“The eyes and ears of someone on the ground looking at a storm is
still invaluable.”- Roger Lamoni, Warning Coordination Meteorologist,
NWS Forecast Office Reno, NV - (See SPECIAL REPORT in this issue.)

THE EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN No. 161
- 3 JUNE 2003 -

A Weekly Bulletin for ARES and other EMCOMM Operators and Public Safety Officials in “the west”...and beyond.

D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ- Chief Editor - k6soj@arrl.net
Bill Frazier, W7ARC - Associate Editor and Webmaster - w7arc@arrl.net
Ed Ewell, K7DXV - Assoc. Editor for Training/Technical - ewell2@cvc.net
Paul Cavnar, NN7B - Associate Editor, Nevada - nn7b@arrl.net

INTERNET: www.emcomm.org  E-MAIL: k6soj@arrl.net
A.R.R.L. HQ: www.arrl.org/ (Check it daily!)
---------------------------------------------------------------
• RADIO WATCH • MONITOR • CALLING • TRAFFIC • EMCOMM • GUARD •
• EMCOMMWEST: 7111 KHZ DAY / 3711 KHZ NIGHT / 146.52 MHZ 24/7
• ALASKA WATCH/TRAFFIC/CALLING: 3534 // 7042 // 14050 KHZ
• NEVADA ARES MONITOR/CALLING SSB: 3965 KHZ
---------------------------------------------------------------
L = Current local time in the [PST winter / PDT summer] zone.
Z = Universal Time Coordinated - UTC (same as ZULU and GMT.)

    HOMELAND SECURITY ALERT LEVEL:   ELEVATED    (Yellow)

IN THIS “JAM-PACKED” EDITION ...
+ EMCOMMWEST 2003 RENO IS HISTORY
+ WELCOME NEW SUBSCRIBERS
+ ARECC COURSE COMPLETIONS
+ NEW CA OES INLAND REGION ACS OFFICER
+ NEW EL DORADO COUNTY AECS
+ EC CORNER
+ HAM’S PARADISE
+ HELP IS NEEDED
+ ARC CRV 3701...“ON THE ROAD AGAIN”
+ FEEDBACK
+ WINCO NET TO BE ON 40 AND 75 METERS FOR SUMMER SEASON
+ ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS
+ NET REMINDER
+ KNOW CODE NETS (KCN)
+ WEST COAST NET (WCN)
+ EMCOMM MANAGEMENT BOOK AVAILABLE
+ TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
  • CLUBS AND EMCOMM
+ MEDFORD NWS-SKYWARN SECTION
  • SUMMER 2003 SKYWARN WEATHER SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE
  • RENO NWS SECTION
+ SPECIAL REPORT
  •  RENO NWS SKYWARN ACTIVATION
+ EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN INFORMATION
  • HOW IS EMCOMMWEST AND EMCOMM.ORG FUNDED?
  • RECENT CONTRIBUTORS
  • SUBSCRIBE TO EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN
  • BACK ISSUES LINK
  • SEARCH FEATURE AT EMCOMM.ORG

+ EMCOMMWEST 2003 RENO IS HISTORY...
  Nevada Section leaders and the staff of the Northern Nevada Amateur Radio Service really “delivered the goods” by presenting a MOST EXCELLENT EMCOMMWEST 2003 in RENO!  The fallout hasn’t quite settled.  Watch the ECWB for reports and links to photos in upcoming issues.
  Oh yes... “C U IN RENO...IN 2004!”

+ WELCOME NEW SUBSCRIBERS -

  • George Doty, WG6D, Pollock Pines, CA - El Dorado County
  • Rick Harrison, VA3NV, Oakville, Ontario, CANADA - ARES EC
  • Carina Lister, KF6ZYY, Long Beach, CA - ARES and RACES
  • Darrin Ogletree, KG6FJL, Winter, CA - Yolo County ARES and RACES
  • John Remoy. KN6SQ, Pittsburg, CA - Contra Costa County
  • Susan Rayburn, KG6NQR, Georgetown, CA - El Dorado County ARES
  • Rich Rasmussen, W6YQQ, Placerville, CA - El Dorado County ARES
  • Gary James, N6CNG, Shingle Springs, CA - El Dorado County ARES
  • Al Tipsword, W6GER,  Camino, CA - El Dorado County ARES
  • Harry Miller, Pilot Hill, CA - (Testing to become an ARO on June 7!)
  • Dan Miller, K3UFG, Bloomfield, CT - ARRL HQ
  • Bill Maher, KD7RPC, Wellington, NV - Douglas County DCART,
    SKYWARN and Search and Rescue.  (correction from ECWB #159))

+ ARECC COURSE COMPLETIONS - CONGRATULATIONS!

• Terry Bell, N2RSI, AEC Siskiyou/Modoc County ARES has successfully completed ARRL Emergency Communications Courses EC-001, EC-002, EC-003.

• Richard E. Hill, NU6T, ARRL Official Emergency Station Fair Oaks, CA, has successfully completed the ARRL's Level III -- Advanced Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course (EC-003).

+ CALIFORNIA OES/ACS ANNOUNCES NEW INLAND REGION ACS OFFICER -

  George Cusack, KG6LNZ, Ione, CA (Amador County), has been named California OES Inland Region ACS Officer.  His area includes 3 “mutual aid regions” consisting of inland 31 counties reaching from the Oregon Border on the north to Kern County on the south.  His volunteer amateur radio EMCOMM experience includes supporting local ARRL/ARES, CDF/VIP, and ACS/RACES units.  He has over twenty years experience in professional management in private industry.

  George and Trudy both enjoy RVing and boating.

+ FOUR NEW AECS NAMED IN EL DORADO COUNTY (SV Section) -

  Frank Sharit, W6DHN, Georgetown, CA - El Dorado County EC, has announced the naming of these new AECs:
• Susan Rayburn, KG6NQR, Georgetown, CA
• Rich Rasmussen, W6YQQ, Placerville, CA
• Gary James, N6CNG, Shingle Springs, CA
• Al Tipsword, W6GER,  Camino, CA

COMMENT: Now THAT’S what I call “team building”!  Welcome to all of these
fine people to the Sacramento Valley Section Leadership Team. - de k6soj

+ EC CORNER - “No job is complete until the paper work is done.”
• REMINDER TO ECs:  Monthly EC reports (FSD-212) for May are due. SV Section ARES leaders may submit reports online at: www.emcomm.org/svares/reports/main.htm

+ “HAM’S PARADISE” -

  The Northern California “World Class Station” (near Macdoel, CA) property and antenna farm of the late Ray Balch, K6VX, SK, is available for lease or sale.  Information and pictures: http://hamparadise.tripod.com/

  Also, if you know of a radio amateur that is a California licensed real estate broker or agent that might be interested in marketing this property contact: Barbra Dahl, KB7OMN, kb7omn@arrl.net

+ YOUR HELP IS NEEDED -
• In ECWB #63 (17 JUL 01) in the training section (on “triage”), reference was made to: www.fl5dmat.com/Policy_Procedures/triage.htm

• In ECWB #136 (10 DEC 02) in the training section (on SAR, CB, & FRS), reference was made to: www.rescuenet.org/frs/

These URLs appear to now be defunct.  IF...any of you readers have any knowledge of updates on either of these URLs...please let us know.  TNX.

+ AMERICAN RED CROSS CRV 3701 - “ON THE ROAD AGAIN” -
  (Apologies to Willie Nelson.  Ref. ECWB #120 and #128)

  American Red Cross Communications Response Vehicle No. 3701 (and crew) is based at the Grand Canyon Chapter, Phoenix, AZ.  Jennifer Liewer, on assignment with the Public Affairs Rapid Response Team, was recently dispatched to Norman, Oklahoma to provide advanced communication support for the recent tornado disasters.  The unit was on line using the satellite
comm equipment.

  Ed Ryan, N7VEX, reports: “Four CRVs were deployed on this operation including units from, Oklahoma City and Jackson, TN.  When released from this assignment, CRV 3701 will be heading back to Falls Church, VA for some minor work before being sent home to AZ.

  A terrific photo essay of the Oklahoma Tornadoes (by special permission of Gene Dailey Photography) is at: www.genedailey.com/2003oklahoma/

  Other CRV 3701 pictures: www.emcomm.org/red_cross/crv_pictures.htm (Oklahoma picture is on lower right)

  COMMENT: Visit the entire Gene Dailey Gallery at: www.genedailey.com/ The Feb. 2002 Winter Olympics page is especially nice...I really “dig” that ARC Disaster Services Eighteen Wheeler, and the super-cool first aid tent!

+ FEEDBACK, SQUEALS, AND WHISTLES -
(re. ECWB #160)

>From Dave Mauldin, WA6TWJ, Rough and Ready, California:
  “Another great edition.  Keep up the good work.  Sorry to hear about the computer Gremlins. I have  experience with computer Gremlins myself; have had to deal with them in the  past. I really hate that when it happens.”

COMMENT: No applause please.  Just throw money...

>From Neil McKie, WA6KLA, Bend, Oregon:
  “Re. your ‘No. 2 - Don't put all your eggs in one basket.’... ‘Don't count your hatches before they chicken out ...’

   Re. your ‘If at all possible...always use SIMPLEX, It is quicker, is not wide-area, and therefore it is less susceptible to interference  or complaints from non-EMCOMM operators.  For wider area coverage, nets, and EMCOMM bulletins, VHF repeaters are helpful and common. But always keep in mind No. 2 (above). Repeaters can (and do) fail, and not all repeater owners allow unrestricted use of their repeaters for EMCOMM operations’: So true ... :(

  Re. your ‘Next in importance is digital EMCOMM’. I know of instances, when VHF voice was not an option (due to distance and no repeater(s),  and HF band conditions prevented signal propagation...either SSB  or CW! Packet worked...over a 300 mile path.  

  Of course, linked  packet systems can (and do) fail. Again: Read No. 2 above.’: Packet is all well and good - if you can, somehow, get the  operators to learn how to set audio levels during transmit  conditions.  That's been my main beef with the packet folks, they seem to think if a little bit of audio is good, then a whole lot  more has to be better. It doesn't work that way.  In my opinion, the typical packet installation looks like a Mickey Mouse wiring job. 

  Re. the ‘TRAFFIC HANDLER'S MANTRA’:  In a recent exercise here, I handled a priority message going to Salem.  It was not in correct form, and I had to get repeats several times, etc.  Even I know better.  ;-)”

COMMENT:  Thanks Neil for your comments.  Your: “Don't count your hatches before they chicken out ...” is one that I hadn’t heard.  But, those of us in leadership can certainly relate to it! - k6soj

+++ WINCO NET TO BE ON 40 AND 75 METERS FOR SUMMER SEASON +++

  Longer daylight periods cause altered short-wave propagation patterns. In an attempt to not leave out stations on the “outer reaches” of the WINCO NET (e.g.- The Evergreen State); starting this coming Wednesday, 4 JUN, an alternate NCS will be QRV on 40M. If you find that you are unable to contact the NCS (K6SOJ) on 3987±, tune to 7232± and listen or call for K7DXV.  K7DXV and K6SOJ are 35 miles apart and well within 2M simplex range.  

Please join us in this experiment in the first ever “dual-band” WINCO NET!  

NOTE TWO ADDITIONAL NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS NEXT:

+++ ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS TO RESUME +++

• Back...due to popular demand!  The Sacramento Valley Section ARRL will resume its on-the-air RADIOGRAM practice sessions on 4 June 2003.

• MESSAGES will be transmitted twice a month on 3987 kHz ± (sorry no 40 meter band transmissions for these sessions).

• TRAFFIC will begin shortly after the WINCO NETS   (approx. 2000 PDT - 1st Wednesday of the month); AND after the   ARES REGIONAL LEADERSHIP NETS (3rd Wednesday of the month).

• Each session will consist of one (1) or (2) formal traffic RADIOGRAMS.

• The RADIOGRAMS may be ACTUAL or TEST MESSAGES.

• FIRST: a MESSAGE will be transmitted in slow speed CW.

• NEXT: the exact same MESSAGE will be transmitted in SSB.

• Each message will then be published in the ECWB the following Tuesday.

• A SPECIAL QSL WILL AVAILABLE to those who submit a correct copy   postmarked within three (3) days after the June 4 practice session.

• RADIO AMATEURS OF ALL LICENSE CLASSES ARE INVITED TO TUNE IN AND COPY
  THE RADIOGRAMS.

• NON-HF HAMS AND SWLS ARE WELCOME TO SUBMIT REPORTS.

• Use standard ARRL RADIOGRAM format and send to: EMCOMM, P.O. Box 99,
  Macdoel, CA  96058.  (Enclose a #10 self-addressed stamped envelope.)

! FLASH ! --- RENO, NV VHF stations...The RADIOGRAM(S) will also be re-transmitted on the Western Nevada Noon Net (WNNN) on 147.120+ (123.0) on the following Thursday.

+ NET REMINDER - (1st Wednesday of the month)
• 40 Meters Frequency added for SUMMER SEASON!
• WINCO ARES NET - Washington, Idaho, Nevada, California, and Oregon.
  (Also Idaho, Montana, and elsewhere...including “ships at sea”.)
• All ARRL, ARES (and other EMCOMM) stations welcome.
• VHF/UHF stations are encouraged to listen on HF and check in by relay.
• 1930 PST on LSB 3987± // 7232± (Alternate NC/Relay)

+ DAILY “KNOW CODE NETS” [KCN]
  1300 PST 7111 kHz “up”.
  2000 PST 3711 kHz “up”.

  These are 1 kHz above QRP CW calling frequencies.  (EMCOMM operators are encouraged to operate QRP.)  The KCN nets are for those who want to improve their Morse skills and make contact with other EMCOMM oriented operators in a somewhat informal setting.  If you do not hear anyone...try calling CQ.

  Since many CW operators are reluctant to “break in” to an existing QSO, or are not yet ready for a “round table” type format; it has been suggested that the listed frequencies be used for calling, and consider moving long QSOs or roundtables up a few kHz.  Learn to tune around...and listen to
what’s going on.  Remember...stations using crystal controlled transmitters may be operating “split”.

+ WEST COAST NET (WCN)

• The West Coast Slow Speed Traffic Net was founded in 1958 as the NSN Northwest Slow Speed Net).  It, “...was started with one purpose in mind. To train amateur radio operators in the correct procedure of making up and handling of amateur radio messages. Thus trained, they should become proficient in handling traffic on CW. With this training, it would also make it easier to check into the higher speed nets.”  Today the ECN still “...exists primarily to train CW traffic operators in net procedure and message handling.”

  The WCN meets daily at 1900L on 3702 kHz.  Listen and/or check in when visitors are called.  For more information go to: http://home.attbi.com/~west-coast-net/pages/contents.html

+ MANAGEMENT OF THE AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS FUNCTION
    by Jerry Boyd, MS, KW7J is “hot off the press”.
  • Designed specifically for amateur radio EMCOMM managers.
  • A 48 page “how to” provide effective leadership.
  • A “must read” for all AECs, ECs, DECs, SECs  and other EMCOMM leaders.
  • Available now from:
    WORLDRADIO BOOKS, 2120 28th St., Sacramento, CA  95818
    $8.00 plus $2.00 postage and handling. (CA residents add 62¢ sales tax)
  • (Mention that you “heard it first” in the EMCOMMWEST Bulletin!)

+++ TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION SECTION +++

    Ed Ewell, K7DXV Associate Editor for Training - ewell2@cvc.net

   EMCOMMWEST 2003 RENO is now behind us.  Next week we’ll get back to some new training material.  Please join us in the ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS (see above).  This week we will reply to a question submitted a few days ago by an ARES Emergency Coordinator.

QUESTION: “Can ARES stand alone without a club ???”

ANSWER: “Yes. In fact the ARES is, and should remain separate, both administratively and politically.”  To expand upon this fairly common problem, we are “re-running” an EDITORIAL that first appeared in ECWB #82 (November 27, 2001).  It has been updated.

+ CLUBS AND EMCOMM - AN EDITORIAL
By D.W. Thorne, K6SOJ
Sacramento Valley Section Emergency Coordinator

Club (klub) n. 1. A heavy stick suitable for use as a weapon.  (A Wouff Hong?)  2. A group of people organized for a common purpose.

  It has been said that: “clubs are the ‘backbone’ of amateur radio.” Radio clubs existed long before the ARRL or the FCC.  And I, as the president of an amateur radio club, agree.  Without “clubs”, amateur radio would be very different...if it even still existed!

  “Clubs” are, by definition, political.  They come and they go...as do their members and leaders.  Some just continue to exist in a quagmire of apathy and indifference. 

  Amateur radio clubs and associations are no exception.  Some are more structured than others.  There are radio clubs that are general in scope, while others promote a specific area within amateur radio.  There are DX clubs, contest clubs, QRP clubs, repeater clubs, kit building clubs,
antique clubs (the radios are supposed to be the antiques, not necessarily the members), and who-knows-what other types.  Some clubs are purely social.  Others are public service oriented.  While yet others have a different approach towards building up, or “talking up”, amateur radio.

  The ARRL/ARES, local government RACES units, SKYWARN, etc. are not clubs. Nor, are they a part of any club, or intended to be “controlled” by one club or another.  (I am well aware that in some areas there is long history of blurring the line of distinction.)  The mission of amateur EMCOMM organizations must continue to remain viable...with or without clubs.

  A public or emergency service oriented ham who wishes to join the ARES, or register with RACES, is not required to pay any dues, or join a club.

  The ARES and RACES (include ACS, CDF/VIP, and SKYWARN) are “club neutral”.  However, the ARES and the RACES welcomes the support and cooperation of clubs and club members who choose to participate and follow the guidelines of the ARRL, the rules of the FCC, and good amateur operating practice.

  In areas where there are several clubs, an EMCOMM operator may join one, or more, based upon what interests he or she may have, and as many groups as they wish to support.  But there is no direct or “political” link between the ARES and/or RACES and “clubs”.  Clubs may not set policy for the ARES, and they do not appoint or elect its leaders.  Conversely, the ARES does not set policy for “clubs” or appoint their leaders.

  In order to enhance its EMCOMM capability, the ARES may (and often does) enter into agreements with clubs and associations to secure permission to use a club owned repeater, club house, or other equipment or property such as a mobile communications van.

  There are clubs that exist solely or in part to support their local ARES unit.  Others may have a completely different purpose.  Ideally, ARRL affiliated clubs will and report their public service activities to the EC responsible for the area in which they are based for inclusion in the his or her monthly reports.  (NOTE: RACES, CDF, SKYWARN, and other amateur EMCOMM unit leaders should also report their group’s activities to the EC to be included in the ARRL’s national database for ham radio public service.)

  I suggest that all EMCOMM radio amateurs, whether ARES members and/or RACES registered, join at least one club whose mission and policy is one that they believe in.  Then, support that club, in whatever way they can. You say there is no club in your area?  Or, there is no club that espouses
what you believe amateur radio ought to be?  Then start one!

  I helped found a club four years ago with the mission: “To promote and preserve the ‘basis and purpose’ of all aspects of the Amateur Radio Service; as defined by FCC part 97.1;  the ‘Amateur’s Code’;  and, the finest traditions and rich history of the amateur radio service.”  It now
has over fifty members!  Get involved.  Run for office.  Don’t just be a “bump on a log” with a mic or key!  “Clubs ARE the ‘backbone’ of Amateur Radio!”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Previous training bulletins are archived at:
www.emcomm.org/svares/training/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
• THE TRAFFIC HANDLER’S “MANTRA”:
“No • Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
“No • Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
“No • Prepared • Ham • Should • Copy • Priority • Traffic • Delayed”
(NUMBER-PRECEDENCE-HX-STATION OF ORIGIN-CHECK-PLACE OF ORIGIN-TIME-DATE)

+++++ REFERENCE/RESOURCE SECTION +++++

• ARRL FSD-218.  The famous “pink card” that contains (almost) “everything you ever needed to know about RADIOGRAMS”.  An electronic version of the FSD-218 is available at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#fsd-218
• National Traffic System (NTS) Methods and Practices Guidelines
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/
• DIGITAL EMCOMM YAHOO GROUP (packet, SSTV, APRS, etc.):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cadigitalemcomm/
• BEEN AWHILE SINCE YOU OPERATED CW?  NEVER HAD THE ENJOYMENT OF MORSE
OPERATING?  Then, take a look at: “A Beginner’s Guide to Making CW Contacts” by Jack Wagoner, WB8FSV at:  www.netwalk.com/~fsv/CWguide.htm
• AN EXCELLENT NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) TRAINING WEBSITE IS AT:
http://www.qsl.net/aresco/nts-top.htm
• 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
• CW “NETIQUETTE” (An excellent guide for the advanced operator):
http://www.qsl.net/n5lf/cw-nts.html
• FOR AN INTERESTING HISTORIC LOOK AT... “THE ART OF COMPOSING TELEGRAMS”:
www.metronet.com/~nmcewen/telegram.html
(Some of the information at the above URL may NOT apply to ARRL RADIOGRAMS)

=== NWS-SKYWARN SECTION ===

+ MEDFORD NWS (WX7MFR) SKYWARN NEWS AND INFORMATION -
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

+ MEDFORD NWS / SUMMER 2003 (Remaining) WEATHER SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE

+++ UPDATED +++

Wednesday, June 4 - Curry County --- !TOMORROW!
7-9 p.m. in Brookings - Harbor Fire Hall on Benham Lane.

Thursday, June 5 - Coos County
6-8 p.m. - Coos Bay Library, 525 Anderson St., Coos Bay

--------------------------------------------

MEDFORD NWS WX SPOTTER / SKYWARN NETS:

MEDFORD NWS WX SPOTTER NET: Wednesdays 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)
7232 LSB (up) DAYTIME
3987 LSB (down) NIGHTTIME
1982 LSB (alternate).

SKYWARN nets will be activated on these frequencies during severe weather events.

MEDFORD/RENO NWS SKYWARN NET CONTROL STATIONS -

DATE      147.26+              3987 LSB
JUN  4    N7GK                    N7TOD
JUN 11    N6RSN/N2RSI    K6SOJ
JUN 18    N7IXS                  N2RSN/N2RSI
JUN 25    N7GK                   KB7EKF

For more information contact:
Gary, N7GK, gpederso@OregonVOS.net; or,
Dave, K6SOJ, k6soj@arrl.net
Matt, N7TOD, n7tod@arrl.net (Reno)

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 on 145.090 MHz 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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
+ RENO NWS (WX7RNO) SKYWARN NEWS AND INFORMATION -
• http://renoskywarn.org/
• Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM): Roger Lamoni
• SKYWARN/Amateur Radio Liaison: Matt Parker, N7TOD, Washoe County (NV) EC

SKYWARN NETS:
WEDNESDAYS 1905L 147.12+ (123.0) and 1915L on 3987 // Medford (OR) NWS

PACKET Information: Frequency 145.050 Keyboard : WX7RNO (automatically forwards to MBX when station is unmanned) MBX: WX7RNO-1 (NWS/SKYWARN related traffic only please, due to limited capacity of 10K, most of which is occupied by daily forecast bulletins)

KaNode: WX7RNO-7

+ SPECIAL RENO NWS SKYWARN POST ACTIVATION REPORT -

Date of Activation: May 23, 2003
Reference Number: RSKY03-001
Reported By: Matt Parker, N7TOD
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
Emergency Coordinator – Washoe County, NV

   Amateur radio station, WX7RNO, National Weather Service Office, Reno, Nevada, was activated for the first time in 2003 on Friday, May 23, 2003 when NWS Staff requested assistance in seeking weather reports regarding thunderstorm activity that developed over various areas of the County Warning and Forecast Area (CWFA) during the afternoon and evening hours.

  During the activation, we were able to communicate with stations in widely spaced across the CWFA by utilizing several repeater systems, each providing coverage of specific areas of concern, and provided information that assisted NWS staff in monitoring weather of concern in those areas.

  This activation marked that first time that a number of resources available to us were utilized in combination.  Utilizing the computer workstation at our operating position we were able to actively communicate via packet radio while also simultaneously monitoring radar and satellite imagery via the Internet, while e-mailing frequent updates via the newly established SKYWARN weather spotter mailing list, and record our incoming reports through use of a computer program designed for SKYWARN operations.

  The combined use of these resources greatly enhanced our communication abilities during this activation and provided some valuable, hands-on experience in applying all of these resources to facilitate a more efficient operation.

  The wide area over which weather of concern occurred during this operation provided a substantial test of our abilities to communicate with the vast expanse of the CWFA.  Communication was established with an amateur driving through the Truckee Canyon area (eastern Nevada County, CA) and observations were received while a storm cell of concern in that area was being monitored.

  When radar estimates of precipitation rates indicated heavy rains in the Genesee area northwest of Quincy, CA, a spotter in that area was alerted via e-mail and subsequently contacted us by radio, providing a report from the area directly affected by this storm via relay.

  When storm cells developed over the Lake Lahontan/Fort Churchill/Silver Springs area, we were able to establish communications with a number of members of the Lyon County ARES, several of whom are weather spotters, and receive observations of what the weather was doing in that area.

  Early in the afternoon we established contact with the Coleville, (CA) area and Sgt. Dave O'Hara, KB6MDG, of the Mono County Sheriff's Office, advising him that the station was active and available to receive any reports of severe weather from his area.

  At one point during the afternoon a strong cell in the Hat Creek/Old Station area northwest of Susanville (CA) was being monitored. NWS personnel requested the we attempt to contact any stations in that area for a report, but no contact was achieved using available repeater systems.
  Efforts will be made to enlist assistance from cooperating weather spotters/emergency communicators from the Sacramento Valley Section to provide us with contacts in that region when similar circumstances occur in the future.

  The circumstances of this afternoon provided a unique opportunity for myself and Joe Consolo – KD7QDL, the other amateur operator assisting at the NWS office.

  Although there was weather to be monitored in the area, NWS personnel were not overwhelmed and therefore took the time to show us the development of several interesting weather phenomenon, explaining to us what was occurring and why.  Those who did not avail themselves of the opportunity to come to office and participate in training/operation of the station missed out on a great educational opportunity.

COMMENT: The RENO NWS has one of the most dedicated and active SKYWARN teams west of the Rocky Mountains.  To view a map of the RENO NWS coverage area visit: www.emcomm.org/reno/index.html

EDITOR’S NOTE:  If you have a “first person” amateur radio related “adventure”, an attempt at humor, or other story of interest, please feel free to submit it for publication in the EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN.  We can’t pay you for it ( but nobody else probably would either).  If you want to share it with others...send it along.  It probably will get (slightly) edited. NOTE: Before submitting long texts, please contact the editor for a FORMATTING GUIDE.