April 2007 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

RE: What are you hearing
by Joel Harrison 01 Apr '07

01 Apr '07

I don't know, Kay. I don't think I misunderstood Bill Edgar to say Cross had a forum, but may have. Bill, correct me if I was wrong. Joel _____ From: Kay Craigie [mailto:n3kn@verizon.net] Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 5:57 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: RE: What are you hearing I am surprised to hear that Bill Cross did a forum at Timonium and wonder if the gag order at FCC has been lifted? (Feel free to follow with jokes about using the words "Bill Cross" and "gag" in the same sentence.) 73 - Kay N3KN

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RE: What are you hearing
by Kay Craigie 01 Apr '07

01 Apr '07

I am surprised to hear that Bill Cross did a forum at Timonium and wonder if the gag order at FCC has been lifted? (Feel free to follow with jokes about using the words "Bill Cross" and "gag" in the same sentence.) 73 - Kay N3KN

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[arrl-odv:15345] Fwd: EMCOMM MONTHLY - APRIL 2007
by Andy Oppel 01 Apr '07

01 Apr '07

DW Thorne, K6SOJ, has joined the anti RM 11306 fray, complete with the usual misinformation. Mr. Thorne advocates only standard ARRL radiogram messages send by voice or CW (no packet or other digital mode **ever**) for all Emcomm traffic, so it's no surprise to me that he would try to stir up people on this issue. Should you not want to wade through is entire newsletter (attached below), here is the excerpt that attacks the ARRL and RM 11306 (with the help of a quote from W3ZJ). -- Andy Oppel, N6AJO FLIPPED LIDS? "I picked this (Info about RM 11306* - Editor) up on the microHam reflector and thought it important enough to forward here as well. I need to research it more, but it sure sounds to me like ARRL has finally flipped its lid. Whether or not CW is required to obtain a ham license, those of us who still love CW and think it is important as the simplest and most reliable means of communication during an emergency had better come down hard on this. "Having been caught in St. Maarten during hurricane Luis (a level 5 hurricane) in 1996, I can report first hand what happens in this kind of natural emergency. Power is out, phones are out, satellite dishes are reduced to rubble, commercial radio and TV stations are off the air with no power and antenna towers lying on the ground, airports are strewn with rubble and closed, the Internet is out, roads are impassable, food and water are scarce. Basically we are reduced to surviving like cave men except for one thing. Emergency generators, and skilled ham radio operators with the know-how and equipment to communicate long distances using makeshift antennas and the simplest form of conveying intelligence - CW. We are the last line of defense folks. Apparently the ARRL has lost sight of this. Let's make sure the FCC hasn't." - Richard B. Drake, W3ZJ, Lexington Park, MD EM COMMENTS - *RM-11306 is a proposal that will allow wide-signal (3 kHz) data-transmissions in what's left of the HF CW sub-bands. You may read the actual proposal at: <http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/rm-11306/RM-11306-asFiled.pdf>http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/rm-11306/RM-11306-asFiled.pdf If RM-11306 is approved, the next step may be for someone to start promoting the use of wide high-volume, wide-signal data, automatic-robotic transmissions (email, with attached files, WinLink®, etc.), originating from key boards located within "government" agencies (read non-ham gov't employees), and transmitted (in part) on amateur frequencies all in the name of disaster relief and/or "homeland security". CONSIDER THIS (WORST CASE) SCENARIO: Two stations are in contact handling emcomm traffic using CW. The message might be R, W, P, or EMERGENCY. Maybe it's a weak-signal DISTRESS call. Suddenly, right in the middle of a transmission, the signal is obliterated by a robot transmitter! If you wish to comment on RM-11306, we suggest that you make your comments DIRECT TO THE FCC at: <http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi>http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov:80/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi NOTE: The above link may not work for everyone. At "press time" it was still working from WRRL HQ. - Editor) >From: Andy Oppel <andy(a)andyoppel.com> >Subject: Fwd: EMCOMM MONTHLY - APRIL 2007 > > >>From: "DW Thorne, K6SOJ" <k6soj(a)wrrl.org> >>To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;> >>Subject: EMCOMM MONTHLY - APRIL 2007 >>Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2007 13:21:54 -0700 >>X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2900.3028 >> >>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> Dedicated to Emergency Communications by RADIO >> EMCOMM MONTHLY >> Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League >> Where Every Month is "Preparedness Month" >> >><http://www.wrrl.org/>www.wrrl.org >>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >>VOL. 3 -- No. 11 ONLINE: >><http://www.emcomm.org/em/>www.emcomm.org/em/ APRIL 2007 >>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >>TABLE OF CONTENTS >>The EM PHILOSOPHY >>SHORT CIRCUITS - Brief Items >>FEEDBACK, MUSINGS... and "SPURIOUS EMISSIONS" >>The EM ADVISOR - "Q and A" >>ICS PERSPECTIVES - by Jerry Boyd, N7WR >>WRRL NEWS and NETS >>TRAFFIC HANDLING - THC QUESTION 35 REVISED >>NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S." >>EMCOMM WORKSHOP >>QSH - YOU ARE BEING WATCHED! >>SHOW US YOUR SHACK >>FEATURE SECTION - THE WELL EQUIPPED STATION >>EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale >>NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS >>SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS >>REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION >> >>The EM PHILOSOPHY >> >>After every issue of EM we receive 2 or 3 >>letters challenging us on something we >>said. We don't mind receiving sincere >>questions and comments. But we do get a little >>tired of letters from people who have not been >>reading EM any significant amount of time, or >>have (apparently) not done any research by >>using our handy site search >>at: >><http://www.emcomm.org/search.htm>http://www.emcomm.org/search.htm >>or back issues files at: <http://www.emcomm.org/em/>http://www.emcomm.org/em/ >> >>Last month was no exception. One reader wrote >>saying: "...the Radiogram is dead....why are we >>continuing to use and train with the archaic >>radiogram when we all are supposed to be using >>ICS 213 (General Message) form? I truly hope, >>that the WRRL will join the major organizations >>such as Red Cross, Salvation Army, ARRL, State >>EMAs and U.S. Department of Homeland Security >>in agreeing to a truly 'Universal' message format." >> >>Since issue Number One EM has unceasingly >>addressed this issue. However, we'll try again >>here. If the RADIOGRAM is dead it sure is >>showing a lot of signs of life! We are aware >>that there are a few around who would like to >>bury it, but we will do (and will continue to >>do so) all we can do to keep it alive. >> >>Pronouncing the RADIOGRAM as dead, or saying >>"CW is dead," is like saying, "the claw hammer >>is dead". Granted, there are electric and >>air-powered nail guns, but we guarantee that >>every capable carpenter still keeps a 16 or 20 >>ounce claw hammer in the tool box or on his (or >>her) tool belt! And, when any of us "home >>improvement types" need to drive a nail (or >>pull one), the first thing we reach for is a >>claw hammer. Like the RADIOGRAM, this BASIC >>and ESSENTIAL TOOL is simple to use. It >>requires minimal training, requires no power or >>air, and it is lightweight and highly >>portable. Of course properly formatting a >>RADIOGRAM message requires a certain amount of >>literacy. (If you are unable to spell or write >>you probably should not be in >>communications.) Like CW, once this basic >>skill is learned and practiced, the capability >>remains with you. And like hammers, which have >>been around since before the nail was invented, >>this basic tool has been around since before >>radio. RADIOGRAMS still work as good as they >>always have. We hope that they will be around >>when you and I are long gone. And we dare any >>of our readers to throw away their claw hammers! >> >>None of the agencies the writer mentioned >>(except for the ARRL) are emcomm >>providers. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, >>State EMAs and U.S. Department of Homeland >>Security, and many others--including the >>general public--need and use other emergency >>communications providers during disasters and other incidents. >> >>Another writer said: "What is really required >>then is date/time, message number, priority, >>who the message is going to, who the message is >>from, text of message and time sent/operator >>transmitting message. If the idea is for the >>WRRL to send and receiving Health and Welfare >>traffic, the ARRL message format is >>fine. However, during the aftermath of >>hurricane's Katrina and Rita, there was >>practically no request for H & W from or to the >>Mississippi or Louisiana areas." >> >>Isn't that exactly what the standard RADIOGRAM >>format* does? It is the simplest, most >>reliable, and effective means ever devised to >>send and receive accurate message traffic via >>radio. And contrary to what many hams believe, >>it is not an ARRL invention. It is true, >>however, that over the years, the ARRL/NTS has >>made some "additions" to the basic method, >>(e.g. - The ARL NUMBERED MESSAGE SYSTEM). We >>can all be thankful that the ARRL/NTS has done a lot to keep it alive. >> >>While there may be a need for agency traffic in >>some disasters, there will be victims with no >>means of communication who need to get a >>message out to family or friends in every major >>disaster. In Katrina, there were literally >>thousands of evacuees that had no way >>whatsoever to communicate with "the outside," >>and there was no one to properly format and >>originate outbound H & W traffic. We know that >>there were hams within the stricken area(s), >>but many (including their families and >>property) were severely and adversely affected, >>and otherwise rendered unable to respond Those >>who were able to get on the air, and who also >>were trained in message handling, were few and >>far between. And out of those few, a good >>percentage were involved in emcomm on behalf of >>served agencies--which often have their own >>(non-amateur) radio services. The reality is >>that out of the over 650,000 licensed U.S. >>amateurs, only a handful can properly format a >>RADIOGRAM without looking in a book or using a form! >> >>Another problem is that most emcomm operators >>think only in terms of "tactical" >>communications. As long as emcomm operators in >>the field are unable to properly originate >>formal message traffic--and get it into a >>capable network--the writer is correct. There >>will be no outbound (or inbound) messages >>delivered. And whether you want to accept it >>or not, formal record message traffic handling >>is an integral and essential part of emergency >>communications. This applies to agency, as >>well as general public welfare traffic. DO NOT >>be deceived into thinking that record message >>traffic (RADIOGRAMS) are for "H & W" messages >>only. It is for any and all message traffic, >>no matter who originates it, when it must pass >>through at least one relay station...regardless of mode or precedence. >> >>Anyone who believes that complicated, fragile, >>expensive, computerize, wide-signal-width, >>radio-email-hybrid stations can be positioned >>everywhere a field emcomm station is needed, is >>in for a huge disappointment. While these >>systems may work on a daily basis, do not >>assume that they will remain viable when "the big one goes down." >> >>The standardized RADIOGRAM message format has >>been reliably used worldwide by commercial >>services, maritime, military and naval services >>for well over 100 years. (Our RADIOGRAM DVD >>demonstrates this.) If every agency were to >>set it's own "standard" for radio traffic, the >>end result would be chaos! Think what would >>happen if everyone were to decide to address >>letters in "their own way". E.g. -: Place the >>"to" address in the upper left-hand corner of >>the envelope, and the return address in the >>center or lower right? Suppose that hospitals >>each decided to use a different measurement >>system or had different non-standard lab >>values? Ford Motor Company cars and trucks >>were once POSITIVE GROUND, before they finally >>decided to join the world-wide standard of >>NEGATIVE GROUND. And what would happen if each >>state had a different gauge for railroads? What >>would happen if someone decided to use # or & >>instead of @ in an email address?. Effective >>communications require standardization. We'll >>stick with what works, and has been the >>accepted standard, for well over one hundred years. >> >>Now to the NIMS/ICS issue. NIMS/ICS is a >>management (or command) system. It is designed >>for managers and incident commanders (and so >>that the rest of us will know how to work >>within the system.) It was never intended to >>be an instruction manual for each and every >>specialized discipline. In NIMS/ICS there are >>no "how to solve a crime" or "how to put out a >>fire" sections. Nor, is it intended to mandate >>procedures for doctors, nurses, EMTs, food >>service workers, mechanics, or radio >>operators. We haven't found any instructions >>within NIMS/ICS as to how to do an emergency >>tracheotomy, perform CPR, make a pot of stew, >>repair a broken axle, operate a radio, install >>an antenna, or handle message traffic. The >>ICS-213 "Office Speed Memo" is for short-range, >>administrative, written messages, and was not >>designed to be used for radio traffic. (See >>TRAFFIC HANDLING in the December 2006 EM at: >><http://www.emcomm.org/em/december2006.htm>www.emcomm.org/em/december2006.htm ) >> >>Conversely, persons outside the radio room do >>not necessarily need to know how to format a >>RADIOGRAM or how message traffic will actually be passed. >>The only things a counter person or the radio >>operator needs to be supplied with by the "customer" are: >> >>1. WHO the message is going to (the addressee) (TO) >>2. WHERE that person or organization can be >>found to deliver the message (AS COMPLETE AN ADDRESS AS POSSIBLE) >>3. WHAT is the message? (TEXT) >>4. WHO is sending the message (SIGNATURE OF ORIGINATOR) >>5. IF there are any special instructions, reply >>requested, confirmation of delivery, etc. (HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS) >> >>THEN the counter person and/or radio >>operator(s) will format the message, add the >>preamble, and by using standardized procedures >>and protocols, get the message into the >>appropriate network to ensure that it gets to >>the address accurately and in a timely manner. >> >>FINALLY - One of the biggest fallacies ever >>promulgated is that the RADIOGRAM message >>format is or "H and W" traffic >>only. WRONG! It should be used for all >>formal (record) message traffic of any >>precedence and for any third-party agency or >>person. AND, another fallacy is that the >>RADIOGRAM is a CW-only format. WRONG >>AGAIN! One of the great advantages of the >>RADIOGRAM format is that it is >>standardized. Therefore, it works in ALL MODES >>and a message can change modes along its route >>and be received by an addressee exactly as it was originated. >>We doubt that we have settled this issue once >>and for all, but this is exactly what EM and >>the WRRL were created for and are trying to fix. >> >>*(Please note our use of the word "FORMAT" as >>opposed to "FORM". A form is only recommended >>for the final delivery if by courier or mail.) >>- - >>SHORT CIRCUITS >> >>APRIL FOOLS EDITION? - SADLY, THIS IS NOT >>Some of the "stuff" in this issue may cause >>some of our readers to wonder: "Is this stuff >>for real?" We wish some of "this stuff" was a >>joke...but we assure you...it is all "for >>real". We apologize for the negative tone of >>much of what we feel we must report--and >>comment on. We wish it was different. But we >>believe that we are in a battle to save >>effective emcomm and what is simply good >>operating procedures and plain old common >>sense. Emergency communications is NOT >>complicated, but it seems that there are very >>few others that are defending "How to KISS"! - (Keep It Simple Sherlock.) >>- - >>SPAM FILTER PROBLEM >>Thanks to our readers who offered suggestions >>to resolve the problem of "SPAM filters" that >>have been blocking EMCOMM MONTHLY whether >>inbound or outbound. Our computer "gurus" are >>considering different options. Here is one >>solution to the problem from our webmaster, Bill Frazier W7ARC: >> >>"Advise our readers to put @cot.net, @wrrl.org, >>and @emcomm.org on their "Whitelist". This is >>the list of addresses that allows recipients >>to select who can send email to them and >>bypassing any "SPAMGUARDS". Those who may not >>know what their "Whitelist" is, should contact their ISP." >>- - >>JNN (Pacific Time Zone Noon Net) PLAGUED by SWBC Interference >>The JNN 1200 PTZ has been experiencing severe >>QRM from SWBC stations since the switch was made to Daylight Savings Time >>Nominal frequency is still 7220 kHz, but look >>for us "down" around 7214±. 3987 is the 75m alternate. >>- - >>Audit: Emergency Communications Project Imperiled >><http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=36454&dcn=e_gvet>http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=36454&dcn=e_gvet >> >>Printer Friendly Version: >><http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=36454&printerfriendlyVers=1>http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=36454&printerfriendlyVers=1& >>(Submitted by Cas, KF6CUE, and Debbie, KG6CGQ, >>Grys, WRRL 12 and 95 - Winnetka, CA) >>- - >>T- SHIRT QUESTION >>"Are the EXTREME EMCOMM T-shirts for WRRL >>members only? Would it be acceptable for me to >>offer the shirts to members of my RACES >>organization, and other clubs? If that's OK, I >>could print up a sheet showing the shirt with >>the pricing and then take a list of names of >>people who would want one (or more). Once I >>had the list together, I could let you know how >>many shirts I have orders for, and if that >>combined with other orders gets us over the 60 >>mark, I would collect the money and send it in >>with the order." Rick Stoneking, W2RDS, WRRL 163, Lumberton, NJ >> >>The EXTREME EMCOMM T-shirts are for anyone who >>can cough up the money. If anyone wishes to >>put a group order together, individuals can each save the $4 >>or $6 shipping cost if the shirts are shipped >>to one address. The actual shipping costs will >>be billed to the person that puts the order >>together, and may be "pro-rated" and collected from each member. - EM >>- - >>A CORRECTION >>Under New Subscribers, in the August 2005 >>issue, we got the recognition for William Hatfield wrong; it should have read: >>"William Hatfield, W3QX, Silver Spring, >>Maryland - Volunteer Staff OEM for Montgomery >>County and a founder of County's CERT." >>We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. - Editor >>- - >>FEEDBACK, MUSINGS... and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS >> >>I SAID WHAT? >>"I don't know what you intended to say in the >>March 31 Special Bulletin, but I don't think it >>was what you intended. You said (in part): >>'Now you know why we DO NOT promote the use of >>computer systems for EMCOMM. If we can >>guarantee delivery on a routine basis over >>landlines, how can we know that a message will >>get through via radio?' Can or can't? I >>manage several Internet based email reflectors >>and we are all having the same kind of problems >>you discussed. AOL started it almost three >>years ago and now just about every major ISP >>has implemented some filtering in an attempt to >>stem the tide of spam. They are rejecting mail >>in many cases without notifying either the >>sender or the intended recipient. I learned >>that I had some accounts that were filtering >>mail despite the fact that they had specific >>instruction not to do any filtering. I had a >>situation last month where I learned that for >>several hours Verizon® was discarding all email >>from an Earthlink source. The filtering, like >>the spam, is out of control. Keep up the good >>work!" - Jim Fortney, K6IYK, Camarillo, CA >> >>COMMENT - I meant to say can't. My sole >>defense is: "too much reliance upon spell check devices." - Editor >>- - >>HAMNET WESTERN CAPE >>"Thanks for the opportunity of telling you more >>about our dedicated emergency communications >>group in the Western Cape. You might want to >>include this, or some of it, in your monthly >>news letter. I hope you find this interesting. >> >>"We are situated in and around Cape Town, to be >>more politically correct, we are the emergency >>communications group for the Western Cape. Our >>region of responsibility covers some 200 km >>north of Cape Town, about 450 km along the >>southern coast towards Plettenberg Bay and >>about 400 km to Beaufort West. Not terribly big >>in area, but big enough to provide challenging >>communications solutions. Our group consists of >>some 50 hams, with the most being concentrated >>in Cape Town. HAMNET is the official emergency >>communication division of the SA Radio League, >>with regional participation in all six >>divisions, hence the name HAMNET Western >>Cape. Our biggest challenge is to keep this >>group trained and active, as we definitely do >>not experience the same type of weather pattern >>and disasters that you have in the USA. >> >>"We have a dynamic management team under >>looking after logistics, administration, >>operations, liaison and finance. Our Provincial >>Director is Peter Grobler ZS1PSG, who >>skillfully provides advice, leadership and >>direction to our team. Our National Director is Francois Botha ZS6BUU. >> >>"The Western Cape is unique and provides many >>rescue and communication challenges. We have >>the sea and big mountain ranges, with Table >>Mountain being world famous. Our Metro >>Emergency Medical Services created the >>Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) >>organization to co-ordinate all rescues in our >>province. This group has nineteen Agencies / >>NGOs, with the likes of our Police, Military, >>Mountain Rescue Clubs, Off Road Rescue Unit >>(ORRU), Red Cross Air Mercy Service, National >>Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), to name a >>few. This provides an ideal platform to >>interface with other Agencies / NGOs where we >>can support and train them while they are >>rescuing or out training. HAMNET and the ORRU work extremely closely together >> >>Exercise Double Barrel 1: >>"Our first exercise was called Exercise Double >>Barrel 1 and was a joint HF exercise between 71 >>Signal Unit and HAMNET Western Cape. This was >>unique as it was the first exercise where >>HAMNET received permission to conduct exercises >>with the SA National Defence Force on amateur >>frequency bands. This exercise was held in May >>2005. Our deployed teams were operating on >>battery power for the day, simulating a bad >>earth quake in the Winelands District. I must >>add that I am a technical instructor with 71 >>Signal Unit, with the rank of Flight Sergeant. >>My Officer Commanding is Lt. Col. Johan >>Johnson, ZS1OC and second in charger is Lt Col >>Frikkie Rabie ZS1FH. The unit has another nine >>radio amateurs and the units call sign is ZS71SIG. >> >>Exercise Double Barrel 2: >>"This exercise was a joint exercise between the >>SA Weather Service, HAMNET and the Reserve >>Force Signal Units, namely 71 Signal Unit, 84 >>Signal Unit and 7 Signal Brigade. This was a >>national HF exercise, being planned, >>coordinated and controlled in the Western Cape. >> >>Exercise Waaihoek (Windy Corner): >>"This was the first exercise where HAMNET and >>WSAR practiced together. The farm Waaihoek, >>meaning windy corner, belongs to one of our >>members, Christi van Zyl ZR1CVZ and is situated >>just outside Worcester. This exercise was the >>first time we as HAMNET practiced with Table >>Mountain Rescue and Hottentots Rescue. The last >>day of the exercise was set aside to search of >>a lost pensioner who went missing up a gorge. >>This gave us the experience of difficult >>terrain communications, as well as >>communications with non-radio experienced persons. >> >>"Our biggest headache is funding. Unlike the >>support that ARES and RACES receive from your >>government, we are still battling to get the >>support we deserve. Most of the equipment we >>fund ourselves. We have a number of projects >>set aside this year, some of which are to >>establish APRS, a new linked 2m repeater >>network and getting radio equipment purchased >>for two emergency control centres. - Pierre >>Tromp ZS1HF Assistant Provincial Director: >>Operations and Liaison HAMNET Western Cape 34, >>Louis Trichardt Street, Worcester, 6850, South Africa >> >>COMMENT - Your report is very interesting. I >>only wish I had the means to visit South >>Africa, but the best I can hope for is to >>maintain a schedule with one of your HAMNET >>stations. We hope we will be able to do that >>later this year after the tower and YAGI are operational at W7RRL . >>- - >>LEADING BY EXAMPLE >>"The March issue of EM was another good >>informative issue. With all the focus on >>landline-radio hybrid systems, it's good to see >>some straight talk about what the real meaning >>of emcomm is, and how we can best go about it. >> >>"I seem to recall an exercise our local ARES® >>group did last fall where teams of operators >>deployed a member to a location where he/she >>had to go in the last mile by foot using gear >>that could be easily transported and exchange >>record message traffic with other team >>members. Both time and accuracy were >>graded. Kathleen (KCØHZU) and I graded the >>message traffic for accuracy on Thanksgiving evening. >> >>"We saw some pretty dismal showings from a >>couple of teams when it came to ability to >>properly format a radiogram. Our ARES® group >>has been spending a lot of time on getting >>stations up and running with Winlink®, and this >>seems to excite many, but you can bet when it >>comes down to teaching and reviewing basics, >>we'll see a lot of these operators hit the >>mental snooze button. All the glittering icons >>and flashing lights impress, but basic radio >>skills development takes work, real work. >> >>"Those of us who are familiar with message >>handling need to redouble our efforts at >>mentoring with all these newcomers to HF. Part >>of this is encouraging those who will be >>pressed into net control duties to actually be >>net controls for busy traffic and service nets >>to learn how to handle a busy emergency net. >> >>"We try to lead by example. As you say, good >>operating practices are contagious!" - Richard Webb, NF5B, Eads, TN - WRRL 93 >> >>COMMENT: Richard and Kathleen were radio >>operators who provided communications between >>LSU Medical Center New Orleans and the outside >>world for six days immediately following >>Katrina. Kathleen is wheelchair-bound and >>Richard is blind. Although the much-touted >>WinLink® and email systems have been embraced >>by MARS, the MARS primary mission is NOT >>emcomm. Emcomm is about what works when all the other stuff breaks. - EM >>- - >>FLIPPED LIDS? >>"I picked this (Info about RM 11306* - Editor) >>up on the microHam reflector and thought it >>important enough to forward here as well. I >>need to research it more, but it sure sounds to >>me like ARRL has finally flipped its >>lid. Whether or not CW is required to obtain a >>ham license, those of us who still love CW and >>think it is important as the simplest and most >>reliable means of communication during an >>emergency had better come down hard on this. >> >>"Having been caught in St. Maarten during >>hurricane Luis (a level 5 hurricane) in 1996, I >>can report first hand what happens in this kind >>of natural emergency. Power is out, phones are >>out, satellite dishes are reduced to rubble, >>commercial radio and TV stations are off the >>air with no power and antenna towers lying on >>the ground, airports are strewn with rubble and >>closed, the Internet is out, roads are >>impassable, food and water are scarce. >>Basically we are reduced to surviving like cave >>men except for one thing. Emergency generators, >>and skilled ham radio operators with the >>know-how and equipment to communicate long >>distances using makeshift antennas and the >>simplest form of conveying intelligence - >>CW. We are the last line of defense folks. >>Apparently the ARRL has lost sight of >>this. Let's make sure the FCC hasn't." - >>Richard B. Drake, W3ZJ, Lexington Park, MD >> >>EM COMMENTS - *RM-11306 is a proposal that will >>allow wide-signal (3 kHz) data-transmissions in >>what's left of the HF CW sub-bands. You may >>read the actual proposal at: >><http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/rm-11306/RM-11306-asFiled.pdf>http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/rm-11306/RM-11306-asFiled.pdf >> >>If RM-11306 is approved, the next step may be >>for someone to start promoting the use of wide >>high-volume, wide-signal data, >>automatic-robotic transmissions (email, with >>attached files, WinLink®, etc.), originating >>from key boards located within "government" >>agencies (read non-ham gov't employees), and >>transmitted (in part) on amateur frequencies >>all in the name of disaster relief and/or "homeland security". >> >>CONSIDER THIS (WORST CASE) SCENARIO: Two >>stations are in contact handling emcomm traffic >>using CW. The message might be R, W, P, or >>EMERGENCY. Maybe it's a weak-signal DISTRESS >>call. Suddenly, right in the middle of a >>transmission, the signal is obliterated by a robot transmitter! >> >>If you wish to comment on RM-11306, we suggest >>that you make your comments DIRECT TO THE FCC at: >><http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi>http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov:80/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi >>NOTE: The above link may not work for >>everyone. At "press time" it was still working from WRRL HQ. - Editor) >>- - >>BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH >>"Beginning in 1943 (in the United States at >>least), each President of the United States has >>proclaimed March to be "Red Cross Month". We >>didn't hear much about that this year. But we >>did hear that the American Red Cross apparently >>intends to require that all radio amateurs >>providing communications for the Red Cross must >>submit to a background check. Apparently, this >>also applies to partner organizations that do >>not conduct their own criminal background checks on their members. >> >>"When the ARC says "all", we wonder if they >>mean to include operators handling radio >>traffic which may be originated at a Red Cross >>facility (on behalf of a disaster victim--the >>general public), but are operating from home >>stations or at other relay stations? And >>whatever happened to the proposed exemption >>that would allow anyone to walk-in and work as >>a Red Cross volunteer for seven days without undergoing a background check? >> >>"If anyone believes that performing background >>checks on disaster volunteers (no matter how >>long they volunteer) will prevent or reduce >>crime, fraud, or other maladaptive behaviors, >>they are more politically correct than I >>am. What's next? Background checks on >>evacuees? Strip searches on little ol' >>gray-haired ladies that just want to help pass out coffee and donuts? >> >>"If they want to require background checks for >>staff and volunteers working inside Red Cross >>facilities we might accept that as >>reasonable. I hope they haven't just shot >>themselves in the foot, and I wonder what Henri >>Dunant* would think about all this as he >>tirelessly rendered aid to the victims of the >>Battle of Solferino*? Or, how would the fiery >>Clara Barton** react to such a requirement at >>the Battle of Antietam**?" - D. W. Thorne, >>R.N. - American Red Cross Nurse and former >>Director of Nursing and Disaster Services, Orange County (CA) Chapter. >> >> * >> <http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1901/dunant-bio.html>http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1901/dunant-bio.html >> and >> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Solferino>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Solferino >>** >>http://www.nps.gov/anti/historyculture/clarabarton.htm >>also >><http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Antietam>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Antietam >>- - >>THANKS >>"Thanks for sending the EMCOMM Monthly. I do >>appreciate receiving them." - Judy Nurenberg, KC7KPG, Milan, NM >>COMMENT: You're welcome Judy. It is comments >>like yours that keep us going. (Oh yes, nice picture on QRZ.COM) - Editor >>- - >>THE EM ADVISOR >>The staff of EMCOMM MONTHLY is happy to answer >>your questions to the best of our >>ability. Some are "FAQs" (Frequently Asked >>Questions) and others are of a specific >>nature. Each month, we will answer questions >>that may have value to other emcomm radio >>operators. Technical questions are forwarded >>to our Technical Advisor, Ed Ewell, >>K7DXV. Questions about our ARCT program or >>NIMS/ICS are forwarded to Jerry Boyd, >>N7WR. Others may be forwarded to other staff >>members. Questions regarding emcomm in general >>are usually handled by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ. >>Some will wind up on our FAQ page at: >><http://www.wrrl.org/faq.asp>http://www.wrrl.org/faq.asp >>Before submitting a question, we ask our >>readers to check the FAQ page first...your >>question may have been asked before. Also, >>please consider checking our site search page >>at: >><http://www.emcomm.org/search.htm>http://www.emcomm.org/search.htm >>to see if your question may have been >>previously addressed in EMCOMM MONTHLY. Thank you. >>- - >>Q: We received a question and a report saying: >>"Red Cross managers in Oregon and Washington >>are saying ALL traffic originating from a Red >>Cross location (shelter, feeding station, >>chapter HQ, etc.) must be routed through the >>appointed disaster coordinator for that >>disaster. The reason being given is to keep >>track of information passing in and out of the >>Red Cross operation. This has, however, not >>been confirmed as policy at the National ARC level." >> >>A: As far as Red Cross "business" (logistics, >>administrative, etc.) traffic is concerned, >>then we agree. (It's their business.) Also, >>the ARC should probably have access to view >>welfare (W) messages. But we see no reason to >>have all traffic reviewed by a Red Cross >>official. However, to avoid conflict, perhaps >>"counter persons" (ref: >><http://www.emcomm.org/em/november2005.htm> >>www.emcomm.org/em/november2005.htm ) who are >>accepting messages could ask the person >>originating the message: "May we share this >>message with the Red Cross and/or other >>agencies?" A notation could the be made in the >>corner of the paper: "OK TO SHARE". Remember, >>the ARC is NOT the only agency that accepts >>disaster welfare inquires (DWIs). The >>Salvation Army is noted for finding >>lost/missing people, and there are other >>capable agencies such as Catholic Family Services. >> >>Also, emcomm stations are usually better off if >>set up outside of shelters, EOCs, etc. A tent >>or trailer in the parking lot or on the street >>makes a LOT of sense, and we have advocated >>that for a long time. The noise, lack of >>security for radio and personal gear, and the >>stench of dirty diapers, over-flowing toilets >>and ruptured colostomy bags is not the best >>environment to operate a field radio station. >> >>See TRAFFIC HANDLING (below) for more "fall out" from this question. >>- - >>ICS PERSPECTIVES >>By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor >> >>I thought it might be a good idea to include a >>quiz this month. Answers will be found towards >>the end of this months Emcomm Monthly. >>1. Under which branch of ICS is the >>communications function generally assigned? >>2. What is the title of the person in charge >>of communications (all communications, not just >>amateur radio) when ICS is being used? >>3. What is the title of the person who has >>overall responsibility for the incident/situation being responded to? >>4. If 75 meters is not providing a good >>propagation path during winter, nighttime >>conditions, what other amateur band might prove more useful? >>5. If two stations, using HF, are too close to >>each other for them to hear/work each other, >>how might communications between them be facilitated? >>6. Can amateur stations use tactical call signs during an emergency? >>7. Can an individual amateur radio station be >>considered an ARCT (Amateur Radio Communications Team)? >>8. Have you contributed to Emcomm Monthly lately? >> >>(ANSWERS AT END OF THIS ISSUE) >> >>- - >>WRRL NEWS and NETS: "EMCOMM WITHOUT BORDERS." >> WRRL NET on MONDAYS on 14.280 MHz USB >> (Alternate: 14.270 or somewhere "in between.") >> NEW TIME: 2000Z (SUMMER) 2100Z (WINTER) >> REGIONAL NETS: >> Pacific and Mountain Time Zones: Daily at >> 1200 PTZ on 7220 kHz (7214 and 3987 alternate) JNN >> Eastern Time Zone: Daily at 1200 ETZ (in planning stage) >> WRRL STATION MAP UPDATE >> Map showing the location of WRRL stations >> can be viewed at: <http://www.wrrl.org/map/>http://www.wrrl.org/map/ >>- - >>TRAFFIC HANDLING >>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. >>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >>THC QUESTION 35 REVISED - by Ed Trump, AL7N - Traffic Editor >> >>(Ref. EMCOMM ADVISOR above) >> >>If one volunteers as a Red Cross Volunteer, >>one obviously does as the Red Cross >>directs. And that may or may not be to work as >>a radio operator. You might be serving soup, >>instead. Certainly the American Red Cross >>would want complete control over any Red Cross >>Administrative and Logistic radio >>traffic. That is fine, and that is >>their business, but...that is not the issue here. >> >>The reason for question 35 is to find out if >>the quiz taker has the necessary knowledge to >>properly originate third-party written >>traffic being handled by amateur radio nets >>going out from the general public in a >>disaster situation where normal means of >>communication (local or long distance >>telephone, cell phones, Internet, or even US >>mail) are disrupted, overloaded, or otherwise >>not available as they would be >>normally...perhaps even before the ARC can get their own operation set up. >> >>The accepted definition of third-party >>traffic is any traffic between the control >>operator of one amateur station and the control >>operator of another amateur station on behalf >>of a third party, of any precedence, written or otherwise. >> >>By the general public, we mean regular people >>(anyone) who may be displaced in an affected >>disaster area, and who are NOT necessarily >>involved with the Red Cross organization. >> >>Actually, emcomm traffic stations can be more >>effective if set up OUTSIDE of shelters, EOCs, >>etc. if they are to serve the public in >>general. A tent or trailer in the parking lot >>or across the street makes a LOT more sense. >>The noise, lack of security for radio and >>personal gear, and (as stated above in The >>EMCOMM ADVISOR) the general chaos within a >>shelter operation is certainly not the best >>environment in which to operate a field radio station. >> >>During peacetime, we dont know of any rules, >>regulations, or policies that place ALL >>third-party message traffic under the absolute >>complete control of the American Red Cross anywhere. >> >>Recent changes may place incident operations >>under the NIMS hierarchy. Radio communication >>resources when NIMS is invoked are under the >>Logistics Section Chief, who reports to the >>Incident Commander, and who will direct the >>radio communications operations and resources >>as required by the incident. ARC won't have >>much to do with that. There could even be more >>than one radio communications resource involved >>in different areas, depending on the size and scope of the incident. >> >>Amateur organizations may not even be involved >>at all, but they can be useful for outbound or >>inbound H&W traffic work that other communications resources may >>not be able to (or want to) handle. >> >>To avoid getting what the Red Cross might >>require confused with the intent of the quiz >>question, we have made a change in the Quiz >>question 35 to remove the reference to working >>"in a Red Cross disaster shelter". >> >>TAKE THE TRAFFIC HANDLER'S CHALLENGE >>AT: <http://thc.emcomm.org/>http://thc.emcomm.org >>- - >>TRAFFIC HANDLER'S SUPPLIES >>at: <http://www.emcomm.org/products/>http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/ >>- - >>THE TRAFFIC HANDLERS MANTRA (Recite often >>to help remember the eight parts in 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 >>To help you to memorize the eight parts of the >>preamble, RECITE the "Traffic Handlers Mantra" often: >>No Prepared Ham Should Copy Priority Traffic Delayed >>ASSESS your current traffic handling >>skill. Take the "TRAFFIC HANDLERS CHALLENGE" >>at: <http://www.emcomm.org/>www.emcomm.org (main page) >>- - >>NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (N.E.T.S.) >> >>The NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE uses >>designated watch and calling >>frequencies. Public service amateur radio >>operators everywhere are invited to monitor >>these frequencies whenever possible. But when >>disasters or other incidents occur, emcomm >>operators are asked to warm up their radios and >>"light up" the NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC >>SERVICE..."24/7". Active operators know which >>bands are most likely to be "open" depending upon the time of day, season, etc. >> >>During disasters and for other emergencies, the >>frequencies are "open nets". When traffic >>becomes heavy, they will become "command and >>control" frequencies with a net control station >>"triaging traffic" and directing stations with >>traffic to another (traffic) frequency. (At >>least 5 kHz away.) Proper net procedures are essential. >> >>NETS does not maintain regular schedules and >>does not handle routine "make work" messages >>such as birthday greetings, "your license is >>about to expire", "book messages", etc. NETS >>is intended to supplement and fortify other >>networks by providing a vehicle for emcomm >>operators to originate, relay and deliver legal >>radio message traffic (i.e. - "first class >>mail") of any precedence, at any time, from and >>to anyone and anywhere--especially during >>disasters or other crises. NETS stations will >>cooperate and use other networks that are known >>to be capable of accurately and efficiently handling RADIOGRAMS. >> >>NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (NETS) WATCH >>MONITOR CALLING TRAFFIC FREQUENCIES >>All listed frequencies (except 60 meters) are >>nominal. Actual nets may be up or down as much as 20 kHz. >>SSB: >> 1982 kHz >> 3987 kHz >> 5332 kHz "Up" to other 60M channels as >>necessary. 50W maximum ERP. (Activated during actual incidents.) >> 7220 kHz >> 14280 kHz >> ALASKA ONLY: 5167.5 kHz (USB emergency traffic only) >> >>CW: >> 1911 kHz >> 3711 kHz >> 7111 kHz >> 10119 kHz >> 14050 kHz >> ALASKA - 3540/7042/14050 kHz >> GULF STATES (LA, MS, TX, AL) - 7111 kHz 1100Z-2300Z / 3711 kHz 2300Z-1100Z >> (Times approximate depending on band >> conditions and changes in sunrise/sunset.) >> >>VHF/UHF FM >> LOCAL EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 146.55 MHz >> RED CROSS LOCAL EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 147.42 MHz >> NATIONAL CALLING SIMPLEX - 146.52 MHz >> >>Frequencies listed may be on or near other established net frequencies. >>As a matter of operating courtesy, always move >>up or down a few kHz to avoid QRM when a frequency is in use. >>- - >>THE EMCOMM WORKSHOP >>"I love the smell of rosin core solder in the morning!" >> >>ANTENNA TIPS FOR (NEW) HF OPERATORS >>(An EM basic studies training module) >> >>Many new HF operators are appearing on the >>bands. Many are checking into emcomm and >>traffic nets and are displaying some excellent >>operating practices. These former VHF and/or >>UHF only operators are finding out that HF >>operation and propagation is a somewhat >>different "ball game". Occasionally, we hear >>someone say, "I'm using a simple dipole and it >>is only 30 feet in the air. I need to get it up higher." >> >>Not so fast! It all depends on what you are >>trying to achieve, and how long the ranges are >>you wish to "work". Unlike VHF and UHF, >>increasing height above ground may actually >>decrease your effective range. Most emcomm >>nets are in the 40 and 75/80 meter bands. (The >>30, 60 and 160 meter bands are less commonly >>used for emcomm--but we probably will be seeing >>more utilization of those bands as the number of amateur stations increase.) >> >>NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) is >>simply the technique of using horizontal, >>low-to-the-ground, antennas for short range >>(0-300 miles) HF communications. It will get a >>signal up and out of a deep canyon, etc. It is >>a simple and VERY useful technique. >> >>NVIS is less directional. The signal is going >>UP and back DOWN to earth...a form of "scatter." >> >>NVIS not only allows HF stations to work each >>other at closer (regional) distances, but it >>reduces interfering with stations at longer >>distances. Two nets that are far away from >>each other, can even operate on the same >>frequency if they are far enough apart and >>every station in the net is using NVIS. As >>soon as one station comes on that is using a >>vertical or high beam antenna, that luxury may >>go out the window. But consider this: One >>station located between the two nets can >>effectively serve as a valuable >>relay! Example: A station in the MTZ (Mountain >>Time Zone) could relay traffic from the CTZ to >>the PTZ, and back, on 40 or 75/80 meters! >> >>The NVIS Antenna is NOT a specific type of >>antenna. It can be a simple balanced doublet, >>a G5RV, a resonant end-fed Zepp, or even a >>random wire. Factors such as ground moisture >>and the sub-surface water table are (of course) >>variable factors. Generally speaking NVIS >>antennas are effective that are from 10 to 30 feet (about 3 to 9 meters). >> >>Making your own antenna a very useful emcomm >>skill. It is one of the most enjoyable and >>satisfying projects a new ham can do. Give it a try! >> >>FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NVIS ANTENNAS: >><http://www.emcomm.org/antenna/>http://www.emcomm.org/antenna/ >>http://www.emcomm.org/projects/default.asp >>- - >>QSH -- (I HAVE HUMOR FOR YOUR STATION) >>EMs Quiz, Survey, and [attempt at] Humor Section... >> >>Now that the Homeland Security Bill has passed, >>things will be different now and Internet >>surfing will be tracked by what the FBI calls a "non-intrusive method." >>The FBI says you will not notice anything >>different. For a demonstration, click >>on: <http://users.chartertn.net/tonytemplin/FBI_eyes/>Homeland Security >>NOTE: The link may not work for everyone. At >>"press time" it was still working from WRRL HQ. - Editor >>- - >>"SHOW US YOUR SHACK" >> "SHOW US YOUR SHACK" is at: >><http://www.emcomm.org/em/shacks/>http://www.emcomm.org/em/shacks/ >> Send a picture of you AND your shack (all in >>one frame and in JPG or JPEG format) to: <mailto:k6soj@wrrl.org>k6soj(a)wrrl.org >>- - >>FEATURES SECTION >>+ THE WELL EQUIPPED AMATEUR RADIO STATION >> (An EM basic studies training module) >> >> Whether you are a skilled EMCOMM operator, >> a serious traffic handler, or simply a hobby >> operator, listed below are a few suggestions >> for accoutrements that will make ham radio >> more enjoyable and efficient in your own WELL EQUIPPED AMATEUR STATION. >> Ideally youll have a RADIO ROOM. But >> that is a luxury that many hams just dont >> have. Nevertheless, you need some place that >> you can call your shack, whether it's a >> corner of a room, a closet, an attic space, or >> in the basement or garage. Some hams use a >> camp trailer or camper in their back yard as their shack. >> A well-lighted desk or table and a comfortable chair is essential >> An accurate battery clock is a must. Two >> are better. One set for local time and one for UTC. >> Wall calendar. (REMINDER...the >> UTC/GMT/ZULU date is tomorrow after 0000 UTC until midnight your local time.) >> Flashlight or other emergency light source. >> Logbook(s), note books, etc. Some 3x5 >> index cards with a file box are also nice to have. >> Extra pens and pencils + a sharpener. >> A repeater directory, operating guide, >> local and copies of emergency plans, antenna >> books, and a recent copy of FCC Part 97. >> Telephone list and appropriate telephone >> books. (See "Ready Book", below.) >> Maps. Local, state, regional and >> world. Road, political and topographic. >> Consider U.S.F.S., BLM, aeronautical and nautical maps and charts. >> Current world postal guide, plus stamps, envelopes, address labels, etc. >> Recent World Almanac. >> A safe place (where it wont get spilled) for your cup, mug, or plate. >> File folders and cabinet(s). >> Weather station or outdoor thermometer (properly shaded). >> Wallpaper. (FCC license, certificates, >> awards, QSL cards, snapshots, pennants, other >> memorabilia, and whatever else may be important to you. >> All serious EMCOMM operators keep a READY >> BOOK handy! A 3-ring half-size binder, for 5½ x 8½ paper works very well. >> (It stands up nicely on the desk and is handy for grab n go.) >> Have a section for EMERGENCY numbers, names and addresses. >> Also lists of contact persons in FIRE, >> OES, SAR, Red Cross, U.S. Coast Guard, NWS, etc. >> Have a section with lists of VHF and HF >> net frequencies and schedules, and severe WEATHER reporting criteria. >> All serious TRAFFIC HANDLERS keep a good >> supply of blank paper and a few message blanks, with appropriate envelopes >> Headphones are a must, and >> a (non-electric) typewriter "at the ready" is very useful. >> There is more that could be added to this >> list...but this should provide a great start towards >> setting up a WELL EQUIPPED AMATEUR STATION. >>====================================================== >>EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS: >> >>"EXTREME EMCOMM" T-SHIRT >> Features original artwork by Don Cantrell, ND6T. >> Six color silk-screen process on heavyweight (6.1 oz.), 100% cotton. >> SPECIAL PRE-PRODUCTION PRICE OFFER, ordering >> information, and pictures of our "EXTREME EMCOMM" T - Shirt, go to: >> <http://www.emcomm.org/products>http://www.emcomm.org/products >> >>NOTE: Pre-production orders for the EXTREME >>EMCOMM T- Shirt have been slow. If we don't >>receive sixty (60) advance orders (the "break even" point), >>the project will be cancelled and those who >>ordered shirts will have their checks returned. >>(We're just glad we played it safe and didn't order a pallet of shirts!) >>- - >>RADIOGRAM TRAINING DVD >>Features D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, as the >>instructor. The session was taped live at the >>U.S.F.S. facility at Redding, CA on October 29, >>2005 by Paul Peterson (K6PTT). As you watch >>it, you'll feel like you are actually in the >>classroom. DW begins with a review of the >>history of communications beyond the horizon, >>followed by a thorough explanation of the "whys >>and wherefores" of basic message >>handling. Essential information for all emcomm >>operators is presented in a palatable way. The >>video includes a brief overview of the >>ICS. Thanks to Robert Jackson (KB6YTD) of >>Weaverville, CA, the quality is >>good. Disclaimer: This is not your usual >>scripted, studio, well-rehearsed, and edited >>training video--it is raw and unedited and it >>includes flub-ups, bloopers, jokes, as well as >>unsolicited comments! There are a few >>"glitches" that could not be remedied; however, >>it is not necessary to adjust your player or TV >>when you encounter them, but rather just let >>the video run. Not rated. 155 >>minutes. $10.00 ea. and includes protective >>case, study and instructor's guide. $5.00 for >>extra DVD (disc only) to same address. $18.00 >>for two complete sets to one address. The DVD >>is copyrighted. Contact us for permission to >>copy for non-commercial use, only. >>Send check payable to: EMCOMM, P. O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA 96058 >> >>MORE EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS AT: >><http://www.emcomm.org/products/>http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/ >>====================================================== >>NEW SUBSCRIBERS >> John Kiernan, KE2UN, New York, NY - RACES, ARECS >> Catherine McDaniel, WB4CAT, Mooresville, NC - ARES® >> Martin Harris, Jr., W4FOT, Etowah, NC - ARES®, RACES >> Matt Rutherford, KG4UAD, Fletcher, NC - ARES® >> Debbie Hicks, AD2H, Hendersonville, NC - ARES® >> John Howell, KC2NHK, New York, NY - U.S.C.G.Auxiliary, NYC CERT >> Greg Trent, KI6BGR, Vista, CA - ARES®, CERT >> Donald Boulanger, WA1ELA, Wernersville, PA - ARES®, RACES, NTS, SATERN >> Jerry Bennett, KD7OPE, Puyallup. WA - ARES®, RACES, ECRT >> Gary B. Sheets, KE5IQA, Graham, TX - RACES, Graham Fire Rescue Safety Chief >> Bob Aiello, KC2LWV, Hillside, NJ >> Norm Stewart, W6NIM, Concrete, WA - ARES®, RACES, Red Cross, Navy MARS >> Col. James R. Weber, KCØYEF, Ft. Leonard >>Wood, MO - MARS, ARES®, SKYWARN, CAP >> Vicki Ball, KI6EDS, Paradise, CA >> Jim Sutton, N2OPS, Mount Morris, NY >> Jack Gordon, WA2RHJ, Tabernacle, NJ - Burlington County ARES®, RACES >> Charlie Schlieper, N5TD, Temple, TX - RACES >> Mark Humenyk, VE3HMK, Toronto, Ontario, Canada >> Dennis R. Beckner, K8DRB, Lansing, MI - ARES®, RACES, ARC >> Charles Queen, Akron, Ohio - REACT TEAM C480 >> Jeffrey "Droopy" Carpenter, W3JJC, Pittsburgh, PA - SATERN >> James Norris, K4JDN, Lawrenceville, GA >> Jim DiTucci, N2IXD, Rochester, NY - ARES®, RACES, InfraGard >> Scott Honaker, N7SS, Snohomish, WA - RACES >> Chris McCormick, N3JHR, Philadelphia, PA - ARES®, RACES >> >>RECENT CONTRIBUTOR$ - Thank you for your support! >>(The individuals listed below have recently >>made monetary contributions to help EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG survive.) >> >> Edward J. Wirtz, W7JGM, Mount Vernon, WA >> José Fernandez, KI4BIE, Port Orange, FL >> Robert Jackson, KB6YTD, Weaverville, CA >> >>SOS - SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS >>When contacting these fine vendors... tell them EMCOMM MONTHLY sent you! >> >>Auxiliary Emergency Radio Organization (AERO) >>Contact: Dave Gomberg, NE5EE, San Francisco. >><http://www.wcf.com/aero/fun>www.wcf.com/aero/fun >>(Headsets, books, other items.) >>Proceeds go to support AERO. >> >>EmComm-Products LLC >>Robin (N7GSU) and Kathy (KD7OTY) Faulkner >><http://www.emcomm-products.com/index.htm>http://www.emcomm-products.com/index.htm >>(775) 521-6153 >>(775) 307-7101 (Fax) >>PO Box 383 >>703 Sixth Street >>Fossil, OR 97830-0383 >>(Manufacturer of the RADS 9-11 Rapid Antenna Deployment System) >> >>PowerFlare® Safety Lights >>Call: 408-323-2370 >><http://www.powerflare.com/>www.powerflare.com >>(Safety Illumination and Signaling Products) >> >>RDTechnology >>Robert D. Miller, WA6MTY >><http://dualradiotnc.no-ip.biz/>http://dualradiotnc.no-ip.biz >><mailto:bobmiller@gbis.com>bobmiller(a)gbis.com >>(775) 843-5952 >>3895 Corsair St., Suite E >>Reno, NV 89502 >>(Dual Radio Sound Card Interface) >> >>EMCOMM.ORG and EMCOMM MONTHLY are free of paid >>commercial advertising and "pop-ups". However, >>we list vendors who offer products specifically >>of interest or value to the emcomm community >>and who make periodic contributions. If you >>would like your company to be listed in SOS - >>SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS send a brief mention of >>your company and its products (see examples >>above) and a donation to: EMCOMM, P. O. Box 99, >>Macdoel, CA 96058. If you have further questions, just ask. >> >>REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION >> >> ICS-ARCT GUIDE: <http://www.emcomm.org/ARCT/>www.emcomm.org/ARCT/ >> TRAFFIC HANDLERS CHALLENGE: <http://thc.emcomm.org/>http://thc.emcomm.org >> TRAINING ARCHIVES: >><http://www.emcomm.org/svares/training/>www.emcomm.org/svares/training/ >> OPERATING >>PROCEDURES: <http://www.wrrl.org/operating/>www.wrrl.org/operating/ >> PHONETICS: >><http://www.wrrl.org/operating/itu_phonetics.htm>www.wrrl.org/operating/itu_phonetics.htm >> RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES: >><http://www.wrrl.org/operating/icao_radiotelephony.htm>www.wrrl.org/operating/icao_radiotelephony.htm >> GEAR AND EQUIPMENT LIST: >><http://www.emcomm.org/>www.emcomm.org (Click on GEAR CHECK LIST) >> FEMA TRAINING >>COURSES: >><http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/crslist.asp>http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/crslist.asp >> FEMA TRAINING COURSE IS-700 (NIMS): >><http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is700.asp>http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is700.asp >> ARRL FSD-218. The famous pink card that >>contains (almost) everything you ever needed to know about RADIOGRAMS. >> An electronic version of FSD-218 is at: >> <http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#fsd-218>http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#fsd-218 >> NTS page by W7ARC: <http://www.w7arc.com/nts/>http://www.w7arc.com/nts/ >> NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) Methods and >>Practices Guidelines: >><http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/>http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/ >> PACIFIC AREA TRAFFIC >>NETS: >><http://home.earthlink.net/~k7bfl/nwnets.html>http://home.earthlink.net/~k7bfl/nwnets.html >> NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SKYWARN >><http://www.emcomm.org/>www.emcomm.org (click on SKYWARN or Links) or >> Contact your EC or local SKYWARN coordinator for local net information. >> BEAUFORT WINDSPEED >>SCALE: >><http://www.zetnet.co.uk/sigs/weather/Met_Codes/beaufort.htm>http://www.zetnet.co.uk/sigs/weather/Met_Codes/beaufort.htm >> >> STANDARD TIME ZONE >>SCALE: >><http://www.travel.com.hk/region/timezone.htm>http://www.travel.com.hk/region/timezone.htm >> HOSPITAL DISASTER SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS >>SYSTEM (HDSCS): >><http://members.aol.com/emcom4hosp/>http://members.aol.com/emcom4hosp/ >> U. S. AIR FORCE Search and Rescue SURVIVAL >>MANUAL MIRROR SIGNALING (AFM 64-5 Aug. 1969) >><http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Mirror_Signaling_mid.jpg>http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Mirror_Signaling_mid.jpg >> >>SUBSCRIBE TO EMCOMM >>MONTHLY >><http://www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm>www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm >> >>ABOUT ADDRESS CHANGES: Every month, a varying >>number of EM are returned as "undeliverable >>addressee unknown" or "rejected due to >>containing possible objectionable >>material". Our very limited, all-volunteer >>staff does not have the time, energy, or desire >>to track down everyone who changes their email >>address and forgets to notify us. 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[arrl-odv:15344] Re: What are you hearing
by Karl Bullock 01 Apr '07

01 Apr '07

I was at the Hanging Judge (Fort Smith, AR) Hamfest this week. About 21 attended the forum, and two there had problems with the proposal until I explained what I knew the actual facts to be. After that, I asked if, knowing what they now know, was anyone opposed to 11306. No one was. Once the facts are clearly explained, opposition subsides. One ham even came up to me afterward and apologized for being "so forward". I personally don't think anyone had any complaints until the blogs muddied the issue. A month ago this was a non-issue. 73, Karl, WA5TMC Joel Harrison wrote: > > I’m curious what you are hearing now about our bandwidth subset > proposal to the FCC at in-person events. > > My email has now been reduced to only those that are not ARRL members > that are still complaining about things in general (incentive > licensing, elimination of Morse for licensing, etc) not the specifics > of the proposal. > > This weekend, I attended the AES Superfest in Milwaukee with Dick > Isely. You will receive my trip report soon, but I want to tell you > there were about 1000 attending and not one, not one single person > even mentioned the proposal. All I received were positive all around > comments about what we’re doing. I even brought up the topic of > regulation by bandwidth at the ARRL forum, where we had around 120 > attending, and not one person had any comment or complaints about it. > > I know Bill Edgar was at Timonium this weekend. I talked to Bill last > night and he had no complaints, only a couple of questions about the > proposal. Bill Cross was there and conducted a forum and Bill reports > that the subject was not raised there. > > One thing is obvious; the comments of substance have actually been > supportive of the original proposal. Where were these guys before! > Dave, Chris and I will be evaluating where we are with this matter and > will report shortly. > > So, I’m curious as to what you are hearing at your eyeball events. > > 73 Joel W5ZN >

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Trip Report - AES Superfest
by Joel Harrison 01 Apr '07

01 Apr '07

This weekend I attended the AES Superfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with Director Dick Isely, W9GIG, Wisconsin SM Don Michalski, W9IXG and Sales & Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. This annual event is sponsored by Amateur Electronic Supply and is held in their large warehouse facility in the same building as their store on Good Hope Rd. in Milwaukee. This event began as an idea of AES owner Ray Grenier, K9KHW, to bring in manufacturer representatives for an open house event in an attempt to boost sales. It has continually grown over past years and this year was not exception. Approximately 1000 people attended Superfest this year. The event is held from 2 - 6 PM on Friday and 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday. I flew to Milwaukee on Friday morning and was met at the General Mitchell International Airport by Dick and Kermit Carlson, W9XA, a personal friend of Dick's and long time acquaintance of mine in the VHF/UHF weak signal arena. They had driven up together and provided transportation for the two days. We proceeded to the event hotel, the Radisson North Shore, and checked in. This was a very nice hotel where Ray had arranged a $75/night room rate. After a quick lunch we made the short 10 minute drive to AES in time for the 2 PM start. Friday's have historically been a slow day, but a large crowd was already present. There is no flea market associated with this event, only manufacturer displays and forums. Attendees enter the event through the front doors of AES and then proceed through the store to the back warehouse area where the manufacturers and ARRL are located as well as a large forum area. A large adjacent area in the building was set up for local clubs to have displays and a meeting place for their members. Many of the usual reps were present except Kenwood, which included: Yaesu - Dennis Motschenbacher Icom Alinco MFJ (with Ameritron, Mirage, Vectronics & Hygain) - Steve Pan Heil Sound - Chip Margelli and Bob Heil The forum area had seats for 110, but everyone forum I peaked in on had standing room only, including the ARRL forum. A VE exam session is also held. In previous years an average of 30-40 people would take exams. This year there were over 100 people taking exams and the exam team was overwhelmed and running 2 hours behind schedule, but very pleased at the turnout! During the Friday afternoon time, activity at the ARRL booth was brisk. Bob and Don were busy signing up new members and I spoke with a number of members on various issues, but I had absolutely no complaints! That left me somewhat confused given the recent flap we've been dealing with. That stayed on my mind through the evening when Dick, Kermit and I had dinner, a traditional Milwaukee Friday night Fish Fry, with Nels Henry, WA9JOB and Tom Ruhlmann, W9IPR, two very long time ARRL supporters, at a popular local restaurant. The dinner conversation included a number of topics. When we returned to the hotel Dick and Kermit stopped by the DX and Midwest VHF/UHF Society hospitality suites but I chose to go to the room to take care of some outstanding ARRL business. The next morning the lack of comments during Friday afternoon about RM-11306 was still on my mind, so while in the shower I had the idea to go against my strict life long rule of "If there's smoke, do NOT start a fire" for the ARRL forum. At breakfast I ran it past Dick that for the ARRL forum I would like to give my presentation on "Amateur Radio's Great Technological Boom, and Why Hams Refuse to Accept It". Kermit had seen the presentation at the Microwave Update Conference last year and thought it was a good idea. The presentation takes a humorous look at how we define "new technology" and methodically lays out the reasoning of why regulation by bandwidth is desirable, and makes clear that it is not the ARRL's mission to support one new mode over another, but rather to work to provide a regulatory environment in the Amateur Service that allows radio amateurs to develop new things without confusing rules and leaves the acceptance of these to the amateur community. I thought sure that would bring "fire to smoke". There were over 120 people in the forum that included hams that had been licensed 50 years all the way down to two 8 year old kids that had passed the exam a week ago and were waiting for their license (they did so because they thought ham radio was "cool"). The presentation runs about 20 minutes so there was ample time for questions. When I opened the floor for questions not one person said anything about RM-11306. Dick, Kermit and I departed that show around 2:30 PM. They dropped me off at the airport and then headed home. My flight was uneventful and I arrived on time back home. This is a very good, well attended event and was good for ARRL. Early Saturday afternoon Bob had already taken in 100 new and renewed memberships. Here is a list of additional things I noted from the event: 1. A new ham stopped by to thank us for the pullout in March QST 2. Two separate people stopped by to tell me they were pleasantly surprised to automatically receive a 40 membership certificate in the mail and thanked us for it. 3. We had a large number of the new color band charts available and they were extremely popular 4. A "husband & wife" ham duo stopped by. The wife had just upgraded to General in February and is already experiencing the excitement of contesting. She was looking to purchase one of our world maps because she has now been bitten by the DX bug! 5. 8 year old Technician class licensee KC9KVU stopped by with his dad. He's really interested in contesting. He recently participated in the WPX contest on 10 meters with his new Tech privileges. Of course, 10 meters was dead to which he said "That's it! I'm studying for my General!" 6. One person was greatly concerned about a significant increase in freeband activity migrating into the lower end of the 10 meter band that will cause a serious problem when 10 meters begins to open up in the coming years. 7. There were a large number of people wearing ARRL shirts, caps, etc. 8. One local group sponsors an FM Simplex Sprint contest twice a year. It last for a 2 hour period on a Saturday. There is a special category for "HT's". 9. K9WRU was concerned that we no longer call ARRL the "American Radio Relay League", only saying "ARRL - the National Association for Amateur Radio" I want to thank Dick for his great hospitality during the trip. It was a good show and I was pleased to be able to attend on behalf of ARRL. As always, I'll be happy to address any questions you may have. 73 Joel W5ZN

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RE: What are you hearing
by Jim Weaver 01 Apr '07

01 Apr '07

Joel, I had the good fortune (?) to not have a hamfest to attend during the heat of the debate over bandwidth and setting the max bandwidth for data emissions. In addition to the Teller sycophants, I received a number of complaints from FISTS. As you probably know, Nancy stimulated these with her call to arms. These complaints were related to the data bandwidth reco. Once the issue had been explained, nearly all of the FISTS folks (with the exception of Nancy) came back to earth. Since the first few days of the flap, nada, beyond a couple of questions at meetings and a small hamfest I just visited over the weekend. As I said, these were questions, not rants. Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: <mailto:k8je@arrl.org> k8je(a)arrl.org; Tel.: 513-459-0142 ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is! Members - The Reason ARRL Is! -----Original Message----- From: Joel Harrison [mailto:w5zn@arrl.org] Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2007 3:04 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: What are you hearing I'm curious what you are hearing now about our bandwidth subset proposal to the FCC at in-person events. My email has now been reduced to only those that are not ARRL members that are still complaining about things in general (incentive licensing, elimination of Morse for licensing, etc) not the specifics of the proposal. This weekend, I attended the AES Superfest in Milwaukee with Dick Isely. You will receive my trip report soon, but I want to tell you there were about 1000 attending and not one, not one single person even mentioned the proposal. All I received were positive all around comments about what we're doing. I even brought up the topic of regulation by bandwidth at the ARRL forum, where we had around 120 attending, and not one person had any comment or complaints about it. I know Bill Edgar was at Timonium this weekend. I talked to Bill last night and he had no complaints, only a couple of questions about the proposal. Bill Cross was there and conducted a forum and Bill reports that the subject was not raised there. One thing is obvious; the comments of substance have actually been supportive of the original proposal. Where were these guys before! Dave, Chris and I will be evaluating where we are with this matter and will report shortly. So, I'm curious as to what you are hearing at your eyeball events. 73 Joel W5ZN

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[arrl-odv:15341] Re: What are you hearing
by Coy Day 01 Apr '07

01 Apr '07

Joel, I had the initial flurry of e-mails that were spawned by Skip Teller's "The Robots Are Coming". Since then all has been quiet. No comments at hamfests or club meetings. Coy -- Coy Day, N5OK 20685 SW 29 Union City, OK 73090 405-483-5632 Joel Harrison wrote: > I'm curious what you are hearing now about our bandwidth subset proposal > to > the FCC at in-person events. > > > > My email has now been reduced to only those that are not ARRL members that > are still complaining about things in general (incentive licensing, > elimination of Morse for licensing, etc) not the specifics of the > proposal. > > > > This weekend, I attended the AES Superfest in Milwaukee with Dick Isely. > You > will receive my trip report soon, but I want to tell you there were about > 1000 attending and not one, not one single person even mentioned the > proposal. All I received were positive all around comments about what > we're > doing. I even brought up the topic of regulation by bandwidth at the ARRL > forum, where we had around 120 attending, and not one person had any > comment > or complaints about it. > > > > I know Bill Edgar was at Timonium this weekend. I talked to Bill last > night > and he had no complaints, only a couple of questions about the proposal. > Bill Cross was there and conducted a forum and Bill reports that the > subject > was not raised there. > > > > One thing is obvious; the comments of substance have actually been > supportive of the original proposal. Where were these guys before! Dave, > Chris and I will be evaluating where we are with this matter and will > report > shortly. > > > > So, I'm curious as to what you are hearing at your eyeball events. > > > > 73 Joel W5ZN > > > >

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What are you hearing
by Joel Harrison 01 Apr '07

01 Apr '07

I'm curious what you are hearing now about our bandwidth subset proposal to the FCC at in-person events. My email has now been reduced to only those that are not ARRL members that are still complaining about things in general (incentive licensing, elimination of Morse for licensing, etc) not the specifics of the proposal. This weekend, I attended the AES Superfest in Milwaukee with Dick Isely. You will receive my trip report soon, but I want to tell you there were about 1000 attending and not one, not one single person even mentioned the proposal. All I received were positive all around comments about what we're doing. I even brought up the topic of regulation by bandwidth at the ARRL forum, where we had around 120 attending, and not one person had any comment or complaints about it. I know Bill Edgar was at Timonium this weekend. I talked to Bill last night and he had no complaints, only a couple of questions about the proposal. Bill Cross was there and conducted a forum and Bill reports that the subject was not raised there. One thing is obvious; the comments of substance have actually been supportive of the original proposal. Where were these guys before! Dave, Chris and I will be evaluating where we are with this matter and will report shortly. So, I'm curious as to what you are hearing at your eyeball events. 73 Joel W5ZN

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RE: [arrl-odv:15334] HQ Incident
by Joel Harrison 01 Apr '07

01 Apr '07

Barry, Thanks for your report on this incident at HQ. I'm quite pleased to know that our detection systems functioned as they were supposed to, and that the resulting alarms were acknowledged by staff and an orderly evacuation occurred while the authorities sorted out the situation. 73 Joel W5ZN _____ From: Shelley, Barry, N1VXY [mailto:bshelley@arrl.org] Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 8:46 AM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:15334] HQ Incident This is just an FYI to the Board. Near the close of business yesterday (approx 4:30 pm) a smoke detector in the computer data center was set off. Its not known exactly what caused it but there was no fire. It may have been dust however there was apparently a small amount of smoke and an acrid smell. Whatever the cause, our security system worked, alarms sounded, the fire department was notified and arrived at HQ. The building was evacuated for a short time until they determined there was no fire. All the computer equipment was checked and is running. There was no damage. We've also checked all the circuitry in that room and, again there was no indication of anything amiss. We will have Sonitrol in first thing on Monday to check out their equipment as well since the initial report from the security system was that someone had pulled a fire alarm, not that a smoke detector had been triggered. We will also be reviewing our procedures for accessibility for the fire department. 73, Barry, N1VXY

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[arrl-odv:15338] Re: Trip Report - MFJ Enterprises/Ameritron/Hygain/Vectronics/Mirage, Starkville, MS
by Karl Bullock 01 Apr '07

01 Apr '07

Thanks, Joel, for coming down into my back yard, and bringing Dave. I'm sure he is now aware that down here we all wear shoes and are not married to our sister (at least in my family <g>). On September 7-8th, MFJ celebrates 35 years in business, and will be hosting the ARRL Day In The Park just down the street from MFJ Headquarters that weekend, with tours of their facilities and a lunch in the Park on Saturday. We'd love to have any of you join us in celebrating the contributions Martin has made to Ham Radio over the years. On a personal note, I was a student at Mississippi State in the early 70s and remember Martin's fledgling company operating out of a house trailer in a trailer park where a friend of mine was also living. Additionally, Martin was still a professor at MSU at the time, and was my faculty advisor! Naturally we became friends, and have stayed in touch ever since, and now my daughter is a student at MSU, and lives about a mile from MFJ. He's a great guy, and we are certainly thankful for the fine facilities at North Mississippi Medical Center where he underwent his bypass procedures. As a result, we hope Martin will be around for a long time. 73, Karl, WA5TMC -------------------------------------- "Of, By, and For..." - Not just words! Karl Bullock, WA5TMC ARRL Vice Director - Delta Division 321 CR 458 Ripley, MS 38663 662 512-8053

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