The
next
club meeting will be
Monday July 13th, 2009
Minutes of 9 June 2009 Informal
Meeting of The Palmetto Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
Before the meeting
at the North Tower Conference Room of the Memorial
Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida we had an Amateur Radio License
Testing Session. We had five people show up for the exam. ARRL
Amateur Radio License Volunteer Examiner's Ed
Kashuba, WD4HIP, Robert Spencer N9NQ, and Don Thomas AF4NR were in
attendance to comduct the exam.
All five passed there exams, and two submited dues and applications to
join the club. Members
of the club met at the North Tower Conference Room of the Memorial
Regional
Hospital in Hollywood, Florida for the monthly meeting.
We made this a talk on installations and operations of mobile
communications. Club member Jaime DePaz KG4OXO wanted help on the
installations of radios in his patrol car. Robert N9NQ helped him with
this and additional information for the future communications
installations. Jaime
KG4OXO also made a very nice donations to the club, we thank you.
We then discussed the installation of
Jeff Beals, WA4AW
Appointment as Southeastern Division Vice Director (Jun 4, 2009) --
With the approval of the ARRL Ethics and Elections Committee, ARRL
President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, appointed Southern Florida
Assistant Section Manager Jeff Beals, WA4AW, as Vice Director in the
Southeastern Division, effective June 1. Beals replaces Sandy Donohue,
W4RU, who passed away last month. We are glad to see this appointment,
Jeff WA4AW attended last months club meeting. He explained to us about
what he see's for the future of amateur radio here in South Florida.
Again congradulations Jeff.
As no quorum was president, reading of minutes of the last meeting were
dispensed with.
The informal meeting concluded at 1945 Hours.
Acting for Phil
Shullo, KI4LJP (on business in Oslo, Norway) Secretary
of The
Palmetto Amateur Radio Club, Inc. Robert Broderick,
WE4B President of The
Palmetto Amateur Radio Club, Inc. June 10, 2009
ARRL
Southern Florida Section June 16, 2009 Section Manager: Sharon T.
Brower, W4STB
Hi everyone,
Please join me in offering congratulations to our section member, Jeff
Beals, WA4AW on his appointment to the Southeastern Division Vice
Director position.
Jeff held several section appointments over the years. As a
member of the Board of Directors (BOD) he is not prohibited from
holding appointments in the Field Organization (FO). He will
retain his position as Gold Coast District Emergency Coordinator until
a replacement can be found or until the
end of hurricane season - 11/30/09. The other positions he
currently holds will become vacant.
We have many appointment positions available and there are many
talented hams out there. Please go to:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/org/ and review the job descriptions
there. If you have an interest in any of these positions or know
someone who could fill them please send me a direct e-mail
(one per requested appointment) containing specific qualifications for
that appointment and 2 references. My E-mail address is
W4STB@ARRL.ORG. For some appointments either I or a section staff
member will have additional questions for you. Some of the
applications are on-line but those
applications contain little room to list qualifications and references.
Perhaps you have skills from your career that can benefit amateur radio
or perhaps you have recently relocated and are looking for a volunteer
opportunity. If so, now is the perfect time to offer your skills.
For example:
Are/were you a supervisor or manager at
work?
Do or did you run a business?
Do you have technical or writing skills?
Do you spend hours in front of the radio?
Do you want to help make the amateur
radio experience better for others?
If you answered YES to any or all of the above questions there may be a
volunteer opportunity for you. Do not be shy and please read the
job descriptions before applying.
I may make surprise visits to Field Day sites, WX and family health
permitting. Please send me your location for Field Day - I have not
heard from any of you. If I do not travel, I will be active
during the event from home - give me a call on the air and pass your
NTS message directly.
Other Field Day items to remember: Writing an NTS message and phoning
me on a land line does not qualify for points since the message must be
into the traffic system. Field Day is a public event for most of
us. Remember to comply with all FCC rules regarding frequency
privileges, control operators, etc. Don't ignore local rules,
especially open container laws. Dress appropriately for
visitors. Have fun and make a lot of contacts.
Field Day and hurricane expo ideas: Advertise that you will
program Weather Radios that are brought to the event and have one on
display to show people how to program the radios they have at
home. Have NOAA brochures about WX radios and hurricanes
available at Field Day
REPORTS:
Net and Traffic Reports from KA4FZI
SFL SARs for May 2009: KE4CB 135 , KA4FZI 121, WD4DNC 108,WA4BAM 102,
KC4TM 33, N8BGJ 13, KI4PTZ 9, KP30 3
SFL PSHRs for May 2009: K4DLF 144, KA4FZI 120, N4HHP 120, KE4CB 105,
K4AWB 100
NET
ABB.
SESS
QNI
QTC
QND
MGR
All Florida CW Traffic Net
QFN
61
491
307
1033
AD4DO
Broward
County Emergency Prep. Net
BCEPN
5
17
45
141
KI4JRT
Florida Amateur SSB Traffic Net
FAST
30
315
94
NA
K4SCL
Florida Medium Speed Net
FMSN
31
229
60
533
AG4RJ / AB4XK
Jupiter Farms CERT
JCERT
?
39
14
180
AG4BV / W4FK
Jupiter-Tequesta Repeater Group
JTRG
6
56
22
280
AG4BV / W4FK
Palm Beach County Ares Net
PBCAN
8
110
11
186
AG4BV
Glades County ARES Net
GCAN
4
38
2
NA
N5KFR
Southeast Florida Traffic Net
SEFTN
32
684
59
1424
AG4RJ / KI4IQZ
Southwest Florida Traffic Net
SWFTN
27
625
105
1945
KE4CB / N9WS
April: QNI2622, QTC 692 May: QNI 2566, QTC 717
We do miss the "Snowbirds" in the summer but it seems to boost the
traffic count.
Many thanks to all who participate and fill in the blank spots this
summer.
ARES report from K8KB
Total number of ARES members in the 9 counties reporting: 425 Reported
Change since last month in these 9 counties: +5
ARES nets active: 10, 6 nets with NTS liaison, 35 sessions held.
DECs/ECs reporting: WA4AW, KF4MJJ, N5KFR, WA4ASJ, WA4GUK,
K8KB, AD4RZ, K4DLF, W4ZE
Number of drills, tests and training sessions this month:
28 Person hours 234
Number of public service events this month:
3
Person hours 42
Number of emergency operations this
month:
Person hours 0
SFL ARES Net Report ---
QNI 13 QTC
1 Time 46
Min.
Comments:
Broward: Participated in mock activation and open house as part of the
state wide hurricane drill on May 29. The public could see the amateur
radio operations in action as they participated in this drill. In
addition to the 7 amateur radio operators at the Broward EOC
approximately 6 other hams in Broward and Palm Beach county assisted by
sending simulated reports.
Collier: New Emergency Service Center opened on May 28. The
center is equipped with 2M and 7cm radios for the ARES group.
Lee: Demonstrated emergency communications and passed out ARRL info at
Boy Scout Show.
Martin: Participated with county in state hurricane drill on May
29. Setup and staffed booth an Treasure Coast Hurricane Fair May
30 & 31. Ten licensed amateurs not part of the group signed
the roster and a total of 21 signed up for the technician classes
starting July 7
Next month we should have reports about other hurricane expos (don't
forget to send photos to me). There are new photos on the section
page at www.arrl.org/sections/SFL.html and please visit www.sflarrl.org
Thank you for all of your efforts to promote amateur radio and to
provide communications in your communities.
Stay safe and stay on the air.
73,
Sherri, W4STB
ARRL
South East Division
Greg Sarratt, W4OZK
ARRL Southeastern Division Director June 1,
2009
Dear
Southeastern Division ARRL members,
Jeff Beals, WA4AW, Appointed Southeastern Division Vice Director
With the approval of the ARRL Ethics and Elections Committee, ARRL
President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, appointed Southern Florida Assistant
Section Manager Jeff Beals, WA4AW, as Vice Director in the Southeastern
Division, effective June 1. Beals replaces Sandy Donohue, W4RU, who
passed away last month. An Extra class licensee and ARRL Life
Member, Beals was first licensed in the early 1960s as WN2OUK. Beals --
who splits his time between Royal Palm Beach, Florida and Dothan,
Alabama -- has been an ARRL member for more than 30 years; he has
served as Southern Florida Assistant Section
Manager (ASM) since 2002. Beals has also held appointments as Section
Emergency Coordinator (SEC), Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC),
Technical Coordinator (TC), Technical Specialist (TS) and District
Emergency Coordinator (DEC).
"I am deeply honored to be chosen by President Harrison to serve as
Vice Director of the Southeastern Division," Beals told the ARRL. "I am
looking forward to working with Division Director Greg Sarratt, W4OZK,
to provide quality service and representation to the members of the
Southeastern Division. I feel that my years of service in the ARRL
Field Organization provide me with a unique outlook on what our members
expect of our League. My ability to listen and learn from them will
assist Greg and myself to provide the representation they have come to
expect from the Southeastern Division."
Sarratt said that was "proud" that Beals was chosen to be the new
Southeastern Division Vice-Director: "Jeff has a heart for Amateur
Radio and is an ARRL Life Member. He and I have worked together at many
hamfests in the Southeastern Division and I look forward to
many more. Please join me in welcoming Jeff as Southeastern Division
Vice Director."
Beals said he would be "remiss if I didn't mention the many years of
friendship and tutelage given to me by former Southeastern Director
Frank Butler, W4RH, and Vice Director Sandy Donahue, W4RU (SK). Their
years of service to the League and to Amateur Radio are much
appreciated by me and the many members of the Division with whom they
came in contact."
Beals was a long-time friend of Donahue's. "I knew Sandy for more than
25 years," he told the ARRL upon Donahue's passing. "He was very, very
devoted to Amateur Radio, especially the public service side: Emergency
Communications, traffic handling and helping out wherever and whenever
he could. We had a lot in common."
Beals counts emergency communications support, liaison with served
agencies, radio club liaison and support, classic Amateur Radio
operation and restoration, and training of Section volunteers as just
some of his Amateur Radio activities. "I am always promoting
Amateur Radio and the ARRL at community events, and I attend many club
meetings, functions and hamfests throughout the Division," he said. "I
am a participant in a pilot project to provide membership support to
members of the ARRL Southern Florida Section; this project has since
grown to encompass the entire Southeastern Division." He also holds
commendations from the State of Florida for his communications support
during Hurricanes Andrew, Frances, Jean and Katrina.
"During my tenure as the Southern Florida Section SEC, President
Harrison appointed me to serve on the National Emergency Response
Planning Committee. One of the challenges facing many of our SFL
Section members -- as well as the rest of our nation -- is the ability
to construct an effective antenna system in communities governed by
covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs)," Beals explained.
"I am -- and always have been -- a staunch supporter of any bill in
Congress, such as HR 2160, to effect such change in
these most restrictive regulations that prevent hams from providing
needed public service communications, as well as their enjoyment of
Amateur Radio.
Beals is a Life Member of the ARRL, Quarter Century Wireless
Association (QCWA) and the Antique Wireless Association (AWA); he is a
Senior Grade member of the Radio Club of America (RCA) and the ARRL A-1
Operator Club. He is Past President of the Fort Myers and West Palm
Beach Amateur Radio Club and current member of the Palms West ARC,
North Florida ARS, Wiregrass ARC, OOTC, the Florida and Alabama Contest
Groups and the Florida East Coast DX Club.
73,
Greg Sarratt, W4OZK
ARRL Southeastern Division Director Are
you ready for Summer Fun? ARRL Field Day, June 27-28 is loaded
with
FUN and always has something for everyone!
If
you're interested in visiting with old friends, erecting antennas,
soldering, cooking, eating, staying up late, Emcomm, camping,
competition, DX'ing, CW, phone, digital, or computers . . . Field
Day
is for you!
Invite
every ham, or potential ham, you can think of. Invite your local
politicians, Red Cross, emergency manager, and don't forget the media.
For
a list of ARRL Field Day sites see, http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/locator.php
If your
Field Day site is not listed, make sure it gets listed so visitors can
find you.
For
complete rules, forms, order shirts, pins and other information see,
http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/
I
look forward to Field Day and might just pop in at your site for a
visit!
73,
Greg Sarratt, W4OZK
ARRL Southeastern Division Director
w4ozk at arrl.org
Amateur
Radio Supports BP MS-150 "Silver Celebration"
The BP MS-150 is a fundraising bike ride from Houston to Austin, Texas,
organized by the Lone Star Chapter of the National MS Society. It is
the largest bike ride in North America with 13,000 riders, 3,000
volunteers, supporters and spectators.
Amateur Radio is an integral part of the communication system, which
includes public service agencies, commercial radio systems, and the
non-licensed Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS). The 150 Amateur Radio
volunteers represented independent operators, local radio clubs across
Texas, and ARES. The event was held April 19, 2009.
Mike Hardwick, N5VCX, was chairman of the communications committee that
coordinated the linking of a dozen repeaters over a distance of 150
miles. Many of the operators were veterans of hurricanes Katrina, Rita
and Ike. Their ability to adapt, respond and overcome was evident this
year.
ARES
Training -- 34 ARES members (including photographer) from South Texas
attending training in Houston (photo Joseph Gadus III, KE5BVQ)
All communication
network controls were located in the Houston Command
Post. Two nets were established with back-up capabilities: One net was
designated for general traffic and supply coordination, with the second
net designated for medical emergencies.
David Taylor, WD5DST, coordinated the amateur operators for medical
assignments. Three ambulances, ten first responder teams, two
supervisors and one medical transport unit were strategically placed
along the route to respond to emergencies. Amateur operators were
assigned to these sixteen vehicles. Medical units were equipped with
APRS, allowing the prompt dispatching of the closest units.
The eyes and ears along the route of the MS-150 were the motorcycle
marshals. Many of these motorcycle volunteers obtained their ham
licenses through classes conducted by Jerry Irwin, WAØGLD, who
also coordinates the marshals. Sixty-two motorcycles were operated by
Amateur Radio personnel, with twelve being APRS-equipped.
Cyclists exit rest area past one of the
many Amateur Radio stations
along the route. (photo Joseph Gadus III, KE5BVQ)
Breakpoints were positioned every ten miles along the route. These rest
areas provided water and snacks, medical aid, bicycle repair and
restroom facilities. A team of amateurs including ARES members from
Harris and Waller counties was assigned to each breakpoint to report
conditions, request supplies and summon ambulances.
ARES provided a large contingent of operators for the event. Many
served independently at the command post and in medical and supply
vehicles and the motorcycle marshals. As a group, ARES was tasked with
establishing and operating the Special Assistance Group (SAG)
responsibility for the transportation of cyclists who were unable to
continue, from each breakpoint forward to Austin. The DECs from the
South Texas Section districts 1 and 14 responded with volunteers.
Christine Smith, N5CAS, District 1 DEC, recruited volunteers from
Waller County, while Jeff Walter, KE5FGA, District 14 DEC, worked with
his group in Harris County. Walter also coordinated the operations of
all breakpoints and their associated functions. The SAG stops used
Amateur Radio and MURS radios to coordinate buses, trucks, vans and
personnel.
ARES employed the Incident Command System of the National Incident
Management System to develop incident action plans, training sessions
with table top exercises and leadership development meetings to provide
consistent operations along the route.
The planning and training responsibility fell into the capable hands of
veteran Del Partridge, W5QQ. In addition to their SAG responsibilities,
the ARES members were originally tasked with operating the majority of
the Amateur Radio stations at the breakpoints.
MS Society Lone Star Chapter President Mark Neagli stated "volunteers
are what make this event so successful." The difference between an
event and an incident is that events are planned and incidents are not.
By participating in these events, Amateur Radio operators gain valuable
experience, learning to adapt to changing conditions and work with the
assets that are available. To learn more about multiple sclerosis and
rides in your area, contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
For Amateur Radio information on the BP MS-150, contact Jeff Walter,
KE5FGA, District 14 DEC, or Mike Hardwick, N5VCX, Communications
Committee Chairman -- article by Joe Gadus, KD5KTX, Porter, Texas
The afternoon hours of May 8, will long be remembered in southern
Illinois. In the course of a few short hours, the residents of central
southern Illinois were subjected to greater than 100 MPH straight-line
winds, torrential rain, and tornadoes. Area hams, active in SKYWARN
nets, were busy.
The preceding evening, severe thunderstorms had seen the Jackson and
Williamson County areas pelted with golf ball-sized hailstones. Friday
morning, the National Weather Service at Paducah, Kentucky, began again
issuing severe weather alerts for the region. Flash flooding, severe
thunderstorm and tornado watches were issued. Warnings soon followed,
but there was no indication of what was to come.
As Franklin, Williamson, Jackson and Perry County SKYWARN nets were
activated (some for the third time that day), emergency managers also
took to the roads, along with law enforcement and fire department
observers.Several reports of funnels and tornadoes were communicated to
the NWS office by SKYWARN observers, but this storm packed much more
devastation than the EF0 and EF1 twisters that developed.
This storm was unique in that its radar signature was not unlike that
of a small hurricane. The steady, straight-line winds that this storm
carried were measured at one regional airport at 106 MPH. That would
place this storm in the Saffir Simpson hurricane intensity Category 2.
Based on the assumption that wind gusts exceeded that measured steady
wind speed, and, based upon the resulting damage observed during a
survey of the western part of the storm's damage path, this storm would
be properly placed into Saffir Simpson Category 3. The NWS now calls
the storm a "meso cyclone." Other meteorologists have referred to the
storm as a Derecho. Whatever it's called, it was a devastating weather
system.
Widespread, major damage to utilities and buildings resulted. More than
70,000 residents of this mostly rural area found themselves without
power. Six southern Illinois counties have been declared disaster areas
by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Utilities are still, as this is written
on May 14, trying to restore power to approximately 15,000 residences
and businesses. Primary AC lines in very rugged country including the
Shawnee National Forest were destroyed, leading to the use of
helicopters and bulldozers to ferry tools and materials to electricians
and line crews, who are resorting to manual efforts to rebuild these HV
towers and lines. Hundreds of thousands of trees were felled. Many
homes and businesses were destroyed, and, there has been one
storm-related fatality reported.
When this storm hit, we, here in my hometown of Benton, were subjected
to strong winds, lightning, and very heavy rain. The wind, at that
point, was from the southwest. Our SAME weather alert receivers were
constantly alerting, as reports of funnels and tornadoes were
broadcast. Then, the 'eye' of the storm passed over us, and, just as
with a tropical depression or hurricane, we enjoyed a brief lull. All
was calm for about 25 minutes, and, save for the eerie, greenish cast
to the sky, it could have been any other spring day in southern
Illinois.
Then, the back side of the cyclone hit us, with winds from the
northwest. The sky was instantly filled with blowing debris and rain
being horizontally driven by the shrieking winds. Visibility was
reduced to less than 50 feet, and, in our basement, my wife and I
watched as water was, literally, blown through our concrete block walls.
As the Illinois SEC, I try to set a good example in terms of emergency
preparedness. Most of my emergency supplies are kept ready in a 37'
fifth wheel camper, along with my field-deployable emergency
communications gear. Ironically, on Thursday morning, my wife and I had
pulled that camper to a dealership in the county south of us -
Williamson -for some minor repairs. [Williamson County is where
Friday's wind speed of 106 MPH was measured]. Our camper was a
casualty, first, of Thursday's hail storm, which shattered all of the
roof vents and opened the camper's roof to the rain, and, then, the
meso cyclone hit on Friday. Our 14,000 pound camper was pushed off its
blocks and scooted across the dealer's yard like a kid's toy. Here at
home, half of a 100' oak adjacent to our property was felled by the
storm.
Amateur Radio involvement centered on SKYWARN net activities, while the
Franklin County ARES group was alerted for potential deployment to an
American Red Cross shelter. The NWS office in Paducah has posted
Doppler radar images of this storm, along with text reports of events
and photos of the damage. -- Brad Pioveson, W9FX, ARRL Illinois Section
Emergency Coordinator
Hams
Rally for Glass City Marathon
Members of the Toledo-Lucas County (Ohio) ARES Group demonstrated their
skills providing communications for the 33rd Glass City Marathon on
April 26. Hosted by the Toledo Road Runner Club, almost 2,000 runners
from 24 states and Canada participated. Thousands of spectators lined
the route.
Steve McEwen, K8BBK,
(left), Wood County ARES, monitoring radio traffic
at Water Stop 10.
Rick
Sharpe, K8RKS, ARES Race Coordinator, faced many technical
challenges linking race and safety officials. Starting in downtown
Toledo, runners raced on both sides of the scenic Maumee River, through
two counties and several communities, each with different public safety
radio frequencies. The interoperability solution was ARES Amateur Radio
operators.
The nerve center was the Lucas County ARES Command Center. Consisting
of a renovated ambulance with attached trailer-radio-situation room,
the unit was stationed downtown near the starting line. It served as
platform for Net Control on a 2 meter repeater atop one of Toledo's
tallest office buildings. Twenty-three ARES field operators with HTs
along the course and in vehicles worked through the repeater to Net
Control with their communications.
Lucas County's ARES Command Center is well designed for the task. Both
parts are self contained and not reliant on commercial power. Each is a
duplicate of the other so they can be separated and used at two
different scenes. Most impressive were the banks of radios from amateur
to area police, fire, EMA, and EMS agencies. A corn row of antennas
lined the roof. All were used to make the marathon happen.
After months of planning and preparation, it all came together. Steve
Bellner, W8TER, and Rick Sharpe, K8RKS, manned Net Control. Working as
a team, Net Control along with ARES field units handled traffic with
race and medical officials, four response vehicles, a service vehicle,
14 water stops, and public safety officials from multiple
jurisdictions. It was a good day for the Glass City Marathon and the
Lucas County ARES Team. Once again, Amateur Radio delivers. -- Jim
Duggan, KD8CIJ, ARRL Public Information Officer, District One, Ohio
Hurricane
Conference A Success for Amateur Radio
Julio Ripoll, WD4R, (left), with veteran NHC forecaster Dr. Lixion
Avila (Rob Macedo, KD1CY, photo).
Amateur
Radio had its largest presence ever at the 2009 National
Hurricane Conference in Austin, Texas. Representatives from the ARRL,
WX4NHC, the Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center
(NHC), the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) and VoIP Hurricane Net (VoIPWXNet)
completed several presentations at the conference as well as a
presentation at the local Austin Amateur Radio Club.
The Amateur Radio
Disaster Communications Workshop was held April 7
with WX4NHC Amateur Radio Coordinators John McHugh, K4AG, and Julio
Ripoll, WD4R, explaining their work at the National Hurricane Center
and the importance of measured surface data and damage reports to allow
hurricane specialists to make better forecasts.
Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Director of Operations of the VoIP Hurricane Net,
gave a presentation on the net and the role it plays in gathering data
for WX4NHC and how it also can be used to connect various NWS Forecast
offices and local and regional EOCs together during hurricanes.
ARRL's Dennis Dura, K2DCD, addresses the group, with HWN Assistant NM
Brad Piovensen, W9FX, at podium (KD1CY photo).
Macedo
also presented the importance of IRESC, the International Radio
Emergency Support Coalition, and its role in providing translators and
additional contacts in the affected area during hurricanes and other
disasters.
Brad Piovensen, W9FX,
Assistant Net Manager of the Hurricane Watch Net,
discussed potential changes in their operations that will include not
just monitoring of their traditional 14.325 MHz frequency but also
monitoring 40 and 80 meter bands given the need for the net to expand
its reach.
On April 8, ARRL's Dennis Dura, K2DCD, and Macedo, gave a workshop on
situational awareness and how it creates more opportunities for Amateur
Radio. Most of the attendees were representing emergency management and
other government agencies.
All sessions were videotaped and available on the North Shore Radio
Association (NSRA) Web site. - Rob Macedo, KD1CY, Manager, VoIP
Hurricane Net
Letters:
6 Meter FM for ARES Ops
Most ARES communications are performed on 2 meter FM and for good
reasons: The majority of amateurs own 2 meter FM radios and many have
mobile installations that provide great coverage in most urban and
suburban areas. There are in many areas so many repeaters up that there
is a waiting list for frequencies. For many events here in Northern
Virginia, a handheld radio will do the job well.
We do, however, have some events that are run in large, forested park
areas where 2 meter repeater coverage is poor or in some cases, the
repeaters that cover areas are also popular on weekends with the clubs
that sponsor those repeaters. It can be unfair to run a 50 mile event
and tie up a wide area repeater for a day.
Our solution was to try other VHF bands. While most of us also have 440
MHz FM gear, we found that it did not provide the range in wooded
areas. We went to 6 meters for several reasons. First, there are many
amateurs who own the ICOM IC-706 and other compact radios that have 6
meter FM capability. The coverage of 6 meters in a wooded environment
is unbelievably good. We have found that a 5 watt 6 meter simplex FM
signal can be heard more clearly then a 50 watt 2 meter simplex signal.
We have two events that are along the Occoquan Reservoir in Fairfax
County, Virginia and two other events that are run along the Potomac
River from Alexandria to Mt. Vernon. We've found that 2 meter repeater
coverage along both the reservoir and the river is not good and running
events with mobile equipment on 2 meter simplex is not the best
approach.
When trying 6 meters we found that coverage was much better. While
there are many commercial 6 meter FM radios on the market, there are
also many surplus commercial radios available if you can find the right
ones and they are properly converted. In our area, one of the members
of the Amateur Radio Research and Development Club (AMRAD) picked up a
truckload of Midland commercial radios and figured out how to convert
them to the 6 meter band. Most of them have 22 channels and must be
programmed by using a computer program and a serial cable with a
non-standard connector to the radio. With 22 channels, you will have
all of the simplex frequencies and many 6 meter repeater pairs in your
area. I'm sure that there are Motorola models that can be had as well.
Commercial gear has a few advantages over our amateur equipment. One is
that it is easy to use. Turn it on, set the channel, set the squelch
and talk. These radios are generally bullet proof; they will take more
abuse. They were designed to live in cabs, trash trucks, and police
cars. They also have a great deal of audio gain available. If you are
in a high noise environment you will still be able to hear your traffic.
Six meter antennas are another consideration. For mobile operations,
you can use a 2 meter 5/8th wave that also loads up as a
¼ wave on 6 meters. Alternatives are home made or
commercially made ground planes, J-poles, and dipoles. I use a 6 meter
Ringo for portable use on a set of military mast sections. I've marked
the vertical parts so they can be collapsed for easy transport and set
up quickly.
If your ARES unit or club decides to use commercial 6 meter equipment,
I recommend that you determine a few simplex frequencies that should be
programmed into all radios. Two popular frequencies in Northern
Virginia are 52.02 MHz and 52.51 MHz. I recommend that you stay away
from 52.525 MHz as it is the national calling frequency and when 6
meters is open you may get check ins from all over the country.
Another consideration for use of a second band when working ARES or
public service is the ever increasing use of APRS on 2 meters for such
events. If you have an APRS tracker in a vehicle at the lead or tail
end of a race or on other support vehicles, you want to not interfere
with that signal, so moving your voice communications to another band
works. -- Richard Bunn, N4ASX, ARES EC, Alexandria, Virginia
Letters:
"Reverse 911" TENS for ARES
Here is an emergency call-out notification resource that is widely
available, but I am not sure is being widely used: So-called "Reverse
911" systems.
Usually thought of as a means for emergency managers to send telephone
messages to the public based on the recipient's location, these systems
can be used for much more. Good systems can send messages to
telephones, cellular phones, SMS, pagers, fax machines, and e-mail.
Really good systems record a response and can even ask polling
questions, such as "Can you respond to the EOC and, if so, when will
you arrive?" Properly known as "Telephone Emergency Notification
Systems" or TENS, these capabilities are often sold to local government
as a service with per-call billing. Often the pre-paid calling included
in the contract goes unused, waiting for a major event that never
occurs. All of the TENS systems I am aware of also support
notifications for emergency responders. In most, the responder provides
details of all the ways they can be contacted and, in an emergency, the
system uses them one-by-one or all at once until the message is
received. Profiles allow recipients to select the best way to reach
them at a particular time-of-day, and to prevent the system from
calling at other times, if desired.
Our ARES group has begun using such a system for notifying members when
their help is needed--as well as drills and occasional system tests to
keep people aware it exists. We are just getting started, but already
another nearby county is following our lead, using a TENS system our
state makes available to public health agencies for free.
I think many agencies that have a TENS available treat it like some
kind of a doomsday system, when it really could be used for all sorts
of things, including an off-the-repeater way of notifying ARES members
that we need their help right away.
If anyone has questions about TENS, or needs help convincing a local
official, please feel free to have them contact me. -- David Coursey,
N5FDL, San Joaquin County ARES, California
Legendary
Kentucky ARES Op Retires
In 1960, Louisa, Kentucky, saw the emergence of a new ham, Curtis
(Fred) Jones, WN4ETV (now WA4SWF) at the age of 16. He went on to give
a lifetime of service to his community, county and anyone interested in
Amateur Radio.
He was an Elmer to many hams. Jones constructed a working Kentucky
District 9 ARES. He served 35 years as EC. During his ARES career he
held the positions of DEC, OES, OBS, AEC and ASM. He was Vice President
of the Big Sandy Amateur Radio Club and just this year retired as
Treasurer.
He joined the Morning Kentucky Phone Net and the evening Kentucky
Traffic Net. He called these nets at least once a week for many years
and was a regular check into the Kentucky CW nets.
ARES Legend Fred Jones, WA4SWF, (left), receives award plaque from John
Meyers, NB4K.
Jones
was Disaster Emergency Service Director for Lawrence County,
holding that position for 12 years.
He became the first
Director of the South East Repeater Association
(SERA) for Kentucky and was instrumental in setting up the standards of
repeater coordination. He then went on to serve as editor of the SERA
Journal, a monthly publication for seven states.
On May 2, Fred retired. He was presented with a plaque from Jim Weaver,
K8JE, ARRL Great Lakes Division Director, for his years of service. The
honor was presented by Jim Brooks, KY4Z, Kentucky Section Manager, Matt
Tinker, AA4XA, Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator and John Meyers,
NB4K, past Kentucky Section Manager, current Great Lakes Division
Legislative Action Chairman and Assistant Great Lakes Director.
We here in Kentucky are so gratfeul for people like Fred who dedicate
their life to helping others. -- John Meyers, NB4K
Letters:
Cost Value of Volunteers
Many ARES organizations provide detailed accounting of their volunteer
efforts to their served agencies. This usually includes break-downs for
man-hours, including a calculation of the monetary value of services
provided by Amateur Radio. The value of these services is usually taken
from a variety of sources including the Bureau of Labor, VOAD, etc. But
increasingly volunteer organizations are using the estimates of a group
called "Independent Sector."
Independent Sector has announced that the 2009 estimate for the value
of a volunteer hour is $20.25 per hour. Organizations can use this
number to quantify the enormous value volunteers provide. Last year's
estimate was $19.51. The hourly value of volunteer time is based on the
average hourly wage for all non-management, nonagricultural workers as
determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a 12 percent
increase to estimate for fringe benefits. Independent Sector will
release updated figures for each state later this spring.
In Alabama, we're encouraging all emergency communications groups,
including those outside of ARES to provide this type of accounting to
their served agencies. It never hurts to remind decision makers of the
real value of our services, even if you're on the best of terms. Many
times local emergency management directors can use these estimates to
justify grants, and they are almost always glad to receive them. -- Les
Rayburn, N1LF, ARES Alabama SEC
Letters:
New FEMA CPG Can Help ARES Draft EOPs
A new FEMA CPG [Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101: "Developing
and Maintaining State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local Government
Emergency Plans"] can be a real aid to those charged with developing
their own Emergency Operations Plans. One of our assistant SEC's, Mike
Watkins, WX4AL, is currently revising Alabama's plan, and I'm sure many
other ARES leaders are engaged in similar efforts. While there is no
mandate that EOP's follow the recommendation of the new CPG, I think it
would be good practice to insure that our plans follow these
guidelines. -- Les Rayburn, N1LF, ARES Alabama SEC; NCS-SHARES NCS-047
Letters:
Recruitment
Your "Final" in last month's issue really struck a chord with me. Let
new hams know that there is a lot more to Amateur Radio than the hobby
aspects, like ARES and emcomm. First VP Kay Craigie, N3KN, is correct:
We veterans have got to do what we have always done, train the
newcomers. You've given me several nets' worth of training material for
our local New Jersey-New York SATERN Net and for local clubs who will
have me come talk as part of their programs. Thanks for your thoughts,
thanks for including SATERN in your list of emcomm groups and thanks
for the monthly ARES E-Letter. - Dick Montgomery, N3DV, ET SATERN
Coordinator SATERN NCS
Thank you for the comments of N3KN in the April 15 issue. Those
comments nailed it for me. I spent 30 years in public safety
telecommunications. Don't expect the professionals to call upon the
Amateur Radio community unless we can produce. Every point N3KN made is
valid. Onward and upward! -- Bill Moyes, N7IE, Layton, Utah
The
View From Flagler County
The View from Flagler
County
Good news this month on the legislative front: On April 29,
Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX) introduced HR 2160 -- the
"Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009" -- in
the US House of Representatives. This bill, if passed, would "promote
and encourage the valuable public service, disaster relief, and
emergency communications provided on a volunteer basis by licensees of
the Federal Communications Commission in the Amateur Radio Service, by
undertaking a study of the uses of Amateur Radio for emergency and
disaster relief communications, by identifying unnecessary or
unreasonable impediments to the deployment of Amateur Radio emergency
and disaster relief communications, and by making recommendations for
relief of such unreasonable restrictions so as to expand the uses of
Amateur Radio communications in Homeland Security planning and
response." The bill has been referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce. More info here. Please write your congressmen for their
support.
UPDATE
Sad news this month on the personal front: Longtime ARRL volunteer
official Sandy Donahue, W4RU, became a Silent Key. He was a good friend
and colleague on many different projects over the thirty years that I
knew him; he had a special devotion to the ARRL Field Organization and
ARES. We didn't always agree on everything, but I always admired his
dedication to Amateur Radio and the ARRL, over the course of several
decades of service. He will be missed.
More than 250 Amateur Radio operators provided communication support
for the 113th running of the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, also
known as Patriots' Day. The marathon used amateurs at the starting
line, along the course at each water and first aid station, and at the
finish line. Full story here.
May 12 was Amateur Radio Operator Day in Puerto Rico, pursuant to a
proclamation by Governor Luis Fortuno. Executive Director of the State
Agency for Emergency Management and Disaster Administration Heriberto
Sauri said "this administration recognizes the important work that the
Amateur Radio operators do in Puerto Rico and around the world in
emergency situations to protect the lives and safety of our citizens."
An "Understanding of Cooperation" is in the works between the agency
and radio amateurs. See the video here.
The annual WX4NHC On-the-Air Station Test from the National Hurricane
Center (NHC) in Miami takes place Saturday, May 30, 1300-2100 UTC. "The
purpose of this annual Station Test is to test all of our radio
equipment, computers and antennas using as many modes and frequencies
as possible. This is not a contest or simulated hurricane exercise. New
equipment and software will be tested, and we will also conduct
operator training," said WX4NHC Assistant Amateur Radio Volunteer
Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R.
K1CE
For a Final
Last
month, this column featured an editorial on recruitment issues, and
contained the story of a bright, young new ARES op: Jacob Romine,
KJ4HJO, is a 12 year old that has been active in the Limestone County
(Alabama) ARES group since getting his ham license in October as an11
year old. Jacob is the grandson of Felix Birdwell, KD4NTK, AEC for
Limestone ARES. Here is Jacob's photo, which we didn't have in time for
the last issue. We need a lot more Jacobs in ARES across the country.
Go get 'em!
W1AW
2009 Spring/Summer Operating Schedule
Morning Schedule:
Time
Mode
Days
1300
UTC (9 AM ET)
CW
Slow
Wed,
Fri
1300
UTC (9 AM EST)
CW
Fast
Tue,
Thu
Daily Visitor Operating Hours:
1400 UTC to
1600 UTC - (10 AM to 12 PM ET)
1700 UTC to
1945 UTC - (1 PM to 3:45 PM ET)
(Station
closed 1600 to 1700 UTC (12 PM to 1 PM ET))
Afternoon/Evening Schedule:
Time
Mode
Days
2000
UTC (4:00 PM ET)
FAST
CW
Mon,
Wed, Fri
2000
UTC (4:00 PM ET)
SLOW
CW
Tue,
Thu
2100
UTC (5:00 PM ET)
CW
Bulletins
Daily
2200
UTC (6:00 PM ET)
RTTY
Daily
2300
UTC (7:00 PM ET)
SLOW
CW
Mon,
Wed, Fri
2300
UTC (7:00 PM ET)
FAST
CW
Tue,
Thu
0000
UTC (8:00 PM ET)
CW
Bulletins
Daily
0100
UTC (9:00 PM ET)
RTTY
Daily
0145
UTC (9:45 PM ET)
VOICE
Daily
0200
UTC (10:00 PM ET)
FAST
CW
Mon,
Wed, Fri
0200
UTC (10:00 PM ET)
SLOW
CW
Tue,
Thu
0300
UTC (11:00 PM ET)
CW
Bulletins
Daily
Frequencies
(MHz)
CW
1.8175, 3.5815,
7.0475, 14.0475, 18.0975, 21.0675, 28.0675 and 147.555 MHz.
RTTY
3.5975, 7.095,
14.095, 18.1025, 21.095, 28.095 and 147.555 MHz.
VOICE
1.855, 3.99, 7.29,
14.29, 18.16, 21.39, 28.59 and 147.555 MHz.
Notes:
SLOW
CW
Morse
Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
FAST
CW
Morse
Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
CW
Bulletins
Morse
Code Bulletins = 18 WPM
CW frequencies
include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW bulletins.
RTTY = Teleprinter
Bulletins = BAUDOT (45.45 baud) and AMTOR-FEC (100 Baud). ASCII
(110 Baud) is
sent only as time allows.
Code practice texts
are from QST, and the source of each practice is given at the
beginning of each practice and at the beginning of alternate speeds.
On Tuesdays and
Fridays at 2230 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian Elements for active amateur
satellites are sent on the regular teleprinter frequencies.
A DX bulletin
replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
0000 UTC (8 PM ET)
Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM ET) Fridays.
In a communications
emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as follows:
Voice on the hour, Teleprinter at 15 minutes past the hour, and CW on the half
hour.
FCC licensed
amateurs may operate the station from 1400 UTC to 1600 UTC
(10 AM to 12 PM EST), and then from 1700 UTC to 1945 UTC (1 PM to 3:45 PM EST)
Monday
through Friday.
Be sure to bring your current FCC amateur radio
license or a photocopy.
® Copyright
2009 Palmetto
Amateur
Radio Club, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
