The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN -16 April 2002 - No. 102

+ ONLY FOUR MORE DAYS TO EMCOMM 2002 +
“ I LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER! ”
- Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith  (George Peppard) of the A-TEAM
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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

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L = Local time in the Pacific Time Zone (PST winter / PDT summer)
Z = Universal Coordinated Time (UTC)
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+ IN THIS EDITION:
- EMCOMM 2002 UPDATE
- SHORT CIRCUITS
- 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 (old stuff)

+++ EMCOMM 2002 UPDATE +++

+ THE TRINITY COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB has registered their mobile E.C.U. (Electronics Communications Unit) in the EMCOMM 2002 MOBILE UNIT CONTEST...that makes three (3) entries in the ARES TEAM / CLUB category...and eight (8) in the “individual class”. The TROPHIES and DASH PLAQUES are ready and our judges have their work cut out for them!

+ THE INVENTORY OF VALUABLE DOOR PRIZES CONTINUES TO EXPAND -
One complimentary ticket for the drawing is included with each paid registration.  Additional tickets will be available at the registration desk for $1.00 each or six for $5.00.

+ THOSE OF YOU WHO DID NOT PURCHASE TICKET FOR THE SATURDAY NIGHT B-B-Q -
are more than welcome to bring your own dinner “picnic-style”, enjoy the
live (jazz) dinner music, the fine social atmosphere, the mobile unit
awards ceremony, and operate at the special event station W6E.

+ EMCOMM 2002 BASEBALL CAPS - If you ordered a cap be sure to pick yours up when you check in.  There just MAY be a few extra caps for sale ($20).
They will be available at the door on a first come-first served basis.

+ NEW URL FOR EMCOMM 2002: www.emcomm.org/emcomm2002
Please pass this information on.  Thanks.

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

+ TEHAMA COUNTY ARES REPEATER IS OPERATIONAL AT A NEW SITE -
Jake Hickok, KF6KDD, Tehama County EC, reports that 145.45- (CTCSS 100.0) is operational.  It is now on Tuscan Buttes (2,000 ft. elev. 10 miles NE of Red Bluff, CA).  This wide coverage repeater is one of the designated ARES mutual assistance “command and control” repeaters for the north end of the Sacramento Valley Section (Districts 1 and 2). More info at: www.norcalscan.org/ares/

+ UPDATED - RESULTS OF THE FIRST ARES SPRING WESTERN ROUND UP -
K6SOJ NCS LOG ENTRIES FOR 3 APRIL 2002 1930 to 2011 PST
ADD: K6PTT, Shasta County.  (Apologies to Paul)

+ JACKSON COUNTY ARES NETS BACK ON 146.94- -
Jackson County ARES meets Tuesday nights at 1930L on 146.94- (King Mt.)
(via Gary Pederson, N7GK, AEC Jackson County)

+++ 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 RADIOGRAMS AS SENT ON APRIL 10
SENDING STATION KB7EKF -- RECEIVING STATION WO6P
-------------------------------------------
TEST 51 R KB7EKF 24 GRANTS PASS OR APR 10

ANNIE HAM
1234 RADIO ST
KENWOOD CA  98760
707 707 7070

TEST MESSAGE X EMCOMM IS
ONLY TEN DAYS AWAY X
MANY EVENTS ARE PLANNED X
MUCH IS TO BE LEARNED
X SEE YOU THERE

W B OLNEY
-------------------------------------------
TEST 52 R N4HAM 23 ICOM OR APR 10

BILL BALUN KC7IXX
96 FEET RD
LONGWIRE OR 95001
541 541 0145

TEST MESSAGE X LOOKING FOR
THE PERFECT MOBILE HF ANTENNA
TO MOUNT ON PICKUP AND
RV X NEED TO WORK
WELL ALL FREQUENCIES

IMA HAM
-------------------------------------------
TEST 53 R N4ICU 15 JEFFERSON CA APR 10

DAVID CORN A6ROK
GENERAL DELIVERY
MT HEBRON CA 94720
697 272 3000

TEST MESSAGE X UNDERSTAND EMCOMM
TALK IN FREQUENCY IS 146DOT640
X ASSUME THIS IS SIMPLEX

BILL SIMPLETON
-------------------------------------------
“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 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 -

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/nets.htm

ARES REGIONAL NET CONTROL STATION SCHEDULE:
------------------------------------
APR  17  Curry County  EC  KA7GNK
APR  24  Dist. 1 & 2  DEC  WO6P
MAY   1  Sacramento Valley SEC K6SOJ
MAY   8
MAY  15
MAY  22 Dist. 1 & 2  DEC  WO6P
MAY  29
------------------------------------
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/nets.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/mcomm2002/ 

+ 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.

+ 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.emcomm.org/emcomm2002 
- 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.
  #3 - TRINITY COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
       Travel Trailer E.C.U. (Electronics Communications Unit).

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
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+ 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
--- end of bulletin ---