WORLDWIDE eDISPATCH - 1 NOVEMBER 2008 - 1745Z
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Dedicated to Emergency Communications by RADIO
EMCOMM  MONTHLY
Official Journal of the World Radio Relay League
www.wrrl.org
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VOL.  5 -- No. 4                   www.emcomm.org                 NOVEMBER
2008
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The EM PHILOSOPHY - Conservative or Liberal?
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
NETWORK NEWS - "N.E.T.S."
SHOW US YOUR SHACK
FEATURE - "The Green Mountain Boy Scouts"
EMCOMM SPECIALTY ITEMS - Stuff for Sale
NEW SUBSCRIBERS and CONTRIBUTORS
REFERENCE and RESOURCE SECTION
? - ? - ?
The EM PHILOSOPHY

Are you "Conservative" or "Liberal"?

The 2008 election year is one of the most important election years in the
history of the United States.  On November 4, citizen-voters will elect
local, state and national legislators and leaders.  The mass media is
flooding our eyes and ears with reports of charges, counter-charges,
speeches, reports, false reports, and explanations of the reports and the
false reports.  Campaign TV, radio and internet ads, plus millions of
placards and bumper stickers are everywhere and will remain visible long
after the polls are closed.  Whatever results,  politicians and pundits will
rehash and dissect all of this until the next election cycle begins.  But
this is the price of democracy and liberty.

We hear lots and lots of labeling.  The most common labels we hear are
liberal and conservative.  Either can be used as a compliment or an insult,
depending upon who is calling whom what.  Most people assign the term
liberal to someone who's politics lean towards "the left".  "Liberal" is a
polite way to label someone who prefers the socialist philosophy.  The term
conservative is usually the label assigned to those on "the right" who
advocate a free enterprise system, or capitalism, with less government
involvement in private business.

By definition a liberal is simply someone who wants and promotes change.
They want to try some new ways and thereby a departure from the "old ways."
A conservative is someone who wants to preserve "the old ways" and values.

Actually neither term defines any particular political philosophy.  The
terms are relative to time and place.  For example, at the time of the
American Revolution, the "founding fathers"  were very
"progressive/liberal", and the loyalists (loyal to King George) were
"conservative".   Fifty years ago, John F. Kennedy was labeled a "liberal",
but by today's standards he was quite conservative.  Another example:  In
today's world, a person in a communist state who promotes freedom, is by
definition, a liberal.  And those who want to retain totalitarianism would
be a conservatives.

Liberalism and conservatism are often related to people's ages.  Generally
speaking, younger folks are more inclined to adopt and want to try out new
ideas, trends and fashions.  On the other hand, older folks are inclined to
want to preserve the "old ways."  (The "old fogies are resistant to change"
syndrome.)  Older folks believe that with age comes knowledge, and that
knowledge + experience = wisdom.

Now (you may ask) what does all this have to do with amateur radio?  More
specifically public service and/or emcomm?  Within amateur radio there are
liberals and conservatives.  We are not addressing anyone's particular
political persuasion, but we are referencing our attitudes and convictions
regarding the amateur service.  There are those who believe (often quite
strongly) that the old ways are best and should be preserved.  This old vs.
new conflict has existed since the early days of radio.  Spark gap vs. CW.
CW vs. 'phone.  AM vs. SSB.  FM vs. digital voice.  Universal message
RADIOGRAM format vs. the ICS 213 form.  Emergency communications solely by
radio vs. emergency communications by landline and radio combined.

Label EM as conservative if you wish, but we still believe that the older,
proven methods of public service radio communications,that have stood the
test of time for decades, are worth keeping.  The older ways that were not
worth keeping fell by the wayside long ago.  They were abandoned because
they were proved to be obsolete by newer ways that clearly worked better.
The "new" ways (which are often unproven and experimental) will stand or
fall on their own.

Final thought:  "All progress is change, but not all change is progress."
We welcome progress, but change for change's sake usually means someone is
advancing a hidden agenda.- EM
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SHORT CIRCUITS


FROST FEST - Richmond, VA - Saturday, February 7, 2009
February may seem like a long way off...but time flies...and early planning
is important!  "Frost Fest"  www.frostfest.com is sponsored by The Richmond
Amateur Telecommunications Society ("RATS"), and it is held in the winter
when most other amateur radio conventions are being planned.
? - ? - ?
FEEDBACK,  MUSINGS and SPURIOUS EMISSIONS

From the Green Mountain State
"It seems to me that we have not been including the youth (the next
generation of Hams) in our articles.  In a few years we will all be silent
keys. (Cough, cough!)  We need to think about grooming the next generation
more and more. (You can tell that I must be an older codger!)  I am
including a write-up for a project we just finished with the CERT and the
Boy Scouts of America.  Their "Radio Merit Badge" and "Emergency
Preparedness Merit Badge" are a great opportunity for us to recruit and
train the next generation of personnel.  Take a look at what we did and
let's get the message out that we have to be good Elmers if we want to keep
our mission and capability alive.   The Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts are
good places to start.  There are probably hundreds of other good places
where we could offer our help and get young people interested in Amateur
Radio.  Let's do it!" - Wayne Whitelock, W1WRW, Calais, VT

COMMENT:  EM couldn't agree with you more, Wayne!  Your letter prompted me
to pull my "Official Boy Scout Signaler"off the shelf and fondly recall the
days when I was a young man.  (View at:
http://www.emcomm.org/nostalgia/nostalgia.htm )   It's too bad that the BSA
dropped Morse Code from the requirements for a "Radio Merit Badge" few years
ago.  But that notwithstanding, thank you for writing.  READERS:  Wayne's
article is published in our FEATURE section below .  - Editor
- ? ? ? -
From the mouth of the mighty Columbia River
"I was glad I was able to check into the JNN.....conditions are slowly
improving on 40..so maybe I'll get a chance to check in more often.  I
USUALLY can copy only two or three stations, so I don't stay in for the
roundtable.  I am running a TS-450S on a ground mounted 4-BTV right off my
back patio....I am living at Eagle Pointe Village, a Senior Retirement
complex, here in Cathlamet.  All nice ground floor condos, but there are
restrictions.  I got permission for this set up, but NO TOWERS OR ROOF
ANTENNAS AND ANTENNA CANNOT BE SEEN FROM FRONT OF COMPLEX (higher than roof
top), I am lucky that my back yard faces South!
My mobile rig is a IC-730 and running a Hustler RM-40...all my stations are
'barefoot'.  Anyway, wishing you the very best the upcoming Holiday
Season." - Dave Kelley, N7YBZ, Cathlamet, WA

Well, Dave, it was sure nice to hear you back on the air!  Even if you can
only copy one station in a public service net, try to stay in the net if you
have the time.  Then, if someone has traffic for your general area, or if
they need information, such as a weather or road report, it can always be
handled via a relay. - Editor
? - ? - ?
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 ordered two EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS "license plates" for my vehicle.
I am VERY PLEASED with the quality.  Where can I get some magnetic signs?
I've looked everywhere. -  Billy Joe Costiloe, N3VEF, Coraopolis, PA

A: We are glad to hear that you like our EMCOMM license plates.  Sorry, but
we don't offer any magnetic signs for sale.  Try The Sign Man at:
http://www.thesignman.com/magnetic/index.html - (Tell them EMCOMM MONTHLY
sent you.) - Editor
- ? ? ? -
Q: Subject: Antenna Analyzers.  Between the MFJ 269 and the AUTEK RF1 and/or
RF5.  From your experience with either of these, which one(s) would you now
buy.  Or is there another one that may be out there. The cost of the MFJ and
the AUTEK are about the same.  Any comments? - Jim Samuels, K6TUG, Redding,
CA

A: I have both an MFJ 259, and an AUTEK RF 1.  Have had both of them about
ten years.  I don't know how I ever got along without at least one!  The RF
1 is nice for field work since it is "pocket size" but it is a little more
tricky to use.  (I am not familiar with the RF5.)  The 259 is easier (for me
at least) to use.  I have the 259 sitting next to my transmitter connected
via a three-way co-axial switch (the other two cables going to
transmitters), and the common cable leading to a DENTRON SUPERTUNER, and
finally to a 5-pole antenna selector switch .  If I could only have one
antenna analyzer, I would choose the MFJ - Editor.

READERS:  If you have a comment or two regarding Jim's question, send it in
for later publication here.
- ? ? ? -
Q:  I have some questions concerning the comments by Ed "FB" Trump" AL7N, in
"Short Circuits" in the October issue of EM.  Ed said that he encouraged
monitoring 3540, 7042, and 14050 kHz.
1. If I was lost and came up on one of them (3540) would anyone be
listening?
2. Are those frequencies monitored in the "lower 48" also?
3. If #1 is true, do other amateur radio operators know about these
frequencies?
4. I have not been able to find the WRRL Monday net.  I have listened 20 kHz
on either side of 14280.  I have tried the last three weeks. Am I missing
something?
5. I have not heard any traffic on JNN.  Do you send stations with traffic
off freq. to pass it?  If so, how far away to you send them?

(Re. QSH - October) I do not have keys mounted on anything unusual except
for a piece of 3/4 inch ceramic floor tile that I used when I was in Mexico
for 18 months. It was the only thing I could find that was heavy enough to
keep the key from bouncing.

I sat inn the air-to-ground communications station in Rota Spain for three
years (late fifties and early sixties) while in the Navy. When CW went out,
they closed my position down and I took my key and I still have it. It is
mounted on the floor tile. The Airedales (radio operators in planes) were
terrible on sending and I criticized them all the time. I have one of their
keys that clips on my leg. I now know why their sending was so bad. I feel
terrible about my criticism. - Gary Parr, K7ZNP, Enterprise, OR

A:  Thanks, Gary.  Your questions are all valid.  I'll try to answer them
one by one.
1. If you were in Alaska, there is a high probability that someone would
hear your signal.  (Of course, if you called on  20 meters your signal might
be heard anywhere.)  We have no way to know how many stations might be
monitoring at any given time.  But no matter how many there may be, it is
safe to say there aren't enough amateurs who keep their receiver(s) on and
set on one (or more) of the listed calling frequencies while they are in the
shack, office or workshop.  NOTE: Anyone transmitting a distress call should
be ready to provide their position (location)* and other pertinent
information.

2. EM and WRRL are doing all we can to promote public service and
monitoring. In the "lower 48," we advocate/promote the frequencies published
every month (see below).  And if our efforts save one life...it is worth it.

3. Unfortunately, no.  Or, at the best..."not many."  Of course, EM readers
are aware, but these frequencies (and radio monitoring in general), are not
widely promoted by other publications.  What's worse, the majority of radio
amateurs aren't interested in any of this.  Amateur radio has become "only a
hobby" for most hams...and for many, it is little more than "yak-yak-yak,
ratchet jaw,  CB."  Years ago...the ARRL promoted monitoring designated HF
calling frequencies (both CW and 'phone), and published them every month in
QST.  But that was all dropped many years ago.

4. The WRRL net is at 2000Z on Mondays on 14.280 MHz and down as needed (in
3 kHz increments).  When 14.280 is occupied, we usually are on 14.277.
Participation has been low lately due to poor band conditions, and many
operators won't participate if they cannot hear all (or most) stations.
Many fail to realize that they only need to be in contact with one net
station to be in a net and be of potential value as a contact point for
their area, or a relay.  (Of course it is always nice when "everyone can
hear everyone else.")

I am hoping that when conditions improve, we will have more serious
operators in our scheduled nets.  Curious hobby operators drop in often, but
usually only take up time and are of little value to a public service net.
Some ask for a "radio check."  (Of course, neither I nor anyone else has any
way to "check their radio,"  but we will usually be able to provide a signal
report (the proper term) as time and conditions permit.  I invite them to
come back (unless they are a full-blown lid)...but when most learn that we
are a public service net, they steer clear.  I guess they have forgotten (if
they ever knew) what the Basics and Purpose (FCC Part 97.1) of the amateur
service is...or at least is supposed to be.

5.  We haven't had any actual third party message traffic on the JNN in over
a month.  We used to have more, but with email so popular, easy, and
convenient these days...don't expect much.  Of course when the
infrastructure (email, telephone, etc.) breaks down we will have plenty.
The question then will be "how ready will hams be to handle formal message
traffic?"  Unfortunately, I think I know the answer.

When I get a traffic listing on the JNN, I may or may not move the traffic
off frequency.  This is at the discretion of the NCS.  If it is R or W, I
will usually ask all stations to standby until end of net, and invite all
stations to copy the message (for practice).  They also may be needed for
relay.

In a busy EMCOMM net, the traffic should be moved to another (designated)
frequency.  Usually up or down at least 5 kHz.

Finally, I have one of those J-45 aeronautical mobile hand keys this is
mounted on a spring-steel "thigh clamp."  It was obviously design to fit
young (read thin) men!  Mine feels more like a tourniquet!  :-)   Send a
picture of your hand key affixed to a chunk of the Mexican tile if you
can. - Editor

* Ref. RETRO REVIEW: "What is your Location?" - EM December 2005
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2005/december2005.htm
Also RETRO REVIEW: "Sending: POSN" - EM January 2006
http://www.emcomm.org/em/2006/january2006.htm
? - ? - ?
ICS PERSPECTIVES
By Jerry Boyd, N7WR, Associate Editor and ICS Advisor

A reader indicated that his county has decided to adopt an ICS-based
organizational structure for its RACES program and wonders how to make that
successful given the fact that most of their RACES personnel are of the
frame of mind that they don't need to practice, but "will be there to help
if something happens".

We are actually dealing with two separate issues here.  A number of amateur
radio Emcomm groups have adopted the ICS organizational model and it is
something I have discussed in the past both here and in my former WorldRadio
column.  The ICS structure (Operations, Planning, Logistics and Finance)
makes sense though the finance part may not be particularly relevant to many
Emcomm organizations.

It isn't the structure or organizational model that is at issue here.
Emcomm organizations, whether they use the ICS organizational model or not,
can be successful but not unless on-going training is part of the equation.
To expect volunteers of any sort to be proficient in an emergency without
familiarization with equipment set-up and use, without traffic handling
proficiency, and without on-going "practice" working within whatever
organizational structure is in place is to expect the impossible.  If the
current organizational model (non-ICS) is not producing trained and properly
equipped Emcomm operators, a switch to an ICS-based structure will not, in
and of itself, have any different outcome.

To be good at anything (communicating, target shooting, bowling, baseball,
etc.) requires practice.  The real decision is not whether to be ICS-based
or not.  The real decision is whether or not the group wants to be good at
what they do and, if so, whether they are willing to devote the effort
necessary to attain that.

73 from NE Oregon de N7WR

? - ? - ?
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 kHz (3911 kHz alternate)
Central (and Eastern) Time Zones:  CTZNN Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
at 1200 CTZ  on 7214 kHz
? WRRL NET on  MONDAYS on 14.280 MHz USB (Alternate: 14.270 or somewhere "in
between.")
2000Z (When on Daylight Saving Time) and 2100Z (When on Standard Time)
? 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) M-W-F
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS at 1200 CTZ on 7214 kHz  LSB.
All emcomm stations in the Central (U.S.) Time Zone, PLUS the Eastern and
Mountain Time Zones are invited to check in.

JEFFERSON NOON NET - JNN (PTZNN) DAILY
DAILY at 1200 PTZ on 7214 kHz  LSB.  (3911 kHz alternate)
Stations in the MTZ (and CTZ if the band is very long) are also welcome!

The LNN and the JNN 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.

? - ? - ?
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

EM EXCLUSIVE
"THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOY SCOUTS"
by Wayne Whitelock, W1WRW, Calais, VT

A Joint Emergency Communications Demonstration by the Green Mountain Council
of the Boy Scouts of America Jubilee at Plymouth State Park Camp, Vermont,
VEM/CERT Emergency Preparedness, RACES and ARES.
October 3-5, 2008

After several days of preparation and coordination, Wayne Whitelock (W1WRW)
and Julie Benedict (AHSVD, LEPC#5) signed on with the VEM (Vermont Emergency
Management) State Duty officer at 08:00 hrs, Friday, 10/3/08 and proceeded
to move the LEPC#5 (Local Emergency Planning Commission #5) CERT Trailer
from Berlin to the Camp Plymouth State Park, in Plymouth, Vermont.  There we
set up Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Communications literature,
displays, and a hands-on Merit Badge area where scouts of all ages could
work on their Emergency Preparedness and Radio Merit Badge requirements.
After becoming functional, we monitored all the published RACES/VEM
frequencies starting about 16:00 hrs. We checked in on the Green Mountain
net at 17:00 hrs. and found good coverage from the signal reports both in VT
and as far away as PA and NY.  The IC 706MKIIG with the AH-4 proved to be an
excellent HF (and VHF/UHF) system for mobile/emergency use.

At 09:00 hrs on Saturday, 10/4/08 the scouts descended on us after finishing
their breakfast meals.  We experienced a steady stream of Cub, Boy, Pioneer,
Explorer, and Eagle Scouts as well as an appropriate and matching number of
Troop Leaders, Council Executives, Staff, and parents throughout the day.
Everything went well.  Then about lunch time, a VNG (Vermont National Guard)
Medical Evacuation Helicopter (Blackhawk) started circling the assembly area
and everyone assembled with flags and banners as it landed. The Governor
arrived and over 2,000 attendees rounded out a rousing "Adopt a Park" speech
by the Governor with the singing of "God Bless America."  It was a moving
and appropriate experience for any American.

We continued throughout the afternoon following the ceremony until we
finally had to send scouts back to their troops for dinner.  I estimate we
had over 400 scouts participate in the activities we set up.  Many of the
scouts made contacts all over the country on 20, 40, and 80 meters. We used
the Motorola special events station in Orlando Florida for several contacts
as they were delighted to help the scouts get their Radio Merit Badges which
required an actual QSL.  Throughout the day the signal reports were 5/9 and
the literature was snatched up as fast as we could put it out.  That and
warm sunshine made for a perfect day.  I guess all's well that ends well!

One of the most popular activities was the enactment of a mock "incident" in
which we used the 146.490 FM simplex frequency to provide "field reports"
back to the "Command Trailer" from scout teams sent into the woods with hand
held transceivers.  They did everything from inspecting the lake level and
reporting the temperature to counting the number of cars in the front
parking area - anything to lead an expedition and report back by radio.  Not
only did they learn radio procedures (or at least something like it), but
they got lots of exercise and had fun.  Simultaneously, the HF rig was in
full use, so it was a very realistic introduction to the atmosphere of
Emergency Communications.

One of the most important aspects of the demo was the coordination it took
to get everyone on the same sheet of music.  The original request for a "Ham
Radio Station" came to Tom Long (KB1NGQ) and was brought to CVARC (Central
Vermont Amateur Radio Club), the LEPC#5, and VEM to see if this would be a
good opportunity to help scouts throughout the state and their Troop Leaders
learn more about Emergency Communications.  All three organizations were
enthusiastic about the idea. The LEPC#5 supported it and endorsed it.  Rob
Schell (KA1ZPI) at VEM also endorsed it and said it could be done under the
State of Vermont  as a CERT activity.  Many CVARC members (three months out)
said they would help out. Response was particularly good after the following
note was run in CVARC's QFQ, the monthly Newsletter.

HAM Radio volunteers needed on October 3,4,and 5, 2008 at the Plymouth State
Park in Plymouth, Vermont.

Under the sponsorship of Vermont Emergency Management (VEM), through the
Local Emergency Planning Commission #5 (LEPC#5), Members of the Central
Vermont Amateur Radio Club (CVARC) and the Washington County Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) will join to provide a demonstration of the
communications and community service resources available at times of
disaster through the use of the new CERT Disaster Communications Trailer as
part of the Radio Amateur Communications Emergency Services (RACES) and
Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) networks.

The demonstration will be held in cooperation with the Green Mountain
Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Scouting Jubilee, on October
3,4,and 5, 2008 at the Camp Plymouth State Park in Plymouth Vermont.  Cub
Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers, and scout leaders from throughout Vermont
will be given the opportunity to experience hands-on Amateur Radio and
Emergency Communications activities, both as part of their Badge programs
and as an orientation to emergency radio communications.  We will be
operating on HF, VHF, and UHF bands.

We need licensed Hams to help run the program.  Transportation and food will
be reimbursed by VEM through their CERT Training and Outreach Program.
Responders will be covered by the VEM as deployed personnel because the CERT
demonstration deployment has been authorized by VEM. You status will be
logged in with the VEM Duty Officer while you are on duty as a volunteer.
Please see attached flyer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Coordination continued with the BSA leadership in Waterbury.  JudithChristensen, David Osborne, and Robert Byrne all helped provide informationon requirements and sample worksheets for the various BSA Merit Badges.John Malinowski (K1JCM) provided detailed information on his previousactivities with the BSA Radio Merit Badge program and much appreciatedpractical advice. Bob Allen (KB1FRW) helped with the processing of the RadioMerit Badge paperwork.  Unfortunately, the RACES annual conference wasscheduled for the same date, so most of the Saturday contingent were calledby other duties; however, there were enough willing hands and helping heartsto make everything flow nicely.The day was done.  It was time to pack up and go home.  The Trailer wasreturned to Berlin.  A late snack and a final report to the VEM Duty Officerto clear the operation marked the last official activities

 of the project.After sleeping in the trailer, boy did a real bed at home feel good!  Ithought to myself, we planted a flag today!  We invited the youth of ourstate to join us in Emergency Communication and Disaster Preparedness.  Wedid a good thing.  I hope we encouraged the next generation of Hams.  If wedid, it was a day well spent.I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to JulieBenedict, Judith Christensen, David Osborne, Bernard Byrne, John Malinowski(K1JCM), Rob Schell (KA1ZPI), and Tom Long (KB1NGQ) for their efforts onbehalf of the Boy Scouts of America Disaster Preparedness and EmergencyCommunications Demo held on October 3-5 at the Camp Plymouth State Park,Vermont.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Editor's note:  To read about the original "Green Mountain Boys" go to:http://americanrevwar.homestead.com/files/allen.htm- ? ? ? -======================================================EMCOMM SPECIALTY 

PRODUCTSEMCOMM "LICENSE PLATES"View at:  http://www.emcomm.org:80/products/$10.00 each or 2 for $18.00 - postpaidOr, outfit your emcomm team by ordering:10 for $70.00 - postpaid (shipped to one address)Mail check or money order to:  EMCOMM, P.O. BOX 99, Macdoel, CA  96058RADIOGRAM TRAINING DVDFeatures D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, as the instructor.  The session was taped liveat 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 theclassroom.  DW begins with a review of the history of communications beyondthe horizon, followed by a thorough explanation of the "whys and wherefores"of basic message handling.  Essential information for all emcomm operatorsis presented in a palatable way. The video includes a brief overview of theICS.  Thanks to Robert Jackson (KB6YTD) of Weaverville, CA, the quality isgood.  Disclaimer: This is not your usual scripted, studio, well-rehearsed,and edited training video--it is raw a

nd 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 yourplayer 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 andinstructor'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  96058MORE EMCOMM SPECIALTY PRODUCTS AT:http://www.emcomm.org:80/products======================================================NEW SUBSCRIBERS. Cindy Chambers, KC5WVL, Little Rock, AR - ARES. Jim Larsen, AL7FS, Anchorage, AK - ARES. Doug Paris, N4TGO, Colorado Springs, CO - ARES. Howard Collier, WB5EKW, Abilene, TX - ARES, RACES. Wayne Morgan, N4RAW, Gardendale, AL. Jesse Walker, KE7WAK, Logan, UT. Rodn

ey Cunningham, KD5BLE, North Richland Hills, TX - ARES, RACES. Tony Langer, W9AL, North Judson, IN - ARES. Rick Hockridge, K8WZS, Manton, MI. Charles Morse, KB1PYH, Nashua, NH - ARES. Dave Pflaum, KB1LDM, Litchfield, NH - ARES. Warren "TR" Reese, WB6TMY, Eureka, CA - NCN NTS. Marc Duncan, KJ4GKJ, Raleigh, NC. Bill Hammerman, KI6GOO, Petaluma, CA - Sonoma County ACS. Nicholas Iula, KJ4AOP, Palm Coast, FL - ARES, SKYWARN, FECA. John Basilotto, W5GI, Austin, TX. Ed Simko, K7EJS, Phoenix, AZ - ARES, CERT. Jos A. Vazquez, N6VUY, Ventura, CA - ARES, ACSRECENT CONTRIBUTOR$ - Thank you for your support!(The individuals listed below have recently made monetary contributions tohelp EMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG survive.). Hyrum Huskey, Jr., KB1KRS, Turners Falls, MAEMCOMM MONTHLY and EMCOMM.ORG are private (non-government, non-commercial)endeavors and are funded by donations from emcomm operators who areconcerned about preserving the ability of amateur radio operators to beprepared to pr

ovide skilled, accurate and efficient emergency communicationsduring times of disaster or other events where normal channels ofcommunication may be interrupted or overloaded.  If you have benefited fromour efforts, and would like to support this work in a tangible way, you maydo so by sending a check or money order payable to: EMCOMM.Mail to: EMCOMM, PO Box 99, Macdoel, CA  96058.  Your donation is anoutright gift and is NOT tax-deductible.SORRY: We have no PayPal, credit card, or other methods to accept theelectronic 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 TRA

INING 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) "everythingyou 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://www.hdscs.org. U. S. AIR FORCE Search and Rescue SURVIVAL MANUAL MIRROR SIGNALI

NG (AFM64-5 Aug. 1969)   http://www.emcomm.org/drawings/Mirror_Signaling_mid.jpgSUBSCRIBE TO EMCOMM MONTHLY  www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm   -- IMPORTANT:Many internet service providers (ISPs) are installing "SPAM filters" intheir system that may block EMCOMM MONTHLY both inbound or outbound (if youtry to forward it to someone).  To ensure that you receive EM and SPECIALBULLETINS add: @cot.net, @wrrl.org, and @emcomm.org to your "Whitelist" withyour ISP.  Contact your ISP if you have any questions.ABOUT ADDRESS CHANGES:  Every month, a varying number of EM are returned as"undeliverable addressee unknown" or "rejected due to containing possibleobjectionable material".  Our very limited, all-volunteer staff does nothave the time, energy, or desire to track down everyone who changes theiremail address and forgets to notify us.  Also, if a subscriber installs a"spam filter" or a "parental control device" and neglects to tell the filterthat it's "OK to let  EM  pass through", we do not ha

ve time or patience tojump through secret hoops, or solve puzzles, to allow us to send email toyou.If you change your email address, be sure to notify us at:www.emcomm.org/subscription.htm  .. that is, if you want to continue toreceive EM.EMCOMM MONTHLY is originated in 10, 12, 14, and 18 point Arial font andtransmitted in HTML format.  Occasionally, selected portions are set up inthe Lucida Console font.  HOWEVER...we have received a few reports that onsome computer screens...EM appears unformatted in Plain Text or FUBAR.("Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition.")  If this happens to you, you canalways view EM, as it is intended to appear, at: www.emcomm.org/emUpon request  EMCOMM MONTHLY will be transmitted in plain text format tovisually impaired subscribers who use an email-to-audio conversion program,and/or other subscribers whose computers do not process email in HTMLformat.EMCOMM MONTHLY archives:  www.emcomm.org/emSEARCH FEATURE AT EMCOMM.ORG  www.emcomm.orgThe opinions expressed by 

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ARES and Amateur Radio Emergency Service are registered service marks of
theAmerican Radio Relay League Inc., and are used with permission.
For permission to reproduce material in EMCOMM MONTHLY
contact: D. W. Thorne
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EMCOMM MONTHLY, P.O. Box 99,
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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 -WRRLEM is published 10 times a year (September through June) and is copyrighted(c) 2008 - All rights reserved.- ? - ?    ? - ? ?


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