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CX2SA > ARES 17.08.10 06:20l 425 Lines 22304 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: ARES E-Letter August 11, 2010
Path: IZ3LSV<IZ0AWG<IW8PGT<CX2SA
Sent: 100817/0409Z @:CX2SA.LAV.URY.SA #:14081 [Minas] FBB7.00e $:ARES08112010
From: CX2SA@CX2SA.LAV.URY.SA
To : ARES@WW
The ARES E-Letter for August 11, 2010
Editor: Rick Palm, K1CE
The View from Flagler County
----------------------------
It was a personal pleasure and privilege to check into the inaugural VHF FM
net of our renewed ARESİ program, under the leadership of new EC Robbie
Creal, KG4HUF. The net was held on a new repeater system donated to the
county's emergency management agency by the new ARESİ group. The new
repeater and tower/antenna is sited on the campus of the EOC.
______
The huge Florida State EOC in Tallahassee is now D-STAR capable. The EOC
station KA4EOC monitors K4WAK port B. As in the past, State EOC managers
have requested that the ARRL Northern Florida Section Manager or his
designate serve as gateway between the FEOC and other ARESİ assets in the
region during emergency or disaster situations. When necessary or requested,
the Northern Florida Section Manager or his designate will be stationed at
the facility in Tallahassee to perform this liaison duty. The current SM is
Paul Eakin, KJ4G, who maintains close contact with the EOC on a daily basis,
especially now as we approach the crux of hurricane season.
______
For up-to-date, state-of-the-art D-STAR and networking information and
resources drafted by people who are actually doing the real work in the
field, one of the finest Web/blog sites I have seen is the NE-FL D-STAR
System, the "Journal of the North East Florida D-STAR Repeater System,"
which also serves as the platform for ARESİ information and updates. Readers
will find a bounty of information on D-STAR applications, ranging from basic
programming of radios to the latest on networking digital repeaters,
including both software and hardware issues. You will also find tips and
resources, news and updates on current emergency management communications
issues, tools and developments. Check it out - it is superb.
______
In This Issue:
The View from Flagler County
FCC Modifies Rules to Allow Limited Employee Participation in Disaster and
Emergency Drills
ARESİ: 75 Years!
Tips: Depictionİ Software
Letters
EmComm East, September 18: Rochester, New York
Bike MS-150 Northeast Florida: October 2-3, 2010
EMCOMM "Jump Team" Competition in Texas
Hernando County, Florida: EmComm Training Class a Success
NIMS Compliance for Nebraska Responders
Tip: D-RATS Looks Good for ARES Applications
K1CE For a Final
______
FCC Modifies Rules to Allow Limited Employee Participation in Disaster and
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Emergency Drills
----------------
In a Report and Order released Wednesday, July 14, the FCC amended Part
97.113 to allow amateurs to participate without an FCC waiver in
government-sponsored disaster preparedness drills on behalf of their
employers participating in the exercise. The FCC also has amended the rules
to allow employees to participate in non-government drills and exercises up
to one hour per week and up to two 72 hour periods during the year. The
effective date of the R&O is September 3. Read more here. - ARRL Letter
ARESİ: 75 Years!
----------------
The ARRL Public Relations Committee has noted that the 75th anniversary of
the creation of ARESİ will be next month (September). Over the past months
the committee has discussed this milestone and opportunity, and is
developing a publicity and recruitment campaign.The goal is to increase
awareness of radio amateurs' spirit of volunteerism. While there will be
acknowledgement of past events, the focus will be on the present and future.
The PRC noted that "despite all of the investment made by government
agencies, the volunteer assets of ARESİ are still called on for
communications and other support, especially during the first 48 hours of a
crisis. Operators provide communications, information and technical skills
when other systems are down or overloaded."
The ARESİ community will be celebrating its 75th anniversary from September
through December 2010. The first mention of an organized Amateur Radio
emergency response organization appears in the September 1935 issue of QST
Magazine. A September launch has the benefit of other related national
campaigns such as National Preparedness Month and also is the height of
hurricane season. The length of the campaign would be expected to be four
months, but if successful can continue. The ARRL Marketing Department is
planning for the sale of commemorative items including T-shirts, hats, and
challenge coins. Packets with ideas and promotional materials will be mailed
to every PIC (or SM if there is no PIC) for distribution to local PIOs in
the area. Logo and more info. -- Allen G. Pitts, W1AGP, ARRL Media and
Public Relations Manager
Tips: Depictionİ Software
-------------------------
Depictionİ software is currently in use by northeastern Florida ARESİ
leadership for the planning, deployment and execution of ARESİ assets,
events and exercises. Depictionİ provides planners with a full graphical
display of the event shown on a single screen, including the planning,
deployment and execution phases. The display screen changes and updates as
elements of the event change and resources are moved or advanced.
In a single screen, users can track assets along a Depictionİ drawn route in
real time while monitoring live weather conditions, and sending and
receiving live reports among one another. A feature enables updating
Depictionİ screens from remote locations.
Depictionİ can also serve as a database for a group's members and resources.
A single click on an icon representing a location will reveal the assigned
operators, their personal information and the equipment available at that
location.
Depictionİ uses information available free from the public domain to display
such items as weather radar, elevation data and a multitude of maps
including roadmaps, topographical and aerial maps. The depictions that can
be built can be placed over any of these maps at a single click. Depictionİ
will read and display GIS data that is available publicly on the Internet
for states and counties including locations of EOCs, schools, shelters,
police and fire stations. Tower site locations can be displayed and the
software can even draw "lines of site" data for a given antenna on that
tower. Depictionİ can also display graphical representations of flooding
based on user-defined information.
In Northeastern Florida, ARESİ leaders are currently using Depictionİ to
help develop the plan for their upcoming MS-150 bike event. They are also
importing data on local ARESİ personnel and resources into Depictionİ for
future events and activations.
Depictionİ can also be used for drafting your own personal emergency plans
at home. For more information: Depiction. Information specifically for radio
amateurs can be found here. -- Journal of the North East Florida D-STAR
Repeater System, NE-FL D-STAR System
Letters
-------
Bike MS-150 Support
I read with interest your description of the support for the MS-150 in your
July issue of the ARESİ E-Letter. In Arizona, we have been supporting the
MS-150 (now called Bike MS) for over 20 years. In years past, it wasn't
uncommon to have 80-100 hams on a linked repeater net stretching from
Phoenix to the Colorado River (~150 miles with 4-5 linked repeaters). The
current event still spans 100+ miles, but is in a large loop. You are
correct: It is a significant effort to adequately support this ride, and as
a result, many changes were implemented locally.
In an effort to bridge all area clubs, a new organization was formed: the
Maricopa County Emergency Communications Group. This group's purpose was to
include all clubs and provide a place for service-minded hams to come and
exercise their need to use their radios for the good of the community.
Second, it led to the creation of an acclaimed training program, which has
drawn participants from the entire state and even Canada. The training class
is offered annually. The class materials include a 50-page public service
manual, as well as copies of the multiple PowerPoint slide decks. Students
receive all written materials, but are required to bring a VHF hand-held for
a hands-on learning experience. The experience is enhanced by role-playing,
a scripted but interactive training net, group problem solving and
traditional lectures.
Event Coordinators create events on the Web site with a brief description of
the event, the number of hams needed, and when the event goes "live" about
60 days in advance, registered hams can sign up to work the event(s). The
Web site will stop accepting volunteers when the limit is reached, and
should someone cancel, it will reopen automatically.
The MCECG has more than 500 members with 350 who have worked an event in the
last two years. One to two hams are registered per month, and we support
more than two dozen events each season. New hams are also encouraged to
participate in the Arizona Emergency Net-Maricopa where they can hone their
communications skills.
We support Runs, Walks, Bike Rides, Marathons, Triathlons, Mountain Bike
Races, and, of course, disasters and emergencies. Our group has supported
events in the Greater Phoenix area, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and
Mexico in the last decade. MCECG has developed a proficient group of hams
who are more than communicators. The MS-150 is a good example: Hams are on
their committees, run event logistics from start to finish including
directing sag, supply and re-supply operations, and act as advisers to the
event committee. We have been credited with saving life when a serious
accident occurred: We were the first on the scene to report and support the
rescue operation (including a helicopter landing zone, and managing both
ends of the traffic detour). MCECG is a tremendous tool for developing
communicators who can be used in times of disaster.-- Rick Aldom, W7STS,
ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator, Arizona
https://www.az-arrl.org/secure; http://www.mcecg.net;
http://www.aen-mar.org; http://www.linkedin.com/in/rickaldom
Amateur Radio Resource Typing
Several times in the past you have placed information in your E-Letter about
Amateur Radio Resource Typing from me. The Communications Resource Functions
Guide has been updated. Additions include Basic and Specialty groupings. The
Specialty group has replaced Digital functions. The CRF-DH has been updated
to enhance the Winlink modes and to make it more user friendly for MARS. The
introduction has been rewritten as well and a distinction for Type I and
Type II is made. All of this information is located at the following:
Resource Typing.
Since over the last few years a number of groups across the country have
used this concept or a modification of it, I would like to hear from these
groups and hopefully add links to them for mutual aid resources. - John
Galvin, N5TIM, ARRL Official Emergency Station, Dallas, Texas ARES/RACES
Disaster Prep and Planning
I am not yet a member of ARESİ, but your newsletter articles gave me
valuable information and helped me plan for Hurricane Ike, so I wanted to
share some adjustments I have made for my home. Since I have a swimming pool
in my yard, I don't store as much water in bottles. Instead I keep cheese
cloth and pool shock on hand to filter and sterilize the water after a storm.
My gasoline storage is in several small cans and both vehicles. I fill them
and add stabilizer to each before a storm. Fuel stabilizer is inexpensive
and will keep the fuel usable for 3-4 months in the Texas heat.
I keep a Boy Scout Handbook or field book in my emergency box. It is one of
the best compilations of survival information. I also keep several 12-hour
glow sticks - but change them out every year. These can provide enough light
to navigate a dark room or even operate a station at night. -- Ralph E.
Phillips, P.E., KE5HDF, Mustang Engineering
More on Planning
In your discussions of personal disaster planning you forgot to mention a
large first aid kit, aspirin or Tylenol and other meds, and maybe an old set
of eyeglasses. I'm going to buy a box of trash bags today, as recommended by
Mr. Kountz, KE6GFF/T6EE, in your last issue. That was a great idea! -- Mike
Jones, KD8DLD, Michigan
EmComm East, September 18: Rochester, New York
----------------------------------------------
The third annual EmComm East emergency communications conference is an
ARRL-sanctioned Amateur Radio event where operators can attend training
sessions on technical topics, learn from served agencies, obtain VE testing
for license upgrades, and interact with other operators from all over the
country. It will be held on September 18, 2010, at St. John Fisher College,
Rochester, New York, from 8 AM to 5 PM.
The featured speaker this year will be Steve Ewald, WV1X, supervisor of the
ARRL Field Organization Team at ARRL Headquarters. Ewald is the lead staff
liaison to ARRL Section Managers and ARRL Field Organization appointees. He
edits the Public Service column in QST and helps support the ARRL efforts in
emergency and public service communications.
Register on-line at the event Web site EmComm East. A $30 registration fee
provides for continental breakfast and lunch. See you in September!
Bike MS-150 Northeast Florida: October 2-3, 2010
------------------------------------------------
The MS-150 Bike Tour - Florida will take place October 2 and 3, 2010. This
two-day event will cover three counties and involve many Amateur Radio
operators from various regional groups. See the event's MS-150 Northeast
Florida Web site.
The MS-150 organizers are partnering with northeast Florida amateurs this
year. Doug Carter, N4FPS, DEC Crown District ARESİ and Mike Lee, WB6RTH, DEC
East Coast District ARESİ are teaming their two districts to form a unique
communications structure for the entire MS-150 event. There will be a
seamless communications network that involves two repeaters, one central
command, one sweep vehicle, several SAG vehicles and multiple rest stop
stations.
The planning has already begun. Participating radio amateurs are expected to
attend at lease one of two dry runs prior to the actual event. The
communications event will serve as the combined districts' ARESİ 2010
Simulated Emergency Tests (SET).
The effort will be conducted using the NIMS/ICS model. NIMS/ICS provides an
ideal way to respond to an event whether large or small and can be used by
government agencies at the federal, state, local, or tribal level, private
sector entities, and non-governmental organizations (NGO's). It also
provides a means for agencies and organizations from a variety of
jurisdictions to cooperate and work together in response to an emergency or
event. Communications is a component within the overall NIMS/ICS system.
EMCOMM "Jump Team" Competition in Texas
---------------------------------------
An "Emergency Communications Team Competition" will be held September 5,
2010, at a South Texas park to be designated before the competition to
pre-registered teams. The teams will be made up of four people each, and
will compete to see which team can set up an operational communications
(Jump Team) site and make 5 HF contacts in the least amount of time and in
the proper manner. The competition will require teams to properly:
*Erect a six man sleeping tent and operations area (canopy) with chairs,
tables and radio gear.
*Erect a food prep canopy with tables, chairs, stove, cooking supplies.
*Erect one 40 meter "Inverted V" antenna with coax back to the operations
area with proper hazard flagging.
*Assemble one HF station powered by deep-cycle batteries.
*Assemble two solar panel assemblies and charge at least one deep-cycle
battery.
*Filter ten gallons of water (as part of the setup responsibilities).
*Cook a simple meal in the food-prep area (enough to feed four people).
*Make at least 5 HF contacts on 40 meters SSB to stations outside the area
with proper logging of contacts made. (Communications will begin only after
all the setups have been accomplished).
This competition is not limited to any group or organization. Any four
operators who have at least one licensed ham (General class or above) can
compete. They will all be using the same equipment and gear supplied by the
Bexar Operators Group.
See Emergency Communications Teams. Pre-register by e-mail with a list of
team members/call signs, contact e-mail and phone number. -- Robert Hejl,
W2IK, San Antonio, Texas [see W2IK's QRZ.com bio for his interesting
background and work -- ed.]
Hernando County, Florida: EmComm Training Class a Success
---------------------------------------------------------
The first training class for Hernando County (Florida) operators in
emergency communications since 2005 was held July 26, as reported in the
last issue. It turned out to be a fine first step towards reintroducing
emcomm skills to local radio amateurs as well as others from surrounding
areas. A total of fifteen people participated, representing regional ARESİ
and CERT organizations, and included leaders Jerry Dixon, WA6QFC, West Coast
DEC and Gerry Brummer, W4GKB, the chairman and deputy director of Citrus
County CERT.
Ron Wright, N9EE, led the class in message handling, with emphasis on
regular and "booked" messages. Wright displayed and explained his go-kit
used for deployment to a shelter, including a well-designed take-apart mast
and emergency J-pole antenna made from 300 ohm "flat lead" wire.
Hernando County EC Alan McGrew, KC4MTS, followed up with information on NIMS
courses. The Hernando County EOC managers are encouraging radio amateurs to
hold NIMS and ICS course certifications.
Also discussed was the use of the new WebEOCİ systems at the EOCs of both
Citrus and Hernando counties. Future training on the WebEOCİ system is to be
held for radio amateurs volunteering at the EOCs.
A new Neighborhood Ham Watch program is in development for the Northern
Florida ARRL Section. This program is designed to provide a communications
link between individuals and emergency services when phone service is
unavailable in a neighborhood. Coordinator Andy Gausz, KG4QCD developed a
brochure to explain the program for both radio amateurs and the community at
large. -- Alan McGrew, KC4MTS, Emergency Coordinator, Hernando County, Florida
NIMS Compliance for Nebraska Responders
---------------------------------------
FEMA Independent Study courses are now requirements for first responders
assisting any agency in Nebraska during a disaster. NIMS compliance is
required in the state to ensure that emergency response personnel and other
partners are working from one protocol by meeting certain guidelines in
planning, exercises, and training. NIMS compliance is also a requirement for
eligibility for federal grant dollars to the county and all its response
agencies as a whole.
An additional training requirement has been issued for local responders for
FY 2010: This requires all responders who have previously taken the first
ICS courses of IS100 and IS700 to also complete on-line courses for IS701.a,
IS702., IS703.a, IS704. This means that anyone who took any ICS course
before now has to take these four courses. Click the links to see the
courses on the FEMA Independent Study page:
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is701a.asp
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is702.asp
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/IS703a.asp
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS704.asp
Estimates of the time required per course is between two to three hours.
However, it is my experience that most students can review the material and
take the on-line exam much quicker than the estimates. - Roger Hammond,
KCMWM, The Printed Circuit, June 2010 issue
Tip: D-RATS Looks Good for ARES Applications
--------------------------------------------
D-RATS is a file and messaging platform for D-STAR with ARESİ applications
for operations and planning. According to its Web site, features include
instant-messaging style chat; multiple automatic messages at varying
schedules, containing static or dynamic content; File Transfers;
Online/offline status notifications; multi-platforms Linux/UNIX, Windows,
and MacOSX; Canned messages; Chat logging; Tabbed chat interface to filter
traffic based on a search string; Structured data (i.e. Forms) transmission
with multiple form templates, graphical editor, and HTML exporting
Form-to-e-mail gateway support for providing e-mail access to distant
stations; Winlink2000 gateway; Automatic message forwarding; Arbitrary TCP
forwarding over the RF channel; support for using a TNC or a network
connection instead of a D-STAR radio; GPS position tracking,
distance/direction calculation, static beacon support, and integrated map
viewer with offline caching; and a Network-linkable repeater/proxy
co-application. Worth checking out! - K1CE
K1CE For a Final
----------------
A recent issue of the ARES E-Letter contained an item on regulatory aspects
of emergency communications in the wake of the Haitian earthquake, and
unfortunately it has been misinterpreted to be critical of all of the work
done by radio amateurs involved in difficult relief missions. It was
published out of context and that is my fault as editor: It was a response
to the narrow scope of an e-mail inquiry I received. It absolutely was not a
reflection nor condemnation of the University of Miami/Project Medishare Ham
Radio Mission, which I very proudly covered in an earlier issue that
contained the excellent article by Mr. Jack Satterfield, W4GRJ. I apologize
for my error.
______
ARES is 75 years old next month! I am proud of being associated with the
program that has rendered so much assistance to the victims of disaster for
so many years. It has also been a privilege to work with so many of you over
those years who are some of the finest people I have ever known. You should
be proud, too. See you next month! - 73, Rick K1CE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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