The 5-1-2+ BULLETIN - 30 April 2002 - No. 104

“If you’re not keeping score, you’re just practicing” - Vince Lombardi

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 = LCL (Local time in the (PST winter / PDT summer) zone
Z = ZULU (Universal Coordinated Time - UTC)

+ IN THIS EDITION:
- TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENTS AND EMCOMM - EDITORIAL
- SPECIAL “MAY DAY” ARES NET - TOMORROW NIGHT
- SHORT CIRCUITS
- EC CORNER
- EMCOMM 2002 “The AFTERMATH” (Part II)
- TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
- GET READY FOR SUMMER - WILDERNESS PROTOCOL
- ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE UPDATE
- NWS-SKYWARN NEWS
- WX SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE - UPDATED
- ARES NETS REMINDER/SCHEDULE

+ TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENTS AND EMCOMM - EDITORIAL
by D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ, Sacramento Valley SEC, and AACSO CA OES MAR III

Within the last two weeks there have been two major passenger train wrecks in the U.S. The most recent was in Placentia, CA which occurred during in the daytime and just a few miles from where a mass-casualty, multi-agency, disaster drill was getting under way.  That coincidence allowed for the most efficient and massive emergency response imaginable.

But train and bus wrecks, airplane crashes, and other types of transportation accidents can, and do, occur in very remote locations.  In any season.  At any time.  In any weather.  Imagine the delay in response if the Placentia incident had happened in an rural or isolated area.  At night.  In mid-winter.  We can only speculate as to how many additional lives would have been lost.

Effective communications could and would affect the outcome of many lives! But only communications by trained, disciplined, properly equipped operators (whether professional or volunteer), who are used to functioning as a team, would be of any value.  Anything less...would only add to the confusion.  How ready is your ARES or other EMCOMM team to respond quickly? Does your local emergency management officials know who to call?  Is your EC on the local disaster council?

Think about it.  EMCOMM is every bit as important as rescue, EMS, fire suppression, HAZMAT, and law enforcement.  Think about it.  Talk with, and work with, your local emergency management officials. 

And to all those who say: “we never have disasters here”...THINK ABOUT IT.

+++ SPECIAL “MAY DAY” ARES NET TOMORROW NIGHT +++
The international distress signal is:  MAYDAY  MAYDAY  MAYDAY (radiotelephony).  Hopefully no one of us will ever have to send those three chilling words.

On Wednesday, 1 May 2002, the ARES Leadership net will be open to all ARES and other affiliated EMCOMM stations commencing at 1930 PDT. FREQ: 3987± LSB • NCS: K6SOJ
FREQ: 145.45- Red Bluff • NCS/relay: WO6P

ARES TEAMS EVERYWHERE ARE INVITED to conduct simultaneous local nets on the frequency/mode of your choice and relay your list of stations to the NC via one of the two frequencies listed above.

A SPECIAL “INTERNATIONAL RESCUE ORANGE MAY DAY” QSL CARD WILL BE ISSUED to all stations who make it into the log AND who send a QSL card (or report the station who relayed for you) AND include a business size SASE. Incidentally, the second “S” in SASE means “stamped” (with a $0.34 stamp). Send to: EMCOMM, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA  96058.
(NOTE: Sorry. No early, telephone, or e-mail check ins allowed.)

+ SHORT CIRCUITS -
NEW NEVADA SEC - Effective 1 May 2002 the Nevada Section will have a new SEC.  Dick Creley, KJ7UK, is succeeding Paul Cavnar, NN7B (Reno) who has served admirably the past two years and who (with his wife Peggy) will be
“Leaving Reno” soon.

+ EC CORNER - Monthly EC reports (FSD-212) for April are due May 5.  SV
ARES leaders may report online at: www.emcomm.org/svares/reports/main.htm

+ EMCOMM 2002 “The AFTERMATH” (Part Two)

EMCOMM 2002 PARTICIPANT EVALUATION SUMMARY
Of the 150+ persons attending, 49 submitted post-event evaluations. The rating scale is from 1 (less useful), to 5 (more useful).  “How useful” to an EMCOMM operator is what we are interested in knowing.  The score(s) do not necessarily reflect how entertaining or interesting, or even how well the speaker/presenter(s) performed.  Not all persons submitting an evaluation rated all topics.  For what it is worth...here is how each event, session or class was rated:

 With exception of the VE Test Session (which is only indirectly related to
EMCOMM and is only offered as an “extra”), the lowest score on the “useful
scale” was 3.6!  It is fair to speculate, that, “we must be doing something
right!”

There were many, many comments in the spaces provided for “Other comments/suggestions”.  Far too many to publish here, but EVERY one is will be noted and considered.  Below are a few...in random order.  Over the next few weeks, we will “replay” some of them again; possibly with a comment, explanation, answer or reply.

“(Need) classes for ECs to motivate and grow their local organization; (how
to) conduct a directed net; More on ICS and professionalism.  Great conference - I look forward to next year!”

“(More about) CDF/VIP interaction with ARES, etc.  More readiness. More ICS
information.”

“Great job by all planners, coordinators and seminar leaders.  Very interesting topics and discussions.  Mobile unit displays and competition very creative idea and should encourage more participation.  Terrific turn-out by area and regional radio amateurs.”

“Although some was of limited “usefulness”, I enjoyed all of it.”

“Great job!!  Day and a half is a good idea.”

“Very good all around.”

“Want additional Red Cross training.”

“Perhaps have another Red Cross session beyond the ARC “Introduction”.

“ICS-SEMS seminar was excellent - more!  The ARES leadership class was
good, more formalized would be better.  How can ARES/RACES LOOK and ACT and
PERFORM more professional -- Image is everything!”

“It would be nice to have the psychological seminar like last year.”

(MORE “COMMENTS” IN NEXT ISSUE...)

+ 48 ATTEND RADIOGRAM TRAINING CLASS AT EMCOMM 2002 -
To those 48:  Don’t loose your skills!  Handle some traffic (real or test), set up a local traffic net for practice, for real, or for both.  And don’t forget the Wednesday night RADIOGRAM practice sessions at 2000L+ on 3987 kHz ±.  We need your help.  Start by being a receiving station, then after two weeks try sending a few RADIOGRAMS.  (More info below.)

AND...ATTENTION SECs, DECs, ECs, AECs, Net Managers, etc.:  If you would like a list of all those who attended the RADIOGRAM class (so you can “pick out” and “pick on” ;-) those in your own area...just send a short e-mail to
k6soj@arrl.net

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

+ WILDERNESS PROCEDURES -

It’s Spring and summer will be here before we can get our backpacks unpacked from winter storage!  And people from the cities and suburbs will be taking to the hills and mountains in droves...let us all prepare.

An article appeared in the June 1996 issue of QST (page 85). I don't have the entire article stored electronically and so far have not found it on any website.  But the "short version" is:  The Wilderness Protocol recommends that stations (both fixed, portable or mobile) monitor the primary (and secondary, if possible) frequency(s) every three hours starting at 7 AM local time, for five minutes (7:00-7:05 AM, 10:00-10:05 AM, etc.) Additionally, stations that have sufficient power resources should monitor for five minutes starting at the top of every hour, or even continuously." The primary frequency is the National Calling Freq...146.52 MHz. The secondary freqs. are 446.0, 223.5, 52.525 and 1294.5 MHz.

+ 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 24
SENDING STATION KK7BF -- RECEIVING STATION WO6P
------------------------------------------
TEST 65 R KK7BF 19 GRANTS PASS OR APR 24

ANTENNA INSTALLATION GUY
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RELAY STATION
JOSEPHINE COUNTY

TEST MESSAGE X CHECK FOR
SWR AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS X
ARE YOU IN POSSESSION OF
ENOUGH FEED LINE X

ARES STORES
------------------------------------------
TEST 66 R KC7WIS 23 GRANTS PASS OR APR 24

SOARC EMERGENCY TRAILER
MT RUBIN
JOSEPHINE COUNTY

TEST MESSAGE X PLEASE REPROGRAM
TNC FOR EOC BBS X
SHOULD WORK AS A DIGIPEATER
X CALL IC QTH ON
TAC FREQUENCY 14

KK7BF
-------------------------------------------
TEST 67 R KC7WIS 21 GRANTS PASS OR APR 24

FIELD COOK
ALAMEDA PARK STAGING
JOSEPHINE COUNTY

TEST MESSAGE X PLEASE PREPARE
LUNCHES FOR ALL LOCATIONS X
IT SHOULD MEET STANDARDS SET
BY COUNTRY KITCHEN IN PALO
CEDRO

COMPLETE GROUP
-------------------------------------------
COMMENTS by K6SOJ- The messages above, as they stand,  would have been better sent as short-range, logistical, “informal traffic”.  Here’s why:

TEST 65:
The address is incomplete.  Formal traffic must have, the state, zip code, and (if at all possible) a telephone number.  A good “rule of thumb” is to think of it as a first class letter.  If the U.S.P.S. wouldn’t accept it, then it isn’t formal traffic.  RADIOGRAMS may be ultimately delivered by a local U.S.P.S. carrier.  In disasters, where a residence may have been evacuated, damaged or destroyed, the street address will be needed to verify that a message is being delivered to the correct addressee, (who may be located in a shelter or elsewhere).  Also,  let’s assume that this message was being handled by a relay station where the operator is unfamiliar with the local area.  How would he know where Josephine County is located?  Believe it or not, I once relayed a message from San Diego, CA to Riverside, CA via my northern California station.  (The propagation was such that the two southern California stations could not hear each other, but they were both loud and clear at my location.)

Also, if I were formatting this message (but NOT relaying it), I would have
shortened it (and reduced the word count from 19 to 13) as follows:

TEST MESSAGE X CHECK SWR
AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS X ADVISE
IF SUPPLIES NEEDED

Messages should be signed by an individual...not a department

TEST 66:

Again, the address is incomplete.  Formal traffic should be addressed to a person, (a title or position may be acceptable).  In the text, “please” and “QTH” are superfluous.  The word count could easily be reduced.

Should be signed with a name...The “emergency trailer” may not know who
KK7BF is ;-)

TEST 67:

Same critique.  Text could be reduced to 16 words and originated as:

TEST MESSAGE X ALL LOCATIONS
NEED LUNCHES X MEET STANDARDS
SET BY COUNTRY KITCHEN PALO
CEDRO

Again...should be signed with the name of a person in case reply traffic is
originated.

RADIOGRAM TIP:
When composing a RADIOGRAM, pretend that you will be charged ONE DOLLAR for every “word”.

“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.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
------------------------------------
May   1 KK7BF        WO6P
May   8
May  15
May  22
May  29
------------------------------------
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 -

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
MAY   1   K6SOJ          KC7WEU
MAY   8   N7GK         N2RSN
MAY  15   N2RSI          KC7WEU
MAY  22   N7GK         KB7EKF
MAY  29

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:
------------------------------------
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/index.htm

--------------------------------------------------------
+ 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