[CW] Help Wanted: CW Operators

[D.J.J. Ring, Jr.]

We can always use people with experience or those who want to get
experience.

During a major Federal disaster exercise in 2016, the CW portion of the
traffic system scored an accuracy rate of 99.998 percent across over 10,200
data points. The CW networks also scored the shortest message propagation
times, that is; the time measured from when a message was tendered for
origination in the simulated disaster area consisting of Alaska, Northern
California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington State, to the time the message
appeared in the data stream at the National Response Coordinating Center
(NRCC) in Washington, D.C.

CW nets actually performed slightly better than the digital networks in
terms of accuracy (the latter scored 99.997 percent across fewer data
points), and considerably better in terms of measured propagation time
through the network.

The exercise evaluation report is rather lengthy and includes quite a few
tables showing the data collected. However, suffice to say, CW proved to be
highly effective. Part of that success was related to the operators
involved. Many had commercial or military experience while others were
experienced CW traffic operators with regular net experience and solid
communications skills developed over time. Simply put; *there is no
replacement for training and experience.*

Traffic nets are an ideal way to learn REAL communications procedures. One
must communicate over specific distances, at specific times, and under all
propagation conditions. After all, disasters don't wait for optimum
conditions. Perhaps equally important is the fact that the message content
varies considerably. Every address is different. Telephone numbers and
e-mails are unique. The variety in traffic work far exceeds the predictable
content of casual QSOs or contest/sprint exchanges. If one can perform
effectively on traffic nets, DXing and contesting will come much easier.

Most importantly....it's fun and challenging. There's real camaraderie in
traffic work.

Here are a few resources to get one started:

http://radio-relay.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RRI-Training-Manual-TR-001-2017-Draft-for-Distribution.pdf


http://radio-relay.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/RRI-Introductory-Training-2018.pdf


http://radio-relay.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/RRI-Traffic-Operations-Manual-2017-FINAL.pdf

http://radio-relay.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/RRI-TRAFFIC-OPERATIONS-AID-1720r3.pdf

Marty is right....we need a deeper bench and we need to be bringing new CW
operators into the system. Last year's hurricane season proved that Amateur
Radio is still needed in major disasters. Why not learn how to properly
assist now?

73,

James Wades (WB8SIW) - SKCC 6191
Radio Relay International
Central Area Staff

ALSO


Operators at all levels are needed, but I am putting out a specific call to
those of you who are a little more seasoned to fill urgent needs in some
special assignments. Traffic handling experience is desired, but not
required, as training will be provided.

We all enjoy the amateur radio service as a hobby, but we also have an
obligation to serve. Traffic handling is an enjoyable endeavor and it
provides a life-line in the event of a catastrophic event.

As I mentioned above, operators are needed at all levels and I would like
to hear from all of those who are interested in serving, but there is an
urgent need for those in particular who have good code proficiency.

For more information, please contact me directly at: marty.ray at ...

Regards,
Marty Ray N9SE
Central Area Coordinator



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