“The Radio Amateur is: PATRIOTIC...
station and skill always ready for service
to country and community.” - The Amateur’s Code
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:
- HELP NEEDED
- SHORT CIRCUITS
- FEEDBACK
- ARES “Q and A”
- FIELD DAY 2002
- EMCOMM 2002 FEEDBACK CONTINUES
- TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
- ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE UPDATE
- NWS-SKYWARN NEWS
- WX SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE - UPDATED
- ARES NETS REMINDER/SCHEDULE
- ON THE CALENDAR
+ RADIOGRAM
SESSION ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS NEEDS YOUR HELP -
The RADIOGRAM test/practice sessions (following the Wednesday night
Regional ARES Leadership Nets on 3987LSB at approx. 2000L) have survived the
first six months. Thanks to all operators who have participated in
this worthwhile project. But lately, the number of participating
stations has begun to wane.
In these sessions, some messages sent are TEST MESSAGES. Lately, we have
sent some actual traffic. One routine message sent on 15 May with HXD
handling instructions was accurately received and acknowledged via a return
RADIOGRAM in about 130 hours.
I realize that in this day of high-speed internet communications this sounds
like “dark ages stuff” to many. But trust me...considering the lack of
proficient traffic handlers available today, this is a realistic time frame for
a routine message.
In time of a disaster, or landline or commercial communications failure, skilled
amateur radio traffic handlers will be in demand. Are YOU and YOUR STATION
ready to rise to the occasion? Choose your mode and get involved!
For more information about these RADIOGRAM practice sessions, see the TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION SECTION (below).
+ SHORT
CIRCUITS +
+ WELCOME NEW SUBSCRIBERS -
- José E. Guerra, KD5CZM, Kingsville, Texas
- Ken L. Slauson, WB7SFO, Wasilla, Alaska
+ “ON THE CALENDAR” - Starting with this issue check this new
section each week near the end of the bulletin. It will list upcoming
events and other
scheduled items.
+ LASSEN COUNTY REPEATER NEWS -
The “NEW” 146.880- Repeater and the “NEW” 443.025+ repeaters were put in
service on Monday, May 27, 2002. Both machines require a PL tone of 91.5.
Also they both have new controllers with new courtesy tones, plus CW and Voice
ID that you just gotta’ hear! As many of you know we received permission
to move the old 146.880- machine into the new state vault on Shaffer Mountain.
However, the old machine would not pass purity and intermod specifications as
required, so the LARC group has been raising money from donations, and
individual equipment sales, etc. to replace the
old repeaters. This may be getting old, but the club could still use a few
extra bucks to help offset the $2,500 spent on this project. Please help
give us an idea of the extended coverage and say hello either from your
home or when mobile in northeastern California.” - via Terry Cobb, K6ME,
AEC, and the LARC.
+ ARES TRAFFIC NETS - Beginning with this issue a list of local
and regional ACTIVE daily traffic nets capable of handling formal traffic in
ARRL RADIOGRAM format will be listed. Managers of nets that meet this
criteria are welcome to submit their information for listing in this format:
• JEFFERSON NOON NET (JNN):
Check in between: 1200-1230 LCL. Traffic at: 1230 LCL
7232 ± LSB (3987 ± LSB alternate) plus relays (when available)
via 146.55 // 146.52 // 147.26+/123.0 (Mt. Ashland)
Primary service area: Northern California, southern Oregon.
Extended service area: Washington, northern Nevada, Idaho, southern
California, ships at sea, and “anywhere else the signals reach”.
+ FEEDBACK -
From Dave Colter, WA1ZCN, (New London, NH), ARRL ARECC Editor:
“The Second Edition of the ARECC Level I course has just been released. The
material has been completely re-written and updated, and is far better than the
original. The comments from students and instructors so far have been extremely
positive. Because it was the ARRL's first attempt at this sort of thing, the
original had a variety of problems, all of which have been "fixed".
This summer, we will begin work on the Second Edition of the Level II course,
and then Level III the following year. Also in the works for next year is a
‘refresher/update course’ for those who have already taken the course.”
+ ARES
“Q and A” - A recent actual letter and reply.
Q - I am wondering about how I might serve in the ARES. I am an asthmatic,
and couldn't serve on the "front lines" of a fire.
A - Contrary to what many hams think...a significant portion of ARES work can be
done from a home station. Both during and between actual incidents.
Sometimes ARES leaders have trouble finding someone willing to stay home and
serve as a relay station, and/or monitor radio activity on ARES nets and public
service frequencies. (Note: It is NOT illegal to report what is monitored on PS
radio if you are part of an bona-fide emergency organization, but it probably
better to keep it off amateur frequencies if possible.). Also other
“mundane” but important tasks. Like keeping a event/radio traffic log,
or being a telephone/e-mail relay, or keeping an eye on WX behavior and
forecasts (a computer helps), and much more!
If you can help with field operations in another setting (e.g. - a shelter or an
EOC)...all the better. Don’t forget that fires are not the only game in
town. There are floods, earthquakes, transportation accidents, weather
caused events...just to name a few.
All ARES work is purely voluntary. I have found many hams who were reluctant to
"join" for fear of being "obligated". The only obligation is
to stay reasonably involved by checking into nets, attending meetings and
training classes, etc. AND when you do perform a function, that it be done
in accordance with the FCC rules, the ARRL/ARES guidelines, and the local
emergency plan. (There is no place for "mavericks" in a team setting.)
If an ARES member is not available for some particular assignment, all that is
requested is a reply of: "not available". It is not necessary,
nor is it desired, to give an explanation, a reason, or an excuse...especially
over the air during a net. A simple "not available" is
sufficient. Of course, a "not available now, but available
tomorrow" is much better!
I invite you to join the ARES. To qualify all you will need to do is
attend an ARES orientation class, familiarize yourself with your county plan,
fill out a card, and then...get involved!
I also strongly recommend that you consider becoming an Official Emergency
Station and/or an Official Relay Station. Information on both of these programs
is at:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/org/oes.html
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/org/ors.html
+ FIELD DAY
IS JUNE 22-23, 2002 -
Review and become familiar with the 2002 rules. (May QST p. 108-109.)
ARES teams, ARRL affiliated clubs that are supportive of the ARES, plus
other bona-fide EMCOMM groups, that are participating in FIELD DAY 2002 may have
their announcement included each week in the 5-1-2+ Bulletin. Send your team’s
name, a general description of the location of your FD site, and a person to
contact for more information. To get started:
W6SOJ - The SOJOURNERS - (State of Jefferson Operators’ United Relay
Network and Emergency Radio Society). Lake Juanita Group Camp,
Goosenest RD, Klamath NF. Contact: David Bell, N2RSN, at: N2RSN@arrl.net.
K6M - Tehama County ARES members will be operational from 8000ft
Observation Pk in Northeastern California on Field Day. Lat and long: 40.774 N x
120.170W All modes on 6m, 2m, possible 220/440/900 simplex,
definite 1.2Ghz and HF all mode if we get the appropriate equipment up
the hill. Contacts: Dan Newman, K6MLA, dn22@mail.csuchico.edu or Jake
Hickok KF6KDD fieldday@norcalscan.org
KE7R - Northern Nevada Amateur Radio Services (NNARS), Washoe
County, Nevada. Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Airlift Wing Base
at the
Reno/Tahoe International Airport. The NNARS will also be assisting a
local group known as the "Our Gang Amateur Radio Group" with a VE
session
on Saturday morning (June 22) at the VA Medical Center in Reno. After the
exam session, Our Gang will be operating KO7G, the amateur radio station at
the Reno VA Medical Center as a class 1D Field Day Station for the benefit
of the examinees. Due to security restrictions there are some limitations
in place for visitors. More information is at: www.qsl.net/nnars/FD2002.html
Contact: Matt Parker, N7TOD, n7tod@arrl.net
or packet N7TOD 145.05 MHz,
connect using YRGTN and KD7LQS-7 nodes.
K6LRC - Lassen Amateur Radio Club, at the Antelope Summit day use
area 7 miles North of Susanville, CA. on State Highway 139. The LARC group will
host a pot luck barbecue Saturday afternoon beginning at 0300 PM local. GOTA
station call: KD6STL. SSB, CW, PSK31, Packet, SSTV and demonstrations of each
including possible two-way Satellite operations. Overnighters are welcomed
preferably in self contained RV’s as this is not a campground and there are no
services available. If you wish to bring a tent we will do what we can but space
is limited and only a single club provided portable restroom is at this day use
area. For further information please contact
the LARC at www.qsl.net/k6lrc or Terry
Cobb, K6ME, at k6me@arrl.net or
(530) 253-3471.
+ MORE FEEDBACK RE EMCOMM 2002 -
- COMING SOON: A PICTURE PAGE OF HIGHLIGHTS OF EMCOMM 2002 In the
meantime, you can view a few pics from the ARRL story at:
www.emcomm.org/ (click: “EMCOMM
Story”.)
+++ 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
+ RADIOGRAMS AS
SENT ON 22 MAY 2002
SENDING STATION K6SOJ -- RECEIVING STATION WB6AGR
-------------------------------
113 R K6SOJ ARL14 MACDOEL CA MAY 22
JERE FELTEN W7TVA
15615 GENDEL
KEYPORT WA 98345
ARL FIFTY THANKS FOR RELAY
FROM N7NVP TUESDAY X SEE
YOU ON JNN 73
D W THORNE
-------------------------------
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 K6SOJ KI6MX
May 15 K6SOJ KI6MX
May 22 K6SOJ WB6AGR
May 29 WO6P WB6AGR
------------------------------------
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 JUNE 5 and 12.
+ 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 ARE POSTED EACH WEEK ON THE NWS WEBSITE:
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 will 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 KC7WEU
MAY 15 K6SOJ
KC7WEU
MAY 22 N7GK KB7EKF
MAY 29 TBA
TBA
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 Curry County EC KA7GNK
MAY 22 Josephine County EC KK7BF
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
+ ON THE
CALENDAR +
- REDWOOD COAST AMATEUR RADIO CONVENTION -
June 28-30, 2002
• ARRL San Francisco Section Convention
• Hosted by Humboldt County’s Amateur Radio Clubs
• HUMBOLDT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS - FERNDALE, CALIFORNIA
• Talk In: 146.850- and 147.090-/103.5
• ADVANCE REGISTRATION: 1 day $3.OO, 2 days $5.00
• AT THE DOOR: 1 day $4.00, 2 days $7.00
• SENIORS: HALF PRICE • FAMILY: $5.00 day
• Swap Meet • Commercial Dealers • ARRL FORUM • Fox Hunt • Early Bird
• Prizes • Guest Speakers • Field Day Competition • Wine & Cheese
Welcome
Friday at 6:30 PM
Saturday - 9 am to 5 PM
• Saturday Banquet - 7:00 PM in the TURF ROOM (BY RESERVATION ONLY!)
• Keynote Speaker - Mary E. Lau, N1VH, ARRL Field and Educational Support
"THE POWER OF CLUBS AND WHAT MEMBERSHIP CAN DO FOR YOU"
• Sunday - 9 am to 3:00 PM (Closing)
• Additional Information and ONLINE REGISTRATION: www.humboldt-arc.org
--------------------------------------------------------
+ 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 ---