Month: January 2003

Hello to all….Volunteers Being Solicited for the Emergency Communications Exercise for Saturday February 8th from 10 AM-Noon…[0900-1200 for the Section, W1MPN]

We are looking for volunteers to join us for the Eastern Massachusetts ARES Emergency Communication Exercise which is on Saturday February 8th from 10 AM-Noon. For the Greater New Bedford area, we are working with the Red Cross in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
The following site has details on the Emergency Communications Exercise that is slated for this Saturday:

http://ares.ema.arrl.org/

This site contains generic information on the exercise that will be done across the Eastern Massachusetts section. Across South Coastal Massachusetts, where we are just starting to make an attempt to rebuild ARES and to forge ahead with a relationship with the New Bedford Red Cross, we plan to make the drill more simplistic and use repeater operation for this drill. thers across the section will be using Simplex communications and other more elaborate forms of communication.

The exercise involved a Major Winter Storm that results in damage, power outages and shelter openings. Since the Fairhaven Repeater, 145.49, would typically be used for SKYWARN Operations, the 147.000 Dartmouth Repeater will be used for this exercise. The repeater will be put into its “Emergency mode” to allow for smoother operation just like it would be in a real event.

For the purpose of this exercise, we will follow a scenario where we would “pretend” to get people staged and mobilized to shelters across the New Bedford coverage area. No one will be asked to actually mobilize but we will pass tactical and formal messages indicating that we are working a mobilization. We do plan to have 2 operators at the American Red Cross in New Bedford. We are looking for 2 volunteers to man the SEMARA Club house for communications. It would be logical that the SEMARA Club house facility, in the event of a real disaster, would be a meeting place for Amateurs in the event of a mobilization. Between either the Red Cross station or the SEMARA station, the goal will be to liasion with the RACES Net in the local area on the 147.135 Taunton Repeater and to contact other Emergency Communication teams and EOC’s that neighbor the south coast of Massachusetts. We will also do mock liaison work with SKYWARN on the 145.49 Fairhaven Repeater just like we would in an actual weather related incident although for the purpose of this exercise, we will not formally have a SKYWARN Net up and running as this exercise will simulate the effects of the storm right after it has impacted the region and the storm has passed.

We are looking for as many people to participate in the exercise as possible. We’d like to see at least one person in every town from New Bedford to Wareham to participate and we encourage other Amateurs across the South Coast to participate in the exercise. During the exercise, we will be asking people to handle both tactical and formal written NTS traffic messages. Please do not be intimidated by the fact that we will use formal NTS traffic messages and no one has to have prior knowledge of handling these messages to participate. We encourage anyone to participate even those who are not familiar with NTS traffic messages. We are looking for people to participate and do the best they can so that those that may never have done NTS traffic messages before are the people we are actually looking for because it can help them practice and learn how to handle the traffic. Details on how to write and receive NTS traffic messages are at the
following link:

http://nts.ema.arrl.org/

Along the left hand side of the page there is a link to the NTS manual and message handling instructions and these links provide valuable information on how to format NTS traffic messages. Please contact myself or Tony Duarte, N1XRS, with any questions or to volunteer to participate in any form for this drill. My contact information is below and Tony’s email address is TDDuarte@attbi.com

Thanks to all and we hope for great participation in this exercise!!!

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
SEMCARES Emergency Coordinator
Pager #: (508) 354-3142
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 1-800-445-2588 Ext.: 72929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://users.rcn.com/rmacedo

_______________________________________________
Semcares-members mailing list
Semcares-members@cmpsa.org
http://cmpsa.org/mailman/listinfo/semcares-members_cmpsa.org

The February 5, 2003 meeting of the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association features John Graves who will talk on interfacing computers and Amateur Radio equipment. The club’s president, WI1U, writes, “the talk should be very interesting considering all the new modes that use your computer’s sound card.”

“Several related tech talk articles are available on the CAARA web page for those of you who would like to prep up a little,” WI1U adds.

See http://caara.net/directions.html for directions and a map to the meeting sight.

From WA1R – The RACES HF net will be on for the Feb. 8 exercise. Our operations will start on the published frequencies (3.943 and 7.245) and move up for QRM/QSB. Four NCS stations are:

AA2T, WA1FIA, W3EVE, WA1R

Greetings…Please submit your frequency choices to your DEC as soon as you can, so we may help get them finalized for your planning. Please refer to the Exercise plan and the change 1. If you need any assistance, please contact us.

Please note that the combined exercise (periodic) and the annual SET areas have been split into two new function buttons to the left. This should make access a little easier for you.

1204 PM EST MON JAN 27 2003

..WIND CHILL ADVISORY HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 942 AM EST TUESDAY MORNING…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WIND CHILL ADVISORY FOR TONIGHT…WHICH INCLUDES N. CONNECTICUT…ALL OF RHODE ISLAND AND MASSACHUSETTS…EXCLUDING CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS. AN ARCTIC FRONT WILL MOVE ACROSS THE REGION THIS MORNING. HIGH TEMPERATURES TODAY WILL OCCUR THIS MORNING…THEN BEGIN TO FALL INTO THE TEENS AND SINGLE DIGITS THIS AFTERNOON.A BRISK NORTH WIND WILL DEVELOP THIS MORNING & WILL CONTINUE INTO TONIGHT. WIND CHILLS WILL LOWER TO MINUS 5 TO MINUS 15 DEGREES TODAY. FRIGID TEMPERATURES TONIGHT COMBINED WITH A STIFF NORTH WIND OF 15 TO 25 MPH…WILL CREATE DANGEROUS WIND CHILL VALUES BETWEEN MINUS 15 & MINUS 24 DEGREES TONIGHT. WIND CHILLS THIS LOW POSE A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM FOR THOSE HAVING TO SPEND EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME OUTDOORS.

STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR YOUR FAVORITE MEDIA OUTLET FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THIS DEVELOPING WEATHER SITUATION. A WIND CHILL ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN PROLONGED COLD TEMPERATURES…COMBINED WITH SUSTAINED WINDS…ARE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE BITTER COLD WIND CHILL VALUES OF -15 TO -24 DEGREES…FOR AT LEAST 3 HOURS.

IF VENTURING OUTSIDE…MAKE SURE TO DRESS IN SEVERAL WARM DRY LAYERS. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR HEAD…HANDS…AND FEET COVERED TO AVOID FROSTBITE. WITH THESE WIND CHILL ALUES…FROSTBITE MAY OCCUR IN 20 TO 30 MINUTES ON EXPOSED SKIN.

Please be advised that Ed, N1VSJ has been relieved of his duties as Middlesex District Emergency Coordinator (DEC) effective this weekend. Ed has accepted the newly created position of Emergency Operations DEC.Ed will be one of our primary leaders in any emergency, and will continue to develop deployment standards and training. Please join me in congratulating Ed in his new responsibility! 73,

s/Michael P. Neilsen
Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
Section Emergency Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts Section
Pager: 1-800-759-8888 PIN 1155084
Admin: w1mpn (symbol for at) arrl.net
978-562-5662 Primary/Voice Mail
978-389-0558 FAX/ EFax Voice Mail

Change 1 to the 2/8/03 Exercise Plan has been posted. Please click on the “Exercises/SET” button to the left. An easier to read copy of the exercise plan is in the section below the change.

The Falmouth Amateur Radio Association announces its spring, 2003 “Tech In A Weekend Class” on April 11-13, 2003 at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds Classroom.

A sign up sheet and PayPal form will be posted soon on their web site at http://www.falara.org/classes.html .

K9HI writes:

“On behalf of Affiliated Club Coordinator Frank Murphy, N1DHW and the rest of the EMA ARRL staff I’d like to welcome our newest ARRL affiliate, the Crocker Public Service Group, an association of amateur radio operators in Eastern and Central Massachusetts dedicated to providing people, training, and other resources for public service events. The official announcement was made by ARRL Hq. staff today in Newington.”

323 PM EST WED JAN 22 2003

..WIND CHILL ADVISORY FOR THIS EVENING THROUGH THUR MORNING REMAINS IN EFFECT…

THE WIND CHILL ADVISORY COVERS MASSACHUSETTS NORTH & WEST OF INTERSTATE 95…SOUTHWESTERN NEW HAMPSHIRE…AND NORTHWESTERN RHODE ISLAND. THIS INCLUDES THE LARGER CITIES OF SPRINGFIELD…WORCESTER…BOSTON…MANCHESTER & NASHUA.ARCTIC AIR IN PLACE OVER S. NEW ENGLAND…COMBINED WITH BRISK WEST TO NW WINDS…WILL PRODUCE WIND CHILLS OF 15 TO 20 DEGREES BELOW AGAIN TONIGHT & THUR MORNING.

WIND CHILLS LOWER THAN 15 BELOW ZERO CAN CAUSE FROSTBITE IF SKIN IS EXPOSED FOR 30 MINUTES. IF VENTURING OUTSIDE…MAKE SURE TO DRESS IN SEVERAL WARM DRY LAYERS. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR HEAD…HANDS…AND FEET COVERED TO AVOID FROSTBITE. ANIMALS ARE ALSO AFFECTED BY THE WIND CHILL.

STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO…OR YOUR FAVORITE MEDIA OUTLET…FOR LATER STATEMENTS & FORECASTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE. 1

W3EVE writes:

“Radio operators are making preparations to support the 107th running of the Boston Athletic Association Boston Marathon on April 21, 2003. Amateur Radio plays a vital part in supporting runners before, during, and after the marathon. This year we have a combined organization handling all phases of radio support; start area, length of the course, and finish line. Positions are available starting early in the day in Hopkington, along the route at aid and water stations, and at finish line operations in Boston. You can chose which activity you will be involved with, or work multiple locations. In Hopkington, we will assist with coordinating the multiple parking areas and providing for start line safety. Along the 26 mile route, assisting the Red Cross at aid stations with supply requirements and ambulance dispatch. Runner pick up busses traveling the route will have hams on board. At the finish line, working with the medical teams and shadowing officials.”You will need a two meter or dual band HT, extended antenna, and extra batteries for participation. Procedure sheets will be available before the event. We will try to accommodate your needs within the confines of the event set up.

“To signup mail in the BAA volunteer form available at the baa web site (http://www.baa.org). You can find the volunteer form by clicking B.A.A Marathon under B.A.A. Volunteering then click GENERAL VOLUNTEER APPLICATION. Fill it out and mail it in as instructed. Check in the Race Day section: if you want to work the start check radio team; if you want to work the finish check ham radio (finish only); and if you want to work the course check ham radio (course only). We will be doing a mailing at the end of Feb. with more details. You will be able to change your mind at that time as well. Or feel free to contact Steve Schwarm, W3EVE at (508)384-7697, w3eve@arrl.net. Please no calls after 9PM or before 8AM.”

WF1F wrote:

Last weekend I helped do a space station schedule with the Marconi Special Event Station on Cape Cod. Ten children and Marconi daughter Princess Electra Marconi all talked to the International Space Station.

The Lowell Channel 3 news interviewed me today and may show the footage during the 5:30 / 10:00 news segments.

Miles

..WIND CHILL ADVISORY FOR TONIGHT THROUGH TUES MORNING…
..WIND CHILL WATCH FOR TUES NIGHT THROUGH WED MORNING…THE WIND CHILL ADVISORY & WIND CHILL WATCH ARE IN EFFECT FOR ALL
OF S. NEW ENGLAND…EXCEPT ALONG THE SOUTH COAST. AFFECTED CITIES INCLUDE NASHUA…WORCESTER…HARTFORD…PROVIDENCE & BOSTON.

ARCTIC AIR WILL OVERSPREAD S. NEW ENGLAND TONIGHT. THE VERY
COLD AIRMASS…COMBINED WITH BRISK NW WINDS…WILL PRODUCE WIND CHILL INDICES OF 15 TO 25 DEGREES BELOW ZERO FOR MUCH OF INTERIOR S. NEW ENGLAND TONIGHT INTO TUES MORNING. WIND CHILL INDICES WILL BE EVEN LOWER TUES NIGHT INTO WED MORNING…FALLING TO 25 TO 35 DEGREES BELOW ZERO.

WHEN PEOPLE ARE EXPOSED TO VERY COLD WEATHER FOR PROLONGED PERIODS, FROSTBITE OR HYPOTHERMIA CAN RESULT. THE WIND CHILL INDEX IS BASED ON THE RATE OF HEAT LOSS FROM EXPOSED SKIN CAUSED BY THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF WIND & COLD. AS THE WIND INCREASES…HEAT IS CARRIED AWAY FROM THE BODY AT AN ACCELERATED RATE…DRIVING DOWN THE BODY TEMPERATURE. ANIMALS ARE ALSO AFFECTED BY WIND CHILL.

WIND CHILL VALUES LOWER THAN 15 BELOW ZERO CAN CAUSE FROSTBITE IF SKIN IS EXPOSED FOR 30 MINUTES. FROSTBITE CAN OCCUR WITHIN 10 MINUTES IF WIND CHILL READINGS DROP LOWER THAN 30 BELOW ZERO.

STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR YOUR FAVORITE MEDIA OUTLET FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THIS DEVELOPING WEATHER SITUATION.

“WELLFLEET (Boston Globe)—On any other day, it would have seemed they had nothing in common: a 72-year-old Italian princess, wearing fur and pearl earrings; a squad of National Park Service rangers, in their trademark wide-brimmed hats; and dozens of local ham radio enthusiasts, wearing matching yellow T-shirts.

“But yesterday, 100 years after Guglielmo Marconi sent a wireless message to England from a Cape Cod cliff, a crowd that included history buffs, local Boy Scouts, and the Italian inventor’s daughter came together on the Cape to mark the historic event.” [Full story]

The Norwood ARC is planning to conduct a Technician class to run over a six-week period, followed by a CW and a General upgrade class. Each class will culminate in a VE session. The club will publish the details as they become available. Thanks, K1JMR Newscarrier.

Princess Electra Marconi was interviewed yesterday on WXTK’s “Spectrum” program that will air this Saturday morning at 11:26am on 95.1 WXTK, Cape Cod.

The interview can also be heard at at: