“EMERGENCIES and RADIO SIGNALS HAVE NO BOUNDARIES”
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:
- SPECIAL “MAY DAY” ARES NET - RESULTS
- EC CORNER
- EMCOMM 2002 “The AFTERMATH” (Part III)
- TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
- ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE UPDATE
- NWS-SKYWARN NEWS
- WX SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE - UPDATED
- ARES NETS REMINDER/SCHEDULE
+++ SPECIAL
MAY DAY ARES NET “FOUNDERS” +++
The Special “MAY DAY” ARES net was called on schedule at 1930
PDT on Wednesday, 1 May 2002. The “net result” (sorry...that’s bad!)
was that while the net didn’t completely sink...it did founder a bit.
(“Flounder” means the same thing as “founder”...but it has always
“sound”-ed fishy to me. Anyway...if we can’t laugh at our
“flops”...we’d better all go fishin’.
But it didn’t go completely “belly up”. 21 stations checked in
direct or via VHF to HF relay stations. Here is the list of those who made
it into the log: KA7GNK, KK7BF, KC7IXX, N2RSI, N2RSN, KA7RAM, WO6P,
KE6MZT, KI6MX, WD6BXN, KF6KDD, KF6ZJD, KF6ZGY, KG6FSY, KG6JPY, KE6ETO, KB7QWC,
WB6AGR, WD6FGB, K7TAG, and K7ARC the American Red Cross station in Phoenix, AZ,
with Steve Houser, W7QY at the controls with a 55 signal. Now that
one...made it all worthwhile!
A SPECIAL “INTERNATIONAL RESCUE ORANGE MAY DAY” QSL CARD WILL BE
ISSUED to all stations who made it into the log AND who send a QSL card
or short note (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.
+ NEW EMCOMM PUBLICATION AVAILABLE -
A new booklet by Jerry Boyd, K6BZ, Sacramento Valley Section Manager,
"Current Issues In Emergency Communications--EMCOMM for the New
Millennium" is now available ON LINE. This is a new marketing approach by
WORLDRADIO designed to keep it very affordable. The cost is only $3 ($3.23 for
CA residents). Pay by credit card and you can download and print it. Simply go
to: www.wr6wr.com and click on
“products”, then click on “books”, scroll down a bit, and there it is.
Just published this month.
+ EC CORNER
- Monthly EC reports (FSD-212) for April are due. SV ARES
leaders may report online at: www.emcomm.org/svares/reports/main.htm
.To date: April reports have been received from: Amador, Butte/Glenn, Lassen,
Placer, Plumas, Siskiyou/Modoc, Trinity, and Yolo County; plus Districts 1 and
2.
+ EMCOMM 2002
“The AFTERMATH” (Part Three)
by D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ
EMCOMM 2002 was featured May 2 on the ARRL HQ website at: http://www.arrl.org/ (scroll down and click on
Full Story)
The VALLEY HAM NEWS, The Voice of the Yuba Sutter Amateur Radio Club,
also has a nice EMCOMM 2002 article online at: http://users.cwnet.com/ysarc/p22.htm
(Be sure to scroll down and click on the picture.)
Look close at the pictures. You might see yourself!
MORE FEEDBACK -
The comments below are in random order. They are reproduced here, so
others will know what others had to say and to provide some insight as to
what you might expect next year. They may also be of value to planners of
other similar events to help gain a “feel” as to what is desired by EMCOMM
oriented amateur radio volunteers. Here we go:
“More ‘how-to’: NVIS antenna, Portable antennas, mobile installations,
portable stations, etc. More visual aids please.”
“I love history, but to those that don’t the subject is very dry without
visuals.”
“Limit questions from the audience to one per person.”
“More on NTS and ICS. ‘Back to Basics’ is a good idea.”
“American Red Cross class a poor program, not meant for us.”
“Need more RADIOGRAM training. Need better directions to event.”
“Have actual relaying of NTS messages by groups. Room-to-room.
Also (more about) traffic etiquette.”
“Enjoyed the program.”
“I enjoyed EMCOMM 2002 and hope to repeat next year.”
“Keep these seminars small and local. Will reach more amateur operators
than having one large seminar at a central location.”
“Need antenna building, net control practice, emergency nets, public safety
radio, certified EMCOMM course?”
“The Public Address system is a ‘5’ (room for improvement).”
“My first EMCOMM. Great. Looking forward to next year.”
“Good job. Thank you.”
“Include ‘Terrorism for First Responders’. Great...better than
EMCOMM
2001. Less rushed presentations. Good to have the book vendor at
conference.”
“GREAT JOB!!!”
“Very good event.”
“(Include) some ‘hands on’ events. Local OES + what + how they
affect us.
CDF integration? Limit large group discussions, more ‘break out’ talks
for
shorter periods. (Need) more time with the people who made their mobile
units. How and why they did it.”
“Demonstration (a mini ‘SET’) or something ‘hands on’.”
“Additional ICS training; ARRL EMCOMM courses, AEC training, fewer ‘war
stories’ more training content.”
(Need) “Relations between amateurs and the FCC during major emergencies.
All speakers at table in front at end of event to answer questions. Need
bigger classrooms for traffic handling and ARES leadership classes, I couldn’t
get in. Need a class on proper net operation, would be a lot more valuable
than RADIOGRAMS - There is no NTS in Bay Area. In emergency I am forced to
use agency message form. Need more Red Cross courses (such as) Survey and
Damage Assessment, communications. Publish room assignments with schedule.
Have signs outside classrooms identifying the class. Solicit AES and HRO for
door prizes.”
“Traffic Handling/RADIOGRAM workshop and others should be offered more than
once.”
“(Need workshop on) antennas for emergency response. Larger classrooms.
“The time was too short to take in all classes in two days.”
“My first EMCOMM. The seminars were well organized and informative.”
“I was unable to attend on Saturday and was disappointed that none of the
mobile units were open for viewing on Sunday.”
+++ TRAINING
and CONTINUING EDUCATION SECTION -
(Previous training bulletins are archived at:
www.emcomm.org/svares/training/index.htm
+ 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 MAY 1
SENDING STATION KK7BF -- RECEIVING STATION K6SOJ
-------------------------------------------
T68 R KK7BF 17 GRANTS PASS OR MAY 1
DR S D NEAL
1514 NE CLARK AV
FT ATKINSON WI 53223
262 479 5847
TEST MESSAGE X KEEP YOUR
EYES OUT FOR SEASONAL WEATHER
X CHECK EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES FOR
INFORMATION UPDATE
B FRITSEN
-------------------------------------------
T69 R KK7BF 15 GRANTS PASS OR MAY 1
GILBERT JOHNS
485 MADISON ST SE
RED DEER ALBERTA CANADA T4P1A2CA
TEST MESSAGE X ENJOYED PICTURES
OF EMERGENCY TRUCK X WILL
SEND YOU LIST OF NEEDS
B FRITSEN
-------------------------------------------
T70 R KK7BF 25 GRANTS PASS MAY 1
JEFF CARLSEN
15 W RIVER RD
GALICE OR 97532
541 846 9393
TEST MESSAGE X ANY IDEAS
ABOUT EMERGENCY STATIONS AT YOUR
LOCATION X I HAVE EXTRA
BATTERIES IF NEEDED X CALL
ME AT JOSEPHINE COUNTY EOC
B FRITSEN
-------------------------------
RADIOGRAM TIPS: Below are two sample messages (text only).
Which one is best?
BREVITY IS A LOST ART
BUT IT IS FUN TO PRACTICE
(10 words)
SOME SAY AND I ALSO
BELIEVE THAT THE ART OF
BREVITY AND LEARNING TO BE
CONCISE WHEN WRITING RADIOGRAMS
IS A LOST ART FORM
(25 words)
(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 WO6P KI6MX
May 15
May 22
May 29 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 -
All Spring classes have been completed. Future classes “to be
announced”.
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 Klamath County AEC N2RSN
MAY 15 Josephine County EC KK7BF
MAY 22 Curry County EC KA7GNK
MAY 29 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
--------------------------------------------------------
+ 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 ---