[KYHAM] KEN Training for April 2004 ; A Couple of Different Ideas

[Ron Dodson]

This month, I'd like to talk about two concepts that are accepted
protocols in many areas of the country, yet there are still many
hams not aware of them or their uses and significance.

These two concepts are: The Wilderness Protocol and LiTZ.

Let's first talk about the Wilderness Protocol.  The first
national made mention of it was in 1994 in the February, April
and May QST's of that year. For those unaware of it, the basic
idea is for those outside repeater coverage to monitor the
calling frequencies on 146.520 (as Primary) and any of the
following 52.525, 223.5, 446.000 and 1,294.5 MHz (as secondaries
when available) at specified times for the first five minutes of
that hour (Example 7:00-7:05 AM).  These times begin at 7 AM and
occur at three hour intervals at 10 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM etc.

This was originally conceived to give hikers and backpackers
specific times to make their calls to increase the odds someone
is listening and thereby conserve power during other periods to
prolong battery life. Many have adopted this as a general
practice in case those unknown to them may be out there looking
for assistance and following this protocol in the hope that
listeners may be also. In fact, this procedure has indeed
assisted many stranded parties in obtaining help since it's
development.


LiTZ or Long Tone Zero (the "i" is added for those who use it as
slang for pronunciation).  This concept was also developed over
ten years ago as a method of drawing attention of other VHF/UHF
users that someone has a priority situation on their hands that
requires action.  LiTZ consists of the transmitting station
sending the DTMF pad's "0" tone for a three second period before
ID'ing and then calling for aid.

Many of us may have our rig on, but due to other noise in the
listening environment may not have our full attention on the
amateur bands at the time.  There are also projects out there so
that one can build actuators to monitor for LiTZ users that will
activate your radio when these tones are heard. General amateur
practice for LiTZ suggests that should one have a situation in 
which life or property is threatened before using the LiTZ method 
on the air.  Some examples of these might be, car accidents (or 
even break downs on busy roadways) that need to be reported, 
weather alerts, drunk drivers etc. If adopted as a standard 
practice in your community, this can also be a useful tool to 
enhance communications for emergency situations.

Local communities all have their particular VHF/UHF practices and
some may not always make use of these.  However, I thought it
worthwhile to mention that these do exist and perhaps more
amateur radio communities might adopt these concepts as their own
if they were made aware of them.


One last item for your contemplation.  The other day a reference 
was made on KyHam Listserv to the "Radio Amateur's Code".  This 
was written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA in 1928.  I find it just as 
appropriate today as it was when written.  For those new to 
amateur radio or needing a memory jog on the "Code", here it is 
once again;

--------------------------------

The Radio Amateur's Code

The Radio Amateur is;

CONSIDERATE...and never operates in such a way as to lessen
the pleasure of others.

LOYAL... offers loyalty, courage and support to other
amateurs, local clubs and the American Radio Relay League,
through which amateur radio is represented nationally and
internationally.

PROGRESSIVE... with knowledge abreast of science, a well
built efficient station and operation above reproach.

FRIENDLY...slow and patient operating when requested,
friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly
assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests
of others.  These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.

BALANCED... radio is an avocation, never interfering with
duties owed to family, job, school or community.

PATRIOTIC... station and skills always ready for service to
country and community.
-----------------------------

What a wonderful world it would be if all amateurs stuck by this 
code.

73,
Ron, KA4MAP
Ky SEC