From dick at k7vc.com  Tue Jun 10 01:38:43 2008
From: dick at k7vc.com (Dick Flanagan K7VC)
Date: Tue Jun 10 01:39:22 2008
Subject: [NevadaARES] Nevada ARES SEC Monthly Report (FSD-96)
Message-ID: <200806100538.m5A5chi0004824@pop4.greatbasin.net>

ARES SEC Monthly Report (FSD-96)

1. Section: Nevada (NV)

2. Month: May

3. Year: 2008

4. Total ARES members: 398 reported

5. Changes since last month: +8

6. Number of active nets: 26

7. Total Sessions: 64

8A. Number of ECs/DECs reporting this month: 3 DEC's

9A. Number of nets, drills, tests & training sessions: 69

9B. Number of volunteer hours: 1056

10A. Number of public service events this month: 4

10B. Number of volunteer hours: 288

11A. Number of emergency operations this month: 0

11B. Number of volunteer hours: 0

12A. Total number of ARES/RACES events this month: 63

12B. Total volunteer hours: 1346

Northwest District I DEC: Reported

Carson City: Reported

Churchill County: Reported

Douglas County: Reported

Humboldt County: Reported

Lyon County: Reported

Mineral County: No EC

Pershing County: Not Reported

Storey County: Not Reported

Washoe County: Reported

Northeast District II DEC: Reported

Elko County: Reported

Eureka County: No EC

Lander County: No EC

White Pine County: No EC

Southern District III DEC: Reported

Clark County: Reported

Esmeralda County: Reported

Lincoln County: Reported

North Nye County: Reported

South Nye County: Reported

SEC's GENERAL REPORT (May 2008) : EMCOMMWEST, May 2-4 was an 
overwhelming success this year. With more than 360 attendees, it was 
the best year ever! Riley Hollingsworth sent his video presentation, 
in which he thanked amateur radio emergency communicators for all it 
gives to the community and nation. We so appreciate Riley taking the 
time to share with us. He would like to join us in person next year, 
which is already in the works.

Dennis Dura, W2DCD came from ARRL HQ to deliver the keynote address, 
and fielded questions from many of us, as we sought to learn more 
about how to better serve. Gordon West, WB6NOA was a real hit at the 
banquet this year, with one of his famous presentations. He's just 
got to stay away from the swap meet though! A wonderful meal was 
enjoyed by all, with thanks to Circus Circus for giving us an evening 
to remember. Many of the forums were packed with attendees from near 
and far, and a great time was had by all. Looking to an even bigger 
and better conference next year.

Many folks around the section are now gearing up for the "Vigilant 
Guard" exercise and Field Day, both coming in June.

We were able to hold an NV Section ARES meeting which was well 
attended. All DECs and many ECs were on hand to share with each other 
and become better acquainted. This was great getting everyone 
together at the same place. This will become an annual event, so plan 
now to join us for EMCOMMWEST 2009!

73, Don Carlson, KQ6FM, SEC.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORT- Glenn Hale, KB7REO, DEC Southern: There has 
been some coordination with Washoe Co. EC, Bob WA6MTY on the upcoming 
exercise for June. Bob wanted to include the State with some traffic 
messages sent via WinLink. I've been "testing" HF coverage on 10M and 
15M SSB. The objective is to find a band that will have adequate 
simplex range without the use of repeaters.

Esmeralda Co. EC Report by Ron WB5KLJ - I check into the Region 7 
traffic net on 7268.5 most week days

Lincoln Co. EC Report by Lee K7NKH - I think that AD7OY Charles 
Reifsnyder will soon be named as Lincoln Co. RACES officer. Would you 
please send him anything that would be in his interest His E-mail is 
ad7oy@arrl.net. Thanks

North Nye Co. EC Report by Randy KB7TRI - May 27th - SKYWARN 
Activation via NWS Reno. Two operators were activated locally for the 
duration and relayed real time weather information to NWS Reno.

South Nye Co. EC Report by Jerry KC6ILH - On the 17th we participated 
in a drill put on by our Emergency Operations people. We took part as 
observers, safety personnel and what ever else was needed. It was 
good to be on the giving out end of an exercise instead of the 
receiving end. Got a chance to see what can really be involved in 
doing one. Looking forward to exercises now with a different attitude 
and a better respect for those putting us through our paces. If you 
get the chance to assist, please do so. Training is training no 
matter what side of the exercise you are on. We still communicated in 
a different way then what we normally did. However it gave us a 
chance to utilize our equipment. You never know how you may have to us it.

Clark County EC Report by Charlie AA5QJ - John Fay K7FAY has been 
appointed AEC for Boulder City, and is working to get more hams 
involved in ARES/RACES in the area. We thank Dave Floyd W9MPD, for 
manning this position since Mar 06. Several members, working with 
other organizations, supported the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure on 
May 3 in downtown Las Vegas, and the Silver State Nevada Open Road 
Challenge road race from Lund to Hiko on May 18. Charlie AA5QJ EC, 
and Dan Starr AA7I AEC RACES attended the Clark County Local 
Emergency Planning Committee meeting on May 21. Charlie briefed the 
attendees on current ARES/RACES activities. There were 41 check-ins 
to the GMRS Emergency Net in May.

NORTHWEST DISTRICT REPORT Don Carlson, KQ6FM Acting DEC: May was a 
great month full of activity. Things started here in Reno with 
EMCOMMWEST as you have already read. Then the NW District took part 
in a district-wide exercise called "Broken Wing," which is held every 
3 years. Great participation by many from all over the district, with 
several different modes of operation were used. WA6MTY Bob Miller's 
Washoe County report gives details. Thank you Bob for doing an 
outstanding job spearheading the efforts. We got some great reviews 
and kudos for our participation. We are working on ways to work close 
together as a district to help each other and prepare should mutual 
aid ever be requested or needed by anyone.

Thanks to Ski, AF7NB and Paul, KE7CRZ for working hard to shore up 
their groups and do some well needed recruiting of new members. You 
guys are great! Thanks also to Bob Miller, WA6MTY who is working 
tirelessly on helping put together training exercises and drills 
coming up this year. The efforts by our ECs are deeply appreciated. 
Memorial Day weekend was anything but summer-like. Lots of rain in NW 
Nevada, and on Tuesday & Wednesday, 5/27 & 28, NWS Reno activated 
SKYWARN. Thanks to Dee KA7LOZ for manning the NWS station as spotters 
from all over the district submitted constant reports. We also thank 
Dave, KE7LC from Tonopah for keeping us updated.

Churchill County Paul Wilcoxen - KE7CRZ: We are putting the finishing 
touches on things for the Vigilant Guard Exercise on June 13th. We 
will have county wide communications testing on June 12, 2008, the 
day prior to our actual exercise. Our monthly meeting, regularly 
scheduled for the third Saturday of the month, has been re-scheduled 
to June 7th for this month only.

Lyon County Patti Polish, KE7JIV: Several members attended 
EMCOMMWEST. And I would like to thank John Abrott (KD7NHC) and Brian 
Freitag (KE7JIO) for assisting with the Emergency Communications 
display on Saturday. John brought his ATV and we set up our portable 
station with it. Brian showed off our Communications Van. Several 
people took pictures and a host of questions were answered.

The Lyon County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (LCARES) Group 
assisted the Lyon County Sheriff's Search and Rescue (LCSSAR) over 
Memorial Weekend at Lake Lahontan. LCARES provided communication for 
the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) group, and the four wheel drive (4wd) 
group. We concentrated on terminology and message handling. In 
addition we spent some time on Sunday evening trying to contact our 
friends and members in Oregon, Harry (KC7HVM) and Gayanne (KD7KAY) 
Bryant on 40 and 80 meters. We could hear Harry but he could not hear 
us. It was the first time the group had used the new radio and 
antennas in the Command Post. We learned a valuable lesson due to the 
fact that we forgot to purchase a step ladder to install the 
antennas. There was no meeting this month due to the Memorial Day weekend.

We hope that Bob Freeman (KE7ATZ) is recovering from his root canal. 
Our next monthly meeting will be held on Monday June 30th Leonard 
Mitchell KC7PET is our new Public Information Officer. Leonard has 
researched the responsibilities associated with the position and took 
the PIO class offered at EMCOMMWEST. Congratulations Leonard. We are 
looking forward to participating in Vigilant Guard this month.

Carson City/Douglas County Acting EC, Dick Creley, KJ7UK: This was a 
very slow month but we are gearing up for an active summer with more 
drills and the fire season. Many of the DCART members are active in 
the bikes held in the area and much very good training on Mobile site 
and NCS can be had.

WASHOE COUNTY Bob Miller, WA6MTY EC: Well we survived EMCOMMWEST 
where Kevin KE7BQX did a fantastic job coordinating the event that 
was bigger and better than ever. The Reno-Tahoe Airport exercise 
Broken-Wing finally came and went, and the ARES part was very 
successful. This was the first exercise with five local hospitals 
where we provided communications between the hospitals and the 
airport family assistant center. This was the first packet team 
exercise that went with just a few glitches that we need to work on. 
All in all the exercise went well, great training. Even though they 
would never be allowed near an air disaster, the ATV team shot live 
video from the incident to the Regional EOC as well as the airport 
EOC. Our Emergency Manager, Aaron Kenneston was very pleased with the 
results as it show ARES has the capability to shoot damage assessment 
video directly to the EOC.

I attended the workshop on the Red Cross response to Aviation 
disasters, and also a two-day workshop on managing evacuation 
shelters. On Thursday May 29th, Tahoe Forrest Hospital in Truckee 
held a Pandemic drill. Rob KI6TRK and Barry K6ST provide ARES support 
for the hospital. They asked if I would provide a link to the Reno 
area in the event they would ever need local hospital when the real 
thing happens. Since the hospital belongs to the local Inter-Hospital 
Coordinating Council, I felt it important to participate. Therefore I 
activated the REOC radio room and asked Bill AA7WB to activate the VA 
Medical Center Radio. Reports are the Hospital officials were very 
impressed with our communications. Still preparing for Vigilant Guard 
earthquake exercise coming up on June 12-19th.

Humbolt County EC - Ski Woytowicz, AF7NB: KH6QAI - Michelle appointed 
to AEC for Training & Development. KD7MIO - Dick appointed to AEC for 
organizational liaison. Harry Bell appointed PIO for our group. 2 
meter machine to be online by late June or early July (146.73). Field 
exercise scheduled for 14 June 2008 in Veterans Park, 
Winnemucca(Vigilant Guard/ Pre-Field Day prep). WO7I will host IRLP 
repeater from NARRI. New tech class planned for July in Winnemucca. 
KD7MIO, KE7QHM, AF7NB attended EMCOMMWEST. WO7I to enter USAF MARS 
program. Humboldt group investigating forming a 503c corporation.

NORTHEAST DISTRICT REPORT (Joe Giraudo, N7JEH DEC): May was another 
month of planning. Upcoming events include Field Day and an open road 
race from Wendover to Laggies Junction on US 93 Alt. This race will 
be held in June and is the first of three races to be held in 
northeast Nevada. Communications support is paramount at these races 
and is not taken lightly by the race organization or regulatory 
agencies. These events also provide critical under-fire training for 
emergency communication.

HF propagation has suffered as it does every summer. The NV Section 
ARES HF Net on Saturday morning is experimenting with the utilization 
of an IRLP liaison station to relay stations from the IRLP Western 
Reflector who are encountering difficulty hearing or being heard on 
the HF net. In the next few months an additional experiment will 
involve patching the HF net to the Western Reflector so it can be 
simulcast on bith circuits. Stay tuned for developments!

14. Signature: Don Carlson - KQ6FM, SEC

15. E-mail: kq6fm@charter.net
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
dick@k7vc.com


From dhough at chilton-inc.com  Wed Jun 11 10:11:28 2008
From: dhough at chilton-inc.com (Dave Hough)
Date: Wed Jun 11 11:59:01 2008
Subject: [NevadaARES] ARRL VHF Contest
Message-ID: <001501c8cbcd$0b7af1c0$b7646464@cad3>

This weekend we will be participating in the ARRL VHF Contest from Rocky Point in grid DN21. Rocky Point, at 8200' MSL, is located about 20 mi. east of Wells, NV in Elko County, on Interstate 80 and 2.5 mi. north of the freeway.

We will be listening and calling on or near 50.125, 144.200 and 432.100. Also plan on listening on 146.52 FM for calls. An after first contact QSY from the calling frequency may be necessary. 

We will be operating in the low power category since we're on solar, with 22 elements on 432mhz, 11 elements on 144mhz and 4 elements on 50mhz. We also use a vertical on 2 meter FM. Without cooperation from the sun, sporatic E is not expected but the weather patterns could bring us some success with tropo ducting.

Start time is 11 AM PDST on Saturday and we will run until noon on Sunday. Best times for a contact is usually between 11 AM and sunset.

Dave, W7GK & Kathy, W7BDY

From dick at k7vc.com  Tue Jun 17 02:02:58 2008
From: dick at k7vc.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue Jun 17 02:03:49 2008
Subject: [NevadaARES] Volunteers 2008 Vegas to Reno Race
Message-ID: <200806170603.m5H62x2T019807@pop5.greatbasin.net>

Calling All Adventure Seeking Amateurs,

The countdown has started to the Longest Off Road Race In The United 
States the Vegas to Reno off road race. If you're an Amateur who 
likes the excitement of the outdoors and off road racing Best In The 
Desert would like you to join the hundreds of volunteers, racers, and 
spectators in the beautiful Nevada desert on Friday August 22, 2008.

Many of you have joined us in the past to make this and other races 
across Nevada the safest, best organized events for everyone, and 
here is your chance to join the excitement. The Amateur volunteers 
will join with other volunteers on the race course at gas stops, 
check points, and road crossings to make the almost 600 miles of off 
road race course the best, safest, and most memorable race Nevada has 
to offer for racers, support teams, volunteers, and all involved.

For a field day like adventure and racing contact us for more 
information or to join the team please contact:

Keith Purmal KC7HT
kc7htkeith@hotmail.com

Best In The Desert
3475C Boulder Hwy.
Las Vegas, NV. 89121
www.bitd.com

702-457-5775

Thanks and 73s,
Keith


From dick at k7vc.com  Sat Jun 21 03:22:16 2008
From: dick at k7vc.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sat Jun 21 03:23:35 2008
Subject: [NevadaARES] ARES E-Letter for June 20, 2008
Message-ID: <200806210722.m5L7MGe8010382@pop5.greatbasin.net>

The ARES E-Letter
June 20, 2008
=================

Rick Palm, K1CE, Editor

<http://www.qrz.com/database?callsign=K1CE>,

===================================
ARES reports, other related contributions, editorial questions or
comments: <k1ce@arrl.net>;;
===================================

+ The View from Flagler County

Many readers responded with comments and questions in re the new Red
Cross policy discussed in the last issue. Here is the further
statement of ARRL HQ's Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B:

"While we believe that the Red Cross is implementing some changes
that will address some of the concerns expressed to them by ARRL, at
this point, it is work in process. There are many questions yet to be
answered, but we believe that the Red Cross is progressing in good
faith to complete the changes to their policy and their background
check consent form, which was the primary concern expressed to the
Red Cross by ARRL. There will be more clarifications and information
in the near future. Please keep an eye on the ARRL Web site for
updates as we know them. We are very much aware of your concerns and
have conveyed them to the Red Cross. We expect the Red Cross to
address these and other concerns on subject of their background check
policy in the near future." -- Harold Kramer, WJ1B, Chief Operating
Officer

------
In This Issue:

+ The View from Flagler County
+ Midwest Floods
+ Amateur Radio Session Held at National Hurricane Conference
+ 2008 Alabama and Mississippi Hurricane Conference
+ Hawaii State CD Makani Pahili Hurricane Exercise
+ Colorado Tornadoes Response
+ Florida Fires Response
+ A Repeater on the Fire Line in Northern California
+ NHC Director Joins WX4NHC Annual Test
+ LETTERS: New E-Mail Software
+ LETTERS: Red Cross Recruiting Hams in Chicago
+ LETTERS: Message Content Needed
+ LETTERS: On Obesity in Hams
+ LETTERS: Satellites in a Doomsday Scenario
+ LETTERS: United Way Lead for ESF 15?
+ LETTERS: Diminished Licensing, Technical Standards
+ CORRECTION: AO-51 Frequencies
+ K1CE For A Final
-------

+ Midwest Floods

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) activated ARES
members for tornado and flooding emergencies earlier this month. SEC
Tony Langer, W9AL, said ops worked in EOCs and shelters, bagged sand,
and aided in rescue efforts. Tornadoes visited 11 Indiana counties.
As water inundated the region, President Bush declared 29 counties in
central Indiana a major disaster area. Four people died.

On June 8, IDHS called for more hams: "The flood waters have impacted
several counties here in Indiana severely. Ham radio operators have
been operating continuously since activated and are growing weary.
Some counties do not have a vast amount of active hams to relieve
these tired operators." Specific areas needing amateur assistance
were overnight relief operators at the Bartholomew County EOC, as
well as the EOC and three shelters in Columbus County.

Marion County EC Mike Palmer, N9FEB, called out his ARES members:
"People might think, 'Why not just use telephones or cell phones?'
Well, many phones are not working down there at this time. With the
high waters, electric transformers are out all over; even those
servicing cell towers are out. Even with today's technology, we find
ourselves looking at ham radio to assist. If you can spare a few
hours or an entire evening, please consider helping."

In Wisconsin, five counties had called operators for duty ranging
from backup communications to damage assessment. One county called on
ARES members to provide patrols of flooded areas. Wisconsin SEC Bill
Niemuth, KB9ENO, had 90 ARES members responding: "In Columbia County,
ARES members provided dam monitoring communication, giving critical
information to public safety officials about two dams that were
nearly compromised."

Richland County ARES members provided a variety of services,
including answering information calls in the County's EOC and
providing specialized communications for disaster assessment by hover
craft and airplane. These communications were in addition to
providing traditional ham radio communication links between the EOC
and evacuation shelters.

On June 12, more rain caused the state and more counties to request
aid from area operators. Winnebago County ARES members provided
damage assessment in the county and in the City of Oshkosh, while
hams in Fond du Lac helped with shelter communications. ARES teams in
Marquette and Outagamie provided back-up communications and flooding
reports to their respective EOCs. -- excerpted from the ARRL Letter

[An inquiry to Iowa ARES leadership is pending in re the colossal
tragedy of flooding events there and elsewhere - ed.]

+ Amateur Radio Session Held at National Hurricane Conference

[Ron Mettler, WB4GHU, represented the ARRL Northern Florida Section
at the National Hurricane Conference, April 1, in Orlando, Florida.
Here is his report of the Amateur Radio Session there. -- ed.]

The Amateur Radio portion of the conference was divided into three
presentations and was moderated by Dennis Dura, K2DCD, Manager of
Emergency Preparedness & Response, ARRL and Chair of the National
Hurricane Conference Amateur Radio Committee. The first session was
given by the National Hurricane Center's Amateur Radio station WX4NHC
organization, John McHugh, K4AG and Julio Ripoll, WD4R. In this
segment, the many roles of Amateur Radio were illustrated by charts,
audio clips, and video clips. Amateur Radio was praised for its
historical role of assistance through the years in tracking
hurricanes. The paths of access to the NHC were given:
<wx4nhc@wx4nhc.org>, the Hurricane Watch Net (14.325 MHz), the VoIP
Hurricane Net, and the Citizen Weather Observer Program (CWOP). Both
the NHC and the Coast Guard are considering implementing WinLink as
well.

Another source of access to the NHC is through APRS. They appreciate
this mode because gathering the data is automatic. In the past, NOAA
initiated a program to provide weather stations to various amateur
stations throughout the Caribbean, but the funding for that program
was lost before the project was completed. For those amateurs
interested in using APRS, the system that was used in this program is
the Peet Brothers Model U2100.

In addition to the Hurricane Watch Net on 14.325 MHz, the NHC also
gleans information from the Maritime Service Net on 14.300 MHz, and
the Waterway Net on 7268 kHz.

One final way to get a report to the NHC is via an in-line reporting
form on <http://www.wx4nhc.org>.

The second segment of the program was devoted to VoIP and EchoLink
activity and presented by Rob Macedo, KD1CY. Using these methods
provides an interoperability among government and non-government
agencies to provide weather data to the NHC. There is a VoIP node on
7203 kHz, with an IRLP of 9219. A weekly net meets at 0000Z on Sunday
(2000 Saturday night Eastern time) during hurricane season, and a
monthly net at the same time on the first Sunday of the month during
the hurricane off-season. The NHC is excited about using this mode to
gather data, and amateurs are strongly encouraged to support it by
checking into the VoIP Net.

The third portion of the program was dedicated to the roles that
amateurs play during hurricanes. This session was presented by Dennis
Dura, K2DCD and Rob Macedo, KD1CY. We are being looked to for weather
reporting, damage assessment, monitoring of critical resources and
infrastructures, communication augmentation, and communication
infrastructure replacements. In addition, intelligence gathering
through the SKYWARN program training is another expectation. The NHC
shares such information with other agencies, once it is verified.

ARES and RACES intelligence gathering includes shelter communications
and mass care communications, and this information is also shared
across multiple levels of agencies. MARS members who are also SKYWARN
trained can share information with DOD and other federal entities.
Even FEMA uses such information to determine appropriate responses.

The role of the amateur is changing. The new motto is "Before it
fails, Amateur Radio gives situational assessment." We are no longer
just communicators. We are being looked to for intelligence
gathering, providing real-time assessment of conditions where we are.

In summary, if hams are actively performing all of these functions,
we will have the situational awareness to know that something will
fail, so we can be there when it does fail.

The future of Amateur Radio in disasters is changing dramatically,
and our role is expanding in a new direction. It becomes an issue of
personal responsibility for each of us to stay abreast of our
training and technology in order to perform our role to its maximum.
-- Ron Mettler, WB4GHU, Sanford, Florida

+ 2008 Alabama and Mississippi Hurricane Conference

Emergency management personnel from Alabama and Mississippi assembled
in late May for a three day hurricane conference in Mobile, Alabama.
The visitor list was an impressive one that included Alabama Governor
Bob Riley, Alabama and Mississippi State EMA Directors, Director of
the National Hurricane Center, and many FEMA Directors and personnel.

The conference brought exhibitors, vendors, presentations, meetings
and breakout sessions that included a broad range of emergency
management, hurricane disaster and lessons-learned related topics.
These conferences are a "must attend" event for Section Managers and
Section Emergency Coordinators that are serious about providing
emergency and disaster public service operations. Meeting many of the
emergency management personnel, building relationships and discussing
preparedness, must be done before the next disaster.

Alabama Section Manager Jay Isbell, KA4KUN, ASM Penny Isbell, KA4KUM,
Baldwin County (Alabama) EC Patty Link, KI4JEO and ARRL Southeastern
Division Director Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, hosted an ARRL booth and
attended the conference.

Logged were nearly 30 Amateur Radio operators from the 460 conference
attendees that stopped by the ARRL booth. While at the booth, the
Emergency Management visitors repeatedly expressed their appreciation
and respect for what Amateur Radio operators do. -- Greg Sarratt,
W4OZK, ARRL Southeastern Division Director

+ Hawaii State CD Makani Pahili Hurricane Exercise

On Wednesday, May 21, Amateur Radio operators with the Hawaii State
CD RACES (HSCD) program operated the KH6HPZ station at the EOC in
Birkheimer Tunnel within Diamond Head crater from 10:00 AM to 2:00
PM, in support of the annual Makani Pahili hurricane exercise. Two
days later on Saturday, May 24 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, HSCD RACES
and Pacific Section ARES participated in a communications exercise
simulating the recovery from the exercise hurricane, organized by
Pacific SEC Kevin Bogan, AH6QO.

Six operators were situated at the State CD EOC, with additional ops
on all major islands. More than 25 stations were on HF, including at
Red Cross and County EOCs at Maui and Hilo, and individuals at homes
and other locations were operating on 40- and 80-meters. Another
dozen were on the state-wide VHF Repeater system.
<http://ronhashiro.htohananet.com/am-radio/hawaii/scd.html>

This year featured a major push to implement and test the use of the
NIMS (National Incident Management System) ICS-213 message form. It
was used for the first time in Hawaii and the majority of the
messages were exchanged in ICS-213 format. The use of the form and
message handling protocol worked reasonably well. The advantages of
the form include: minimal training needed; clearly notes the sender
and the intended receiver; and the received message can easily be
given to another person for subsequent handling. During the Wednesday
exercise, incoming messages were entered into the EOC e-mail system
for handling by the EOC staff as part of the exercise simulation.
<http://ronhashiro.htohananet.com/am-radio/emcomm/ics-213-radio-proto
col.html>

A handful of messages were sent via the traditional ARRL Radiogram
message format. While the message format, handling and contents are
well understood by Amateur Radio operators and can be sent very
quickly, the message format and content needs translation by a ham
operator before entering into the formal EOC message/situation
handling systems. Further work continues regarding emergency
communications and training in Hawaii. -- Ron Hashiro, AH6RH,
Honolulu, Hawaii State Civil Defense RACES

+ Colorado Tornadoes Response

Colorado Section Manager Jeff Ryan, K0RM, reported that ARES District
10 was activated by David Markham, W0CBI, Colorado SEC, on May 22,
for a large tornado that touched down in northern Colorado near the
town of Windsor. Ryan said it was just one of several across northern
Colorado and part of Wyoming.

Colorado ARES District 10 EC Randy Long, W0AVV, reported that 31
operators provided communications service to the EOC and Fire
Department in Windsor, the Weld County EOC, the Larimer County EOC,
the City of Loveland EOC, the Loveland Mobile Command post and two
Red Cross shelters.

Markham placed an additional 15 Amateur Radio operators in Larimer
and Weld County on standby in anticipation of an overnight shift; he
also requested adjacent districts to prepare in support of the
ongoing operations.

Ryan said that at the peak of the ARES operation, "Colorado ARES had
55 operators supporting emergency response and relief efforts."

+ Florida Fires Response

Brevard County (Florida) amateurs responded during recent wildfires
in Palm Bay and Malabar. The "Mother's Day Fires" started on May 11,
and burned 13,000 acres. (Brevard County is home to Kennedy Space
Center).

John Weatherly, AB4ET, and Clayton Bennett, KA4NHW, manned a 2-meter
station in a shelter set up by the American Red Cross. Additionally,
the Brevard Emergency Amateur Radio Services (BEARS) donated the use
of their mobile command center to public safety agencies. The command
vehicle, dubbed BEARS-I, was obtained through a $100,000 grant from
the State of Florida. The interior was designed and built by a group
of Amateur Radio operators from local Brevard County clubs that are
members of BEARS. BEARS-I is outfitted with Brevard County 800 MHz
public safety radios and amateur equipment.

BEARS-I was used as a command post in the week-long operation. The
Palm Bay Fire Department, the Palm Bay Police Department, ARES and
Florida Power and Light manned the four operating positions. The unit
was put in place at Bayside High School when the fires started; it
was relocated the next day to the US Air Force tracking station that
became the new command center, as well as the staging area for trucks
and teams from other counties. BEARS-I was used as a self-contained
command center around the clock for over five days. - excerpted from
the ARRL Letter; information provided by Jan Heise, K4QD, and Dan
Fisher, AI4GK

+ A Repeater on the Fire Line in Northern California

Late in 2007, Sunnyvale ARES (Santa Clara County, California) was
offered a high-level (3612') 440 MHz repeater. SARES saw this as an
opportunity to provide a back-up for its low-level, local 2-meter
repeater (K6GL) and to also provide a wide-area resource in time of
emergencies. The location provides coverage of the South San
Francisco Bay Area, including peninsula communities, East Bay, Santa
Clara County to Gilroy, the Salinas Valley, and Monterey to Santa
Cruz. The SARES Repeater Group was formed by the EC and AECs, and the
repeater call sign was changed to K6SNY. They didn't realize how soon
it would play a role as a wide-area resource.

The "Summit Fire," in neighboring Santa Cruz County, started on May
22. Immediately, K6SNY was linked to the Santa Clara County
ARES/RACES 2-meter repeater (AA6BT) to facilitate a county-wide
resource net. The linking facilitated communication between the
ARES/RACES EOCs for Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties. After the
Santa Clara County EOC closed for the evening, K6SNY handled
logistical traffic for Cal-Fire.

Two days later, overnight, the fire crossed Summit Road, into Santa
Clara County and the county EOC was reactivated. The AA6BT/K6SNY link
again provided a county-wide resource net. ARES members were advised
to monitor for updates. The Santa Clara County EOC was closed again
on May 25. By May 28, the fire was 100% contained.

A total of 4,270 acres were burned along with 35 residences and 64
outbuildings. There were 16 injuries. There were 12 cooperating
agencies involved, 946 fire personnel, 32 fire crews, 45 engines and
various other pieces of support equipment. As of May 30, the
estimated cost is $16.1 million. -- Neal Enault, WA6OCP, SARES AEC
and PIO

+ NHC Director Joins WX4NHC Annual Test

On May 31, WX4NHC <http://www.wx4nhc.org/>, the Amateur Radio station
at the National Hurricane Center (NHC), held their annual
Communications Test from 1300-2100 UTC. According to WX4NHC Assistant
Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R, this annual test has two purposes: To
verify that ham radio equipment will not interfere with any equipment
at the NHC, and to ensure proper performance of Amateur Radio
equipment at the NHC.

During the test, NHC Director Bill Read, KB5FYA, addressed the
Amateur Radio community on the VoIP Hurricane Net and on the
Hurricane Watch Net <http://www.wx4nhc.org/Bill-Read-QST.mp3>. Read
spoke about the importance of Amateur Radio in hurricane-related
disasters and thanked Amateur Radio operators for their support in
past hurricanes. He encouraged hams to continue to provide that
strong support as WX4NHC enters its 28th year of service and the 2008
Atlantic hurricane season begins. Read made several contacts with
Amateur Radio operators during the test.

"We all know how important it is to maintain communications during a
hurricane to relay our hurricane warnings to those in the affected
area which may have no other means to receive this vital
information," Read said. "We are also very appreciative for the
surface reports from those in the storm which add to our database and
help our forecasters better visualize what is actually happening at
the ground level in real time. As our own ham radio station, WX4NHC,
celebrates its 28th year of volunteer service at the National
Hurricane Center, we extend our thanks to all ham radio operators
that continue to support our mission to help save lives."

WX4NHC made 346 contacts during this event: 291 on HF and 55 on
EchoLink/IRLP. They heard from 23 states and US territories, as well
as countries including Bermuda, Curacao, Jamaica, Cuba, Honduras,
Estonia and Canada.

"The WX4NHC Coordinators and Operators extend their thanks to all ham
radio operators that participated in our Annual Station Test," Ripoll
said, "and look forward to your continued support during the
hurricane season."

+ LETTERS: New E-Mail Software

There is new software entitled JNOS for passing e-mail messages over
Amateur Radio during emergencies:
<http://ronhashiro.htohananet.com/am-radio/packet/jnos.html>

Readers can download the program, and try it as noted in the
documentation. Configuration is simple: it takes only ten to fifteen
minutes editing in your call sign, password, and log-on banners to
get started. The beauty of JNOS is the sending and receiving of
e-mail messages over the Internet as well as Amateur Radio
seamlessly. It can print incoming e-mail messages on a printer
unattended, one message to a sheet, just like a fax machine.

JNOS will also take advantage of the ICOM ID-1 in digital data mode,
and I'm in the process of testing and documenting that configuration.
At some point, I'd like to implement this at Hawaii State CD and Oahu
DEM, when a sufficient critical mass has been implemented. -- Ron
Hashiro, AH6RH, Honolulu, Hawaii State Civil Defense RACES

+ LETTERS: Red Cross Recruiting Hams in Chicago

[The following was forwarded by Bob Small, K9MUY, Chief, Emergency
Management, City of Oak Forest, Illinois <k9muy@netscape.net> and
serves to enlighten ARES members as an example of Red Cross
recruiting efforts. Thanks, Bob. -- ed.]

"Disaster Assessment Opportunity

"I'd like to tell you about an interesting Red Cross activity which
may be particularly appealing to Amateur Radio operators and to
anyone interested in public safety and public service.

"The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago is recruiting volunteers
to join its Disaster Assessment Team. Disaster Assessment is an
activity that provides support in the earliest stages of disaster
relief operations. Team members gather, analyze, interpret and report
accurate and timely information about the extent of damage and
overall impact, weather conditions, and demographics of a
disaster-affected community. The team also provides mapping support.
This information is reported and processed by various methods
including Red Cross and Amateur Radio, conventional telephones,
computers, and paper. The Disaster Assessment team is engaged as soon
as it is safe within minutes of a major storm or other event
occurring. Some members of the team, if they are able, may continue
assessment activities for days following the event.

"We think this activity may be particularly appealing to Amateur
Radio operators because, as hams, we are committed to public service,
we have invested in radio equipment, and for many of us, we have
emergency communications training and experience with damage
assessment and reporting from our weather spotting activities.

"Please let me explain how this will work. The Disaster Assessment
team will be comprised of three types of volunteers depending on the
amount of time and scope of involvement one is able to provide. The
first two types of volunteers, which we call Core and Affiliated
volunteers, upon the chapter obtaining satisfactory background
checks, are issued Red Cross identification and are allowed to
display the Red Cross signage on their vehicles when conducting field
assignments.

"However, unlike core volunteers who choose to be much more involved
with the chapter, Affiliated volunteers are used when a disaster
happens and are not solicited for additional participation within the
chapter. In other words, Affiliated volunteers will be focused on the
Disaster Assessment activity.

"The third type of volunteers, which we call External Partners,
unlike Core and Affiliated volunteers, are not required to have
background checks, but then will not be issued Red Cross credentials,
will not be able to display the Red Cross signage on their vehicle
while conducting Disaster Assessment activities, and the Red Cross
will not assume liability for their service.

"As you can see, there are opportunities for everyone in this
important activity. There is some Red Cross, Emergency Management,
and weather spotter training required of all three types of team
member, which will be provided at no cost to the volunteer. Some of
this training is available online and the classroom training will be
scheduled at times and locations with consideration for the volunteer
schedule.

"In closing, the Greater Chicago chapter serves about 8.5 million
people in seven counties covering more than 4,000 square miles, and
as a Regional Chapter, lends support to the Northwest Indiana, Grundy
County, Kankakee County, and Fox-River Valley chapters.  If you are
interested in being a core, affiliated, or external partner Disaster
Assessment volunteer, please reply by e-mail to
<DisasterAssessment@arcgcdst.org> and someone will follow-up with you
promptly." /s/ Craig Dieckman, KC9HWK, Volunteer Lead-Disaster
Services Technology, Disaster Services, American Red Cross of Greater
Chicago <www.chicagoredcross.org>

+ LETTERS: Message Content Needed

Here in Utah we don't have a lot of disasters, but we do spend a lot
of time on drills and simulations. My issue is: You tell us a lot
about what ham radio units worked with which agencies, but never
discussed are the actual contents of messages. It would help our
simulations if I could be more aware of the contents of the messages
passed by amateurs. If your contributors could keep this need in mind
when reporting, that would be a great help to us. -- Jim Cox, W7QIS,
Pleasant Grove, Utah <JCW7QIS@cs.com>

+ LETTERS: On Obesity in Hams

[Here are two comments received in response to my editorial item on
obesity in the last issue - ed.]

In re your comment in the last issue "Other than the obvious one, an
additional benefit of a good diet and exercise is a more professional
appearance to served agency officials," good one, Rick. Exercising a
key or the push-to-talk switch isn't quite enough. Too many of us are
either on the radio or couch potatoing in front of the tube when
we're not killing ourselves with our fork or swilling down a few
brews. I have seen too many publicity pix with the hams that haven't
seen their belt buckles in years. - Gary Britten, W4GNB, Wilmore,
Kentucky

There are more pressing problems in ham radio than "fat people." I
cannot believe you have gotten into medical subjects at all. Just
when our populace got over "classifying" people, you start publishing
letters bashing fat people, whose medical problems you have NOT A
CLUE! Go pick on smokers now. -- Larry Coppala, K4SFC, Fairdale,
Kentucky

+ LETTERS: Satellites in a Doomsday Scenario

In re your comment in the last issue "Satellites may be all you have
in a doomsday scenario, and are great ways to improve your operating
skill," this statement may not be entirely true. If by a doomsday
scenario you mean a nuclear event, the detonation of a single nuclear
device or many nuclear devices will create EMPs that will wipe out
most solid-state equipment on earth and in space. It was the Russians
testing nuclear devices that fried Telstar. - Mike Hemeon, K1MH, NBC
Principal Engineer Satellite Systems (retired)

+ LETTERS: United Way Lead for ESF 15 in Palm Beach County

The following report is a new one on me. I checked United Way's Web
site and there is no mention of "communications" or a "communications
plan." I wonder how Amateur Radio volunteers would play into this
arrangement:

"United Way of Palm Beach County [Florida] is the lead agency for
'Emergency Support Function 15 Volunteers and Donations' in Palm
Beach County's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. That means
should a hurricane or other disaster hit Palm Beach County, United
Way would coordinate volunteers and donations to assist the County in
recovery efforts. Part of United Way's Disaster Volunteer Management
includes Operation Step Up - Volunteer Reception Center, or VRCs. The
VRCs would open within 72 hours of a disaster and would serve as a
central location for the coordination of volunteers assisting in the
relief efforts. United Way of Palm Beach County recruits volunteers
year-round who would help staff VRCs, especially those volunteers 55
years of age or older. United Way provides VRC operations training
including the roles of VRC volunteer staff.

"Here's how a VRC would work: In an instance of disaster, United Way
of Palm Beach County would open a VRC and would call registered VRC
volunteers to help staff the VRC. Next, the County, other governments
and agencies would inform United Way where they need assistance.
Then, United Way's VRC would coordinate volunteers and send them to
the areas in need."

Do any readers have any insight into this? - Warren Rothberg, W4WR,
former New Hampshire Section Manager and New England Division Vice
Director <w4wr@bellwouth.net>,

+ LETTERS: Diminished Licensing, Technical Standards

I read with interest the recent opinions about the role of relaxed
test standards on the technical competence of the amateur community.
As someone who has been away from the hobby for about a decade, and
recently became active again on VHF and UHF, I have to observe
decline in our effectiveness I've noticed which has little to do with
exams. Simply put, we appear to be licensing lots of new hams, but
failing them after they get their tickets. I notice this in two major
areas.

First, some newcomers appear unable to master the daunting feature
sets of even low-end FM transceivers. I've heard ARES volunteers
unable to field-program a new frequency, CTCSS tone, or other
unexpected setting, not just when using unfamiliar rigs at emergency
operations centers, but even when using their own handhelds.

Second, we appear to have many hams operating FM who have extremely
low audio levels, don't realize it, and/or don't know what to do
about it. It occurs to me that we old-timers who learned AM modes
such as SSB on HF probably developed better awareness of ensuring
adequate audio levels. Perhaps newer hams accustomed to consumer
electronics and "automatic record level" everywhere have never
learned the basics of mic technique and setting proper audio levels.

In the spirit of "bring me solutions, not problems," let me suggest
that clubs and ARES groups, where possible, bring back the annual
"rig clinics" which were once popular, at which members were invited
to bring their rigs, service manuals and little screwdrivers, and a
local two-way shop or well-equipped ham brought the equipment
necessary to check for frequency accuracy and deviation. When we hold
routine training nets, let's be honest with signal reports, and offer
them even when they're not requested. If someone checks in with voice
audio that's neck-and-neck with his own CTCSS tone, don't tell him
he's "loud and clear!"

Consider recording receive audio during a training net, and posting
the entire recording in MP3 format on a club or ARES Web site for
download. Some of us never get to hear our own received signal, at
least not in comparison to other signals during a net on an FM
repeater.

During at least some training nets, let's also practice a
short-notice, mass migration to another repeater or simplex
frequency, odd split, or a change in CTCSS tone, acknowledge everyone
who gets there successfully, and follow up with instruction for those
who don't.

Finally, if you hold a course to prepare newcomers for the Technician
exam, consider adding a session two weeks after the test, and have
everyone bring his new handheld. The owner's manuals are obviously
not an adequate resource.

In one community along the Oregon coast, 18 new Technicians had
gotten licenses and equipment specifically to be ready for an
emergency. Just weeks later, their county was virtually cut off for
two days by a storm-related break in a fiber-optic cable, and not one
of them could figure out how to get a piece of traffic to the outside
world. This is not only a sad waste of human resources and expensive
gear, but has to be demoralizing to anyone who tried his best to be
prepared.

None of this has anything to do with CW proficiency, or knowing your
Hartley from your Colpitts. This is simply, "No Ham Left Behind." --
Paul W. Plack, AE4KR, Murray, Utah

+ CORRECTION: AO-51 Frequencies

In the "The View From Flagler County" article last month, the uplink
and downlink frequencies for AO-51 are incorrect. The uplink is
145.920 MHz and the downlink is 435.300 MHz. I like the suggestion
about adding Satellite Ops to the Emcomm portfolio, you never know
when you might need that! -- Jeff Moore, KE7ACY, Deschutes County
ARES, Bend, Oregon

+ K1CE For A Final

Ham radio is about collegiality and friendship, and we enjoyed
heaping portions on Friday, June 13, when friends and colleagues of
retiring Northern Florida Section Manager Rudy Hubbard, WA4PUP,
gathered at historic Wakulla Springs lodge to honor him. Hubbard
served as SM for 18 years, returned ARES to a place in the state EOC,
and worked tirelessly to track Florida operators traveling to meet
Katrina communication needs along the Gulf Coast.

ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, said it perfectly: "Dear Rudy:
Twenty-five years ago, at a point in life when many people are
beginning to wind down, you were just getting started in your service
to the ARRL Northern Florida Section: as Public Information Officer,
then as Section Emergency Coordinator and finally as Section Manager
for 18 years. Amateur Radio and the State of Florida have seen many
changes over the past quarter-century, but your dedication and your
willingness to speak up have been two great constants that have
served the ARRL, Amateur Radio, and the public very well.

"Today your colleagues have gathered to pay you well-deserved
tribute. As you prepare to transfer the heavy responsibility of
Section Manager, please know that admiration for Rudy Hubbard and
gratitude for his service extend well beyond the boundaries of
Northern Florida. On behalf of the ARRL, its members, officers,
directors and staff, thank you."

See you next month! 73, Rick K1CE

Copyright American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved

======================================================================
The ARES E-Letter is published on the third Wednesday of each month
by the American Radio Relay League--The National Association For
Amateur Radio--225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200;
fax 860-594-0259; <http://www.arrl.org/>. Joel Harrison, W5ZN,
President.

The ARES E-Letter is an e-mail digest of news and information of
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Scroll down to the section "Which of the following would you like
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--
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