[K3CAL] ARRL Em Communications course for ARES/RACES operators

Mon Oct 24 15:28:12 EDT 2011

Jim:  Good points.  In the past (way in the past) we did do some training on message handling.  That is something that needs to be pursued with all of the new blood in the club (a very good thing!).  Message handling per se hasn't changed much, but the influx of digital modes has opened the door to much more efficient ways of handling messages, and we have a very long way to go to have an operational capability in Calvert.

Jim:  Learning the basic message format is pretty easy, and the best training is to have at least one message originated on each Monday night net, in ARRL message format.  We were doing that way back when.

I attended the NBEMS webinar that they had a couple weeks ago.  Up in PA they are using an adapted version of fldigi (see www.paNBEMS.org and www.w1hkj.com ).  Works on both HF and VHF.  Strictly message formatted traffic - no email interface, but message text can be cut and pasted into an email to bridge traffic over to the internet.  Anyway - that's a whole new subject.

73, Wayne N1WR

Oh, and its OK to be grumpy!

From: Jim Tetlow 
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 3:04 PM
To: 'Calvert Amateur Radio Association - K3CAL' 
Subject: Re: [K3CAL] ARRL Em Communications course for ARES/RACES operators

Wayne, guess I was somewhat confusing.

It's really nothing to do with RACES cert., that's the FEMA courses which I have completed the basic plus a few others ICS 100 series, 200 series, 700 & 800 plus 300 and 400 (extra, not required for EOC RACES operator).

The ARRL course teaches traffic and messaging among some other items which are beneficial for a RACES operator handling traffic, but really ARES operations. 

I just don't feel it is the best interest to Amateur Radio Operators to be charged for wanting an ARES certification, "a none pay volunteer" amateur radio operator assisting the community.

The fact that the old information that was available under the 3 sections that could be downloaded at no cost, is not available anymore. I realize that the information has been revised, condensed and updated, but how much has changed in traffic and message handling in the past 5 years? And why is there certification for EC-001 if it isn't needed? Because it is a great learning tool!

Anyway since our Club is a RACES and ARES club; I wanted to get the certs for ARES after completing the certs for RACES.

Yes I know the ARRL will not change the fee, and that they are struggling, and they outsourced the on-line course ($$) to an independent company.

Wayne I respect you response and input, but I remain a grumpy old man.

Maybe as a club, we can set up a class to get the information out to those that would like to learn and just no certification!   ;)

Regards,

Jim Tetlow

K3UGA

jimtetlow at chesapeake.net

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From: k3cal-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:k3cal-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wayne Rogers
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 2:23 PM
To: 'Calvert Amateur Radio Association - K3CAL'
Subject: Re: [K3CAL] ARRL Em Communications course for ARES/RACES operators

Jim:  I'm not sure where you got the "required" idea.  Hopefully Dennis will chime in - he's the expert on the training aspect of emergency readiness.  As far as I know the only required courses are the FEMA NIMS courses, I believe ICS-100, 200, 300 and 400.  They are free through FEMA, and you need them to work with RACES.  We 'can' require the ARRL training and certification at the local level, but to my knowledge we have not done this.  Again, Dennis is the source for this.

The ARRL course is a good course and worthwhile for anyone working in emergency comm.  But not required, as far as I know.  And your not likely to get ARRL to change their mind about the fee - from what I understand they are struggling financially.

Wayne N1WR

From: Jim Tetlow 

Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 10:12 AM

To: 'Calvert Amateur Radio Association - K3CAL' 

Subject: [K3CAL] ARRL Em Communications course for ARES/RACES operators

Hello all, 

           I am sending this out to all as I find it somewhat upsetting; a communications volunteer and a member of ARRL has to PAY ($50.) to take a required emergency communications lesson EC-001 that was given earlier (Em Comm 1, 2, & 3) that was given pre 2011 for free.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel that $50.00 can be a lot more useful to me for groceries, now that I have a fixed retirement income. Paying for this course so I can be a volunteer using my time and radio equipment, is really a slap to my face, makes me wonder if I really want to renew my ARRL membership. I really don't know what I am paying dues (annual membership) for......the leaflets promoting persons to get into ham radio? That seems to be the only non-cost items available to members now. The Handbook was $3.50 in 1962; $4.50 in 1974; $49.95 in 2010; thank God someone gave me a 2011 Handbook as a present!

In reading into the attached information sheet, the persons whom qualified for certification on the earlier 3 units do not have to recertify at this juncture (that will most likely be something new for 2012). Any instructors and managers will have to recertify; instructors, before they can certify or mentor new students.

Remember those that are able to volunteer their time in emergencies or participate in planned event exercises, are usually those that are retired. Even though there is some that qualify, most retirement pensions aren't $150,000.00 per year.

If enough members of CARA, a RACES / ARES club, agree with some of my statements; maybe, we as a club, should send in a letter to ARRL extending our views on the costs for Volunteer Communications Courses, or there will be only 4 or 5 certified ARES members in CARA. I can't be one of them at this time.

Your comments are welcome, as I may just be A Miser of an Old Man, Pincher of Pennies, Old Foggy Fart, after all. (AMOMPOPOFF)

Regards,

Jim Tetlow

K3UGA

jimtetlow at chesapeake.net

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