[W1SMH] Fwd: The ARES E-Letter for November 18, 2009

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Subject: FW: The ARES E-Letter for November 18, 2009


 


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Subject: The ARES E-Letter for November 18, 2009





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November 18, 2009
Editor: Rick Palm, K1CE

ARES E-Letter Archive
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The View from Flagler County
Within days, the almost non-existent 2009 hurricane season will draw to 
a close. It was the quietest season I can remember. We did get a shot 
across the bow from storm Ida, which turned out be mainly a non-event; 
although as this is written, remnants are pounding the mid-Atlantic 
region.
According to a report forwarded by Northern Florida SEC Joe Bushel, 
W2DWR, Section Manager Paul Eakin, KJ4G, monitored the progress of Ida 
and called contacts in Tallahassee for information and coordination. He 
alerted section officials to be ready to handle storm traffic. Mutual 
assistance plans with neighboring sections were trotted out to effect 
regional coordination and requests for assistance with Florida state 
EOC officials. Communication with ARRL HQ was started as well.
The National Weather Service station at Tallahassee was in operation 
with amateurs taking observations over the air via HF, and Echolink via 
its UHF repeater. The staff was in the process of running a portable 
D-STAR radio. Working with John Davis, WB4QDX, in Atlanta, the 
Southeast WX Net on a D-STAR reflector was ready to serve Georgia, 
Alabama and Florida along with any other areas of need.
Northern Florida Section net managers set up a list of net control 
stations for round-the-clock monitoring of emergency frequency 3950 kHz 
for potential traffic. The net would also mean having an HF station 
listening for any amateur anywhere who called for assistance to get a 
reply and help if needed. They had 22 assigned amateurs who shared 
various shifts. Some 45 amateurs checked in from around the east coast 
of the US.
Two northern Florida county EOCs were manned 24/7 with ARES ops on the 
radios. The state EOC-ESF2 staff had called for two amateurs to report 
to a shelter and the EOC of Walton county. A quick check into the 
Northern Florida Data Base of operators quickly provided the contact 
information and within minutes, a duplication request was averted as 
the Walton county EC was on the scene and provided the personnel for 
the assignment. The new database proved invaluable on its first test.
Eakin was proud of the approximately 50 amateurs from the Northern 
Florida Section responding. The West Central Florida, Alabama, and 
Georgia Sections also displayed the true amateur spirit and dug in. 
Information from the West Panhandle DEC and his ECs kept both Bushel 
and Eakin completely informed. Eakin concluded: "The amateurs did a 
great job.This event brought out good teamwork and training paid off." 
For a more comprehensive report, see the ARRL Web story here.
In This Issue:

 

Georgia Receives $165,000 To Supplement D-STAR Network
National Weather Service/ARRL SKYWARN Recognition Day: December 5
GAREC 2010 Slated for Curacao
ARRL Officials Attend Emergency Managers Confab
H1N1 Flu Guide Available
2009 Kentucky Disaster Institute Courses of Interest to ARES
FCC Issues Public Notice on Amateur Radio and Government Disaster 
Drills
Santa Cruz County Hams Called to Assist During Wildfires
Letters
K1CE For a Final

Georgia Receives $165,000 To Supplement D-STAR Network
Federal funding has been secured by the Georgia Emergency Management 
Agency to complete a statewide D-STAR emergency communications network. 
The network's creation was started by Mark Fehlig, WA6NGC, the former 
Director of Engineering for the state's Public Broadcasting System. 
When the opportunity arose to install two Amateur Radio antennas on 
each of nine television towers providing statewide coverage, Fehlig 
jumped into action and designated Georgia ARES to control the use of 
those sites for emergency communications.
The next task was to pick the best technology to use. FM repeaters and 
packet were among the modes considered, but the emerging Digital Smart 
Technology for Amateur Radio (D-STAR) was chosen. The state of the art 
technology provides simultaneous voice and data communications. D-STAR 
allows repeaters to be linked on a flexible basis and permits 
simultaneous voice and low speed data along with high speed Internet 
connectivity at 1.2 GHz.

When the network is finished, radio amateurs will have access to voice 
and data repeaters on all nine towers across the state, operating on 2 
meters, 440 MHz and 1.2 GHz. Because those towers are strategically 
located to provide maximum public television coverage, amateur radio 
communications will benefit from wide area coverage as well. Georgia's 
Public Broadcasting Network will provide tower space, feed line, indoor 
space for equipment, backup power and Internet access at each site.
This grant will help ARES provide better service to its partners, 
enhance Amateur Radio technology, and add to the tremendous coverage of 
digital Amateur Radio in the Southeastern Division. See the Georgia 
ARES Web site for more information.
John Davis, WB4QDX, was appointed as District Emergency Coordinator in 
charge of the network. Davis said "After considering several technology 
options and modes for creating a statewide Amateur Radio network, the 
D-STAR technology made the most sense." Further, "the funding also 
provides 20 dual-band D-STAR radios for installation at EMA offices 
around the state, a portable UHF D-STAR repeater for emergency 
deployment, three 1.2 GHz D-STAR radios with laptops for sending data 
and photos from field locations and a robust reflector to serve the 
Georgia network during emergency conditions and available for general 
use during non-emergency times."
The complete Georgia D-STAR network should be in operation by early 
2010. Davis said "the Georgia network will complement other D-STAR 
systems planned or in operation in neighboring states of Alabama, 
Florida and South Carolina, creating regional capabilities in the 
southeast. Weather systems approach Georgia either as severe 
thunderstorms and tornadoes from the west or tropical systems from the 
Gulf or the Atlantic. Having flexible statewide communications will 
provide new capabilities to support emergency communications." - Greg 
Sarratt, W4OZK, ARRL Southeastern Division Director, and John Davis, 
WB4QDX, District Emergency Coordinator, Georgia ARES

National Weather Service/ARRL SKYWARN Recognition Day: December 5
The 11th annual SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) will take place this year 
on Saturday, December 5. Radio amateurs will operate from many National 
Weather Service (NWS) offices around the United States.The purpose of 
the event is to recognize Amateur Radio operators for the vital public 
service they perform during times of severe weather and to strengthen 
the bond between radio amateurs and their local National Weather 
Service office. The event is co-sponsored by the American Radio Relay 
League and the National Weather Service.
Traditionally, hams have assisted the National Weather Service during 
times of severe weather by providing real-time reports of severe events 
and storm evolution. The assistance that radio amateurs provide to the 
NWS throughout the year is invaluable.
SKYWARN Recognition Day this year will be held from 0000 UTC to 2400 
UTC on Saturday, December 5, 2009. (That means the event officially 
begins on Friday evening in the United States). To learn more, check 
the NOAA Web site. -- Steve Ewald, WV1X, Supervisor, Field Organization 
Team
GAREC 2010 Slated for Curacao
The Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference (GAREC) 
will return to Region 2 next year in Curacao, October 11-12. The theme 
of the conference will be "Learning through practicing." Details will 
be announced as they become available.
The GAREC mission is to help Amateur Radio operators to be better 
prepared for emergency communications and create exercises at both the 
national and international levels. GAREC exists to foster the exchange 
of information and experiences among all Amateur Radio operators and 
groups that are interested in emcomms. Their vision is to have regular 
world wide cooperation and understanding between governments and the 
Amateur Radio Service in the field of emcomms. -- Seppo Sisatto, Ph.D, 
OH1VR, Tampere, Finland

ARRL Officials Attend Emergency Managers Confab
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) 2009 Annual 
Conference was held earlier this month in Orlando, Florida. ARRL 
Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager Dennis Dura, K2DCD and 
Southeastern Division Director Greg Sarratt, W4OZK represented the 
League. During the event, Dura and Sarratt networked with emergency 
management staff from around the United States giving Amateur Radio 
exposure in the superb five-day conference. The results of this 
interaction were a clear invitation by all that Amateur Radio needs to 
maintain its status as a significant contributor to the readiness and 
response capabilities of this country.
The IAEM Conference and EXPO promoted current trends and topics, 
information about the latest tools and technology in emergency 
management, homeland security and overall preparedness. Sessions 
included stakeholders at all levels of government, the private sector, 
public health and related professions that exchanged ideas and 
information on collaborating to protect lives and property from 
disaster. This year's conference attendance was a record breaking 2043 
attendees, including emergency managers, homeland security officials, 
first responders, NGO's, military, private industry and Amateur Radio.
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate was the Keynote Speaker. Mr. Fugate was 
previously the Director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management. 
He talked about the need to build teams, relationships and partnerships 
with all sectors of volunteer or unpaid professionals in all phases of 
emergency management.
Not surprisingly, many emergency management staff are Amateur Radio 
licensees--something that comes forth clearly in the many discussions 
that were had. Dura and Sarratt had discussions with IAEM leadership on 
pending legislation and regulatory issues. Outgoing President Russell 
Decker, in one of his last official acts on behalf of the IAEM-USA 
Board came forth with written support of Amateur Radio with Senate Bill 
1755 and House of Representatives Bill HR-2160. This effort was 
spearheaded within the IAEM by Past President Larry Gispert, KR4X. 
Additionally, IAEM leadership expressed the strong desire that Amateur 
Radio and the ARRL participate more actively in IAEM around the country 
and at future annual conferences through training classes, workshop 
sessions and informational exhibits. -- Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, ARRL 
Southeastern Division Director
H1N1 Flu Guide Available
The Department of Health and Human Services Center for Faith Based and 
Neighborhood Partnerships has announced a new resource for community 
and faith-based organizations: H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community & 
Faith-based Organizations.
Community and faith-based organizations are essential partners in 
comprehensive state and local flu response, and this guide was created 
to support them this flu season. The guide provides specific action 
steps that community and faith-based organizations can take to help 
keep communities healthy during flu season, including:
* Communicating important information about flu.
* Supporting vaccination efforts
* Linking vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations to vital information 
and resources
Visit http://flu.gov/professional/community/ to download the guide. - 
Dennis Dura, K2DCD, ARRL Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager

2009 Kentucky Disaster Institute Courses of Interest to ARES
The American Red Cross Louisville (Kentucky) Area Chapter Disaster 
Services is currently presenting the 2009 Kentucky Disaster Institute, 
November 16- 21. This year it is being held in a new location: 
Campbellsville University (Louisville Campus). The Institute is bigger 
and better than ever, with 40 Disaster Services courses in six days, 
including several new courses.
Disaster Training courses are offered free of charge to registered Red 
Cross disaster volunteers only through many Regional Red Cross offices 
throughout the country. For information on registering for a disaster 
class, please contact your local chapter. To find your local Red Cross 
Chapter, click here.
A few of the more relevant courses for ARES operators include:
* Disaster Assessment Basics
The purpose of this course is to provide a general overview of the 
tasks performed by Red Cross Disaster Assessment workers in support of 
a disaster relief operation and a local incident such as a single or 
multi-family fire. This course is not a replacement for the 
"Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment" course, which is still the 
required course for members who wish to participate in the Disaster 
Assessment activity on a disaster relief operation.
* Disaster Mental Health: An Overview
Introduces participants to the roles, responsibilities and benefits of 
the Disaster Mental Health activity within the Individual Client 
Services group. Participants will learn how Disaster Mental Health 
supports both the disaster relief operations workers and clients within 
the disaster affected community.
* Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command Liaison
Because the consequences of the Red Cross' ability to manage 
relationships with the government, emergency management, and its 
partners can have significant and high profile ramifications, 
government and emergency management assignment settings require 
knowledgeable disaster workers, who can understand the inner workings 
of both government and Red Cross disaster response. The course will 
prepare participants who will be assigned to government and emergency 
settings to work collaboratively with Red Cross partners, helping to 
ensure a coordinated response that results in effective service 
delivery.
* ERVs: Ready, Set, Roll
Prepares course participants to operate an Emergency Response Vehicle 
(ERV) and its equipment safely and effectively to meet feeding and 
other service needs of people affected by disaster.
* Foundations of Disaster Mental Health
This course prepares Licensed Mental Health Professionals to provide 
for and respond to the psychological needs of people across the 
continuum of disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
* Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment
The purpose of this course is to introduce the critical role of 
Disaster Assessment, explore related preparedness tasks, learn how to 
collect and communicate disaster assessment information, and become 
familiar with how disaster assessment information supports management 
and service delivery decisions.
* Mass Care Overview
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the activities 
performed by the Mass Care group in support of a disaster relief 
operation.
* Mass Casualty Disasters
The purpose of this course is to prepare Red Cross volunteers and 
employees to provide a more effective initial response to a mass 
casualty disaster.
* Psychological First Aid
The purpose of this course is to prepare all American Red Cross workers 
to provide basic care, comfort and support to people who are 
experiencing disaster-related stress. This course provides a framework 
for understanding the factors that affect stress responses in disaster 
relief workers and the clients they serve.
* Shelter Operations
The purpose of this training is to prepare volunteers and employees of 
the Red Cross and other agencies to effectively and sensitively manage 
shelter operations as a team while meeting the needs of people 
displaced as a result of a disaster.
* Shelter Simulation
The purpose of this training is to provide participants with an 
opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities required to 
operate a successful shelter.
* Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism: An Overview
This course is designed to create awareness and provide basic 
information about the issues and safety concerns related to responding 
to a disaster incident in an environment involving Weapons of Mass 
Destruction/Terrorism (WMD/T).
Summary
As mentioned earlier, the above courses and others are available 
through your local Red Cross Chapters and also through the American Red 
Cross Learning Management System on-line. They are pertinent to ARES 
operators' emergency communications and disaster relief interests, not 
only in connection with Red Cross operations, but in general. Check 
them out. -- Thanks to Robert Bauer, KC4HM, who wrote: "I receive 
various e-mails from the Community Disaster Education Associate at the 
Louisville Chapter of the American Red Cross. I thought that this would 
be appropriate for ARES. Since Amateur Radio operators routinely assist 
the American Red Cross, I believe some of the courses would be 
beneficial for both amateur operators and the Red Cross. Additionally, 
in-person courses would provide an opportunity to make contacts and to 
develop a common understanding of each entity's functions and 
capabilities."
FCC Issues Public Notice on Amateur Radio and Government Disaster Drills
In September, the ARRL released guidelines that address numerous 
aspects of the issue of business communications in the Amateur Service. 
After last month's ARES E-Letter report on the policy paper, the FCC 
released a Public Notice clarifying the Commission's rules relating to 
the use of Amateur Radio by licensed amateurs participating in drills 
and exercises on behalf of their employers. Entitled Amateur Service 
Communications During Government Disaster Drills, the Public Notice 
addresses participation by paid employees of organizations taking part 
in drills.
The Public Notice -- DA 09-2259 -- affirms that the Commission's rules 
"specifically prohibit amateur stations from transmitting 
communications 'in which the station licensee or control operator has a 
pecuniary interest, including communications on behalf of an 
employer.'" The Public Notice states that, in order to facilitate 
participation by employees who wish to engage in government-sponsored 
drills and emergency exercises on behalf of their employers, a waiver 
can be requested from the FCC by the government agency sponsoring the 
drill or exercise (and not by the individual who wishes to participate 
in the drill or exercise). The government entity conducting the drill 
must include in its waiver application the following information:
* When and where the drill will take place;
* Identification of the amateur licensees expected to transmit amateur 
communications on behalf of their employer;
* Identification of the employer(s) on whose behalf the amateur(s) will 
be transmitting; and
*A brief description of the drill.
The waiver request must be filed and acted upon in advance of the 
drill. The waiver must be actually granted by the Commission before the 
amateurs participate in the drill. It is not enough to apply -- the 
waiver must be granted first.
Government entities requesting a waiver for their emergency/disaster 
drill should submit a written request addressing the factors listed 
above to Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th St SW, 
Washington, DC 20554, Attn: Scot Stone.
A waiver is needed only for those licensees transmitting messages on 
behalf of their employer during the State and local government public 
safety agency's "occasionally conducted emergency preparedness or 
disaster test or drill." This may, after analysis, turn out to be very 
few licensees or, by rearranging functions of participants, a waiver 
may not be needed. The Commission has also emphasized that only 
governmental agencies may apply for a waiver.
On October 27, the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) 
granted the first waiver that allows amateurs who participate in a 
government-sponsored emergency preparedness and disaster drill to 
communicate on behalf of their employers during the drill. The waiver 
request was made on behalf of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. That state 
conducted a full-scale exercise on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from 8 
AM-5 PM (EDT) to test their emergency response to the possible release 
of chemical agents at Blue Grass Army Depot, located near Richmond, 
Kentucky.
Santa Cruz County Hams Called to Assist During Wildfires
Almost 20 years to the day since the Loma Prieta Earthquake shook 
California's Bay Area, a wildfire was burning through Santa Cruz County 
(approximately 75 miles south of San Francisco) just miles from the 
epicenter of the quake that caused part of the Bay Bridge to collapse. 
Just as Amateur Radio operators responded to calls for assistance for 
the earthquake, 20 years later on October 25, they responded when 
needed for a 485 acre wildfire.
Letters
CPR Training Options
I thoroughly enjoy your E-Letters. I do take exception when you 
indicate that two of the training courses that ARES members should have 
are the ARC CPR and First Aid Training. I do agree that these courses 
are of paramount importance knowing what we do as ARES members. I am a 
Red Cross instructor but would not teach the course to my people if it 
was a directive. Reason being, I attempted to get the materials for 
free or at least at cost and I would do the training for free. I was 
told that each trainee needed to pay the full price. I have asked in 
the past why ARRL does not include any other training disciplines and 
have not gotten a good answer. I for one do not think that any agency 
with the exception of the FCC should dictate training platforms. They 
all sit on the same emergency care forums. I am looking forward to an 
explanation as to why only Red Cross training is mentioned. Thanks and 
sorry for the rant. -- Tom Cook, KB3HZA, Washington County, Tennessee 
ARES EC
[Editor's note: Tom, the American Heart Association also provides 
CPR/Basic Life Support training, and indeed, it's the AHA courses that 
I take as a Registered Nurse to keep my certifications current. For 
information on the AHA courses, click here. - K1CE]
Commercialization of Amateur Radio Guidelines
Long over due! Thanks much! -- Rolan Clark, W3FDK, Adamstown, Maryland
Rack Mounting
I liked your item in the last ARES E-Letter on racking up your gear. 
I've been an adherent of using standardized equipment racks for years, 
and wish more radio manufacturers and those of aftermarket gear would 
think about adding rack mounting hardware from the get-go.
I'm an audio professional, and I live and die by equipment in 19" 
racks. A few comments that might help you, and your readers: The 
standard 19 inch equipment rack is a great way to get that station 
deployable. Now, before you rush right out to Musician's Friend or your 
local guitar center to buy one of those nice racks with the front and 
rear covers on the caster wheels, think a minute. Avoid the units with 
the fake plastic tuck and roll look. Instead, spend a little more 
money, and go with Anvil, Calzone or Road Ready. These racks are built 
with shock dampening capabilities and are good fits for your equipment 
for deployability. You can easily find rack mountable shelves, drawers 
for small parts, etc. Check with your local professional audio emporium 
and ask for Middle Atlantic products.
Another thought from years in the trenches of doing on site audio: 
Those caster wheels look like a good investment, but I find that I 
don't like anything bigger than an 8 space rack--small enough for one 
man to manhandle in and out of a truck, but still big enough to handle 
plenty of gear. I forego the caster wheels. Instead of the caster 
wheels I prefer my two wheeled hand truck. Just try wrestling a rack on 
caster wheels to the emergency ops location across the gravel parking 
lot, or through the grass, or the sand. If the dealer tells me they 
can't sell me the rack without caster wheels, I buy the darned thing, 
drive home, and pop off the little cheap-o wheels. -- Richard Webb, 
NF5B, NTS Central Area Net Manager, Eads, Tennessee
Saw your rack mount in the ARES E-Letter and thought I would forward a 
photo of mine. I built this about a year or so ago from a rack case 
that I had lying around. The advantage of the rack case is that both 
the front and rear have covers that pop on and off with secure latches. 
Set the unit


W9WY's portable rack mounted equipment.



on a table, pop the front and back, hookup power and antenna and you 
are good to go. Originally I had planned to have batteries in the case 
but decided against it because: (1) So far in every instance I have 
been deployed we had AC or DC power available; (2) If I need to run off 
external batteries the case is wired so that I can plug in my battery 
pack or even clip to a car battery; and (3) No battery means less 
weight. The blank space at the left contains wiring for my Yaesu FT 
100D if I need to go HF. My case


Rear view of W9WY's rack mount enclosure.



was published in an issue of Popular Communications a year or so ago, 
and it won me a year's subscription! - John Gionatti, W9WY, Munster, 
Indiana
K1CE For a Final
Although it was a quiet tropical weather season, we cannot become 
complacent, and it is now time for the 2009-2010 hurricane preparedness 
period when plans are reviewed, improved and circulated, and gear is 
also checked and inventories enhanced. Hurricane conferences will be 
held, and exercises, like December's SKYWARN Recognition Day will help 
radio amateurs gain proficiency. See story above. SRD is a blast of 
fun, too, by the way. Don't miss it!
______
Web Site Of The Month: Presidential Disaster Declarations
This FEMA graphic shows the types of disasters by region of the U.S. It 
can help serve ARES planning goals on a regional basis. Check it out -- 
it's fascinating. Tnx to Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, for the tip.
_______
Also, here's a nice item involving Amateur Radio and MARS in the 
interoperability soup, forwarded by Tom Brown, N4TAB, North Carolina 
ARES ASEC, and Steve Waterman, K4CJX/AAA9AC, Winlink 2000 Network 
Administrator, Winlink Development Team; Army MARS Automation 
Coordinator/Agency Liaison; and Assistant Director, ARRL Delta 
Division. Thanks, gentlemen.
______
I am finally back on the air after a lightning hit took out my entire 
station and computer systems in June. It feels great to be back on my 
old friendly Northern Florida ARES Net on 3950 kHz every morning. You 
cannot find a more dedicated, and finer group of OMs and YLs on the air 
anywhere.
I have to also say how nice 40 meters is without the broadcasters 
there! It feels like a whole new band. When deciding on what 
organizations to give to this holiday season, think about making a 
donation to ARRL. It is the ARRL, over many years and conferences, to 
achieve the vastly more utilitarian 40 meter band. I just signed up for 
the ARRL Life Member payment plan. Happy Holidays to readers, from all 
of us here on the corporate mega-campus of the ARES E-Letter Editorial 
Staff and Board! 73! Rick, K1CE, Flagler County, Florida









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