New News

Just a reminder...............................
The Concord Christmas Parade will be this Sat. (Nov. 21). There will be a Fun Run that starts about 2:00pm, and the parade should start at 2:30. We probably need to e in the area of downtown around 1:15 - 1:30 or so. If you have helped before, you know it gets crowded fairly early.  This also lets Kenneth know who is where, and we can make last minute adjustments to the positions if needed.

I talked to Kenneth this morning, and we still need 2-3 more people to help out. If you are able to help, and weren't at the meeting, please call him and let him know.
His cell number is 704-490-1607. Or you can catch Jackie on the radio and he can get a message to him.
Again, this is the most exposure we get in front of the public all year........  Let's make sure we put our best foot forward, and have a good turn-out.
I hope to talk to you there.

73
Sam
KA4ATT
Cabarrus County

Basic and Advance Skywarn Class 11/21/2009
 Friday, November 20, 2009 9:22 AM
 From: Add sender to Contacts
To:

"George Huffman" <ghuffman3@carolina.rr.com>

I thought I would forward this.  Just a reminder of the tomorrows Skywarn class in Salisbury.

 Thanks,
George KD4MXA

 Greetings,
Charlotte Area Skywarn and the National Weather Service out of Greenville SC will be putting on a Basic and Advanced SKYWARN class this Saturday at 1000 and should last until approximately till 1300 hrs at the EH DOLE Red Cross chapter 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd W.  This is open to any and all, and there is no cost to attend.  While many Skywarn spotters are Amateur Radio operators, there is an 800 number for non Hams to call to advise NWS of hazardous weather that may not be seen on NWS Radar so that conditional alerts may be announced.

Charlotte Area Skywarn site http://www.charlotteskywarn.org

What is Skywarn?

SKYWARN is a concept developed in the early 1970s that was intended to promote a cooperative effort between the National Weather Service and communities. The emphasis of the effort is often focused on the storm spotter, an individual who takes a position near their community and reports wind gusts, hail size, rainfall, and cloud formations that could signal a developing tornado. Another part of SKYWARN™ is the receipt and effective distribution of National Weatherr Service information. (See link above for more)

National Weather Service Greenville Spartanburg Skywarn site http://www.erh.noaa.gov/gsp/skywarn/skywarn.htm
A good descriptive site from the NWS out of Florida http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mfl/?n=skywarn Please pass along to anyone who you feel may be interested in this.
Thank you and stay safe,

Gary Lang
K4GHL
Rowan County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) Emergency Coordinator
Http://www.rowancares.org

 

 
To:
NC Radio Emergency Service email" <ncares-admin@rtpnet.org>
-As I mentioned on the ARES net last night, the old Levels 2 and 3 of the ARECC EmComm series are being replaced. I received an update thru my association as an ARRL Instructor/Mentor. Below is more info, including the new FEMA courses. If you're interested, here are the courses, as you may have some free time during the upcoming holidays. Have fun with a whole new boatload of FEMA classes.
Bob K4RLC

"As we have said previously, the former Level 2 and Level 3 Emergency Communications courses are being updated and combined into one new course.  The new course will focus on emergency communications training for leaders and managers.  The title of the new course is Public Service and Emergency Communications Management for Radio Amateurs. We anticipate launching this new course in January 2010. 

Requirements for Course Completion:

The new course requires that the student has previously completed the Level 1/Basic course, certain FEMA courses and has some experience with Amateur Radio and emergency communications. Those who desire to receive a course completion certificate for this new course (which we refer to in shorthand as “Advanced EmComm”) will first need to document that they have satisfied a list of prerequisites.   

The course prerequisites to be verified include:

An Amateur Radio license,
Completion of ARRL’s Level 1/Basic course, and Completion of FEMA courses that are background for this course.
FEMA prerequisites:
ICS-100  (basic ICS)
ICS-200  (supervisory)
ICS (NIMS)-700
ICS-300, a classroom course, is also highly recommended, but not required

Candidates for the course completion certificate will also be required to document completion of additional FEMA courses that are integrated into the Advanced EmComm course curriculum.  These include:

 
From:
 
 
 
To:
"kd4ima" <kd4ima@arrl.net>, "n4ib" <n4ib@arrl.org>, "Ron Knapp" <rknapp19@suddenlink.net>, "n4tab" <n4tab@earthlink.net>, "kd4ozi" <kd4ozi@bellsouth.net>
 
Mark, I tried the net on 3923, only heard two stations, W9EF, KG4WEZ, then went to 1943khz, copied two there, W9EF, KR4WU.
 

Net report as follows on 3923 khz

THEN report Nov 9 checkins 2 traffic 0/0 time 5 minutes

Op Note Msg # 33 count 11

 

Net report as follows on 1943 khz

THEN report Nov 9 checkins 2 traffic 0/0 time 4 minutes

Op note Msg # 34 count 11

Signed WA4MOK
--
Bernard Nobles WA4MOK
NC Section Emergency Coordinator

 

 
Subject:     GEORGIA HAMS GIVEN $165,000 TO BUILD D-STAR Federal funding
Date:     Sun, 8 Nov 2009 10:51:58 -0500
From:     <w4ncr@bellsouth.net>
To:     TONY <w4ncr@bellsouth.net>



http://www.arnewsline.org/



RESCUE RADIO:  GEORGIA HAMS GIVEN $165,000 TO BUILD D-STAR RESCUE RADIO
NETWORK

Its one of the largest government grants ever given to ham radio
emergency communications.  This as $165,000 in Federal funding has been
secured by Georgia Emergency Management Agency to complete a  statewide
D-Star based ham radio emergency communications network..  Amateur
Radio Newsline's David Black, KB4KCH, has the story of the grant and
the all digital rescue radio network that it will create:

--

The network's creation is the result of a dream that started in 2005
according to John Davis, WB4QDX. That's when a vision was born for what
amateur radio emergency communications could one day achieve in the
state of Georgia.  Mark Fehlig, WA6NGC, is the former director of
Engineering for the state's Public Broadcasting System. When the
opportunity arose to install two amateur radio antennas on each of nine
television towers providing statewide coverage, Fehlig jumped into
action. Fehlig designated Georgia's Amateur Radio Emergency Service to
control the use of those sites for emergency communications. The next
task was to figure out the best technology to use at those sites.

Linked FM repeaters and packet were among the modes considered. But
radio amateurs were also watching emerging D-Star technology. They
recognized it as a state of the art platform providing simultaneous
voice and data communications.  Knowing that D-star also allows
repeaters to be linked on a flexible basis and that it permits
simultaneous voice and low speed data along with high speed Internet
connectivity at 1-point-2 Gigahertz...and the decision was made to go
D-star for the state's new system.

When the network is finished, radio amateurs will have access to voice
and data repeaters on all nine towers across the state, operating on 2
meters, 440 MHz and 1-point-2 Gigahertz. Because those towers are
strategically located to provide maximum public television coverage,
amateur radio communications will benefit from wide area coverage, as
well. Commercial grade inch and 5/8 transmission lines will connect the
antennas, which will be between 500 and 600 feet above ground.
Georgia's Public Broadcasting Network will provide indoor space for
equipment, along with backup power at each site. Internet access
will be available, too, thanks to the broadcasting system's DS-3 data
network...this means flexible linking of repeaters will be possible
using a stock D-Star interface.

The federal money will also pay for 20 dual-band D-star radios to be
installed at EMA offices across the state, along with a portable UHF D-
Star repeater available for emergency deployment. In addition, three 1-
point-2 Gigahertz D-star radios with laptops for sending data and
photos from field locations will also be purchased.  The money will
also be used to build a robust reflector to serve the state's network
during emergency conditions and also for general use during non-
emergency times.
Two of the emergency network's D-star repeaters are already on the air.
One is located at Pembroke, Georgia, near Savannah. The second operates
from atop Stone Mountain, serving the Atlanta metro area. The complete
Georgia D-star amateur radio emergency communications network is
expected to be in operation in early 2010.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm David Black, KB4KCH, at the South-
East bureau in Birmingham, Alabama.

--

The Georgia network will complement other D-Star based emergency
communications systems planned or in operation in the neighboring
states of Alabama, Florida and South Carolina.  Once all are in
operation, it will create a regional ham radio emergency capability
across the American Southeast.  This monetary grant is only second in
size to one of $250,000 given by the governor of Oregon in 2007 to that
states ham radio first responders.  This, to build a Winlink-based
state-wide amateur radio emergency communications network.  (WB4QDX,
Georgia ARES via Southgate)

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
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07:37:00

 

Monthly North Carolina Section News Summary

Monday, October 19, 2009 11:52 AM
 
From:
Add sender to Contacts
 
To:
KD4OZI@BELLSOUTH.NET

OCTOBER NC SECTION NEWS

STATE ARES MEETING NOTES

We had a big turnout at the state ARES meeting in Morganton on October 17. Thanks to Paul, KD4OZI and Michelle, KD4YTU for hosting the event.  There was extensive discussion on the topic of training requirements for ARES members. The federal government established the "National Incident Management System" in 2001 and local agencies are required to be compliant with NIMS in order to secure federal funding.  Radio amateurs and other volunteers
who work with emergency management need to be familiar with NIMS and FEMA has developed an online training program.  An email poll of other section managers conducted by N4IB indicated that only a couple of sections have made NIMS training mandatory for ARES membership.  Some sections have
instituted two levels of members in ARES - "active" and "reserve" or other similar terms - to differentiate between trained and untrained members.  Most sections still have no training requirements, although everyone is encouraged to complete NIMS training.  The consensus of the group at our meeting was to establish two levels of ARES membership.  One tier would be for amateurs who had completed the NIMS training required by state emergency management. These "trained" members would be the first deployed and in most cases the only amateurs we could send to EOC's, shelters and other served agency locations. They would also be the ooly members eligible for a field assignment outside their local jurisdiction.  ARES "untrained" members would be used for support assignments, such as serving as liaison stations, and we would encourage these ARES members to become fully trained as soon as possible.  A key component of this plan is a
section-wide ARES database that would include contact information for each member and allow us to track their training certifications.  Our Section Emergency Coordinator, Bernie Nobles, WA4MOK, is working with the rest of your section ARES leadership on the details of this proposal, including the list of training requirements.  All required training will be available online at no cost.

Former Section Manager John Covington, W4CC, presented a draft of his study on Packet Radio and North Carolina ARES.  After further revision, his paper will be posted at www.ncarrl.org.  As you might expect, Winlink is already playing
a key role in our section.  Assistant SEC Tom Brown, N4TAB, discussed the Winlink system installed at the branch EOC's
and the big success we had using Winlink during the earthquake drill in western North Carolina in June, as well as the
SET earlier this month.

The state ARES meeting included discussion on the ICS-213 message form and how it should be used in ARES.  We're still looking for leadership from ARRL on how to incorporate the ICS-213 form into NTS, but its use is required by state emergency management.  We're using a modified ICS-213 form for handling messages on the Tarheel Emergency Net.  An "operator's notes" section can be added to include information such as message number, precedence, check, and station
of origin.
 

 
+ Three Killed While Erecting Antenna

At approximately 8:40 PM on October 12, a man, woman and their 15 year old son were killed while trying to erect a 50 foot vertical antenna at the home of the man's mother, Barbara Tenn, KJ4KFF, in Palm Bay, Florida. The deceased were not licensed amateurs. According to police reports, Melville Braham, 55, Anna Braham, 49, and their 15 year old son Anthony were putting up an antenna -- Tenn's second -- at night when they lost control of the antenna and it crashed into nearby overhead power lines. The impact sent 13,000 volts of electricity through the pole that the three were holding. A family friend, a 17 year old boy, was on the roof at the time of the accident. He and the couple's daughter, who was in the house at the time, were not injured. Click here for more information.

 
 

SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST

The ARRL Simulated Emergency Test is a nationwide exercise in emergency communications, which gives communicators the opportunity to focus on the emergency-communications capability within their communities while interacting with NTS and other section nets. The July issue of QST included the results of the 2008 SET. Out of 71 ARRL sections, North Carolina was 6th in total SET points and second in section/local net participation! Cleveland County ARES had the highest point total among local ARES groups in our state. Congratulations and thanks to all of you for your participation! Now it's time to get ready for the 2009 SET, with the national exercise set for October 3-4.

The state ARES drill will occur on October 3 and the drill scenario will be announced on the Tarheel Emergency Net at 7:30pm on Friday, October 2. The Tarheel Emergency Net will be active on or around 3.923MHz on October 3 from 8am to 12noon to support local SET exercises scheduled on the ARRL's national SET weekend. Our regular National Traffic System (NTS) nets will be operating during the weekend on their regular schedule to provide additional support. You don't have to schedule your SET event on October 3. SET-type activities held at anytime during the fall can be counted towards our section SET score. I know fall is a busy time for public service events and one NC club plans to combine their SET with a scheduled public service event - a great idea! You may download a copy of the 2009 SET reporting forms and read the SET Guidelines on the ARRL Web Page. See http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/setguide.html for appropriate links. The reporting forms (Forms A, B, and C) are found at this specific address in Adobe PDF and Word formats: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#ec_set.

 
To Area 15 ECs -
 
If you've listened on the THEN lately, you've noticed the use of the Form 213 for messaging. ARES use of this form has been directed by NCEM so we might as well get used to it. You may also have noticed the added "Operator's Note" to include a message number, check and operator callsign. Operator notes are NOT passed to the message recipient.
 
I have embelished the basic 213 (the 213 is a "local use" form and modification is allowed) to show the traditional 25 word lines, added "Local" in the appropriate time slots (as a reminder) and the Op note.....atch
 
I have also added a small notion "REPLY VIA ENTRY" to occupy the last three word spaces of the message..... it should be understood that an email address is counted as one word.  Since normal email circuits are likely down and WL2K in use, an active return address is necessary. The thinking is that outbound traffic might come from several sources with different email addresses .... ie., two or more HF PACTOR stations using MARS freqs and callsigns. In that case, one address for inbound traffic makes sense. What I suggest for Henderson County is an INBOUND address of NC4HC@WINLINK.ORG. In this case, the WL2K system can be accessed without a MARS callsign via the VHF RMS Packet node W4DK-10, direct or thru the packet node on Bearwallow, BRARC:W4YK-1. [Freq 145.630/1200 baud] This connection can work from locations beyond Henderson County ..... try it (use AIRMAIL software for best results). Using one circuit outbound and another inbound would also alleviate congestion on a single frequency.
 
Please note that there is NO requirement by anyone to use this particular 213 format in your jurisdiction .... it is a suggestion only.  However, each ARES operator should have some local use 213 forms in their possession. Copy machines may not be available.
 
If you have questions, comments or suggested improvements, please let me know.
 
73,
 
Duke
 
Duke Knief  W4DK
ARES DEC NC Area 15
828-891-4359 Home
828-606-7773 Cell

 

Wow, my Icom is really a receive only radio.  How can I get my Icom fixed.

Paul here is the phone number 1-864-222-3539

   Address      Icom Service Center

                       1140 Wakens Rd.
                   Anderson, SC 29625
 
  Good Luck I hope this helps ,sorry about being late about this
 
           73 Bill KC4TDC

2009 Simulated Emergency Test Guidelines and Reporting Forms

 Please note:  To reply to this message or to submit electronic SET reports, send to sewald@arrl.org or wv1x@arrl.org

 This message is going to all ARRL Emergency Coordinators, District Emergency Coordinators, Section Emergency Coordinators, Assistant SECs, Assistant DECs, Net Managers, Section Traffic Managers, and Section Managers.

 You may download a copy of the 2009 SET reporting forms and read the SET Guidelines on the ARRL Web Page. See http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/setguide.html for appropriate links.   The reporting forms (Forms A, B, and C) are found at this specific address in Adobe PDF and Word formats:  http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/forms/#ec_set.   The reports should be received at ARRL HQ by February 1, 2010.

10/02/09
                   NC ARES Fall Meeting

Presenters:  SM-N4IB, Tim Slay 
                     SEC-WA4MOK, Bernie Nobles

Date:  October 17, 2009
Time:  930 AM     Ending Time:  1230 PM 
Place:  Western Piedmont Community College
I40 exit 103 in Morganton. 

Address:  1001 Burkemont Ave.
Morganton, NC  28655-450

We have plenty of room, bring a friend or two and come
and join us for the State fall meeting.  Morganton was 
picked as a central location for those in the Western 
Branch.  Don’t let us down, be there and we hope to see
you at the meeting.



Thanks to Michelle (KD4YTU) for lining this up for us.

Paul – KD4OZI Question> E-Mail Me
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parking - Sen.Sam Ervin library – HS 160
1st parking lot.


WPCC has implemented a tobacco free campus policy
so that use of tobacco products is not allowed on 
any school property.  I don't think that will affect 
anyone adversely.  
 
Lunch - Directly across the street from the College
is a excellent Pizza Buffet  

The local repeater is 147.150 (W4JIU)
 
I should be there around 8:30 am
Michelle – KD4YTU

9/10/09

----- Original Message -----
From: <mailto:editor@sera.org>Tom Gallagher R-J Editor
To: <mailto:k4ogb@arrl.net>k4ogb@arrl.net
Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 1:47 PM
Subject: SERA Repeater Journal


Hello!

I just wanted to drop a quick line to the clubs in North Carolina to let them know about a couple of things that are going on with us at The SERA Repeater Journal.

FIRST--- we’re excited to have Tom Forrest, N4GVK, aboard as our new North Carolina columnist. Tom is in Greensboro, but has also lived in the eastern part of the state. I’ve attached his intro from the August issue, in case you missed it. He’ll start his regular column with the November 2009 issue…..in the meanwhile, please send any newsletters, press clippings, or quick news items to him at <n4gvk@sera.org> or 4994 Heritage Woods Dr; Greensboro, NC  27407.

THE OTHER item is our upcoming February Hamfest Round-Up. The quick news here is…..to get in on this, you MUST have sent a hamfest announcement to the Repeater Journal’s HAMFEST EDITOR at <hamfest@sera.org>. While it’s very nice to hear from you, if you sent notice to me at <editor@sera.org> or some other way, that will not   get you on the list---- when you send hamfest material to me (including advertising!), it gets mixed in with literally tons of other stuff; if I took the time to sift through and find all the hamfest stuff, I wouldn’t have time to do the Round-Up: it’s that simple. If you’d like, there is a simple facility to submit hamfest info at <www.RepeaterJournal.org/hamfest> . DO NOT ASSUME THAT WE HAVE YOUR HAMFEST E-MAIL ADDRESS SIMPLY BECAUSE WE HAVE YOUR HAMFEST LISTED IN THE HAMFEST CALENDAR!!! Also, while you’re there, download and start filling out the Round-Up worksheet---- we’ll be taking the info on-line only this year between November 15 and December 15.

Well, that’s it for now.

73,
Tom Gallagher, N4IOZ
Editor, The SERA Repeater Journal

 

Full Boat

Please join me in welcoming a new EC, Area-11 Alexander County.
 Brady Millsaps (KE4TSC).  Brady will be reporting to the DEC of
Area-11, Russell (KF4AEX).

Brady, a big Welcome aboard to the Western Branch.  We are pleased
to have a present in Alexander County.  Note Russell now has all the
EC's in Area-11 are now at capacity.

Paul - KD4OZI
8/12/09
Just passing along some ham radio press from out of NC ARES Area 13 :)
http://www.gastongazette.com/news/ham-36727-radio-frequency.html

8/10/09
 Have you been to the Doctor lately?  You or one of the family
may have the "Nack"..   Play this.
I have started a WXSpots group for NC per the request of Scott N3FJP and the WXSpots group. This could be another great tool for us to use in weather related situations. Each state has been requested to setup their state yahoo group with the same naming convention WXSpots_** whereas ** would be the abbreviation of the state. Our group is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WXSpots_NC/. Please help get the word out to NC. I have not done anything to the site but establish it. We as a group can decide what files etc we want to have there. I'll need some help with this and we need additional moderators. As of now I am the owner and only moderator of the group. I would prefer/suggest that people signup using their callsign as their id so that it is easier to identify people in the group. However you do not have to be a ham operator to belong to WXSpots.
 
Thanks 
 
Dennis L. White
N4WHK
Iredell County ARES Emergency Coordinator
WXSpots Coordinator
FISTS 13570
SKCC 4475

 
 

Please join me in welcoming a new EC, Area-11 Rowan County.
Gary  Lang (K4GHL).  Gary will be reporting to the DEC of Area-11, Russell (KF4AEX).

Gary Welcome aboard to the Western Branch.  We are glade
to have a present in Rowan County.

Paul - KD4OZI
7/13/09

ARES and SARC Members,

  The attachment was in today's Shelby Star,  I know that some of our members do not subscribe and the photos were not found online so I thought I would share it with you all.  Be sure to ask for their autographs next time you see them.  The "hand model" too ;)

 

Next ARES meeting is July 9th at 7pm at the EOC.

Next SARC Club meeting is July 14th at Jackson's Cafeteria.

  Susan, K4ZXN
DEC NC ARES AREA 13
Vice President Shelby Amateur Radio Club

 
Here is a news flash on Field Day Mecklenburg County

Ham radio day brings enthusiasts together
                               Carolina 14  Field Day

Thanks Milton (KC4YOT) for the INFO.

6/28/09
Ladies & Gentlemen, I would like to THANK all persons who participated in this two day drill. It was amazing as I was at the Eastern Branch for awhile yesterday to hear all the stations checking in, and listening to the net while mobile going to work. It really showed what we can do when all work together to accomplish one goal, which is to provide our citizens of NC backup, and sometimes primary communications to emergency management. Special thanks to those who attended many hours of meetings with emergency management officials who were planning this drill. Also to those who helped in getting the very valuable Winlink System setup at the State EOC, and the Western Branch, and soon to be at the Eastern Branch, which really came thru.

 I hope in the near future to discuss the final results of the drill, with N4TAB, and others  to see if we need to do anything different, and will provide all with a final report.
Like our THEN web page indicates that a special Thanks goes to those net controls, who spent lots of time taking checkins, with times during the day that band conditions were not that good.

I am sure that all Emergency Management officials are very pleased with our performance, and hope all will continue to train, and learn ways to improve our system, with learning which antennas work best, and which portable systems that work best, whether it is VHF/UHF, or HF.

Please keep up the good work that all are doing. Thanks

73
Bernard Nobles WA4MOK
NC SEC

From: Ben melvin [mailto:ben@kmse.com]
Sunday, June 14, 2009 12:45 AM
To: 'Susan Melvin K4ZXN'
Subject: FW: Simulated Emergency Test Results

Susan,

Please forward this to the group.

From: Ben melvin [mailto:ben@kmse.com]
Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2009 12:06 AM
To: 'kmse@carolina.rr.com'
Subject: Simulated Emergency Test Results

Dear ARES of Cleveland County Members,

As most of you are already aware, the 2008 Simulated Emergency Test results were published in this month's issue of QST.  I am really proud that the group in 2008 scored the highest in the state for ARES Activity.  This result can only be attributed to your dedication to being team players.  Your dedication and support you gave to the leadership of ARES, made the first S.E.T for ARES of Cleveland County very successful!

I heard someone say that it could be attributed to the great leadership we had last year.  While Susan did a great job at organizing our group and motivating us to do all that we could, it was also the cooperation of each member that caused our group to shine within the ARES organization last year.  Your certifications in the FEMA Courses in just a small amount of time, was definitely noticed by those in at the District, Branch and State Levels. Now with the fact, that we were tops in ARES activity during the Simulated Emergency Test in just our first year of organization, will surely set you apart from other groups.  All of you should be proud of the hard work and dedication you have given to this organization!  You are so valuable and important to this group. 

We also did very well in the Section/Local Net S.E.T. Scores.  We scored third out of seven nets reporting!  This is just another feat to be proud of!

The scores in North Carolina were as follows.

 

ARES Activity

Cleveland Co                                    284
Union Co                                          270
Mecklenburg Co                               254
Alamance Co                                    245
Area 14                                           162
Cabarrus Co                                    148
Pamlico Co                                      129
Eastern Branch                                 114
Orange Co                                         99
Stanly Co                                           96
Moore Co                                          86
Caldwell Co                                       58
Lee Co                                              57
Polk Co                                             32

Section/Local Nets

Tarheel Emergency                         332
Union Co                                       190
Cleveland Co/Shelby                      174
Metrolina 2 Meter Net                   155
Alamance ARES                            146
K4OBG ARES                                66
Central Carolina ARCT                    32

Once again our group along with the help of Gaston ARES has made this year’s participation in the communications team for the Over the mountain triathlon a success.  There were 32 volunteers this year.  Using the ARRL's Public Service Activity Report, the estimated cost of the service rendered, if commercially provided came to around $14,000.  Our effort to provide this free community service to the City of Kings Mountain is most assuredly appreciated.  Kings Mountain Special Events is very appreciative of our service and they are looking forward to our participation next year.  Everything this year ran very smoothly and you all should be proud of the public service you provided this year.  Bill Bridges, N4WH took some photographs of the event and Susan will be putting together a SHAMRAC with these photographs being featured.

Again, thank you for all your efforts to make ARES of Cleveland County the success it is.

73

Ben Melvin, KM4C
Emergency Coordinator
ARES of Cleveland County

6/17/09
 
      ARES Activity    
WB is Western Branch Participants    
  EC's        
WB   Melvin KM4C Cleveland Co     284  
WB Craig N6OJY Union Co           270  
WB John WB2NHQ Mecklenburg Co            254  
      Alamance Co         245  
WB DEC Tom K4BNP Area 14               162  
WB Sam KA4ATT Cabarrus Co     148  
      Pamlico Co     129  
      Eastern Branch         114  
      Orange Co                99  
WB Bill KC4TDC Stanly Co              96  
      Moore Co          86  
WB Michelle KA4YTU Caldwell Co                    58  
      Lee Co                 57  
      Polk Co          32  
           
      Section/Local Nets    
           
      Tarheel Emergency  332  
      Union Co            190  
      Cleveland Co/Shelby         174  
      Metrolina 2 Meter Net        155  
      Alamance ARES                146  
      K4OBG ARES               66  
      Central Carolina ARCT           32  
           
           

 

 

 

I receive this from Tom (Area-14) on our June 23 & 24

Oh yes indeed....If you look at  the record of THEN for the past few months you will see that Western Branch especially Area 14 BUNCOMBE county has been NCS most of the time.  In fact, according to Mark, I was NCS for 13 of the 30 days in April of course it would be great to have a little bit of help from others in the western branch....

We are planning to do just as Mark said as soon as Emergency Managements gives us the go ahead on June 23-24
 
73
 
Tommy K4BNP
On June 23 & 24 we need to have the net operational starting at 0700, and maybe going up to midday for the earthquake drill. There is usually some rag chew QSO's going on 3923 stating around 0800, if they are already on the frequency, whoever is the first net control could politely ask them to move so we could use the frequency. They have done that in the past for some of our SET's. If the 75 mtr band starts dropping out then we could go to our alternate 0f 7232 plus or minus a few kc's. Before we would change freq's there should be several annoucements on 3923 that we are moving, and the VHF/UHF repeaters. I would also like to see our net activation times put on the web page.
Ron ,I do feel like we need to have the Eastern Branch Active during that time period, as a backup, and to test our own equipment. My work schedule is changing, so I may be available both days in the morning. I will know later this week for sure.

Thanks to all

Bernard Nobles WA4MOK

Jurisdiction: Catawba   

Date:  May 2009   
Members:  24  
Change:   0  
Net Name: Catawba County ARES Net      
Net Sessions:   4           
Net Liaison: Tar Heel Emergency Net, Piedmont Emergency Training Net, Number of Drills, Tests, Training Sessions:                                     Hours:         

Number of Public Service Events:                     0           Hours:       
Total ARES Operations:                                    4           Hours:  20. 

Comments:    

1.  New Icom radio, Pactor modem, computer, and dipole antenna have been installed at Western Branch in preparation for the 23 June “Earthquake” exercise.

Primary operation will be Winlink on HF MARS frequencies (NC is the first state with Emergency Management having a MARS license) – imagine, governmental entities not only talking to each other but actually working cooperatively) ! Backup comms will be on 2 meters locally and 40 meters statewide (Tarheel Net backbone).

2. At present, N4LED (Ernesto) and KG4YNM (Dorney) will be assisting on the 23rd.

3. Anyone else who is interested, available, and not otherwise tasked within their own Counties for this Exercise, is more than welcome to stop by the Western Branch office.

Name: Joe Getlein                           
Call:    W1FAI        
Title:   EC

The packet node in Albemarle is now a KA-Node using a KPC-9612 vhf port only. The call used to link to is K4OGB-7 and the digi call is ALB. The radio is an IC-281H running 50 watts. No change in the antenna. K4OGB mailbox is still at the courthouse and can be linked to from K4OGB-7. Please let me know how you are receiving the node if you hear it direct. Let others in your county know of this change.

Thanks and 73.
Carl W4EAT
Sysop K4OGB-7

6/3/09
                 Welcome to the New Skywarn EC for the Weather Service

Please join me in a welcome aboard to Kelly Cook  ( KG4YTR ).  Kelly, lives in Gaston County.  Kelly was the Assistance Skywarn EC for Greg (WB4HRR).  Greg recently resigned the position, good luck Greg. Kelly will report to Bernie (WA4MOK) and he will be heavily involved in the Western Branch with the Skywarn activities..

Paul - KD4OZI
5/23/09
MAY NC SECTION NEWS

TARHEEL NET WEB PAGE

Tarheel Net Manager Mark Cantrell, KD4IMA, and our web manager Susan Langley-Jone, WA4AKB have created a new web page for the Tarheel Emergency Net. The page has important information about our state ARES net, which is held nightly at 7:30pm local time on 3.923MHz. Check-ins are always welcome and Mark is also looking for help from folks willing to help as a regular or backup net control operator. Contact Mark at kd4ima@arrl.net.

 

KB4C AWARD NOMINATIONS SOUGHT - Tommy Queen, K4BNP, Area 14 DEC

We are seeking nominations for the 2009 KB4C Award. The award is named in honor of Miriam Smith, KB4C, who became a silent key in July 1995. Miriam was well known in western North Carolina for her strong commitment to emergency and public service communications. She held an extra class license, received the A-1 Operators Award and was ARES Emergency Coordinator/RACES Radio officer for Buncombe County in the 1970's. Miriam was responsible for the earliest draft of the Buncombe County Emergency Response Plan. She was someone willing to do whatever was asked to help our community. The award will be selected from nominations submitted from anyone in Areas 14 and 15 (the western North Carolina counties, old area F). The selection will be named by a panel appointed by the area 14 DEC. The criteria for this recognition include active, licensed radio amateurs within area 14 or 15 who have demonstrated a long term commitment to emergency and public service communications through ARES/RACES. The recipient does not have to belong to any specific group. They must simply demonstrate an active commitment to the job we are asked to do. The award will be presented at the WCARS Hamfest on July 25th, 2009. Please submit your nominations for this award in writing to k4bnp@aol.com. Nominations must be received no later than July 1, 2009.

 

                                 New Area-13 Website

Hi Area 13 EC's 

Hi everyone, I threw together a website for Area 13.  Let me know if you'd like to see something on it or see something different.  It has a link to the Monthly Report.
 

Thanks
 
Susan, K4ZXN
DEC Area 13 NC ARES

 

 

From Area-13

Hi everyone, please see the note below.  I have been trying to check in on regular basis on the Monday night Tarheel net along with my father KM4C and would like to encourage the rest of you EC's in Area 13 to do the same and encourage your members with HF Privileges to check in.  Please see the email below from the new net manager and try to check in if you can!

 Thanks, 73's and God Bless!

 Susan, K4ZXN

______________________________________________________________________________

 Susan Melvin, K4ZXN
District Emergency Coordinator
Area 13 North Carolina ARES

From: MarkACantrell@aol.com [mailto:MarkACantrell@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2009 11:29 AM
To: cccoxk2iun@inteliport.com; dawsonw@mail.ecu.edu; ptgsr@ec.rr.com; ptgsr@havelocknc.net; w4fal@arrl.net; risley@ipass.net; jwar@nc.rr.com; kf4aex@roadrunner.com; graggjltj@charter.net; k4zxn@yahoo.com; K4bnp@aol.com; w4dk@arrl.net
Cc: rknapp19@suddenlink.net; n4tab@earthlink.net; kd4ozi@bellsouth.net; wa4mok@earthlink.net; n4ib@arrl.org
Subject: Tar Heel Emergency Net

First, let me introduce myself - I am Mark Cantrell, KD4IMA, new Net Manager for the Tar Heel Emergency Net.  I live in Asheville, District 14.

 Some of you may already know me from the TarHeel Emergency Net.  If not, then I want to encourage you to stop by  the Tar Heel Emergency Net.  The 75m band is doing so much better now, much improved from winter conditions. The Tar Heel Emergency Net meets each night at 7:30 pm until about 8pm on 3923 kHz.

The primary reason for this email is that I have been noticing that some of the North Carolina ARES Districts are under-represented on the Tar Heel Emergency Net.  As District Emergency Coordinators I hope that each of you will (1) take the time to check in to the Tar Heel Emergency Net.  I encourage you each to check in regularly if you do not already.  Also, I hope that you will consider (2) serving as Net Control on a regular basis, or to (3) fill in for a regular NCS when needed.  As District Emergency Coordinators I hope that you will (5) set a good example for your District, and to (6) help ensure that we have a strong network of stations in place across the state, before a communication disaster strikes.  Encourage hams in your District to check in to the Tar Heel Emergency Net regularly.

If you have any questions about the Tar Heel Emergency Net, or need an up-to-date copy of the Tar Heel Net script and routine, just give me a call or send an email.  Or better yet, drop in at 7:30 any night on 3923 kHz.


thanks and 73,
Mark Cantrell, Net Manager
KD4IMA

828 / 215 - 1739
kd4ima@arrl.net

 
Thanks to Craig, KE4DFV, for this info ....73dk
 
 Provided By Duke (W4DK)

Subject: Citizen Corps News: FEMA Announces Release Of Final Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101

 
Release Date: April 14, 2009
Release Number: HQ-09-039

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the release of the final Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101: "Developing and Maintaining State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local Government Emergency Plans."

CPG 101 completes the requirements of HSPD-8, Annex I to develop a "national integrated planning system."  Combined with the Integrated Planning System (IPS) guidance provided by the Department, the vision of a vertically integrated planning system providing for a consistent planning process across all levels of government is realized.

While IPS focuses on Federal planning, CPG 101 was developed by a team of state, tribal and local officials from across the United States working together to develop guidance that can aid State, tribal, local, and territorial officials in protecting their citizens.

CPG 101 is the first in a series of publications developed through the FEMA National Preparedness Directorate's CPG Initiative. Future CPGs will discuss planning considerations for a variety of emergency functions, hazards and special preparedness programs including; special needs planning, household pets and service animals, fusion center / emergency operations center interface, and hazard-specific guidance. 

CPG 101 serves as the emergency plan foundation for both public and private sector planning in the United States. Planners in all disciplines and organizations may find portions of the guide useful in the development of their emergency response plans. 

The CPG 101 document can be found online at www.fema.gov/about/divisions/cpg.shtm.  For more information on other FEMA initiatives, visit http://www.fema.gov/. 

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters.

 

This news story and other Community Preparedness news, including Citizen Corps Bulletins, can be found on our website at http://www.citizencorps.gov/.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

The National Office of Citizen Corps
FEMA Community Preparedness Division

 
Ladies & Gentlemen, The state ARES meeting will take place on Saturday May 2, 2009 at the State Eoc , starting at 10am. Tom Brown will be the presenter of the meeting, as I will have to work that day, due to a shortage of personnel, and one person out from an eye operation. Below is a draft on the subjects that will be covered. The order of the agenda may
change, and some additions to the list will be added and updates will be sent out later this month. The May 2nd date was
a  hard choice,  because there were so many other activities going on across the state on other weekends. I hope that you
can attend, also I'm sure doughnuts & coffee will be in the breakroom. Thanks to all for your hard work, and continued
support of NC ARES. 

116 West Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27603
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Bernard Nobles WA4MOK
NC SEC

Introduction to State EOC-N4TAB, or John G.
Introduction of attendees-N4TAB
NAT WX SER-Darin Figurskey-KC2IPY 2009 Hurricane Season
NCEM Winlink/Mars-N4TAB
Section Manager News N4IB
Statewide Digital Plan-N4IB For John W4CC
State Government Laision News Bob Condor
Discussion Ref State prepardness/ Roundtable

 
Hello.
I would like to ask you who are local to please pass the word, announce on local nets, etc.
The Cleveland County Amateur Radio Service will be holding a class to help unlicensed
people obtain their technician’s license.

There will be an informational session on Apr 9 at 7:00 PM.  The classes will meet on the subsequent Thursday nights. 
 The classes will be held at the Christ Covenant Church located at 1050 Sam Lattimore Rd, Shelby. 

If anyone needs more info, they can visit www.ccarsnc.org or contact me (rross@librtynet.com / 704-974-1844)
Thanks
73
Randy - KI4ZJI
Who I saw at the Hamfest
 

To ARES of Cleveland County Members

ARES of Cleveland County Activated during Snow Storm

While many of us were sound asleep in our beds this morning, several from our group were activated by Emergency Management Director, Dewey Cook, KJ4BYU and the ARES of Cleveland County Emergency Coordinator, Ben Melvin, KM4C.  At 1:28am, Ben received a call from the EOC asking for two radio operators to be stationed at The Red Cross Headquarters in Shelby and at the Bethlehem Baptist Church Shelter in Kings Mountain.  Todd Vickery, KG4UZT with his Four Wheel Drive, drove Ben, KM4C to the Shelter at Bethlehem Baptist and then offered his services to transport the stranded travelers before returning home.  The EOC sent a Four Wheel Drive out to pick up Neal, W4JNH and transport him to the Red Cross Building in Shelby. 

The amount of snow fall we had over the course of the evening had stranded many motorists on I-85 near Kings Mountain and Grover.  Sam Richardson, WA4BPW working with Red Cross and Emergency Management aided in the transport of stranded motorists to and from the Truck stop and the roadside on I-85 to the Red Cross Shelter at Bethlehem Baptist Church in KM.  At 4:45am the headcount at the shelter was 12 stranded motorists with 50 more changing their mind and wanting to go to the Shelter.  At 4:56am the headcount at Bethlehem was 18 and the count for what is on the way now is 70 more people.  It’s been a busy night for the police, firemen, ambulances drivers, Emergency Management, EMT’s and our ARES of Cleveland County volunteers.  Transportation of the stranded travelers is slow going as the Ambulance only holds so many.

Through the use of amateur radio on 147.345 (+) / W4NYR Shelby Amateur Radio Club Repeater, Dewey Cook can get a quicker picture of shelter statistics than using the conventional phone or cell phone to communicate and Craig Morehead, Disaster Services Director with the Red Cross can also maintain contact with Shelter workers and transportation (Sam).

At 5:25 am they are still operating and may be operating for a while.  If you have 4 Wheel Drive and are available today (if we need relief operators), please give me a call at 704-477-1727 so that we can get a head count of those available for activation.  The Red Cross has its own Ham radio in place but if you are sent to a shelter, you will need your own equipment.  If you are available but do not have Four Wheel Drive, you can also let me know.

Current Operators from ARES of Cleveland County

Emergency Operation Center – Dewey Cook, KJ4BYU (Emergency Manager)
Bethlehem Church Shelter – Ben Melvin, KM4C (Emergency Coordinator)
Cleveland County Red Cross Headquarters – Neal Hodges, W4JNH
Shelter Transport – Sam Richardson WA4BPW
4WD Transportation Support – Todd Vickery, KG4UZT

 
 
March 09 - QST Magazine Adam (WK4P) and Bill (W4EHF)

A story about NC Bluegrass near you
Thanks to

 

                                                         Anderson Power Pole

If you don't like the way Anderson Power Poles pull apart SO easily, here are some solutions BESIDES tying the wires in a sqare knot...

PowerWerx sells a plastic retention clip that goes into the holes where the roll pin was originally intended to go.  No good if you have filled that hole with glue, as I have...
"Retention Clips for PP15/30/45 Powerpole Connectors, Bag of five."
<http://www.powerwerx.com/anderson%2Dpowerpoles%2Daccessories/individual%2Dhousings%2Dcontacts%2Droll%2Dpins/>
if that URL is too long, go to powerwerx.com (the home page) and
click on the "Individual Housings, Contacts & Roll Pins" text.

There is another brand of connector to use, that still is compatible:

This note is from Eric, N3EF, swiped off of the Elecraft reflector discussion:

"Trouble with Power Pole connectors
for those of you that have an issue with the way Anderson's "lock" together, you might want to give these a try. I get mine from Mouser.
http://www.mouser.com/catalog/632/1186.PDF

I have been getting away from using Anderson Powerpole connectors, and now
I am relying on Tyco Electronics - AMP Power Lock Connectors. Essentially the same thing as Anderson PP, but much higher quality. They will mate with the Anderson line so there is no problem [with compatability] there. A lot of people have complained at how easily the powerpoles come apart. I did some testing and found that it takes about 3 lbs of force
to pull two powerpoles apart, while it takes 8 lbs for the AMP connectors.
With an AMP mated to Anderson, it takes 6 lbs. With the AMP connectors, it
takes considerably more force to mate them and there is a distinct
snap/click sound when they go together. The pins are thicker and they have
"wings" on them so they don't flop around in the housing like the Anderson
ones do. Also, they don't require a roll pin to lock them together. There is a little tab on the housing that locks one half of the connector to the
other. They do cost more but your getting a higher quality product in my
opinion. Anyway, for those of you that have an issue with the way Anderson's "lock" together, you might want to give these a try.

Mouser
http://www.mouser.com/catalog/632/1186.PDF

Eric N3EF"
 

 

 

Known as the "Magic Band," 6 meters QSO Party

 

An ARES Update
   Recently I attended a quarterly meeting of a relatively new organization, "Greater Carolinas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster" (VOAD).  I was representing Mecklenburg ARES (they think of us as ARRL).  The meeting was held at the Mecklenburg EOC, and was attended by our 'served agencies' as well as other volunteer agencies that contribute to a disaster recovery such as Crisis Assistance Ministries, United Way, Council on Aging, ARRL,  etc. 
   Conducting the meeting was Salvation Army Major Todd Smith. Wayne Broome, Mecklenburg Emergency Manager, described the role of Emergency Management and the Emergency Operation Center in planning for and responding to a disaster.  Rick Schou, Red Cross Disaster Services manager, presented the importance for each family to have a disaster plan.  VOAD and Mr Broome are seeking a larger set of resources and expertise useful in a disaster response (like the Katrina response at the Charlotte Coliseum, but with more preparation).
   Mr Broome encouraged all involved to do the overview classes of the Incident Command System, IS-100, IS-700, and IS-800B.  Our Area-13 ARES is also encouraging IS-200.  These describe the organization and control basis for all operations at our EOC, starting at the local level.  Some of us have already completed these and may remember one part of IS-800B which describes 15 Emergency Support Functions (ESF).  So far in Mecklenburg county we also have ESF 16,17,18, 19, and 20, which include other specific disaster response functions.
    A new task for the Mecklenburg ARES EC (me) is to track completion of these on-line classes by our ARES members.  More served agencies and now also the VOAD agencies, are getting interested in what we do.  We gain more credibility if we already know ‘the drill’ described by the classes before we get into ‘the drill’ conducted from the EOC.  So far about 20 percent of our ARES roster has completed some of the on-line classes.  If you have, and I don’t know about it yet, send me an email or check my list at a meeting.  If you haven’t let me know when you finish one so I can put a star next to your callsign in the Meck ARES roster.  By the way, I’m getting graded on how many stars I can put into our roster.
    73,  WB2NHQ@arrl.net

Sample plan KD4OZI

 

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