, WB6CKN, K6DSL, KF6OWC.

KLAMATH COUNTY: 
(12) KK7XO, KK7VO, KC7ODE, KC7ODD, N2RSI, N2RSN, WA7IZU, WA7OYC, AB7ET, NV7N, KA7RAM, K7DXV. 

JOSEPHINE COUNTY: 
(11)  KC7WEU, KC7IXX, KB7EKF, KB7OCN, KK7BF, KB7TSX, KI7UK, W1LMA, KC7JJG, KC7MGH, N7KS.

WESTERN WASHINGTON SECTION 
(7) NG7Z, N7NVP, N7NVQ, W7ARC, KB7DFL, KD7CZN,K7TAG.

NEVADA SECTION:
 (6)  N9UVH, KE7R/N7TOD, NN7B, N7TGB, WO6H, K7XE.

PLACER COUNTY: 
(6) WB6AGR, KB7QWC, N6UG, KF6OCE, KG6DUU, KF6WMF.

MODOC COUNTY: 
(4)  K6QQ, KD6ITD, WB6HMD, AD6RV.

SISKIYOU COUNTY:
(3)  KE6MZT, WB6OTV, K6SOJ.

CURRY COUNTY: (1) KA7GNK.

TOTAL: 81  (INCLUDES 32 VIA RELAY MOST BY VHF TO HF)

NOTE: Stations listed that want a QSL card/certificate, send a long
(business size) SASE to:  EMCOMM Round Up, PO Box 99, Macdoel, CA  96058.

THANKS to all stations...especially the relays!  And watch for an announcement later in the year about a FALL ARES WESTERN ROUND UP...

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

+ “OUR EMCOMM HERITAGE” -
Part three (conclusion) 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 -  Monthly EC reports (FSD-212) for March were received from LASSEN, PLACER, PLUMAS, SHASTA, SISKIYOU/MODOC, TEHAMA, TRINITY, AND YOLO Counties.  Thank you!

+ FEEDBACK - (MORE ON ANTENNAS)

Just when you thought the NVIS debate was gone away...now a DX antenna for your lawn!  (This ought to open up a BIG can of worms...or at least produce a sizeable amount of night crawlers...!) See the “GRASSWIRE ANTENNA”, by Michael J. Toia, K3MT, at: http://users.erols.com/k3mt/graswire/graswire.htm
Thanks to Allen Berg, KD6ITD for “digging this one up”.  (Sorry ;-)

+++ TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION SECTION -
(Previous training bulletins are archived at: 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 APRIL 3
SENDING STATION K6SOJ -- RECEIVING STATION N2RSI
------------------------------------------
TEST 79 P HXE K6SOJ ARL10 SACRAMENTO CA 2130Z APR 3

AMERICAN RED CROSS
24 WAIKIKI RD
HONOLULU HI 96811
808 555 2121

TEST MESSAGE X ARL TWENTY
TWO ARL ELEVEN W6SOJ 14DOT065

ELDON WARD
-------------------------------------------
TEST 49 P HXE KH6RC ARL17 HONOLULU HI 2225Z APR 3

ELDON WARD
4800 FRONTAGE RD
SACRAMENTO CA 94230
916 555 3000

TEST MESSAGE X ARL FOURTEEN
TSUNAMI X ALL PHONE SERVICE
OUT X ARL NINE CW
ARL SIX

YOSHIRO OKINAWA
-------------------------------------------
TEST 80 P HXE K6SOJ  ARL20 SACRAMENTO CA  0015Z APR 4

YOSHIRO OKINAWA
24 WAIKIKI RD
HONOLULU HI 96811
808 555 2121

TEST MESSAGE X ARL ELEVEN
W7ARC 14DOT295 X ARC IN
FALLS CHURCH ACTIVATING DISASTER TEAMS
X IS HONOLULU AIRPORT OPEN

ELDON WARD
--------------------------------------------
TEST 50 P KH6RC 15 HONOLULU HI 0225Z APR 4

ELDON WARD
4800 FRONTAGE RD
SACRAMENTO CA 94230
916 555 3000

TEST MESSAGE X AIRPORT CLOSED
UNTIL AT LEAST APRIL 5
X WILL ADVISE WHEN OPEN

YOSHI
---------------------------------------
“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:

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 -

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.emcomm.org/svares/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.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.emcomm.org/emcomm2002/ )

+ 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.emcomm.org/emcomm2002/ 

+ 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, POB 99, Macdoel, CA 96058.

+ 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.emcomm.org/emcomm2002/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

+ 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) Contact: Mac McCulley , W6MAC at:
      (530)244-6456 or w6mac@charter.net
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):

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

+ SPECIAL FEATURE - “OUR EMCOMM HERITAGE”

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

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

Organization

  There are no “official” appointments of any kind.  A station is listed only so long as the owner makes sincere efforts to do his best.  No arguments are used to persuade a man to keep in the work; if he lags he is
automatically dropped.

  While the emergency work is a branch of the Traffic Department, the emergency committee has been functioning independently.  There has been some talk to the effect that traffic officials were not consulted in the appointment of stations for the Pennsylvania test.  The answer to this is, first, that there are no appointments, and probably will be none.  Second, it must be remembered that every O.R.S. had a chance to volunteer for emergency work but many never returned the original questionnaires.  A great many of those who filled put the first form did not answer the form letter sent out with special reference to the Pennsylvania test.  It was plainly stated in this form letter that if no reply was received the man would be dropped.  It was impossible to waste time corresponding with a man persuading him to come in when he had shown no interest. 

  The following are the stations at present in the Pennsylvania emergency
work:

Eastern Region: 3BSS, 3BWT, 3OQ, 3OE 3BWJ, 8ABX, 8HJ, 8AKI, 3AEN, 3GC, 3CCU, 3ADQ.  3ADE, 3ANJ, 3ZM, 3ARP, 8BQ, 3BDI, 8XE, 8BFE, 3QV, 8CCK, 3FK.

Central Region: 8AXN, 8QB, 8DAJ, 8SR, 8AMR, 8ATR, 8CYT, 8WY, 8AJD, 8BFR, 8CRC, 8AL, 8VF.  8CDC, 8GU, 8BYI, 80C, 8CEO, 8BRC, 8CEL, 8BVR, 8LW, 8AUE, 8ASE.

Northwestern Region: 8AAW, 9AAV, 9DBF, 9DJZ, 9AFY, 9MN, 9AKD, 9DVK, 9BON, 9EM, 8VT, 8BWR, 8ZAG, 8BN, 8UQ, 8GA, 8CIE.

Southwestern Region: 9AAU, 9PW, 9EIS, 9DQU, 9LF, 9BJR, 9BW, 9ES, 9WU, 8ANB, 8GZ, 8BYN, 8EB, 8CNR, 9BIJ, 8ZC, 8NH.

Other Roads

  This Pennsylvania test is a mark for others to shoot at.  Work will be carried on during the summer, and it is hoped that next winter, in the event of an emergency, the A.R.R.L. can duplicate the performance of this preliminary Pennsylvania official test.  Work is now going ahead on other roads, although at this writing no report as to progress has been received. In this emergency communication work lies the chance for every transmitting ham to prove his worth.  How are you going to show up?

COMMENT: I hope you enjoyed this little look back at just a part of out heritage as much as I did.  It is amusing to me that the “gender” of ham radio was all in the masculine.  (Thank goodness for all the excellent YL EMCOMM operators we have today!)  Also keep in mind that all traffic was in Morse and their equipment was almost exclusively “homebrew”.   

The AmateurRadio Emergency Corp (the AREC, which later became the ARES) was not organized for some eleven years after the “Pennsylvania tests”.  And the NTS did not become a reality until 25 years later.  And there was no FCC. We owe a lot to these pioneer EMCOMM operators.  What are you doing to continue our long tradition of “service to the public”! - 73 de K6SOJ

+ BACK ISSUES OF THE 5-1-2+ BULLETIN ARE ARCHIVED AT:
www.emcomm.org/svares/archives

+ 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