- 1 SEPTEMBER 2008 - 0000Z
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                   Dedicated to Emergency Communications by RADIO
        EMCOMM  MONTHLY  
                       Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League
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www.wrrl.org 

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VOL.  5 -- No. 2                  www.emcomm.org/em
SEPTEMBER  2008                     
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The EM PHILOSOPHY - "Good...Luck?"

SHORT CIRCUITS - News and Announcements
FEEDBACK,  MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS
The EM ADVISOR - "Q and A"


ICS PERSPECTIVES - by Jerry Boyd, N7WR
WRRL NEWS and NETS
TRAFFIC HANDLING - The Lincoln Noon Net
NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S." (Update)
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE - The Station Log
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
SUPPORT OUR SUPPORTERS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION

? - ? - ?
SPECIAL BULLETIN
Source: Richard Webb, NF5B NTS Central Area Net Cycle 2 Manager

Hurricane Gustav is expected to impact the Gulf Coast sometime on =
Monday, Sept. 1.

The daytime Central Area Net (CAN) in conjunction with Region Five NTS =
is requesting all available proficient traffic handlers and net control =
stations to guard 7280 kHz daytime and 3850 kHz nighttime. 

A tactical emcomm net will be operating on 7275 kHz daytime and 3890 kHz =
nighttime.

7285 kHz daytime and 3873 nighttime may also be occupied with tactical =
nets if landfall is along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Region Five NTS managers are attempting to schedule one hour (radio =
watch) shifts and ask those who are scheduled to periodically announce =
that the frequency is being guarded for the purpose of taking outbound =
traffic from the affected storm area.

Region Five and Central Area Nets will NOT accept inbound health & =
welfare traffic for the impacted area for the first 72 hours.  After 72 =
hours a review will
be conducted, and where emergency coordinators concur inbound traffic =
will then be handled into the affected area. 

Richard Webb, NF5B, WRRL 93
NTS Central Area Net Cycle Two Manager - Eads, TN

NOTE: Local emcomm team leaders need to know which members on their team =
are trained and capable of originating formal message traffic =
(RADIOGRAMS), so messages can be relayed into an appropriate NTS traffic =
net.  Ref. to "N.E.T.S." section (below) for additional emcomm =
frequencies that may be activated. - Editor

SERIOUS EMERGENCY SYSTEM
If you are a subscriber to SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO and monitor Channel =
184 you know that the SIRIUS EMERGENCY SYSTEM has been activated, and =
that up-to-the-minute hurricane weather, road reports, evacuation routes =
and sites, etc. are being broadcast as information becomes available.  =
This private, commercial satellite radio service can be heard nationwide =
and is extremely valuable if local and regional broadcast stations, the =
internet, and other infrastructure based systems are knocked out.
? - ? - ?
The EM PHILOSOPHY

GOOD...LUCK?

Summer is rapidly drawing to a close...and EM is back...right on =
schedule!  We sincerely hope our readers enjoyed the summer.  (Winter =
for our Southern Hemisphere readers.)   We enjoyed taking the summer =
off.  So starting now, EMCOMM MONTHLY will be published ten (10) times a =
year..September through June.

Today it feels like Fall at the Lazy T Ranch in the "outback" of =
northern California, but we are expecting (as is typical) a very =
pleasant "Indian Summer. "  When we weren't working on summer projects, =
we enjoyed exploring some back country roads and Nannette and I were in =
the Independence Day parade at Dorris, CA in our vintage Jeep=AE!   We =
enjoyed many evening B-B-Q's and lots of relaxing on our deck watching =
the mountains, and observing myriads of species of birds including bald =
and golden eagles, hawks, vultures, magpies, flickers, families of quail =
and doves, and squadrons of dragonflies and hummingbirds.  Also watching =
the moon rise and a nightly parade of stars.  Life is good.

We also watched the summer Olympics in Beijing.  The Chinese talk a lot =
about "luck."  But we say that bringing home a medal or two (or more), =
is a result of skill, effort, practice and good old fashioned hard work! =
 Anyway, as we watched the best athletes in the world compete we =
couldn't help but think...not a bad job...for a bunch of amateurs!

This summer we also observed another type of amateur =
competition..."Field Day."  Heard (far too often) was: "Good Luck in the =
Contest!"  We wonder...just what in the Wide, Wide World of Sports does =
"luck" have to do with EMCOMM?  Being a skilled operator has nothing to =
do with "luck."  It does have a lot to do with effort, learning standard =
and proficient operating procedures and honing those skills by =
participating in nets that know and practice correct operating =
procedures.

Just seeing how many contacts you can make or how many points you can =
post or how many rules and procedure violations you can rack up, once a =
year in a contest, is worth...well...ZERO.  Proficient emcomm operators =
are a result of year-round training, study, preparedness, practice, hard =
work, diligence and skill...not "luck!"

While we readily admit that "luck" is a significant factor in gambling, =
we wonder how many neurosurgeons, airplane pilots, or skilled =
communicators are a result of "luck".  ZERO.  Competency in ANY =
discipline is the result of study, effort, perseverance and w-o-r-k!  =
"Luck" may help someone pass a simple multiple-guess ham exam, but =
simply having an amateur radio license in your pocket does not =
automatically make you a skilled communicator. - Editor

* Jeep=AE pic at: http://www.emcomm.org:80/products (scroll down)
- ? ? ? -
GREMLINS
This summer we had a few close calls with computer failures.  While we =
try to "back up" most files, we have come to realize that the state of =
the art of the computer world is unreliable and frankly...very fragile.  =
(That's why some of us don't depend upon computer or infrastructure =
based systems for emergency communications.

If in the event we suddenly disappear, you can assume that one of these =
events occurred:
1. A major computer crash occurred and we weren't able to recover.
2. We ran low on money and got tired of funding the effort ourselves (in =
addition to doing the work.)
3. The Editor-Publisher dropped dead.

Subscriptions to EMCOMM MONTHLY are free, and EMCOMM.ORG is funded =
solely by voluntary contributions from our readers.  We accept no =
involuntary "contributions" (taxpayer/government funding) and have no =
corporate sponsors.  (We don't want any, nor the strings that come =
attached.)  Most of our costs are domain and internet service fees.  =
However, the stream has been running a little low the past year.  We are =
private (non-government, non-commercial) and funded by donations from =
emcomm operators who are concerned about preserving the ability of =
amateur radio operators to be prepared to provide skilled, accurate and =
efficient emergency communications during times of disaster or other =
events where normal channels of communication may be interrupted or =
overloaded.  If you have benefited from our efforts, and would like to =
support this work in a tangible way, you may do so by sending a check or =
money order payable to: EMCOMM.  Mail to: EMCOMM, PO Box 99, Macdoel, CA =
 96058.  Your donation is an outright gift and is NOT tax-deductible.
(SORRY - We have no PayPal=AE, credit card, or other methods to accept =
the electronic transfer of funds.)

NOTE:  If every reader were to send just ONE DOLLAR A YEAR, out =
budgetary needs would be met.  (Of course a little more would help a =
lot!)

? - ? - ?
SHORT CIRCUITS

Attention U.S. Readers:
On Thursday, September 11, 2008, an American flag should be displayed =
outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States.  =
Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag =
on this seventh anniversary of the worst attack ever on the mainland of =
the United States.  Do this honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, =
their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, =
and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our =
cherished freedoms.  People in other nations may display a U.S. flag =
beside the flag of their nation to show solidarity.

LNN - Lincoln Noon Net
Larry Jones, WB9FHP, WRRL 188, Net Manager for the CENTRAL TIME ZONE =
NOON NET (CTZNN) has announced that the net will now also be known as =
the
Lincoln Noon Net.

LNN (aka CTZNN):  MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS at 1200 CTZ on 7214 =
kHz =B1 LSB.
All emcomm stations in the Central (U.S.) Time Zone, PLUS the Eastern =
and Mountain Time Zones are invited to check in.

The LNN and the JNN (Jefferson Noon Net/1200 daily PTZ) on 7214 kHz are =
for operators who want to learn and/or practice proper net operating =
procedures and standardized traffic handling skills.  Stations in the =
MTZ (band conditions permitting) can potentially participate in both of =
these nets, and thereby provide a relay circuit between the east coast =
and the west coast on 40 meters three times a week!

It is anticipated that the LNN this eventually will become a daily =
circuit.  More about this in TRAFFIC HANDLING (below).
- ? ? ? -
MIDSOUTH TYPE I ARCT

If you are serious about emergency communications, have a technician =
class or higher amateur license, and live within 100 miles of Memphis, =
Tennessee, the Midsouth ARCT would like you to join. Our intention is to =
be able to deploy a quality Type 1 ARCT* whenever we're called upon to =
do so.

We limit the range to 100 miles of Memphis as we want to be able to =
provide all of our members opportunities to train with us.    We intend =
to conduct an exercise every 90 days, and will vary locations within =
this area to give all team members a chance to participate close to =
home.

If you're interested in being a part of this team contact Richard Webb, =
NF5B elspider@bellsouth.net and provide your amateur callsign and an =
evening telephone number where you can be reached. - Richard Webb, NF5B. =
Eads, TN

* ICS-ARCT GUIDE:  www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
  WRRL ARCT Page www.wrrl.org/arct_program/

ECS - Emergency Communication Support

Here is one of the best examples of private initiative and dedication we =
have seen!  The project was spearheaded by Bill Gabour, AB5G, AAR6AG, =
WRRL#139, of Baton Rouge, LA . Visit: www.emcomm-support.org

Bill says: "You will see a couple of 20 year old radios and RTTY =
decoders in there with the new high tech gear.  Much of the =
interoperability is a combination of equipment and human operators. The =
equipment is nothing without trained emcomm operators that understand =
the lingo of different agencies and can pass messages between them. We =
have been the regular emcomm command center for many special events such =
as the Special Olympics, Tour de Cure (100 mile bike-a-thon), Women's =
Triathlon, and many others.  We can exist with full radio operations for =
almost a three week period by cycling generator, large battery banks and =
chargers.

"This bus has taken a large part of my life over the last 2 years to =
prove that it isn't government agencies that are going to bridge the gap =
in communications. It will be the trained radio operators that once =
again become the primary communicators during disasters. I have =
supported this project with everything I have and am now in a financial =
bind that may soon end my project. Since insurance, internet satellite, =
storage fees and now $600 a tank diesel have taken their toll, this may =
be our last hurricane season due to lack of sponsors and support."

- ? ? ? -
EMCOMM EAST
 Location: St. John Fisher College, Rochester, New York
 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2008.  (Registration closes on Sunday, =
September 7, so don't delay!)
EmComm East is an amateur radio emergency communications conference, =
where amateur radio operators involved in EmComm can attend training =
sessions on technical topics, learn from served agencies, obtain VE =
testing for license upgrades, and interact with other EmComm operators =
from all over the area. Check-in begins at 8:00 AM, keynote at 9:00 AM, =
conference ends at 4:30 PM.  $30 pre-registration required, continental =
breakfast and lunch included. To register, please visit our website at =
www.emcommeast.org. - (Via Jeff Wigal, WY7Q, Emergency Coordinator, =
Monroe County, NY ARES=AE
- ? ? ? -
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Info/Home Page: http://www.ready.gov/america/npm08/index.html
List of Members: http://www.ready.gov/america/npm08/members.html
- ? ? ? -
FACTS ABOUT TERRORISM
 About 90% of all terrorist attacks are conventional, and the primary =
explosive is TNT.
 You can be a victim by location, by association, or by opportunity.
 Easy targets are vulnerable, predictable, and soft.
 Hard targets are inaccessible, observant, and aware.
 Terrorists look for highly visible targets such as large airports, =
cities, major international events, resorts and high-profile landmarks.
 Prior to an attack, terrorists try to blend into the local community.
 Most terrorists conduct rehearsals.
 Real Terrorists won't stop at hoaxes that frighten their prey.  They =
want to cause actual events, i.e. damage, destruction, and casualties. 

What can the average person do to protect themselves and others? 
 Stay aware of your surroundings.  Stay alert at all times.
 Observe and report unusual or suspicious activity to local law =
enforcement authorities when at home, at work, or when traveling. 

Examples of suspicious activities:
 The individual is loitering on, or near your property with no =
legitimate reason for being there.
 The individual just doesn't fit the location they are in either by =
dress, or behavior e.g. nervous, or constantly looking around, etc.
 An unmarked van or truck is parked in an area for an extended period =
where it should not be parked, with the driver.
 All FBI and local law enforcement officials stress over and over =
again, that they would rather respond to a false alarm called in by a =
citizen,
  than have to respond to the scene after a crime has been committed.    =

 Keep phone numbers of the FBI, and your local law enforcement =
authority together with your other emergency numbers.
? - ? - ?
FEEDBACK,  MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS

From the "HEART OF DIXIE "



Thank you very much for the fast service.  I dropped it (an order for =
our RADIOGRAM TRAINING DVD) in mail Sunday afternoon in a rural area so =
it did not hit the system until Monday PM  Love the EMCOMM MONTHLY and I =
am looking forward to the video.  I have already announced its use for =
training in Central Alabama ARES=AE and RACES when it gets revived. =
GREAT JOB! - Christopher E. Hall, KD6BOD - Autauga County EC, Secretary =
Montgomery Amateur Radio Club, Central Alabama Skywarn Net Controller, =
Central Alabama 2 meter Net Manager.

From the "GREAT LAND"


Reference N5TD's comment (June EM) about the International Distress =
Signal SOS.  I can tell you from personal experience from working at a =
coastal station that when you hear the "real thing" there is absolutely =
NO doubt about what it is.  On 500 kHz,  a distress call was usually =
preceded (if the distressed ship operator had time) by the "autoalarm" =
signal (twelve dashes, each four seconds long, transmitted in one minute =
as timed from the sweep second hand of the ship's radio room clock).

By the time the first two or three of these long dashes were heard, ALL =
activity and calling STOPPED on 500 kHz, and every operator within range =
stopped whatever he was doing and had his ears peeled for what was going =
to come next.....

The sound "DIDIDIDAHDAHDAHDIDIDIT" repeated three times ahead of the =
distress ship's call sign was ABSOLUTELY UNMISTAKABLE and invariably
sent chills up the back of your neck.

SOS was indeed a well chosen signal, similar to nothing else ever heard =
in any work in radiotelegraphy.  It served us well. - Ed  "FB" Trump, =
AL7N, Fairbanks, AK

? - ? - ?
THE EM ADVISOR
The staff of EMCOMM MONTHLY is happy to answer your questions to the =
best of our ability.  Some are "FAQs" (Frequently Asked Questions) and =
others are of a specific nature.  Each month, we will answer questions =
that may have value to other emcomm radio operators.  Technical =
questions are forwarded to our Technical Advisor, Ed Ewell, K7DXV.  =
Questions about our ARCT program or NIMS/ICS are forwarded to Jerry =
Boyd, N7WR.  Others may be forwarded to other staff members.  Questions =
regarding emcomm in general are usually handled by D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ. =
Some will wind up on our FAQ page at: http://www.wrrl.org/faq.asp

Before submitting a question, we ask our readers to check the FAQ page =
first...your question may have been asked before.  Also, please consider =
checking our site search page at: http://www.emcomm.org/search.htm  to =
see if your question may have been previously addressed in EMCOMM =
MONTHLY.  Thank you.

- ? ? ? -
Q:  I was sent to a hospital during a practice/drill.  I really found =
out what can happen when you stray from practice.  Keeping up is very =
important.

Where do I look on your site to learn by heart the NTS preamble and =
proper way to do it? - Bob Hutcherson, KO6JT, Anderson, CA
A:  A few years ago we came up with "THE TRAFFIC HANDLER'S MANTRA"  (see =
below).  It has appeared in every issue EMCOMM MONTHLY since then.
It is simply a tool to help operators remember the preamble.  BTW, the =
universal RADIOGRAM preamble is not solely the "NTS preamble".  It is =
used by N.E.T.S., and many other network that handles message traffic.  =
Of course, you could order one of our preamble rubber stamps. =
http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/  - EM


THE "TRAFFIC HANDLER'S MANTRA":
"No . Prepared . Ham . Should . Copy . Priority . Traffic . Delayed"
NUMBER . PRECEDENCE . HX (Handling Instructions) . STATION OF ORIGIN . =
CHECK . PLACE OF ORIGIN . TIME . DATE
To help you to memorize the eight parts of the preamble,  RECITE the =
"Traffic Handlers Mantra" often:
"No . Prepared . Ham . Should . Copy . Priority . Traffic . Delayed"


? - ? - ?
ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor

Back from the summer break.  For some readers actively involved in =
Emcomm in certain parts of the country it has been a busy fire season.  =
My old neighborhood near Redding, California burned for several weeks =
and the State of California used up most of its annual fire fighting =
budget in the first few weeks of the fiscal year!

A couple of changes are in store for this column.  First of all it needs =
to address issues of interest and importance to the readers of Emcomm =
Monthly.  For that to happen I need to hear from you as to the subjects =
you wished discussed.  Questions which you would like to see addressed =
in this column are perfectly welcome and are encouraged.  Second, while =
my role with the WRRL is that of ICS/ARCT Coordinator the column really =
needs to focus on a broader array of subjects than pure ICS.  That is =
particularly true since an Emcomm operator's intimate involvement in ICS =
while serving as an amateur radio communicator should be somewhat =
minimal. Please address your questions, comments and concerns to me via =
n7wr@wrrl.org


For the past few years, except for the summer break, I have been writing =
this column monthly.  That may change to every other month or even =
quarterly sometime in the future.  Whether or not it does really depends =
on two things:  how much "fodder" for discussion is submitted to me by =
EM readers (that is the big issue); how busy my schedule is with what =
pays the bills-that is, work and the ranch.  We have a couple of major =
public safety communications projects in progress at the dispatch center =
that I am responsible for and that may force me to at least temporarily =
cut back on other things.

In any event, I look forward to more reader input than has occurred in =
the past.  As they say, the "ball is in your court".  73 from NE Oregon  =

? - ? - ?
WRRL NEWS and NETS
? REGIONAL EMCOMM NETS (ALL SERIOUS EMCOMM STATIONS WELCOME):
    Pacific (and Mountain) Time Zones:  PTZNN (aka Jefferson Noon =
Net/JNN) daily at 1200 PTZ on 7214=B1 kHz (3911=B1 kHz alternate)

    Central (and Eastern) Time Zones:  CTZNN Mondays, Wednesdays and =
Fridays at 1200 CTZ  on 7214=B1 kHz
? WRRL NET on  MONDAYS on 14.280 MHz USB (Alternate: 14.270 or somewhere =
"in between.")
   2000Z (SUMMER) 2100Z (WINTER)
? WRRL STATION MAP UPDATE
   Map showing the location of WRRL stations can be viewed at: =
http://www.wrrl.org/map
? - ? - ?
TRAFFIC HANDLING

"For want of a letter, a word was lost.
             For want of a word, a message was lost.
                         For want of a message, a life was lost."
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"Record Message Traffic, by skilled operators, and by RADIO (only)!"   =
It's about Dependability, Accuracy and Accountability!

NET and TRAFFIC HANDLING



LINCOLN NOON NET - LNN (CTZNN)
(Repeated from above)
Larry Jones, WB9FHP, WRRL 188, Net Manager for the CENTRAL TIME ZONE =
NOON NET (CTZNN) has announced that the net will now also be known as =
the:
Lincoln Noon Net.  The LNN (aka CTZNN) is on:
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS at 1200 CTZ on 7214 kHz =B1 LSB.
All emcomm stations in the Central (U.S.) Time Zone, PLUS the Eastern =
and Mountain Time Zones are invited to check in.

The LNN and the JNN (Jefferson Noon Net/1200 daily PTZ) on 7214 kHz are =
for operators who want to learn and/or practice proper net operating =
procedures and standardized traffic handling skills.  Stations in the =
MTZ (band conditions permitting) can potentially participate in both of =
these nets, and thereby provide a relay
circuit between the east coast and the west coast on 40 meters three =
times a week!   It is anticipated that the LNN will eventually become a =
daily circuit.

- ? ? ? -

PREPARE YOURSELF AND AVOID SOUNDING LIKE AN UNTRAINED OPERATOR:

1. REVIEW: OPERATING PROCEDURES:  www.wrrl.org/operating

2. TAKE THE TRAFFIC HANDLER'S CHALLENGE AT:  http://www.emcomm.org/thc


3. CONSIDER OBTAINING SOME TRAFFIC HANDLER'S SUPPLIES:
    RADIOGRAM PREAMBLE "strips" - PDF printable sheet with 10 of these =
"cut 'n paste" strips is now available at: =
http://www.emcomm.org/files/preamble.pdf
    PREAMBLE RUBBER STAMP - Instantly adds RADIOGRAM PREAMBLE to an =
ICS-213 or plain paper: http://www.emcomm.org:80/products
    MESSAGE SERVICE CROSS RUBBER STAMP - Use on plain paper RADIOGRAMS =
at a radio relay station at: http://www.emcomm.org:80/products
    Additional pictures at: =
http://www.emcomm.org/products/images/stamp_impression.jpg and =
http://www.emcomm.org/products/images/radiogram1.jpg
? - ? - ?
THE "TRAFFIC HANDLER'S MANTRA"  (Recite often to help remember the eight =
parts in preamble):
"No . Prepared . Ham . Should . Copy . Priority . Traffic . Delayed"
NUMBER . PRECEDENCE . HX (Handling Instructions) . STATION OF ORIGIN . =
CHECK . PLACE OF ORIGIN . TIME . DATE

To help you to memorize the eight parts of the preamble,  RECITE the =
"Traffic Handlers Mantra" often:
"No . Prepared . Ham . Should . Copy . Priority . Traffic . Delayed"

ASSESS your current traffic handling skill.  Take the "TRAFFIC HANDLER'S =
CHALLENGE" at: www.emcomm.org   (main page)

? - ? - ?
NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE  (N.E.T.S.)

The NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE uses designated watch and calling =
frequencies.   Public service amateur radio operators everywhere are =
invited to monitor these frequencies whenever possible.  But when =
disasters or other incidents occur, emcomm operators are asked to warm =
up their radios and "light up" the NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC =
SERVICE..."24/7".  Active operators know which bands are most likely to =
be "open" depending upon the time of day, season, etc.

During disasters and for other emergencies, the frequencies are "open =
nets".  When traffic becomes heavy, they will become "command and =
control" frequencies with a net control station "triaging traffic" and =
directing stations with traffic to another (traffic) frequency.  (At =
least 5 kHz away.)  Proper net procedures are essential.

NETS does not maintain regular schedules and does not handle routine =
"make work" messages such as birthday greetings, "your license is about =
to expire", "book messages", etc.  NETS is intended to supplement and =
fortify other networks by providing a vehicle for emcomm operators to =
originate, relay and deliver legal radio message traffic (i.e. - "first =
class mail") of any precedence, at any time, from and to anyone and =
anywhere--especially during disasters or other crises.  NETS stations =
will cooperate and use other networks that are known to be capable of =
accurately and efficiently handling RADIOGRAMS.

NATIONAL EMCOMM TRAFFIC SERVICE (NETS) WATCH . MONITOR . CALLING . =
TRAFFIC FREQUENCIES
All listed frequencies (except 60 meters) are nominal.  Actual nets may =
be up or down as much as 20 kHz
SSB:
   1982 kHz

   3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
   5332 kHz "Up" to other 60M channels as necessary. 50W maximum ERP. =
(Activated during actual incidents.)
   7214 kHz
 14280 kHz
 ALASKA ONLY: 5167.5 kHz (USB emergency traffic only)

CW:
   1911 kHz
   3540 kHz
   3911 kHz RADIO RESCUE (SSB and CW)
   7111 kHz
 10119 kHz

 14050 kHz
 ALASKA - 3540/7042/14050 kHz
 GULF STATES (LA, MS, TX, AL) - 7111 kHz 1100Z-2300Z / 3570 kHz =
2300Z-1100Z


  During EMERGENCIES: 7111 kHz daytime,  3570 kHz nighttime.
  (Times approximate depending on band conditions and changes in =
sunrise/sunset.)


VHF/UHF FM
 LOCAL EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 146.55 MHz
 RED CROSS EMCOMM SIMPLEX - 147.42 MHz
 NATIONAL CALLING SIMPLEX - 146.52 MHz 

Frequencies listed may be on or near other established net frequencies.

As a matter of operating courtesy, always move up or down a few kHz to =
avoid QRM when a frequency is in use.
? - ? - ?
"SHOW US YOUR SHACK"
 "SHOW US YOUR SHACK" is at: http://www.emcomm.org/em/shacks
 Send a picture of you AND your shack (all in one frame and in JPG or =
JPEG format) to: k6soj@wrrl.org
? - ? - ?
FEATURE SECTION

The Station Log
By D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ - An EM basic studies training module.

"If you're not keeping score, you're just practicing" - Vince Lombardi

It's "back-to-school" time for most youngsters (and some oldsters).  =
Spiral bound note books, clipboards, yellow legal pads (the "universal =
form"), pens, pencils, rulers, and just about everything else you need =
for the clerical side of operating an emcomm station are on sale at this =
time of year.  I recently bought twenty 8x10", college ruled, spiral =
bound notebooks for 10=A2 each!  This is a good time to all serious =
operators to take advantage and "stock up" for the year.

Many of our EM readers will recall the time when there was more to =
obtaining an amateur radio license than just memorizing some simple =
answers and taking a multiple-guess quiz.  When I first became =
interested in ham radio, one was required to learn basic electronics =
theory, know and practice some basic shop skills, learn basic operating =
procedures, be able to send and receive the Morse code at least 5 wpm, =
and know the FCC rules and regulations.

This was when taking "shop classes" (industrial arts) did not indicate =
that you were a "slow student" or a "juvenile delinquent."  By the time =
I started my junior year of high school, I had taken one semester each =
of metal shop, wood shop, electric shop and mechanical drawing, plus two =
semesters of basic electronics!  Of course, these were all "electives."  =
A year of Latin, Spanish or French, plus two years of English and =
algebra, a year of geometry, U.S. History and "civics" were all required =
for HS graduation.  And we did this all without computers!  But I =
digress....

One of the FCC requirements was that all amateur stations maintain, and =
keep a station log.  But that requirement, and well as the other =
aforementioned skills,  has gone the way of the proverbial Dodo bird.  =
(Raphus cucullatus)

Most DXers and contesters today still keep meticulous station records.  =
And so should emcomm radio amateurs!  Granted, the station log =
requirement would be next-to-impossible to comply with in today's world =
of "open party line" type talk on most repeaters, and is impractical for =
the thousands of casual contacts and the constant chatter that goes =
on...and on...and on...ad nauseum.

I keep a log of all HF (and some VHF such as 6 meter or 2 meter SSB  or =
CW) contacts.  You never know when a QSL cards will show up in your =
mailbox, and if you haven't kept a log, you will be unable to verify the =
QSO.  For casual operating (e.g.- DXing), I prefer using a commercially =
produced logbook (ARRL, Yaesu, etc.)

For public service and/or emcomm nets, I find the commercial logbooks, =
unwieldy.  (Plus they are expensive).  I have used  8" x 10" college =
ruled spiral note books, for many years and they have worked very well.  =
I make a label for the cover of each that indicates what net(s) that =
book covers and add a "from _______ to _______" place to write in the =
dates.

With a ruler and pen I draw a vertical line from the top line to the =
bottom of each page to divide it into a right and left side.  At the top =
of each page I write in the date, time, and current weather conditions =
(temperature / sky condition / wind direction and speed, and any =
precipitation over the past 24 hours.
NOTE:  You do not need an expensive state-of-the art "weather station" =
to report / record skilled observations.  A good outdoor thermometer =
(properly mounted in the shade with good air circulation), a wind sock =
or flag*, a rain gauge and/or yardstick in snow country.  To learn =
weather observation and reporting, become a NWS Weather Spotter.  =
Inquire at your nearest NOAA/NWS office.

The left margin is where I make abbreviated notations as to a station's =
current status on the net.  I indicate stations that will be relaying =
traffic from stations that are not audible at the NCS.  EXAMPLES:

L  Limited time.  (Station checked in but is not staying for the =
whole net.)
N  NEW.  (Station checking into the net for the first time.)
 OUT.  (Station has checked out before close of net.)
SEA  Seattle Relay

RNO  Reno Relay

SFO  San Francisco Relay



If a round table is implemented, I use this left margin to write in an =
Arabic number to indicate the order of stations of the "loop" or =
circuit.
NOTE: Because of propagation patterns the order of rotation is rarely in =
the same order of the check ins.

The left main column (half of the page) is for the station's call sign, =
operator's name, and location.  The right half is for additional notes =
such as weather or road condition reports, traffic /contact call =
listings, and other information or comments.  (I confess that I =
occasionally write "LID"...it makes me feel better to "vent" a little in =
private


It is YOUR log.  Develop and use what works best for you.  The only =
requirement is that YOU understand it when you refer back to it!


All serious station operators maintain:

1. A STATION LOGBOOK.
2. A MESSAGE TRAFFIC LOG (in addition to saving the RADIOGRAMS for one =
year).
3. NET LOGS (as needed)


REMEMBER: Accurate record keeping is an important part of emcomm!

* Ref. BEAUFORT WINDSPEED SCALE:  =
http://www.zetnet.co.uk/sigs/weather/Met_Codes/beaufort.htm

- ? ? ? -
=
=

EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

EMCOMM "LICENSE PLATES"

View at:  http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/
$10.00 each or 2 for $18.00 - postpaid
Or, outfit your emcomm team by ordering:
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Mail check or money order to:  EMCOMM, P.O. BOX 99, Macdoel, CA  96058

RADIOGRAM TRAINING DVD
Features D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, as the instructor.  The session was taped =
live at the U.S.F.S. facility at Redding, CA on October 29, 2005 by Paul =
Peterson (K6PTT).  As you watch it, you'll feel like you are actually in =
the classroom.  DW begins with a review of the history of communications =
beyond the horizon, followed by a thorough explanation of the "whys and =
wherefores" of basic message handling.  Essential information for all =
emcomm operators is presented in a palatable way. The video includes a =
brief overview of the ICS.  Thanks to Robert Jackson (KB6YTD) of =
Weaverville, CA, the quality is good.  Disclaimer: This is not your =
usual scripted, studio, well-rehearsed, and edited training video--it is =
raw and unedited and it includes flub-ups, bloopers, jokes, as well as =
unsolicited comments! There are a few "glitches" that could not be =
remedied; however, it is not necessary to adjust your player or TV when =
you encounter them, but rather just let the video run.  Not rated. 155 =
minutes.   $10.00 ea. and includes protective case, study and =
instructor's guide.  $5.00 for extra DVD (disc only) to same address.  =
$18.00 for two complete sets to one address.  The DVD is copyrighted.  =
Contact us for permission to copy for non-commercial use, only.
Send check payable to: EMCOMM, P. O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA  96058

MORE EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS AT:
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=

NEW SUBSCRIBERS
 Linda Lipscomb, KJ4ELL, Memphis, TN
 Clifff Dickinson, N1RCQ, Meredith, NH - ARES=AE


 Don Fuhr, W8LJ, Columbus, OH - ARES=AE
 Chuck Sprick, KE5RAD, Kingwood, TX - ARES=AE, Texas Emergency Amateur =
Communicators
 Mike Seeger, KE5PWN, Abita Springs, LA - ARES=AE
 Peter Woodward, KO7H, Oak Harbor, WA - ARRL


 Paul Yonge, W2ARK, Syracuse, NY - WRRL
 Clyde Raymer, Jr., KL=D8CW, Wasilla, AK
 Roy Dickinson, KE5PDM, Portola, CA - ARES=AE
 Richard Thompson, WA6NOL, Santa Ana, CA - ARES=AE EC


 Bruce Lerner, KC8VEB, Columbus, OH
 Craig Boutin, KG4HDR, Drayden, MD - ARES=AE, RACES
 Maarten Ouwehand, PG1N, Deil, The Netherlands - DARES


 Mona Jensen, KL2LA, Bethel, AK - ARES=AE
 Mike Wierenga, KD8HEU, Paw Paw, MI - RACES
 Bill Ross, KE5KBZ, Wynne,  AR - ARES=AE, RACES
 Michael Murdoch, K5LV, Murphy, TX - ARES=AE

 Ron Kramer, KI4YQI, Sebastian, FL - ARES=AE, Sheriff's EmComm Team
 Stuart Cleveland, N2WUP, Laurel Springs, NJ - RACES
 David VonDielingen, AD8B, Garber, OK
 Eugene Hartzll, AF6EG, Bay Point, CA


 Myrlah Olson, KD=D8EJI, Stillwater, MN
 David Delatte, AE5HH, Jackson, LA  - Civil Air Patrol
 Scott Pacheco, N7ZNW, Marysville, WA - RACES, ARES=AE
 Jim Boyce, K2XC, Keeseville, NY - RACES


 Eric Elliott, KI6IZI, San Francisco, CA - ARC
 Edward Thomas, KJ6HB, Oroville, CA - RACES
 Anthony Sandy, 9Z3AS, Trinidad and Tobago
 Bill Wallace, N1EMF, Thetford Center, VT


 Alvin  Harrow, KA7OZY, Phoenix, AZ
 Randy Ross, KI4ZJI, Earl, NC - SKYWARN
 Warren Rothberg, W4WR, Delray Beach, FL - ARES=AE, SKYWARN
 Glenn Bartlett, N3YJ, Nottingham, PA - ARES=AE


 Joshua Martin, N5VPB, Austin, TX
 Ray Mueller, AE5HN, Schertz, TX - ARES=AE
 Khazlur R. Baksh, 9Z4AF, Diego Martin, Trinidad/Tobago


 Ross Bartlett, KI6HSI, El Cajon, CA - ARES=AE
 J. Patrick Campbell, WA3UOE, State College, PA - RACES, ARES=AE
 Adolph Galonski, KC1W, Durham, ME - ARES=AE


 Larry Monroe, N2HBX, Orlando, FL - Orange County Emergency Amateur =
Radio Team
 Mike Perrier, 9Z4CO, Port of Spain, Trinidad/Tobago - Local Society =
EmComm Group (founding member.)
 Bob Willey, KD7OWN, Centralia, WA - ARES=AE


 Ted Lohr, N9WDS, Brighton, IL - CAP


 Doug Covert, KB3PRW, Smyrna, DE - ARES=AE
 James Bailey, W=D8LAS, Senath, MO
 Joe Mckenzie, W3BHE, Dunedin,  FL

 Peter M. Smith, KI4ZRW, St. Petersburg,  FL
 John Simonton, KE5ULZ, Mesquite, TX - RACES
 Jay Kessell, KC=D8UOB,  Hardenville, MO


 Melinda Dillard, KJ4FXY, Pinellas Park, FL
 Yvette Sussman, KI4KRU, Clearwater, FL - ARES=AE
 Eric Black, KD4FLM, Tampa, FL



RECENT CONTRIBUTOR$ - Thank you for your support!

(The individuals listed below have recently made monetary contributions =
to help EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG survive.)
 Alan Dixon, N3HOE, Melbourne, FL
 Vernie Neece, KD5BI, WRRL 174, Fort Worth, TX
 Jim Coulter, K7QCK, WRRL 114, Sequim, WA


EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG are private (non-government, =
non-commercial) endeavors and are funded by donations from emcomm =
operators who are concerned about preserving the ability of amateur =
radio operators to be prepared to provide skilled, accurate and =
efficient emergency communications during times of disaster or other =
events where normal channels of communication may be interrupted or =
overloaded.  If you have benefited from our efforts, and would like to =
support this work in a tangible way, you may do so by sending a check or =
money order payable to: EMCOMM.

Mail to: EMCOMM, PO Box 99, Macdoel, CA  96058.  Your donation is an =
outright gift and is NOT tax-deductible.

SORRY: We have no PayPal=AE, credit card, or other methods to accept the =
electronic transfer of funds.  "We do it the old fashioned way!"


REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION

 ICS-ARCT GUIDE:  www.emcomm.org/ARCT/
 WRRL ARCT Page www.wrrl.org/arct_program/

 TRAFFIC HANDLER'S CHALLENGE: http://www.emcomm.org/thc
 OPERATING PROCEDURES:  www.wrrl.org/operating
 PHONETICS: www.wrrl.org/operating/itu_phonetics.htm
 RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES: =
www.wrrl.org/operating/icao_radiotelephony.htm

 GEAR AND EQUIPMENT LIST: www.emcomm.org  (Click on GEAR CHECK LIST)

 FEMA TRAINING COURSES:  http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/crslist.asp =

 FEMA TRAINING COURSE IS-700 (NIMS): =
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is700.asp
 ARRL FSD-218.  The famous "pink card" that contains (almost) =
"everything you ever needed to know about RADIOGRAMS".
  An electronic version of FSD-218 is at: =
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#fsd-218
 NTS page by W7ARC: http://www.w7arc.com/nts
 NATIONAL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (NTS) Methods and Practices Guidelines: =
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nts-mpg/
 PACIFIC AREA TRAFFIC NETS:  =
http://home.earthlink.net/~k7bfl/nwnets.html
 MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NETWORK: http://mmsn.org/
 BEAUFORT WINDSPEED SCALE:  =
http://www.zetnet.co.uk/sigs/weather/Met_Codes/beaufort.htm
 NOAA/NWS WINDCHILL CHART: =
http://www.weather.gov/os/windchill/index.shtm
 STANDARD TIME ZONE SCALE:  =
http://www.travel.com.hk/region/timezone.htm
 HOSPITAL DISASTER SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM (HDSCS): =
http://members.aol.com/emcom4hosp
 U. S. AIR FORCE Search and Rescue SURVIVAL MANUAL MIRROR SIGNALING =
(AFM 64-5 Aug. 1969)
   http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Mirror_Signaling_mid.jpg

SUBSCRIBE TO EMCOMM MONTHLY  www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm   -- =
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ABOUT ADDRESS CHANGES:  Every month, a varying number of EM are returned =
as "undeliverable addressee unknown" or "rejected due to containing =
possible objectionable material".  Our very limited, all-volunteer staff =
does not have the time, energy, or desire to track down everyone who =
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If you change your email address, be sure to notify us at: =
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EMCOMM MONTHLY is originated in 10, 12, 14, and 18 point Arial font and =
transmitted in HTML format.  Occasionally, selected portions are set up =
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Upon request  EMCOMM MONTHLY will be transmitted in plain text format to =
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in HTML format.


EMCOMM MONTHLY archives:  www.emcomm.org/em

SEARCH FEATURE AT EMCOMM.ORG  www.emcomm.org


The opinions expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily =
reflect the EM philosophy, the editorial position of EM, or its staff.



ARES=AE and Amateur Radio Emergency Service=AE are registered service =
marks of the

American Radio Relay League Inc., and are used with permission.


For permission to reproduce material in EMCOMM MONTHLY
contact: D. W. Thorne at: k6soj@wrrl.org   or write:
EMCOMM MONTHLY, P.O. Box 99, Macdoel, CA  96058  U.S.A.


EM STAFF:
D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ - Editor and Publisher - k6soj@wrrl.org
Jerry Boyd, N7WR - Associate Editor and ICS Advisor - n7wr@wrrl.org

Bill Frazier, W7ARC - Associate Editor and Webmaster - w7arc@wrrl.org
Ed Ewell, K7DXV - Technical Advisor - k7dxv@wrrl.org
Ed Trump, AL7N - Traffic Editor and Alaska Correspondent - al7n@wrrl.org =

? - ? - ?


EMCOMM MONTHLY -- The Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League - =
WRRL=AE

EM is published 10 times a year (September through June) and is =
copyrighted (c) 2008 - All rights reserved.

"Reproduced courtesy of EMCOMM MONTHLY and the WRRL"
www.emcomm.org and www.wrrl.org.


