[FLARES] ARRL BOD Report on ARES

[Keith Kotch]

Evans,

You're confusing the NTS with using the FORMAT that NTS uses, that is, a
formal, written message.  You can (and certainly should) use a more
formal, written format to pass such a request as you just stated.  The
NTS FORMAT is good to the extent that it is then documented and the
correct number of words is checked (check count) but that still doesn't
mean it's been passed accurately UNLESS every single word is spelled out
phonetically AND each party to the message knows the phonetic alphabet
and the message is repeated back by the receiving party to the sending
party.  I'm going to embarrass someone here but take a look at our
section manager's webpage where he's listed the NTS traffic sent to him
during Field Day.  Again, this is the NTS traffic sent through the
current NTS system.  http://home.att.net/~wa4pup/fd03traffic/

Scroll down to the 7th message (from KF4HFC) regarding the LAKE MONROE
AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY in SEMINOLE COUNTY operating from a park in WINTER
SPRINGS.  My all caps is to emphasize the errors in this message
somewhere along the way.  I don't see that many typos in any of the
other FD messages so I don't think it's all typos on Rudy's part (could
be but logically it doesn't seem that way).  I also don't think that it
was the way it was originated by KF4HFC either.  The club name came
through as "west mondroe" not "Lake Monroe".  The NTS traffic net this
was originated from is one of the more active and experienced nets in
the SE.  Now, where's the breakdown!

Digital Packet modes (Not APRS) would be a better system to send/receive
such messages (as long as both sides have and can use packet).  THAT'S a
system we (ARES) should be promoting and working to establish.

Again, don't confuse the format of a message (formal written traffic)
with the delivery system.  The NTS DELIVERY system depends upon
activated, established nets.  You're example of an ARES message
shouldn't wait for an NTS net to be established or held until the
nightly net comes along (or whatever regularly scheduled Net comes up).
Long-haul message traffic, or multiple message traffic going in all
sorts of directions (like Health and Welfare traffic) can certainly be
handled okay through the NTS system where you need multiple delivery
points all over the country. 

With a typical ARES message such as a request for supplies, personnel,
aid, etc., WRITING the message down is certainly preferred to just
verbalizing it and playing the game of "Pass it on".  However, just
writing it down and giving a word check count (the NTS system way) is
not working either (see my example above).  A digitally sent message
would/should eliminate those problems and get routed there within
minutes, if not seconds.  Using email would work too and a system to
send/receive messages using an email format via Amateur Radio is already
in place and being refined to better fit ARES work as we "speak". 

What is needed is a more comprehensive packet digi network in a layered
fashion (local area packet frequency networks with "Rose" type switches
to connect local networks to other local networks through higher speed
larger area backbone frequencies).  We already have such a network in
place from Jacksonville through to the Palm Beach area.  This type of
system will handle many more users at the same time than SEDAN will.
Just a handful of users on the SEDAN network can bring it down.  My guys
over here proved that a year or so ago doing a test.

Great discussion here guys/gals.  Let's keep it going!

73,
Keith, KF4BXT
Seminole Co. ARES/RACES EC



-----Original Message-----
From: Evans Mitchell kd4efm / afa2th fl
Subject: Re: [FLARES] ARRL BOD Report on ARES


you drive a GOOD talk Ron, but I have to recall on an old but relibale
way of passing information...
call Dave (ae4mr), pass to him information about an incident that has
happened and you need a list 
of supplies about 7 items long and you need them immeadiately..... Polk
County has them on great supply.....
This must be something that requires memory to make this happen
now......over the air point to point, like you are
pointing out here..

Now, tell dave to pass this information on to ummm jack, wx1jad, and in
the same context
have jack pass this up to virgil, kg4fcd, and then have virgil pass it
on to me. BUT WAIT
heres the requirement, NO PEN, NO PAPER, NOT WRITING, JUST PASS IT DOWN
THE LINE IN REAL TIME.

do you think what you told dave would be the same thing word for word
when it gets to me?????

I will let you think that one out for a second and a half........