[PBARC] FW: [aresraces] Important Stuff.

[WOLF, EARNEST G]

A note from JM.



Hello to All.

 

As most of you know, I have been on a trip to Arizona.  I had a good
time; talked to some hams out there, on the road, and even back here.  I
sure got some good advice on the Tarheel antenna.  That thing works
great!   Thanks, Lindy.  Thanks to WA5LUY for helping me get it
installed and working, too.

 

Now it is time for me to get back to work thinking about how the hams of
Arkansas can do a good job for our served agencies.  Of course, training
is first and foremost.  Have you gotten any experience in formatting a
message for the served agency?  If that agency does not normally use a
radio for communications, then sometimes boiling a message down to a
usable length can become a challenge.  I figure that you educating a
served agency ahead of time is a lot better than on the job training.
Try to understand what they need, and originate the message accordingly.

 

Do you have the capability to send a message in other ways than just
voice?  Maybe you should identify operators in your area that can do
different things, like the guy that loves Code (not me!),  or the packet
person, or the IRLP/Echolink guru, or what have you.  Everybody has
something to offer--- it is up to us to utilize and organize.

 

On a different note, I hope there will be a lot of participation for the
SkyWarn Recognition Day.  The National Weather Service Offices across
the nation are looking for a good turnout.  I understand that Fred Shay
is once again spearheading the effort for us here in Arkansas.  I got a
phone call from John Robinson asking if there was anything was going to
happen.  I was able to tell him we had a good guy on the case.  From
some emails that Dale passed on, I think it will be better than ever.
Do not be shy about going to the office to operate: the weather guys
sincerely would love to see you.  The website
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/hamradio/index.php
<http://www.crh.noaa.gov/hamradio/index.php>  does not list North Little
Rock, but that is just a little error.

 

Report time!  I am ready for you folks to send in reports.  Since Carl
is out of the country, do not use the forms on the website.  Send me an
email direct n5xfw at arrl.net with your information.  DEC's might take
this opportunity to visit with the EC's and see if there are any
challenges we can address.  There is a lot of help available, just ask!

 

Cold weather is approaching, so that means it must be time to do antenna
work.  The contractor from Pennsylvania (Penntech) will be starting work
this week at the Department of Health in Little Rock.  They will be
putting a log periodic on a new tower on the roof.  This antenna is for
the SHARES Radio which will become part of the National Communications
System ( http://www.ncs.gov/ <http://www.ncs.gov/>  ).  At the same
time, they will be installing some ham antennas.  Three B&W HF, as well
as 2 meter and 44o antennas will provide enough RF to make your hair
stand up unless you look like me or Dale!

 

The Health Department will be installing a station that has pretty close
to the same capabilities as ADEM.  Operators for this station must have
a badge to get in.  Much like ADEM will be, security is now not an
option.  The world sure has changed since we were kids, hasn't it?

 

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you in your
emergency communications efforts.  I appreciate each of you, and I would
be honored to assist you in any way possible.

 

73,

 

J.M. Rowe N5XFW

SEC

Arkansas ARRL