a field organization of the National Association for Amateur Radio®
The Atlantic On-line web site features a well-written article on volunteerism in the wake of 9/11 entitled, America’s Secret Weapon in the War on Terror: Americans. It specifically mentions the work of Amateurs and the ARRL. It’s great PR for the League, and for our hobby service!
K1VV writes:
Celebrating The 100th Anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi’s First Wireless transmission between the United States and Europe on January 11 – 19, 2003.
From atop high, sandy cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, Marconi transmitted a simple, 54-word greeting from President Theodore Roosevelt to Great Britain’s King Edward VII. Within hours, the King acknowledged receiving the message, and the spark of global communications was lit.
The Marconi Radio Club, W1AA, and the Marconi Cape Cod Memorial Radio Club, KM1CC, working in partnership with the National Park Service at Cape Cod National Seashore, will operate a Special Event station from January 11-19 at the former Coast Guard station at Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, Massachusetts, from near the site of the original Marconi 1903 Station. From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, the public will be able to tour the station, listen to voice and Morse Code discussions with other radio operators around the world, and learn about wireless technology and the significance of Marconi’s achievement. For Details See: http://personal.tmlp.com/k1vv/w1aa
January 18, 2003 will mark the centennial of Marconi’s groundbreaking transatlantic wireless transmission with a reenactment of this historic scientific achievement, rivaling the Wright Brother first flight at Kitty Hawk.
Marconi’s daughter Princess Elettra Marconi is scheduled to attend the event.
A PRESIDENTIAL Commemorative message is anticipated from President George W. Bush.
NASA International Space Station Link – Selected Students from three Cape Cod High Schools (Cape Cod Vocational Technical High School-Harwich, Provincetown High School- Nauset Regional High School) will communicate with astronauts aboard the orbiting International Space Station.
For a complete events calendar, go to www.nps.gov/caco and click on “In Depth,” then “News.”
Bob Doherty K1VV
Pres. Marconi Radio Club W1AA
http://personal.tmlp.com/k1vv/w1aa
k1vv@tmlp.com
N1DHW writes:
This week’s CEMARC Youth Net reached its second milestone.
Young Kelsey McGovern, using her father John’s call, W1JMC, acted as Net Control for the net entirely on her own this week. She performed her net control duties perfectly by maintaining control, generating a platform for participant discussion, and overall, sounded like a professional NC with years of experience.
“Kelsey, congratulations on your performance.”
For those of you who haven’t taken the time to encourage young hams, or future hams that you are aware of, whether are your own, a relative’s, a neighbor’s or a friend’s, to join this wonderful group of young adults in their ham radio experience on the air, shame on you.
If we don’t encourage these young adults now, then we are doing them, and ourselves a disservice. Take a minute, think of who might enjoy getting on the air with them. Call their parents. Offer them your assistance in getting on the air. Review your club rosters for family memberships, and contact that member and remind them of the net. If you’re connected to a Scout group, arrange to have them over your shack on Sunday. Thanks to the MMRA linked system, it’s possible for almost any youngster to join in.
It’s up to all of us now to help build this fine group. Keep them active and help the net grow. Give our youth a minute of your time, make a call.
Note: Ann Weldon, KA1PON, was presented a well deserved Certificate at the CEMARC meeting Saturday for her outstanding, and continuing contributions to the children of the ham community.” Congratulations and thank you, Ann”. Additionally, Kevin, K1KWP, and the MMRA Control Operaters were also recognized for their contributions in helping to make the Youth Net possible.
Remember, this net is for children ONLY.
Weekly Schedule – Sunday 7:00pm MMRA Repeaters
Attention EMA clubs:
Please consider getting involved in this worthwhile project.
73,
Phil Temples, K9HI
Duane Wyatt, WA0MJD writes:
“Time is short to have Santa talk to the sick kids this Christmas via amateur radio.
“Please look at the new, easy, revised information about how to do this—an amateur radio presence is not needed on-site and no transmissions need to be made in the hospital. The new information is seen in the “Holiday Hams” section of the www.hobbiesforhealing.com website.
“I want to expand this program before next Christmas—can you help me? My new email address is: ss011148@southeasttech.com Thanks very much.”
Duane Wyatt WA0MJD
Happy Thanksgiving, EMA traffic handlers!
I wanted to share this Request For Information from the ARRL Volunteer Resources Committee, via Steve Ewald at ARRL Hq. VRC feels that more cooperation is needed between NTS and ARES programs. They are looking for input from Section Managers, Section Traffic Managers and Section Emergency Coordinators as to how this might occur.
Additionally, I invite comments from any NTS or ARES participants.
73,
Phil Temples, K9HI
ARRL Section Manager,
Eastern Massachusetts Section
ARRL Section Managers,
The ARRL Volunteer Resources Committee has asked me to forward this letter to you.
Thank you very much for your help.
73,
Steve, WV1X
sewald@arrl.org
_______________
Dear Section Managers,
It has never been more important for the volunteers in ARRL’s
emergency communications programs to serve with professionalism and
excellence. During the past year, the Volunteer Resources Committee
has been studying the ARRL’s programs related to emergency
communications (see Minute 35, Board of Directors meeting, January
2002, March QST, page 64). This review was undertaken not only because
of the growing concern for homeland security following September 11,
2001, but also because of the ongoing need to ensure that Amateur
Radio responds effectively to disasters unrelated to terrorism —
floods, hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes, hazardous materials
incidents, etc.
Several inter-related themes have emerged during the study. One is
that Amateur Radio must earn and maintain increased credibility with
served agencies, both nationally and at the local level. Another is
that Amateur Radio emergency communications volunteers must be more
actively involved in a variety of training experiences throughout the
year. Finally, although ARES and NTS are (and will continue to be)
structurally separate in your Section Field Organizations, these two
volunteer programs need to work more cooperatively, functioning as
part of one coherent emergency communications program at the Section
level.
The VRC believes that both ARES and NTS are valuable programs, and so
we will propose no structural change at the Section Level. We are
convinced that more cooperation is needed, however.
Some Sections have achieved a high degree of functional integration
and cooperation between ARES and NTS. In other Sections, each may
operate as though the other did not exist. The VRC believes that close
cooperation between ARES and NTS, with mutual respect and pooling of
expertise, is the best way to serve agencies effectively and to earn
credibility as fully-skilled emergency communicators.
The VRC will recommend that leadership officials in both ARES and NTS
be strongly encouraged to achieve certification in the ARRL’s
Emergency Communications certification program. We will also recommend
that grass-roots volunteers be encouraged to pass at least the Level 1
certification. Along with the many other benefits of certification,
ARES and NTS operators will gain better understanding of and
appreciation for the value of both programs.
The VRC requests all Section Managers (in consultation with your SEC’s
and STM’s) and the three NTS Area Staff Chairmen to develop a vision
of how a closer working relationship can be effected between ARES and
NTS.
Input from all Section Managers is needed, because Sections are very
different from one another.
1. If your Section has already brought ARES and NTS together quite
well, please describe how it is done, what problems may have arisen,
and how the problems were resolved. Your success stories will provide
ideas to other Section Managers.
2. If your Section’s ARES and NTS are functionally separate now,
you are asked to work with your SEC and STM to develop a plan for
bringing them into closer cooperation. Please describe your thought
process: what do you see as the major issues to be considered, the
important problems to be solved, and the major goals to be achieved?
Please post comments as soon as possible on the SM reflector. ARRL HQ
Staff will see that your input is relayed to the VRC, so it can be
considered as we prepare our report to the Board.
Thank you for working with us toward the goal of serving our
communities and our country to the best of Amateur Radio’s capability.
73,
The VRC
Cape Cod Times, November 17, 2002.
“Houston, We Have a Program”
Students from Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, Provincetown High School and Nauset High School will be chatting with astronauts in orbit as part of the 100-year anniversary of the first trans-Atlantic radio transmission.
See the Cape Cod Times Online for the full story and photo.
The Massachusetts SATERN EOC, at Mass. Div. HQ’s. was the designated Metro-Boston District EOC for the EMass. ARRL ARES/RACES SET conducted on November 9th. The Metro-Boston ARES DEC, Bill Ricker, N1VUX, was in command, assisted by both SATERN Team Leader, Frank Murphy, N1DHW and BERT Leader, Rick DeSisto, NG1L. ( Boston ARC ” Emergency Response Team”)…The purpose of this season’s drill was to test the ability of Primary Field Teams (PFT’s) to tactically communicate without the use of repeaters. Additionally, having PFT’s relay traffic from outlying district EOC’s and PFT’s to Metro-Boston EOC and MEMA. All tactical traffic between field teams and EOC’s was passed using 2m, 6m, and 70cm simplex only. Traffic between outlying District EOC’s and Mass. State Emergency Management sites was passed using RACES NTS formal HF messaging on 6 and 40 meters. (NVIS)
The SATERN EOC was manned by 6 SATERN members including the Massachusetts SATERN Coordinator, Bill Foley, kb1glf. One of the Boston canteens was manned by Rick Meuse, N1HID, and equipped for HF and vhf/uhf communications, and designated as Boston Tactical Remote Vehicle.
PFT’s were organized from the Boston Amateur Radio Club ” Emergency Response Team”, and were dispatched to two remote “high” areas outside Metro-Boston. Many of this group, 30 strong, are SATERN members; some of whom were active at “Ground Zero”. Individual “mobile and home players” provided tactical traffic related to “simulated emergency conditions/situations” that could be arise around Metro-Boston”. Additionally, the town of Hingham’s Emergency Management EOC was tied in, since it is located within contact range of the “Cape Cod and Islands District”. It was manned by the EM, Mark Duff, KB1EKN, the Hingham Deputy Fire Chief, and a radio officer.
Radio Equipment Used:
EOC – SATERN/METRO BOSTON
Yaesu FT900, Icom 706MKIIG, Icom 2100, Knwd TM-G707, Knwd 315A and individual Ht’s, and EOC scanners.
The SA location, 5 stories high, had a 5 band vertical, 6 mtr vertical, and a 40 mtr dipole(NVIS), along with 2, 220, and 440 vertical. (G5RV not used)
Commercial Power was used; however multiple rechargeable marine batteries and generators were available.
Tactical Remote Vehicle – A30:
Icom 706MKIIG, Knwd dual bander, Ht’s, and truck’s scanners. This vehicle is also equipped with direct Fire Alarm communications with Metro-Boston.
HF was with an Outbacker Antenna and trucks HF whip. VHF/UHF was with truck mounted antennas and mobile magnet mounts.
Primary Field Teams –
North – Located at Chelsea Veterans Home (Malone Park)
4 BERT/SATERN Members
NG1L ~ Rick – BERT Team Leader
AA1XS ~ James
N1LRT – Paul
KA1RDZ – Dan Equipped with 2 – 706 MKIIG (Mobile Verticals) / and dual band mobiles
South/West – Located at Larz Anderson Park, Brookline (BARC FD Site)
WA1IDA ~ Bob
N1ZKR ~ Paul / Pres. BARC
KB1IBG ~ Walter
Results and What We Learned:
The drill was a success, but not without its problems.
First, the drill as outlined, proved that we (SATERN and BERT) could communicate successfully to State EM without the use of repeaters in the Eastern Mass. Section. The SATERN EOC was able to directly communicate with all Mass. Emergency Management Agency locations on air. We were also able to communicate with all of our PFT’s, our Tactical Vehicle on HF, and the Hingham EOC on both HF and VHF simplex. The DEC used 6 meters to conduct drill discussions with the SEC, w1mpn. Additionally, we received and passed traffic from outlying district PFT’s, and also passed American Red Cross traffic from members of the Western Mass. Section, who were conducting an American Red Cross Hospital drill at the same time.
We learned that once our Primary 40m (NVIS) frequency was taken over by a non-participating slow-scan video station, that the secondary HF frequency became too crowded. (needs Net Control Operator) The primary Tactical VHF frequency was also too crowded. (it also needed a Net Control)
The Frequency Table provided was adequate, but not utilized correctly by most.
While the locations selected for the remote sites were optimum for individual team communications, today’s high power equipment, good antennas, and the presence of a “lift condition”, created a condition on simplex similar to most DX pile-ups. Without a Net Control Operator to sort out the hailing stations and directing us to alternate frequencies to pass traffic, weaker, distant stations were not recognized, or if they were on alternate frequencies, they were not heard. Emphasis must be placed on proper use of hailing frequencies/initial contact freq’s, with direction to an alternate by a NCS. (Thought should be given by Section Manager and SEC, to assigning individual club simplex frequencies for better hailing.)
The next step for our SATERN/BERT Group must be to test our ability to communicate within the ring of “high ground”. We must dispatch mobile operators, or the canteen, to many of the shelters, hospitals, and local EOC’s to recognize those problem communication area’s we may encounter in a real world disaster in Metro-Boston . Also, the equipment used at the EOC was provided by SATERN members and took considerable time to transport, erect antennas and set-up. The Salvation Army Mass. Division MUST purchase its own equipment, and provide a permanently equipped in house EOC location, that can be opened and manned in a reasonable time to be able to respond quickly. The Sharon, Mass. “Camp Wonderland” should also be equipped and tested as an alternate EOC location.
Some areas we have to work-on are:
1 – separation of EOC operators (too distracting hearing multiple traffic)
2 – assign tactical calls to our own PFT’s for easier recognition of hailing
3 – assign a recorder to each operator, and a separate NTS writer for traffic
4 – build a retractable operating shelf in the canteen for HF radio equipment
5 – wire external antenna connectors
6 – provide seating for the mobile operator.
7 – SOP for SATERN and BERT teams/ tested and distributed to all members.
8 – better participation of club members to drill training efforts. Only 12 members participated from BERT,40%, and 8% of total BARC membership.
9 – request additional “home/mobile players” participate in next drill to test real world LOAD on EOC’s ability to steer and pass tactical info correctly.
10- establish a list of HF hailing freq’s to other New England SATERN and American Red Cross EOC’s.
The final CEMARC meeting of the year will be hosted by the Algonquin Amateur Radio Club on December 7th at 9:00 am. Location will be the Central Fire Station in Marlborough. The address is 255 Maple Street (Route 85).
A tour of the Marlborough EOC will be conducted prior to the meeting.
Please submit agenda items to: n1dhw@arrl.net
The drill began for us at 10am. That was 1 hour later than the official start of the section SET. This was due to our operations plan having been completed before the Section plan was complete.
Cape Cod ARES dispatched 2 field teams. One was deployed to assist Sandwich Emergency Management office. The other was sent to the Lower Cape Regional Technical High School in Harwich MA…Communications were quickly established with K1PBO Cape cod ARES EOC and both teams via 2m FM simplex.
Communications were also quickly established via 40m NVIS on 7230khz (severe interference was observed from a slow scan TV Net on 7228kzh). NVIS signals were very strong even for such close range. Although CCARES has done this numerous times in our last 10 drills, the NVIS signals were the best we have encountered to date.
We attempted to initiate comms on 75m NVIS, but signals were very poor. It was certain that 40m would be the band of choice today. We were able to establish comms with our EC on Martha’s Vineyard Brad KB1QL on 40m. An attempt to establish communications with Region II on our liaison frequency of 147.465. Contact was unsuccessful.
Several NTS and tactical messages were exchanged between our field teams and CCARES EOC. We were able to fulfill envelope 1 by deploying team members to the Sandwich EM site. We were initially unable to successfully act on envelope #3 as a path had not been located.
Successful check-in was made to WC1MAB Region II anchoring the EMA/RI RACES Net on 7246khz. Signals were excellent.
An initial NTS message on current shelter status was sent to WC1MAB on 40m. We then learned that Region II had indeed heard us calling on the 2m liaison frequency (147.465)earlier. They could not get a sufficient signal back to us. Once a relay path was made, we were able to send an NTS message destined for W1MPN via 40m.
An NTS message was relayed to us from Central MA Red cross on the 40m Net(7246khz). We had contact with many stations on 40m NVIS(7230khz). Several RI EOCs checked in with us having super signals. Our local operations continued normally untill mid afternoon.
Participation of CCARES Members
Number of CCARES members participating in the Exercise: 12
WQ1O-Frank
WA1KCC-Jim
KB1EAJ-Ritchey
W1VZT-Ben
N1ZPO-Mark
W1PPY-Chris
W1RBF-%@!#%& (also Sandwich EM Director)
N1CP-Chris
WA1JSE-Paul
KC1KM-Jim
K1WCC-Henry
N1PIV-Trenor
Modes and bands Used in Exercise
2m FM
2m SSB
6m FM
6m SSB
40m NVIS
40m Normal deploy
Packet Radio 2m
Number of Messages Passed
NTS format – 15
Tactical Messages – 24
NTS using packet radio – 3
Number of off Cape Stations Worked
40m – 7 stations
Operational Objectives
Deploy field teams – Successful
Logistical Resupply(Food) – Partially successful
Conduct NVIS operations with other off Cape stations – Extremely successful
Conduct all mode operation between fied teams and EOC – Extremely successful
Establish Contact to Region II on Simplex 2m FM – Unsuccessful* (warrants further technical investigation as we were unable to hear WC1MAB on 2m, but they could hear us)(we also worked other stations further away than WC1MAB on 2m FM with no difficulty)
Provide relief operators at the field sites – Successful
Observations and Analysis of Operations
1. The goal of getting numerous stations to play in the EMa Section, WMa Section and RI was well represented. It was good to see all those call signs in there.
2. 40m was incredibly reliable for this exercise. It is interesting to note that CCARES has observed the situation in which communications with just one station using an NVIS antenna can do well even if the other station is using normal antenna configurations. We have observed this concept in 6 of our last 10 drills. When we were communicating with WC1MAB on 40m, we were using a normal dipole at 45 feet. Signals were good. As we approached the end of the 40m Net on 7246khz, I conducted a test with WC1MAB (W3EVE as NCS). We switched our antenna to our NVIS 40 meter dipole (6′ off the ground with a counterpoise wire 5% longer underneath). Steve reported a dramatic signal increase after the switch(thanks Steve!). This is a great demonstration of how NVIS can be used for significant advantage.
I also want to take this opportunity to note the professionalism in operations by the RACES Region station operators. Net operations were done very effectively. I want to thank Steve W3EVE and Bob WA1OEZ for helping WC1MAB anchor the net. Great Job to all. My thanks to WMa SEC Dennis Zonia and also the RI groups who participated. We are also very lucky to have Mike W1MPN as our SEC here in the east. My desire was to see people get in the field to operate. I used to believe for years that I was prepared for field ops. That belief was shaken to the core after CCARES began our series of field drills shortly after the 9-11 attacks. You never realize just how unprepared you are until your operation ceases because you failed to bring a 50 cent item. After that, you never forget that item again. During our May 18th drill, we had downpours all day long with strong winds. I learned more from that drill than any other to date. I never would have learned those lessons without going out and experiencing it. It was great to see all you guys “in action” today. You should all be proud of yourselves for doing a great job today! My thanks to all who put in time and hard work to make the exercise possible.
73s and Happy Holidays to all!
Respectfully Submitted,
Frank WQ1O
Cape Area ARES DEC
Don’t forget that the annual club auction is this coming Saturday November 16th. Complete information is on our club website at www.wara64.org/auction/
The main reason for this message is that our steadfast printer of our newsletter has, sadly gone out of business and the newsletter has yet to make it to the post office. We’re working hard to make that happen but it’s getting so close to the auction that I wanted to ask folks to talk it up on the air and with friends. This is our main fund raiser for the club for the year so anything you can do to help get the word out will be appreciated.
73 for now,
Ron, N1USS
Happy Veterans Day!
Today we were able to activate K1USN from 9 AM – 3:30 PM. K1VV, K1RV, W1BT, KB1IUB, N1VTI and NI1X were on the air using both HF stations in Radio Room 5. We also activated the IRLP from Node # 4320.
We were able to work well over 100 contacts on 20-17-15 and 10 meters SSB. Band conditions were very good with many excellent signal reports from throughout the US, South America, Europe and Africa. We made many contacts with veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces.
We were able to work several other Museum Ships and also spoke with some of our friends associated with other ships that were not activated today. We did work the USS Clamagore just before they had to secure due to bad wx conditions! AA2WN-Harry said that the USS New Jersey is gearing up for this year’s Scouting program.They can be contacted on IRLP Node # 3740. VA3USN-John told us that the HCMS Haida was due to enter dry-dock within the next 10 days and several of their members have been spending time onboard the USS The Sullivans and USS Croaker. They expect more activity from the USS Little Rock soon. They also hope to get active on the IRLP soon.
The USS Kid was quite active and we did work them several times using the IRLP on Node # 8560 but not on HF. They also had well over 100 QSO’s today.
We spoke with one of the guys from the USS Hornet Radio Club – NB6GC, who tried to “hook us up” on 15 meters. We never did get to work them, but I did speak with several stations who had worked them. They may also be getting active with IRLP soon.
There were many stations working the USS Missouri – KH6BB today, but we never seemed to have good propagation to Pearl Harbor. Perhaps we should have tried the Echolink which was quite successful during the Museum Ships Weekend!
Thanks to all who participated today and encourage any other Museum Ships to let us know if they were active for Veterans Day.
73 , Pi – K1RV / K1USN
The Boston Amateur Radio Club’s recent JOTA operation garnered some great publicity in the form of an article and two photos in the Hingham Journal. Thanks, n1dhw.
***** 2002 SET Update *****
*** Generic Exercise Plan Available ***
Greetings to all,
I’m pleased to report that good progress is being made toward the 2002 SET on Saturday November 9. A generic exercise plan is now available for you to view on the EMa ARES website, http://www.emaares.com/Drills/SET2002_1.html. It will give you and/or your club a good idea of what will be happening that day. Please note that play is district-by-district, so please look for your final district plan containing details of the players, schedule, and frequencies on our website, and check in with your DEC. You can still join a team if you haven’t already done so. We now have 6 teams, and more are forming. Interested clubs can still join in.
Please contact your DEC as soon as possible, or me if you need to. If you’re not sure what district you’re in, our website has a map and list to help you at http://www.emaares.com/districts.html. Come on and join the fun!
Look forward to working with you then! 73,
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
Mike Neilsen and the crew put on a great workshop this past weekend at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, MA. An article outlining the event is available at the Sturdy club’s web site… click the “eNews” button from the [SMHARC] home page, http://www.sturdyradioclub.org/.
Thanks to Mike and his staff for a great presentation!
73,
Jim Duarte – N1IV
Public Relations Manager
Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC
– – – – – Please pass this information on. – – – – – – –
The CEMARC Group has concluded arrangements for the start of a YOUTH NET.
The YOUTH NET will air starting Sunday, November 10th at 7:00pm. This net will be a directed net, with a Teen Net Control Operater, strictly for youth\’s up to Grade 12. Subject matter will be at the descreation of the net attendee\’s. All young operators are welcome.
NO ADULTS WILL BE ALLOWED *
The Minute Man Repeater Association, through Kevin Paetzold, k1kwp, has graciuosly made available their linked system to air this net, and will have control operator\’s monitoring. In addition, Ann Weldon, ka1pon, a mother, grandmother, Club President, and school teacher, has agreed to act as a mentor and help to coordinate this net.
What can you and I do? First, talk up the net start. Then, advise all youth that you are aware of to try connecting to one or more of the MMRA repeaters before the net start, to see which repeater is best for them from their QTH. Help them decide if you can. Check MMRA web site for list of repeaters. <http://www.MMRA.org>
The future of amateur radio, and our clubs depends on the young operaters. Their future in continuing in the hobby depends on us. Let\’s not fail them, our ourselves.
(*) While no adults will be recognised during the Net, parents who desire to sign on their child, under their control, using their call, may do so. However, once the Net starts, no adults will be recognised, only the child who was checked in.
Please direct any questions to:
Frank Murphy – N1DHW (n1dhw@arrl.net) or
Ann Weldon – KA1PON (aweldon@aol.com) or
Kevin Paetzold -K1KWP (k1kwp@arrl.net)
Call for EMA 2002 SET Players
Please discuss with your Clubs
Subject: [mras_general] Call for EMA 2002 SET Players
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2002 21:55:46 -0400
From: “Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN”
To: “Mass RAS General”
Greetings to all…
I am pleased to announce the EMA section will hold the annual Section Emergency Test (SET) on Saturday November 9, 2002. As most of you know, the League requires at least one emergency communication exercise per year. These exercises may be accomplished on a local, district, and section level. Additional exercises can be held at any time by any of those leaders. For example, our Cape Cod and Islands District has already held 10 exercises just this year!
The theme this year will be functionality of mobile emergency communication teams, formed in each district in EMA. Our districts run roughly along county lines, headed by a DEC, but also can include important geographical areas like the North Shore (including Cape Ann), South Shore, Cape Cod and the Islands. Teams will be formed using ARES members, and teams that are already formed in clubs are invited to participate as well.
These teams will be tasked to solve a communications problem created by an emergency of some kind (we’ll decide that later) away from their base of operations. Once the problem is revealed, they’ll have to get out there, set up communications with emergency power (mobile only allowed on the way) and to use simplex on at least primary frequencies. We want these teams to pass traffic to their DEC and other teams in their district, as well as any other districts. Short haul HF will be requested by some teams using conventional HF and NVIS methods. Mode selection on VHF/UHF/HF will at the discretion of team leaders, as the goal is to successfully pass traffic from the problem site.
Please do a follow up with your DEC. Details are now just being worked out. Our website www.emaares.com will continually have more information, so please check it often. Please also join the Mass/RACES/ARES/SKYWARN General Yahoo group for messages, if you have not already done so, in order to receive any updates and information.
RACES involvement this year will be limited to participation by each Regional RACES Officer and State RACES comms, meaning Terry in Region 1, Tom [Kinahan, N1CPE] in the big bunker, and Bob Mims, Sr. [WA1OEZ]in the Bridgewater bunker. It is unlikely that individual towns will participate. We’re asking them to receive reports and to task at one of the teams in their region (through the DEC) to solve a problem similar to that described above. That problem will be known only to the RACES officer until SET day.
Tactical communication (ham to ham) will be allowed only for contact and coordination. All traffic passed to solve the problem requires record format using NTS. So if you’re a bit rusty on NTS or net procedures, please plan to attend one the NTS classes being offered this fall to be held in October and November. You might also consider joining us at the ARES Workshop to be held in Attleboro on 10/26, to review some of the field procedures. [See the Calendar listings in the latest newsletter or net report for full training listings.]
We think it will be very good practice for all, and a lot of fun. I hope you will join us. In the meantime, please discuss participating at your next club meeting next month. Please also consider participating as an ARES member in an ARES team. We are also looking for team leaders, so sing out! Please follow up with your EC or DEC for any additional questions you may have.
For your convenience, we’ve broken down the [EMA] club list by EMA ARES District [below on the district directory webpage].
The Minuteman Repeater Association (MMRA) has scheduled a “Fox-a-thon” for this Saturday morning October 19 in the Stoneham/Wakefield area of Massachusetts. This is an opportunity for people who are interested in foxhunting and radio direction finding to gain some direct hands on experience riding along with a regular MMRA foxhunter.
This event is open to all and we want to explicitly invite members from other clubs and organizations. Our goal is to expose more people to foxhunting and RDF with some real hands on experience. You can see some details and photos from the last “fox-a-thon” at “http://www.foxfinder.org/RDF/fox-a-thon.htm”.
This event is essentially a regular MMRA Saturday morning Foxhunt except that the fox will be within 20 miles of the MMRA 146.715 Stoneham,MA repeater and the fox will be transmitting on 146.115 (which is the input for the Stoneham repeater). The actual foxhunt will begin at 10AM (as usual) and should conclude before noon. As is the usual custom the hunters will meet afterwards for breakfast/brunch/lunch at some local establishment in the area (in this case I believe
a Friendly’s).
You can participate by:
1. hunting the fox yourself on the frequency given above!
2. Give a signal reports on the fox even though you are not directly hunting the fox Signal strength and/or bearing from your location would be interesting info.
3. Riding along with one of the regular hunters. The foxhunters will be meeting in Stoneham MA at 9AM at the location described below to coordinate with the riders (parking available etc…). You are welcome to bring your own equipment but you do not need to bring any equipment as the foxhunters will have their usual equipment.
4. listening in on the action on the Stoneham 146.715 repeater.
If you would like to ride-along with one of the hunters please notify us via email at mmra@mmra.org so we will know to be looking for you. Also it will help us determine how many riders we will have (and how many regular hunters we may need for the riders).
Hope to see you there. 73,
K1KWP
Minuteman Repeater Association
PS: Our thanks to W1DYJ and N1XKB for hosting/coordinating
this event!
———————————————————
Directions to the initial coordination/assembly point in Stoneham:
Traveling South on I93 – exit 35. Left at bottom of ramp. Go under I93. Right at corner (Park St./ N. Border Rd.) Cross Rt28 — Main St. — and proceed to site, directions below.
Travelling North on I93 – exit 34. Straight at bottom of ramp, N. on Main St. Rt28. Turn right at South St. at stop light — and proceed to site, directions below.
Site directions:
From South Street — just go around the pond. Take the right hand choice at any intersection. Pass the Stoneham Zoo on your right. After about 1.5 miles you will see a large building on the left, with a central tower with all the antennas on top. Park in the front and look for the group.
Hams are asked to please monitor the Boston Repeater, 145.230 MHz, minus offset, PL =88.5 on this coming Saturday, October 19 starting at 0900 hours.
BARC is hosting a Boy Scout Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) event at the Bare Cove Fire Museum, 19 Fort Hill Ave., Hingham MA. We plan on operating two HF stations and one VHF/UHF station, using the club call sign, W1BOS.
Some Boy and Girl Scouts may be calling on the Boston Repeater during JOTA using W1BOS. It would be great if hams would reply and have a QSO with them.
Thank you all very much for your help on this.
Arthur N1NHZ, 73
formerly Troop 45 BSA, Mineola NY
Eastern Massachusetts Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (ARES) will put on its Emergency Communication Workshop Saturday October 26th, 2002 from 9 AM-4 PM at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Massachusetts. It will be held in the Sturdy Memorial Rice-Webb Auditorium which has an outside entrance from the rear parking lot behind the Emergency Room. The workshop is being hosted by the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Amateur Radio Club, its Emergency Communications Team and Sturdy Memorial Hospital working in conjunction with Eastern Massachusetts ARES. Amateur Operators from both Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island are welcome to attend this workshop.
This Emergency Communications Workshop will provide the background and information to serve Amateur Radio Operators when they need to respond to a communications emergency. It will feature an Introduction and Conclusion to Emergency Communications, and five 1-hour training sessions on topics including:
Introduction
Net Operations I (Tactical Message Handling for ARES/RACES/SKYWARN Nets)
Net Operations II
NTS Traffic Message Handling
Basic ICS
Go Kits
This training will also feature a 1 hour lunch that will be provided at no coerced cost to any Amateur who attends the session.
The presentations will be given by other Amateur Operators well versed in the topics listed above. The training will be a worthwhile endeavor not just for emergency communicators but for anyone who is an amateur radio operator, and wants to learn more about the hobby.
Preregistration is requested but is not required in case anyone would like to attend at the last minute. If you preregister, please try to do so by Monday October 21st, 2002 so that we can get an approximate head count. We will, however, accept any preregistrations after that day or any walk-ins as long as space permits.
Directions to the Sturdy Memorial Hospital as provided by the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Web Site: [Read if desired ]
From the Boston Area:
Route 95 south to Exit 5 (North Attleboro). Left and follow to lights on North Main Street (Route 152). Right on North Main and follow to traffic light/Park Street. Left onto Park Street (Route 118). Straight on Park to HOSPITAL.
From the Providence Area:
Route 95 north to Exit 3 (Attleboro). Right to South Avenue (Route 123). Left at second lights onto County Street (Route 123). Follow County to Park Street (Route 118). Straight on Park to HOSPITAL.
From Interstate 295:
Follow Route 295 north to Route 95 south to Exit 3 (Attleboro). Follow Providence area directions above.
From Interstate 495 (North or South):
Follow Interstate 495 to Exit 10 (Norton). Follow Route 123 west to Attleboro Center. Follow signs around island to Park Street (Route 118). Straight on Park to HOSPITAL.
From Rehoboth:
Take Route 118 north to Emory Street (one way intersection). Follow Emory to Brook Street. Left on Brook to Park Street (Route 118). Left on Park to HOSPITAL.
From Route 140 (North and South):
Turn onto Route 123 (Norton Center). Follow Route 123 west to Attleboro Center. Follow signs around island to Park Street (Route 118). Straight on Park to HOSPITAL.
From Seekonk:
Take Route 152 north to Attleboro Center. Right onto Park Street (Route 118). Follow Park straight to HOSPITAL.
Signs will be posted directing you to the Auditorium. Talk-in will be on the 147.195/147.795 PL: 100.0 Attleboro W1SMH Repeater.
For any additional information and to preregister for the workshop, please contact:
W1MPN/SEC, Mike Neilsen by email w1mpn@arrl.net
W3EVE/DEC-Training, Steve Schwarm by email w3eve@amsat.org
KD1CY/DEC-South-Shore, Rob Macedo by email rmacedo@rcn.com
or your local DEC
This training should be a worthwhile endeavor for anyone interested in learning more about emergency communications and amateur radio in general.
Announcement contributed by Rob, KD1CY
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
The next one day class will be held Saturday February 8, 2003.. Cost is free to BARS members and their family, $15.00 to non BARS members. Please contact Bruce Anderson (W1LUS) for details at 978-851-2886 or the following email address W1LUS@arrl.net