“I agree that poor communication is a problem,
but I am not going to discuss it.” -- Wilson
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:
- SHORT CIRCUITS
- EC CORNER
- 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 TRAFFIC AND OTHER NETS REMINDER/SCHEDULE
- ON THE CALENDAR
+ SHORT
CIRCUITS +
+ FIRE SEASON OFFICIALLY DECLARED IN CALIFORNIA -
Issued by California OES - 30 May 2002:
“Due to weather, fuel, and fire activity conditions, the statewide Declaration
of Fire Season will be effective 0800 hours June 3, 2002. We will undoubtedly
have an active season with extreme burning conditions and I want to stress to
all who will be fighting fire to DO IT SAFE and get after the fires when they
erupt and do the fantastic job we are known for. To the many support personnel
in the Department, your role is just as important in providing the
administrative, financial, and logistical support to our mission during fire
season as well. I am proud of the entire CDF organization and I know we will do
our best as a team as always.”
(s) James M. Wright, Chief of Fire Protection,
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
+ NEW DEC FOR SACRAMENTO VALLEY SECTION DISTRICT THREE
Frank Reshke, III, N6SNO, is the new DEC for District 3, SV Section. He
currently also serves as the City of Sacramento RACES Officer. Frank
brings a lot of amateur radio and EMCOMM experience with him, including previous
service as both an EC and a DEC. His current team includes Dan Wise,
KE6IUZ, Sacramento County EC; Russell Decker, KB6YAF, Sutter/Yuba EC; and Kyle
Noderer, KB6OLL, Yolo EC. (Colusa County has no active ARES unit...so he
has his work cut out for him!) Frank also enjoys fishing and traveling
around the country in his “PT Cruiser”. Welcome...to the ARES Leadership
Team, Frank!
+ MODOC COUNTY AEC RESIGNS -
Wayne Light, K7NCE, (and Jessica, KG6GNR) will soon be relocating to Turlock,
California where Wayne has accepted a new professional position. (Stanislaus
County is in the San Joaquin Valley Section.) Wayne has served as an
Assistant Emergency Coordinator in Modoc County for the past two years. We
sincerely hope that they will continue to keep in touch with those of us in the
Sacramento Valley Section. While the summers will definitely be
warmer...so will the winters! We will surely miss them and we wish them
the very best in their new venture.
+ ARES LEADERSHIP NET INVITES ALL ARES STATIONS ON FIRST WEDNESDAYS -
On the first Wednesday of every month, the Regional ARES Leadership Net
(1930 PDT on 3987 ± KHz) is open to ALL ARES and other bona-fide EMCOMM
stations and operators. Get to know YOUR leaders and the leaders in other
counties, districts, sections, states and...divisions! When your area is
called...check in. If you have a question or a comment, let the net
control know. The topic you present will then be discussed then or saved
for a later time. Next net: Tomorrow (June 5 @ 1930L)
+ WELCOME NEW SUBSCRIBERS -
- Andy Long of Laurel, Maryland
- Scott Garrett, W8JSG, ARES, AEC Logistics, Shelby County, Ohio.
(Look him up on QRZ.COM and see a pic of their very nice
mobile unit.)
+ EC CORNER
-
Monthly EC reports (FSD-212) for May are due. SV ARES leaders may
report online at: www.emcomm.org/svares/reports/main.htm
Reports already received from : Butte/Glenn, Lassen, Siskiyou/Modoc, and Trinity
Counties; plus Districts One and Two.
+ ARES “Q and
A” -
(Note: While this “Q & A” applies to amateur radio in general, this
query was from an active ARES member and merits a response.)
Q - Dear Dave...
“ What do you do when you suspect that another ham is an illegal operator?
I recently had a contact with a station on 40 meters SSB. When I looked up
the operator’s address in an online directory, it showed his call sign as
being a technician class license. (He did not identify with an “/AG”.)
If he isn't a General class operator or higher, he had no business being on that
frequency.”
A - My usual practice is to NOT "work" or even acknowledge any station
that
is CLEARLY illegal. Legal operators who maintain contact with an illegal
operator are also in violation of FCC Part 97. I recall once answering a
CQ from a station identifying as “aeronautical mobile”. We talked a
minute or two and exchanged names. When I asked for his call sign, he told
me that although he was a licensed amateur, he was onboard a military aircraft,
that he did not have permission to operate, and therefore he didn’t want to
give out his call sign! I ended the QSO by identifying and moving to
another frequency. No “thanks”, no “73”... nuthin’!
I have occasionally made contact with operator’s who blatantly told me that
they were illegal. (No call sign, no license, running excessive power,
etc.) As in the example above, I don't say anything more other that to
identify with my call sign and move to another frequency. Or, I just shut
down and go take a walk out in the bush with my five dogs until I calm down.
To lecture or debate them only “eggs them on”, and turns you into a lid and
an illegal operator. Sooner, or later, they will (hopefully) get caught,
pay a fine, forfeit their radio, and loose their amateur privileges.
However, in the case you cite, (and if it feels right to you) you might just let
him know that when you looked up his address, you noted that he is "listed
as a technician class licensee", and that maybe he should look into why
“they have it wrong”. That way you are not accusing him, but you are
letting him know that he is not shown as being a general, and that you know it.
(There could be an honest mistake....rare...but possible.)
+ 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 areasked 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 29 MAY 2002
SENDING STATION WO6P -- RECEIVING STATION WB6AGR
-------------------------------
TEST 1 R HXC WO6P 14 REDDING CA 0225Z MAY 30
MIKE RUSSEL
2334 LOST RD
ROSEVILLE CA 96007
555 234 6789
TEST MESSAGE X PLEASE CALL
MOTHER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
X NOT AN EMERGENCY
JOHN RUSSELL
-------------------------------
TEST 2 R C WO6P 7 SHINGLETOWN CA 0228Z MAY 30
TEX RITTER
1345 SMALL AVE
CLEARWATER FL 03780
109 555 2221
TEST MESSAGE X HAVE A
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
GEORGE MICHAEL
-------------------------------
TEST 3 R WO6P 13 CHICO CA 0230Z MAY 30
GEORGE BERNARD
30224 BIRD ST
TALLAHASSEE FL 02356
TEST MESSAGE X PLEASE LET
US KNOW WHEN YOU ARE
ARRIVING FOR VISIT
SARAH BERNARD
-------------------------------
EDITOR’S COMMENT: The messages above are acceptable as they were sent.
However the texts could have been shortened a bit as follows. (REMEMBER,
this may only be done at the originating station. NEVER by any relay
station!)
TEST 1:
TEST MESSAGE X NO EMERGENCY
CALL MOTHER ASAP
(14 words reduced to 8)
TEST 2:
TEST MESSAGE X ARL FORTY
SIX
(7 words reduced to 6)
TEST 3:
TEST MESSAGE X ADVISE ARRIVAL
TIME YOUR VISIT
(13 words reduced to 8 words)
(Of course all of these would be reduced by 3 words if real messages)
When composing a RADIOGRAM, pretend that you will be charged ONE DOLLAR forevery
“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
------------------------------------
June 5
June 12
June 19
June 26
------------------------------------
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
JUN 5 K6SOJ
KC7WEU
JUN 12 N7GK N2RSN
MAY 15 N2RSN KC7WEU
MAY 22 N7GK KB7EKF
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:
------------------------------------
JUNE 5 Sacramento Valley SEC K6SOJ
JUNE 12 Klamath County AEC N2RSN
JUNE 19
JUNE 26 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 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”.
• ALASKA ARES / TRAFFIC NETS -
The ALASKA ARES maintains a “listening watch” on 3535 and 7042 kHz (CW)
for NTS traffic within or into ALASKA. Listen for AL7N, Fairbanks; and/or
KL5T and KL7HF, Anchorage. Full details at: www.qsl.net/aresalaska/news/ACWN.html
Also check out their main page at: www.qsl.net/aresalaska/index.html
+ 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