=================================================================
         + MEMORIAL DAY EDITION +
“Who kept the faith and fought the fight;
The glory theirs, the duty ours.” - Wallace Bruce
=====================================================
THE EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN - No. 212 - 25 May 2004
=====================================================
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 - Washington Associate Editor and Webmaster
Ed Ewell, K7DXV - Assoc. Editor Training / Technical Consultant
Ed Trump, AL7N - Alaska CW Net Manager and Alaska Correspondent
Sgt. Dave Nicholson, KB6PNT - Assoc. Editor and SAR Advisor
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
• NATIONAL RADIO EMERGENCY NETWORK: 7068 / 10122 / 14050 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 EDITION ...
+ EMCOMMWEST 2004
+ NEW SUBSCRIBERS
+ SHORT CIRCUITS
+ FEEDBACK
+ CHANGES
+ COMING EVENTS
+ TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
  • WILDERNESS PROTOCOL - REVISITED
  • PRACTICE RADIOGRAMS SENT MAY 19
+ NWS SKYWARN SECTION
+ ECWB INFORMATION
========================================================================
 
+ EMCOMMWEST 2004 -
 
  ECW-04 RENO is now in the record books.  In many ways it was “the best
ever”!  Watch for a detailed review next week, but in the meantime you can
read a fine article that appeared the Reno Gazette-Journal on May 22 at:
http://rgj.com/news/stories/html/2004/05/21/71322.php
(Thanks to Barry Bettman, K6ST, AEC Nevada County for providing this link.)
 
From The Nevada Section Manager:
  EMCOMMWEST 2004 and the annual Reno Spring Ham Swap are now history and a
very positive history it is!!
  Every attendee and vendor I spoke to said the events met or exceeded
their  expectations and without exception they were looking forward to next
year's event.  A lot of good will was created this weekend and I think
word-of-mouth will become a significant promotional factor next year.
  No event like this can be accomplished by one person alone.  Over fifty
people donated their money and talents in varying amounts to make this a
successful event.  For the first time in a long long time we saw every club
in the area pulling together for a common purpose, proving once and for all
that if we can all pull together, there isn't anything we can't accomplish.
  Thank you for everything you and your teams contributed to these events!
                          -- Dick Flanagan, K7VC  NV SM
 
+ WELCOME NEW SUBSCRIBERS -
 
  • Richard Smith, W7RFS, Florence, Oregon - ARES, RACES
  • Rob Worley, W7VWW, Florence, Oregon - EC West Lane County
  • Steve Pabin, N7ZZS, Peoria, Arizona - ARES
  • Charles Smith, Bray, California
  • Rick Adams, KD7PBP, Dayton, Nevada
 
+ SHORT CIRCUITS -
 
  • Revdo. Ronaldo M. Rentner, La Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala,
AKA Ron Rentner KD7WAW/TG (loyal ECWB reader who maintains an EMCOMM
station in Guatemala); will be undergoing major surgery for cancer on
May 27.  He will be hospitalized at Washoe Medical Center, Reno, NV for
7-10 days.  Mail address is: 2301 Rodney Circle, Reno, NV 89509.
Please keep Ron in your thoughts and prayers.
 
+ FEEDBACK, SQUEALS, WHISTLES, SPURIOUS EMISSIONS, and...MUSINGS -
 
  (Ref. ECWB #210 - RADIOGRAM TIP NR 14: “When originating a message to
another ham and I have their phone number, I do not usually list their call
sign after their name.  However, in disaster situations where the telephone
system may be down; and under normal conditions when I don't have a phone
number, I add the call sign to help the delivering operator to locate the
addressee.”)
 
  “If I'm reading this correctly, why not include the call?  I've had many
a pleasant chat with fellow hams I didn't previously know while delivering
messages.  The inclusion of the call in the address is an instant
conversation starter.” - Howard Hecht, W1HO, Seymour, CT
 
  Thanks Howard.  Your point is well taken.  Except for keeping a RADIOGRAM
as short as possible, I don’t know of any reason not to include an
addressee’s call sign.
  Unfortunately, I frequently hear operators attempting to send a message
to another ham and only list the recipient’s name and call sign as the
address.  Formal message traffic should always include a street or mailing
address and a telephone number...if at all possible.  With or without a
call sign. -  Editor  (Ref. ARRL NET DIRECTORY 2001-2002 p. 73
 
  (Refer. ECWB #211 “FEEDBACK”)
 
  “In the military I remember some instances of "Mystery Meat" that could’a
been a good candidate for that stuff.  Tough, and the only taste was the
sauce (if you had any) that we put on it. - Adrian Jones, KD7ZEM, Sparks NV
 
(Refer. ECWB #211 “TIPS FOR TACTICAL TRAFFIC HANDLING”)
 
  “Well, that ought to flush out the "I don't have to write no stinkin'
messages!" operators out of the woods. Thanks for the efforts.”
  - Ed Ryan, N7VEX, ARC Disaster Specialist, Grand Canyon Chapter, Arizona
 
+ CHANGES -
 
  This issue of the EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN is the last issue in a weekly
“bulletin” format.  (For a brief history of the ECWB go to):
http://www.emcomm.org/svares/archives/number200.htm
  On June 1, 2004 the EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN will become the EMCOMM MONTHLY,
and will gradually “morph” into a magazine format.  “EM” will be published
on the Tuesday before the first Wednesday of each month.  (EMCOMM SPECIAL
BULLETINS may be issued during major incidents or unusual occurances.)
 
• WHAT IS NOT CHANGING -
  Our excellent Editorial Staff will continue.  BUT, we have added two new
members to our editorial team: Jerry Boyd, KW7J is now our ICS Advisor; and
John Moriarity, K6QQ has agreed to serve as an additional technical
consultant.
  Our Editorial Policy and Philosophy of: PREPAREDNESS, EDUCATION, and
PROMOTION of accurate, efficient, and (of course) courteous operating
practices will continue.  Do not expect a lot of “super-high-tech
gobedly-gook” articles that very few can understand or utilize.  Our
approach is one of: “can-do” and “K.I.S.S.”  (Keep It Simple Sherlock).
EMCOMM MONTHLY’s primary focus is: RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS...ONLY!
 
• WHAT IS CHANGING -
  Since the ECWB readership has become national (actually international),
local schedules and news of interest only to limited area groups will be
minimized.  Keep current on this information by staying actively involved
in local ARES and other EMCOMM nets, your local EC, websites, and other
newsletters and bulletins for local information.
  Back issues of the ECWB are archived, and the site search and links pages
at: www.emcomm.org will continue to be a valuable resource for nearly
everything you might need to know on the subject of EMCOMM.
  EMCOMM MONTHLY will provide articles by experienced radio operators who
know what they are talking about.  Articles that are not readily available
elsewhere.  We will not, however, neglect our responsibility to newcomers
and we will continue to periodically review THE FUNDAMENTALS of EMCOMM.
  EM will be issued in HTML and in a modified format.  We may even attempt
to include a few illustrations or diagrams from time to time.  (There will
be NO attachments.)  We will attempt to only use fonts that most email
programs will accept.  There may be few instances however, where the font
we use will be converted to a recipient’s default font.
  While the focus will change, and the content will expand; our aim will be
to maintain the present “homebrew flavor”, which we believe, has
contributed to our success.
  A few topics to look for in EMCOMM MONTHLY:
  • Regional, National, and International EMCOMM News
  • Editorials and Readers’ Feedback
  • “How-to” (Field Rigs, Antennas, QRP and more)
  • Communications History
  • Training and Continuing Education
  • Traffic ... traffic ... traffic...
  • Search and Rescue Communications
  • Wilderness and Urban Survival
  • True Adventure and Radio Lore
  • QSH (Quizzes - Satire - Humor)
  • Nets - Spotlights and Schedules
  • Reference  and Resource Section
 
  EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG (“Down with pop-ups!”) will continue to be
supported solely by readers who make periodic voluntary NON tax-deductible
donations.  Send only what our service is worth to you.  Our address is:
  EMCOMM, PO BOX 99, MACDOEL, CA  96058
 
+++ COMING ATTRACTIONS +++
 
+ NET REMINDER - (4th Wednesday of the month)
• Sacramento Valley Section ARES Net.
• ARES stations anywhere are welcome.
• 1930L 3987± kHz LSB (1982 kHz alternate)
 
+ ON-THE-AIR RADIOGRAM PRACTICE SESSIONS IN SSB
• WEDNESDAY EVENINGS on 3987 kHz ±
• TRAFFIC will begin shortly after the ARRL/ARES NET. (Approx. 1945-2000)
• NON-HF HAMS AND SWLS ARE INVITED TO LISTEN AND COPY.
• RENO, NV VHF stations: The RADIOGRAM(S) will be re-transmitted on the
  Western Nevada Noon Net (WNNN) on 147.150+//147.210+ (123.0) Thursdays.
• A SPECIAL CERTIFICATE IS AVAILABLE to anyone who submits a correct
  copy of at least one of the transmitted RADIOGRAMS postmarked within
  three (3) days of the practice session.
• Use standard ARRL RADIOGRAM format and send to: EMCOMM, PO Box 99,
  Macdoel, CA  96058.  (Enclose a #10 self-addressed stamped envelope.)
• CHECK YOUR COPY FOR ACCURACY.  Last week’s RADIOGRAMS are in the
  ECWB Training Section (below).
 
====================================================================
+++ TRAINING and CONTINUING EDUCATION SECTION +++
--------------------------------------------------------------------
+ WILDERNESS PROTOCOL - REVISITED
 
  Summer will soon be upon us.  Droves of campers, hikers, fishers,
boaters, packers, and nature lovers will be headed to beaches, mountains,
deserts, rivers and lakes.
  “The Wilderness Protocol” (ref. June 1996 QST, page 85), recommends that
stations (both fixed, portable or mobile) monitor the primary (and
secondary if possible) frequency(s) every three hours starting at 7 AM
local time, for five minutes (7:00-7:05 AM, 10:00-10:05 AM, etc.)
  Additionally, stations that have sufficient power resources should
monitor for five minutes starting at the top of every hour, or even
continuously." The primary frequency is the National Calling Freq...146.52
MHz. The secondary freqs. are 446.0, 223.5, 52.525 and 1294.5 MHz.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
“For want of a letter, a word was lost.
        For want of a word, the message was lost.
                 For want of a message, a life was lost.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------
+ PRACTICE RADIOGRAMS SENT MAY 19 ON 3985 (SSB)
SENDING STATION K7DXV - RECEIVING STATION K6SOJ
=====================================================
NR 9 TEST R K7DXV 13 KLAMATH FALLS OR MAY 19
DAVE THORNE
P O BOX 16
MACDOEL CA 965058
530 398 4752
 
TEST MESSAGE X NEVER FAIL
TO DELIVER OR SERVICE BACK
AN NTS RADIOGRAM
 
ED WCN NCS
-----------------------------------------------------
NR 10 TEST R K7DXV 24 KLAMATH FALLS OR MAY 19
DAVE THORNE
P O BOX 16
MACDOEL CA 965058
530 398 4752
 
TEST MESSAGE X DO NOT
HOLD ROUTINE TRAFFIC LONGER THAN
48 HOURS X IF UNDELIVERABLE
ORIGINATE A SERVICE MESSAGE BACK
OR MAIL THE MESSAGE
 
ED EWELL WCN NCS
---------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: The two messages above intentionally include a mistake.  (The zipcode
and telephone number are incorrect.)  It IS acceptable for a relay or
receiving station to correct a mistake in the address or telephone number
if the operator is 100 percent sure.  NEVER make any changes in the TEXT.
Either forward and/or deliver it exactly as received (minus the “X”
separators, and with ARL messages converted on final delivery), or initiate
a service message to the originating station.
===========================================================
+ SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO USE RADIOGRAM TRAINING AND PRACTICE SESSIONS
  For ARES leaders (within range of course):
  1) Organize small “study groups” to meet at a HF capable ham’s shack, an
EOC or club station, or the home of anyone with a short-wave receiver.
Pass out blank forms and have your members copy the RADIOGRAMS.  Follow the
on-the-air session with a discussion period and refreshments.  Have printed
reference material, such as the ARRL Net Directory on hand.
  2) Tape record the on-the-air sessions and play them back at your local
meetings. Provide blank forms and have your ARES members copy the
RADIOGRAMS. Follow with a critique and discussion period (and
refreshments)!  Have printed reference material, such as the ARRL Net
Directory on hand.
  3) A few ARES units around the country have been using the RADIOGRAMS
published in the ECWB in training session...both on-the-air and/or in
classroom settings.  Feel free to use any/all if it helps!
==========================================================================
RADIOGRAM PRACTICE EVERY WEDNESDAY ON 3987±KHZ AFTER NET (APPROX. 2000PST)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSESS your current skill level by taking the “TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE”
at:  www.emcomm.org (main page)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECITE the “TRAFFIC HANDLER’S MANTRA” often to help remember the eight
parts of the preamble:
“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 +++++
------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ ICS-ARCT GUIDE:  www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
+ PHONETICS: www.emcomm.org/svares/training/itu_phonetics_10_30_2001.htm
+ CALCULATOR DOT COM - http://www.calculator.com/
+ NVIS PROPAGATION MAPS - http://www.w0ipl.com/ECom/NVIS/NVISprop.htm
+ GEAR AND EQUIPMENT LIST: www.emcomm.org  (Click on GEAR LIST)
+ TRAFFIC HANDLER’S CHALLENGE:  www.emcomm.org (click bar on main page).
+ 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/
+ NTS page by W7ARC: http://www.w7arc.com/nts/
+ NATIONAL RADIO EMERGENCY NETWORK (NREN)
www.aa8vs.org/nren/  (or)  http://68.43.101.244:81/nren/
+ PACIFIC AREA TRAFFIC NETS:  http://home.earthlink.net/~k7bfl/nwnets.html
+ U. S. AIR FORCE Search and Rescue SURVIVAL MANUAL (AFM 64-5 Aug. 1969) -
Reference Charts - (Print and Save)
GROUND-TO-AIR (close-in) VISUAL SIGNALS:
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Ground_to_Air_Signaling_mid.jpg
GROUND-TO-AIR EMERGENCY CODE:
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Ground_to_Air_Emergency_Code_mid.jpg
MIRROR (and other) SIGNALING:
http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Mirror_Signaling_mid.jpg
===========================================================================
+++ NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SKYWARN SECTION +++
=== MEDFORD -- RENO -- SACRAMENTO -- EUREKA  ===
=== CALIFORNIA/NEVADA/OREGON NWS OFFICE MAP: ===
    www.stormready.noaa.gov/stormmaps/ca-cwa.htm
=== NWS - ARRL MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING:  ===
    www.arrl.org/FandES/field/mou/weather.html
=== REGIONAL NWS SKYWARN NET: WEDNESDAYS AT 1915 PTZ on 3987
Consult your SKYWARN coordinator for your area for local net information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+ MEDFORD NWS (WX7MFR) SKYWARN NEWS AND INFORMATION -
  OREGON: Curry, Coos, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake
  Counties.  CALIFORNIA: Modoc and Siskiyou Counties.
• Jim Reynolds, KD7MLO, Warning Coordination Meteorologist
• Gary Peterson, N7GK, SKYWARN Coordinator
• D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, Asst. SKYWARN Coordinator
• 2004 MEDFORD NWS SUMMER WEATHER SPOTTER TRAINING SCHEDULE IS AT:
• MEDFORD NWS SKYWARN WEBSITE: www.emcomm.org/skywarn
------------------------------------------------------------------
+ RENO NWS (WX7RNO) SKYWARN NEWS AND INFORMATION -
• RENO FORECAST AREA MAP: www.emcomm.org/reno/index.html
• Wendell Hohmann, KD7ZEU, (Interim) Warning Coordination Meteorologist
• Matt Parker, N7TOD - SKYWARN Coordinator
• http://renoskywarn.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------
+ SACRAMENTO NWS SKYWARN NEWS AND INFORMATION
• Kathryn Hoxsie, KC8CLO - Warning Coordination Meteorologist
--------------------------------------------------------------
+ ARIZONA SKYWARN - http://www.arizona-skywarn.org/
• 2004 ARIZONA NWS SUMMER WEATHER SPOTTER TRAINING SCHEDULE IS AT:
• www.wrh.noaa.gov/Phoenix/general/skywarn/index.html#training
--------------------------------------------------------------
+ CANWARN (Canada “SKYWARN”)
  http://hamster.ivey.uwo.ca/~dcolvin/canwarn/what.htm
========================================================================
+ EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN GENERAL INFORMATION
 
• SUBSCRIBE TO EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN: www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm
 
• HOW IS EMCOMMWEST AND EMCOMM.ORG FUNDED?
There are no charges, dues, or membership fees for the EMCOMMWEST Bulletin
or EMCOMM.ORG.  The domain name, server, and other costs for EMCOMM.ORG are
funded solely by dedicated EMCOMM operators.  We accept no commercial
advertisements and the EMCOMM.ORG is “pop up” and “ad free”.  If you have
benefited from our efforts, and would like to say thanks by supporting this
work in a tangible way; you may do so by sending a few green stamps, or a
check made payable to: EMCOMM.  Mail to: EMCOMM, PO Box 99, Macdoel, CA
96058.  A receipt will be issued upon request.
Your donation is an outright gift and is NOT tax-deductible.
 
• THANK YOU TO THESE RECENT CONTRIBUTORS:
 
  Jettie Hill, W6RFF, Roseville, CA
  Charles D. Hubbard, WB2LBE, Fort Mill, SC
 
  To those who would like to support our work, send whatever you think the
ECWB and EMCOMM.ORG is worth to you.
 
• BACK ISSUES OF THE EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN
and (the former 5-1-2+ BULLETIN) ARE ARCHIVED AT:
www.emcomm.org/svares/archives/
 
• SEARCH FEATURE AT EMCOMM.ORG
Ever try to locate an article in a past issue of the bulletin?
Or, maybe you’re a new subscriber, and you are interested in knowing if a
particular subject has ever been addressed in a former bulletin.
Or...maybe you are just doing some research.
The “site search” feature at www.emcomm.org may be just what you need!
 
• The “EMCOMMWEST BULLETIN” - Copyright (c) 2004 - D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce and re-circulate items from this
bulletin providing appropriate credit is given to the “EMCOMMWEST
BULLETIN” and/or the author or originator of the material. Send
corrections, updates, etc. to:  k6soj@arrl.net
=== ECWB #212 END ===