OUR MISSION: “Expand the reservoir of
trained operators,
technicians and electronics experts”. - FCC Part 97.1(d)
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)
ANOTHER
“JAM-PACKED” EDITION ...
+ WELCOME NEW SUBSCRIBERS
+ SPECIAL 60 METERS “FIRST DAY OF OPERATION” COMMEMORATIVE
QSL CARD
+ ARRL AND DHS TO STATEMENT OF AFFILIATION
+ FIELD DAY JUNE 28-29
+ REDWOOD COAST AMATEUR RADIO CONVENTION
+ SHORT CIRCUITS
+ ARES/AMERICAN RED CROSS TRAINING IN YUBA CITY
+ ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS
+ RADIOGRAMS TRANSMITTED JUNE 4
• STATIONS SUBMIT CORRECT RADIOGRAMS:
+ FEEDBACK, SQUEALS, AND WHISTLES -
+ NET REMINDER
+ KNOW CODE NETS (KCN)
+ WEST COAST NET (WCN)
+ EMCOMM MANAGEMENT BOOK AVAILABLE
+ TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION
• "GETTING ON 6O METERS - LEGALLY”
+ MEDFORD NWS-SKYWARN SECTION
• MEDFORD NWS SECTION
• RENO NWS SECTION
+ SPECIAL REPORT
• EMCOMMWEST 2003 RENO
+ COMING SOON! “DIGITAL DIMENSIONS”
+ EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN INFORMATION
• HOW IS EMCOMMWEST AND EMCOMM.ORG FUNDED?
• RECENT CONTRIBUTORS
• SUBSCRIBE TO EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN
• BACK ISSUES LINK
• SEARCH FEATURE AT EMCOMM.ORG
+
WELCOME NEW SUBSCRIBERS -
• Jeff Nawrot, N8JSN, Kent County, Michigan - Assistant RACES Officer
• Jerry Wellman, W7SAR, Salt Lake City, Utah - ARES, RACES
• Anthony Ustica, KB7NV, Carson City, Nevada - ARES
• George Scott III, K7YMA, Yuma, Arizona - ARES, RACES
+ SPECIAL 60
METERS “FIRST DAY OF OPERATION” COMMEMORATIVE QSL CARD
• QSO any EMCOMM STATION (ARES, etc.) on 5332, 5348, 5368, 5373,
or
5405 kHz USB. (Remember: To be legal set your dial/read-out 1.5 kHz below
the nominal frequency. Maximum ERP: 50 watts.
• QSO must be after 0000 3 July 2003 in your local time zone AND after
0000 (local) 3 July 2003 in the time zone of your contacted station AND before
0000 4 July 2003 in your local time zone.
• Exchange QSL cards in the usual manner.
• To receive the SPECIAL 60 METERS “FIRST DAY OF OPERATION”
COMMEMORATIVE QSL CARD, photo-copy the data side of the QSL card
and mail to: EMCOMM, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058.
• Enclose a #10 (9½”) self-addressed stamped (37¢) envelope.
• SWLs and non-HF radio amateurs may ALSO participate.
• Monitor a 2-way QSO between EMCOMM stations on any of the 5 MHz freqs.
• Send a QSL, SWL card, or reception report to any one of them.
• Request a QSL (“verie”). (Be sure to enclose a S.A.S.E.)
• Submit a photocopy of the “verie” to:
EMCOMM, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058.
• Enclose a #10 (9½”) self-addressed stamped (37¢) envelope.
• THE JEFFERSON NOON NET (1200 PDT 7232 LSB DAILY) will be QRV
on 5332 USB (5348 alternate) from 1230PDT until 1300PDT ±
• ALSO there will be a SPECIAL WINCO NET on 5332 USB (5348 alternate)
July 3, 2003 at 2000PDT.
+ ARRL--DHS TO
SIGN STATEMENT OF AFFILIATION
• ARRL and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will sign a
Statement of Affiliation (SoA) at the League's 2003 National Convention later
this month in Texas. The convention will be held June 20-22 at the Arlington
Convention Center in conjunction with . Since both ARRL and DHS view community
disaster preparedness and response as top priorities, they will pledge mutual
support for Citizen Corps--a community-based training and outreach initiative
that brings together volunteers and first responders.
• Full story at: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/06/06/4/?nc=1
(COMMENT: Civil Defense deja vu? - editor)
+ ARRL FIELD DAY
JUNE 28-29, 2003 - LIST YOUR GROUP’S EVENT HERE
• ARES TEAMS and other EMCOMM UNITS (anywhere) that are participating in
FIELD DAY 2003 are invited to send the pertinent details for listing in the next
TWO (2) issues of the ECWB.
• Send your group’s name, a general description of the location of
your FD site, and who to contact for more information.
• NOTE: To read and see what a REAL field day adventure could be like,
check out the 1948 adventure to: “The Mountains of the Moon” at: http://www.qsl.net/pa0abm/ghe/00ghe.htm
• WASHINGTON STATE EMERGENCY AMATEUR RADIO SERVICES will operate Field
Day
as W7EMD (Class F) from Camp Murray, WA from 1800Z Jun 28 to 2100Z Jun 29. All
HF SSB bands. Maybe 6 meters SSB if conditions warrant. CW if Morse
operators available. May have the Governor or other official visitors.
Security clearance required.
Contact Bill Frazier, W7ARC
at: w7arc@arrl.net
+ REDWOOD COAST
AMATEUR RADIO CONVENTION - JUNE 20-22, 2003
• Humboldt County's Amateur Radio Clubs Proudly Host the
• ARRL San Francisco Section Convention
• Swap Meet - Commercial Dealers - ARRL FORUM
• Fox Hunt - Hourly Door Prizes - Guest Speakers
• Saturday Evening Banquet
• Humbolt County Fairgrounds, Ferndale, California
• Full details and contact info: www.humboldt-arc.org/harc/conv2003.html
+ SHORT CIRCUITS -
• “I received a very nice surprise in the U.S. Mail a
few days ago. A gen-u-wine G.I. pilot's hand key with leg clamp!
Model J-45. A gift from Bill Pennington, WA6SLA, Asst. Chief
Telecommunications California OES. ‘Random acts of kindness’ like that, make
this all worthwhile.” - de k6soj
+ ARES / AMERICAN
RED CROSS JOINT TRAINING: “Intro to Mass Care “
• Wednesday June 18, 2003
• 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• ARC Three Rivers Chapter, 2125 Onstott Road, Yuba City, California
• Prerequisite: ARC “Intro to Disaster Services”
• Contact person: Michael Colvin, W6CUJ, Yuba-Sutter EC w6cuj@arrl.net
+ ON-THE-AIR
RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS - NEXT SESSION JUNE 18
• Back...due to popular demand! The Sacramento Valley Section ARRL
resumed 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 NET (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: TWO MESSAGES will be transmitted in slow speed CW.
• NEXT: The SAME MESSAGES will be transmitted in SSB.
• All messages will 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 each 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 147.12+ (123.0) on the
following Thursday.
------------------------------------------------------------
+ RADIOGRAMS
TRANSMITTED IN THE JUNE 4 2003 PRACTICE SESSION:
------------------------------------------------------------
4 R K7DXV 21 KLAMATH FALLS OR JUN 5
DAVE THORNE
P O BOX 99
MACDOEL CA 96058
530 398 4751
NUTS X THE BATTLE OF
BASTOGNE THE GERMANS ASKED GENERAL
MCAULIFFE TO SURRENDER DECEMBER 22
1944 X HE SENT PROFOUND
BREVITY
ED EWELL 6719 BECKTON AVE KLAMATH FALLS OR 97603 541 884 3392
------------------------------------------------------------
5 R K7DXV 15 KLAMATH FALLS PR JUN 5
DAVE THORNE
P O BOX 99
MACDOEL CA 96058
530 398 4751
WE ALL LEARN MESSAGE HANDLING
WITH PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE AND
MORE PRACTICE USING STANDARD PROCEDURES
ED EWELL 6719 BECKTON AVE KLAMATH FALLS OR 97603 541 884 3392
------------------------------------------------------------
• STATIONS THAT SUBMITTED CORRECTLY
COPIED RADIOGRAMS:
• KR6G - Quincy, CA
• KD7GZR - Sun Valley, NV
• KE6MZT - Macdoel, CA
• KQ6YH/M - Lakeport, CA
• KD7VON - Sparks, NV
• N7TOD - Sparks, NV
(At least half of those listed copied messages in both CW and SSB)
• GOOD JOB! YOUR SPECIAL QSL CARD WILL BE IN THE MAIL SOON!
+ FEEDBACK (ON
MESSAGES SENT 4 JUN)
• From Matt Parker, N7TOD, EC Washoe County, NV”
“LOVED the text of training msg 4. Hope you find more great, little
history lessons like that to share through radiogram training.”
• From Casey McPartland, W7IB, AEC/Net Manager Placer County, CA ARRL OES:
“Thanks for the practice sessions! I didn't intend the question
that I asked about CW speed to infer that I wanted to "push it up".
It just occurred to me that the second message had a better flow (for me), it
may well be that I just got my ear, brain, and hand tuned up for the second
pass. My days of pushing dit's and dah's at 35 wpm are long gone...I'd
rather enjoy myself and the company of others (grin). Besides, I'm
interested in getting more new hams interested in CW and QRU isn't the way! Tnx
agn fer the fb wrk om!”
• COMMENT by Ed Ewell, K7DXV, AEC Siskiyou/Modoc County ARES, ARRL OES, and
EMCOMMWEST Bulletin Associate Editor for Training/Technical:
(He also originated the messages sent on JUN 4)
“Thanks for the comments. The greatest challenge to get new
(and old - editor) hams interested in communications and learning how to be
radio operators.
The newer hams are more computer orientated and want to have things automated. The job of sending messages is very simple and easy, but unless there is a computer involved, no one seems to know how to get a simple job done.
Traffic handling by CW is the easiest, simplest, and most reliable method. Brevity is very important in traffic handling. Like the General said: NUTS.
Our
nation will need real emergency communications some day, and I’m afraid that
most hams will not be ready. We are all having fun practicing traffic handling
procedures, and are trying to go “by the book”. (Unlike what you may
hear on the air.) Thanks for being with us.
• COMMENT by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ:
That famous one word message: “NUTS” sent by General McAuliffe in
1944 is a classic example of brevity. And we can all be thankful that it
was not General Patton that sent the reply. It would have been a two word
message!
More about General McAuliffe at: www.csamerican.com/Doc.asp?doc=mcauliffe
+ NET REMINDER -
(2nd Wednesday of the month)
• Sacramento Valley Section ARRL Net (Stations outside SV section welcome).
• 1900L 146.085- (127.3) SV Section ARRL Net (south central valley area).
• 1930L 3987± kHz LSB (1982 kHz alternate).
+ 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”.
• 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 about it” in the EMCOMMWEST Bulletin!)
+++ TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION SECTION +++
Ed Ewell, K7DXV Associate Editor for Training - ewell2@cvc.net
In the next few weeks the ECWB will be running a special
training series:
"GETTING ON 6O METERS - LEGALLY” - Here is Part I:
THE 60 METER BAND OPERATOR’S GUIDE
Nominal Channel Amateur Tuning Frequency (On your
dial)
5332kHz
5330.5kHz
5348kHz
5346.5kHz
5368kHz
5366.5kHz
5373kHz
5371.5kHz
5405kHz
5403.5kHz (common US/UK)
1. No specific frequency tolerance specified, however international Radio
Regulations suggest to be no more than 50 Hz from the assigned frequency in this
band.
2. We need to keep our audio within 2.8 kHz wide so the audio range should be
200 Hz to 2800 Hz for a total bandwidth of 2.6 kHz. (Watch your speech
processors and certain brands of microphones.)
3. Before transmitting, be sure are you on the proper frequency, upper sideband,
power at 50 watts maximum effective radiated power.
To be continued...
If you have a question on this topic send it to: ewell2@cvc.net
Selected questions will be answered in this column.
Also, visit our new: NEW ANTENNA LENGTH CALCULATION PAGE at:
http://www.emcomm.org/svares/antenna/design.htm
C U NEXT WEEK, Ed, K7DXV
• 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 WEATHER SPOTTER CLASS SCHEDULE HAS BEEN
COMPLETED
--------------------------------------------
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 REPORT: EMCOMMWEST 2003 RENO
Pictures at: http://www.emcomm.org/emcomm/emcomm2003/index.html
As the desert sun rose over the Truckee River Valley on
31 May, radio amateurs also rose early and made their way towards EMCOMMWEST
2003.
The parking lot of the South Reno Baptist Church was soon buzzing with
activity and chatter, as emergency communications operators from near and far
arrived. Small teams were busy setting up antenna masts and other mobile
unit displays. The hum of the generator from “Sally’s Canteen”
(Salvation Army Mobile Canteen and Communications Unit) rang familiar to anyone
who has ever been at a disaster scene.
The registration area in the main lobby was soon filled as nearly 120
ARES, RACES, and other EMCOMM operators, gathered at vendor’s tables and
agency displays. The Red, White and Black ARRL Flag was proudly displayed
behind the ARRL table staffed by Dan Miller, K3UFG from Newington.
As attendees filtered in to the main sanctuary, the mood became subdued
as a color guard of Civil Air Patrol Cadets Reno Squadron presented the colors
and the event’s coordinator Paul Cavnar, NN7B, lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Don Carlson, KQ6FM, Santa Clara Valley SEC, was the EMCEE and introduced
Dave Thorne, K6SOJ, Sacramento Valley Section EC, and EMCOMMWEST Founder, who
gave a brief review of the history of the four year event. He also shared
his vision of similar events (E.G. - EMCOMMEAST, EMCOMM “ROCKIES”, etc.) and
added... “What Dayton is to general amateur radio, and what Visalia is
to DXing, Reno will become synonymous to EMCOMM!”
A moment of silence was then observed in honor of Jim Maxwell, W6CF, SK
Don then introduced Dick Flanagan, W6OLD, ARRL Nevada Section Manager who made
an excellent presentation on Served Agency Relations using “power point”.
(It should be mention that the facility has a state-of-the-art audio-visual
system the includes two giant TV screens mounted behind the podium.)
The morning’s program was completed with half-hour presentations by Jim
Utterback, American Red Cross; Alex King and Diane Brite, KB7JZN,
Salvation Army; Roger Lamoni, WCM NWS Reno; and Joe Giraudo, N7JEH/AAM9ENV and
Tony Chedester, K7AIR/AAM9NV of Army MARS.
An ecumenical BBB lunch (“Baptist Burgers and Beans”) was served in
the church’s fellowship hall, with additional help provided by the crew from
“Sally’s Canteen”. The mid-day break provided a time for many to make new,
and renew old, acquaintances, and view the parking lot displays. The
military communication vehicles display included two variations of the M151
“Jeep” with a full range of military radios and a beautifully restored 1952
M37 “weapons carrier”. (Armed with multiple antenna and radio gear.)
The afternoon session began with a very interesting perspective and A-V
presentation by Bart Lee, KV6LEE, of San Francisco about his first hand
experiences in the 10 days following the attack on the World Trade Center. Bart
was in NYC on business on Sept. 11, 2001 and was just a few blocks away from
“ground zero”.
The RADIOGRAM/traffic handling class presented by Ed Ewell, K7DXV, and
Dave Thorne, K6SOJ, was conducted in the “choir room”. (Were we
preaching to the choir?”) 28 operators attended the lively two-hour
session and were presented with yellow “RADIOGRAM” certificates of
continuing education.
Concurrently, nine persons took exams for ARECC and passed at least one
level. Terry Bell, N2RSI - Keno, Oregon passed all three levels! Dan
Miller, K3UFG, ARRL Educational Coordinator also presented an excellent seminar
about the ARECC courses.
Presentations were made to the winners of the mobile unit competition.
INDIVIDUAL
category:
• The 1st place TROPHY went to Chuck Orgovan, KF6YKQ, Paradise, California.
Score: 194 (1985 Ford Panel Van. Well equipped...but not the neatest
looking rig we’ve seen!)
• The 2nd place certificate went to Al Tipsword, W6GER. Camino, California.
Score: 134 (1998 Ford Ranger pick up truck. A VERY nicely done
rig...and
a real contender for next year!)
• The 3rd place certificate went to Judi Robins, KD7GZR, Reno, Nevada.
Score: 76 (1999 Hyundai sedan. YL’s can, and should do, this!) In the
GROUP category (ARES, club or other non-profit organization):
• The 1st place TROPHY went to the Salvation Army Reno, Nevada.
Score: 220 (This one the only entry in this category, but their score was very
competitive).
(NOTE: First place winners are not eligible to enter for three years.)
EMCEE Don Carlson then presided over the drawing for a literal plethora
of door prizes.
Matt Parker, N7TOD, Washoe County EC then closed EMCOMMWEST 2003 by
recognizing the very hard work of the ECW-03 “overhead” team:
• Paul Cavnar, NN7B, Northern Nevada DEC
• Dick Flanagan, W6OLD, Nevada Section Manager
• Melissa Flanagan, KK7AA, Publicity
• Judi Robins, KD7GZR, NNARS Secretary/Treasure
EMCOMMWEST was now in the record book. As the church’s sanctuary
was being readied for worshippers on Sunday, and as the sun moved towards its
setting place beyond the beautiful Sierra-Nevada Mountains; “renewed and
improved” EMCOMM volunteers from throughout the west (and one from the east)
began departing in all directions from RENO. “The Crossroads of the West“
and the “Biggest Little City in the World!”
• “C U IN RENO in 2004!”
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ COMING SOON!
“DIGITAL DIMENSIONS”
Watch for a new column to appear soon in the ECWB. DIGITAL
DIMENSIONS will focus on digital modes such as PACKET, PACTOR, and AMTOR.
The column will be edited by Warren Olney, KB7EKF, AEC Josephine County, OR.
The first objective will be developing and maintaining a listing of active
EMCOMM packet stations and how to connect to them.
+ EMCOMMWEST
BULLETIN INFORMATION -
• HOW IS EMCOMMWEST AND EMCOMM.ORG FUNDED?
There are no charges, dues, or membership fees for the EMCOMMWEST Bulletin or
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=== ECWB #162 END ===