New News

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

Susan's (K4ZXN) visits in Area-13 on Field Day.
Area-13
6/28/30
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

Hat's off to all those that participated in the S.E.T. drill in 2008.
It looks like the Western Branch was cooking

Paul - KD4OZI

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  
           
           

 

Received this email tonight, passing along.  I hope that WMIT will reverse their decision and allow amateur radio to stay!
Read & Pass along.

Susan

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

ARES ® Registered Trademark of ARRL

 

From: Jimmy Dean Blair [mailto:k2jb@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 11:35 PM
To: w4moe@bellsouth.net
Subject: FW: Mt Mitchell NC Repeaters To Go Off The Air

 

Dear Ham Radio Community.
Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society needs your assistance. 
The Mt Mitchell Repeaters will be off the air if we do not act.  This is a BIG BIG deal.
Below is an email sent out to this evening.  We are asking that you forward this email to
your members and ask that they respond to help us keep the
53.63, 145.190, 224.54, 442.225, 443.600 repeaters on the air.

You may follow this on QRZ -  http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=206595

We appreciate your assistance.

Dean Blair ~ k2jb

WCARS President

k2jb@bellsouth.net

 

Swine Flu Pandemic DECLARED by World Health
Organization Alert at Phase 6
A Pandemic Is Declared

6/11/09

10-year-old boy killed by lightning

Published: 6/11/09, 10:05 AM EDT
 
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indianapolis police say a 10-year-old boy was killed by lightning at a campground while he and his father walked to their car to seek shelter from a thunderstorm.

 

Jeremiah Miller was pronounced dead early Thursday at a hospital after paramedics tried to revive him.

 

Police say the boy and his 26-year-old father, Jeremy Miller, were camping at Mike's Southport Fishing Lakes on the city's south side. The boy was struck by lighting about 3:30 a.m. during a thunderstorm that also swamped the area with more than 2 inches of rain.

 

While looking for a clip art picture of a J-38 key, I ran across this interesting page.  Take a look.

http://www.telegraph-office.com/pages/mcelroy.html

Ed - W4KMA
6/11/09

 

From: Susan Melvin 
To: k4zxn@yahoo.com 
Sent: Sunday, June 07, 2009 10:53 PM
Subject: Shelby Hamfest information


Dear NC ARRL Clubs,
Please pass this information along to your members.  This year our club,
in an effort to save money on postage, has decided not to mail brochures. 
Attached is a PDF with information on the 2009 Shelby Hamfest in Dallas, NC.  
September 5th and 6th.   Tickets can now be purchased via paypal through our 
website at http://www.shelbyhamfest.org/hamfest.htm

 We are giving away 14 radios this year and you do not have to be present to win.

 Thanks for your time and your patronage to our hamfest.  We love to see folks from 
all across NC and look forward to seeing you Labor Day weekend!

 73 

Susan Melvin
K4ZXN
Vice President  - Shelby Amateur Radio Club
http://www.shelbyhamfest.org

 Susan Melvin
K4ZXN

District Emergency Coordinator
NC ARES AREA 13
http://ncarea13.k4zxn.org
6/08/09
 

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

Dear NC PIOs:
Great news!  Thanks to our Section Manager Tim Slay, N4IB, the section will reimburse any currently appointed ARRL PIO in the North Carolina section who completes the PR101 course before December 1, 2009.  The course can be ordered by going to: http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=0133   The cost is $19.95 for the course itself, and about $6.-$7 to ship it to your QTH.  Once you complete
the course, and Tim and I are notified that your certificate of completion has been issued, you can complete the attached form for reimbursement.  Please scan and email it to Tim at n4ib@arrl.org or send via US mail to Tim’s QTH at 141 Queens Cove Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117-9609 for his signature, and he will submit it on your behalf to ARRL HQ.  It may take several weeks for your reimbursement check to arrive. 

The PR101 training course represents a major leap in the training of ARRL field PIOs.  As I shared with you earlier, almost 75% of all ARRL PIOs have had little or no training in PR, media or journalism.  As you go through this first version of PR101, you will notice that sections of it appear primitive, amateurish or elementary.  Those of us who are on ARRL’s Public Relations Committee cobbled the course together after it was approved by ARRL management but hadn’t been funded.  Rather than wait for funding the next fiscal year, we all felt it was best to begin now, and make version 2.0 in 2010 look smoother and more polished.  Nevertheless, the information in the inaugural edition is on-target relative to amateur radio PR, and you will find it beneficial.

 Tim and I aren’t sure if the section budget will permit any PIO who takes PR101 after December 1, 2009 will be reimbursed.  We are leaning, however, to make PR101 training a requirement for all NC section PIOs who want to retain their ARRL PIO appointments starting in 2011.  Therefore, I encourage you to sign up now for PR101 if you want to be reimbursed for the cost of the training, and to ensure that you will have the training completed by the time it may become mandatory.  I expect that many section managers will be making PR101 compulsory for their section PIOs in the near future.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  Congratulations again to Randy Ross, KI4ZJI, for completing PR101 along with me.  It doesn’t take long, and it will elevate your outlook, approach, professionalism and dealings with the media as they relate to amateur radio.

TNX es 73,

Bill N2COP

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
ARRL Seeks Member Support for HR 2160
Thanks to Cliff Fox (KU4GW) for this posting.

Dear NC PIOs:

 I hope you all saw this already on ARRL’s PR reflector.  If you’re not on the reflector, you should be.  To sign up, please send an email to Allen Pitts, ARRL’s Media & PR Manager, at w1agp@arrl.org and tell him you want to subscribe to the PR reflector.

 This will likely be my last email to NC PIOs before I leave for Dayton.  Please remember that May 24-31 is Hurricane Awareness Week in NC, and if your local SKYWARN or ARES® organization is planning an event, please publicize it.  Also, a lot of new release templates and PSAs have been posted on the PIO page at arrl.org.  Check them out.

 Now’s the time to begin getting those local and county proclamations to display on your club’s Field Day public information table (A public information display at your FD station is worth 100 points) .  Check with your town, city or county clerk on how to obtain a proclamation.  Sample language can be found at http://www.arrl.org/pio/press_kits/arweek/proclamation2.html   Also, make sure you or your club is starting to invite served agencies and elected officials to your FD event (each is worth 100 points).

 Finally, when I return from Dayton, we will be launching PR101.  I will be encouraging you all to take this course because it will help all of us, including me, to become more effective PIOs.  I’ll brief you on what happened at Dayton when I return.  Is anyone going to Dayton?  If so, please plan to attend the PR Forum at 1:30 PM on Friday, May 15th

 73,
Bill

Bill Morine, N2COP

101 Windlass Drive   Wilmington, NC  28409-2030
HOME TEL: (910) 452-1770  CELL: (910) 367-1758
ARRL North Carolina Section Public Information Coordinator (PIC)
Chairman - ARRL National Public Relations Committee
To find a Field Day location near you, go to: http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/locator.php
Click on the 30 second 2009 Field Day Announcement below

http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/2009/2009FieldDayPSA1.wmv
ARRL-The national association for Amateur Radio

 

Happy Birthday Sam
Thanks Lane (KS4PG)

 

 

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

 

 
Citizens Donate Ham Radio Equipment to Fire Station
 
Jim Crisco and Cliff Brommer demonstrate the radio equipment
Jim Crisco and Cliff Brommer demonstrate the radio equipment

 Read About it.. Lincoln County

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

A story about NC Bluegrass near you
Thanks to

 

             
Straight Key Night -   Brings back Old, Old memories

 

Laura L. Smith Named to Amateur Radio Enforcement Role

 
Please welcome to our Western Branch list the New EC of Gaston County.

George Poteat - K4GLP

Also 3 new AEC's for Gaston County
K1CY -
CYRUS B ROWE                                     
KI4JCD -
Thomas G Agerton
KG4ZJF - Dennis R Hammerle

Welcome aboard.  I look forward in meeting you in the future.

Paul - KD4OZI

 

From ED (W4KMA)
fyi...................

QSL.net & QTH.net Announcement

December 31, 2008

Dear fellow hams,

After 13 years of providing hams with no cost web space, e-mail forwarding and mailing list services through QSL.net and QTH.net, I have decided to retire. All QSL.net and QTH.net servers and Internet connections at my home QTH are being turned down.

Scott KA9FOX has graciously decided to pick up where I left off, and he is in the process of migrating all services to new hardware. See below for an update on the status of the migration.

I want to thank all of you for all of your support over the years, and I hope that you will support Scott as he takes over the reigns.

See you on the air!

73 - Al Waller, K3TKJ
<<mailto:k3tkj@qsl.net>k3tkj@qsl.net>


 

 

I Notice in the November addition of the Sera Journal, North Carolina section, Mike Lewis (WA4KE) mentioned a "Tip of the Hat" to Cliff Fox (KU4GW) Area-11, EC of Alexander County for appearing on a local radio station, WACB A.M. station 860 call-in show with local information,  Cliff provided answers to question ask by the listeners on the subject of Amateur Radio.

Way To Go Cliff
Paul - KD4OZI

                                                         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"
 

 

It is with heavy heart that I tell you James Rogers (N4EUX) passed away Sunday.
James was the DEC of Area-12.  James will sadly be missed by all of us that knew James.  
My, condolences to his family during their time of need.  Keep them in your prayers.
 
Paul – KD4OZI
 
I received this last night from AD4JG.  It's sad news.  I will be sending flowers on behalf of ARES.
 
Tim Slay, N4IB
NC Section Manager
704-382-4646
-----Original Message-----
From: graggjltj@charter.net [mailto:graggjltj@charter.net]
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 10:32 PM
To: Slay, Tim
Subject: Re: Silent Key
 
Hey Tim, The service is Tuesday at 3pm At the Littlejohns United Methodist Church on Littlejohns 
Church Rd. in Lenoir In western Caldwell Co. Receiving Friends At 2pm Before service. Jerry
---- "Slay wrote:
 Jerry - could you send me details on the funeral? I might try to make it.
 
 ----- Original Message -----
 From: graggjltj@charter.net <graggjltj@charter.net>
 To: n4ib@arrl.net <n4ib@arrl.net>
 Sent: Mon Nov 24 19:17:14 2008
 Subject: Silent Key
 
 Dear Tim, I wanted to make you aware that James (Jim) Rogers N4EUX Area 12 DEC past away 
early Sunday morning at Caldwell Memorial Hospital. He past after having surgery last Wednesday on
an Anurism on an artery. The service will be at 3pm Tuesday. Any question you can email me at
graggjltj@charter.net or call me at (828) 449-0262. Sincerely Jerry Gragg / AD4JG Area 12 ADEC

 

 

CQ Communications Acquires WorldRadio  Magazine
Thanks to ED (W4KMA)
11/15/08

Hi, folks,

Just a quick update on the NCEM Winlink system.

All of the electronics has been received at NCEM Raleigh (746 Pro, P/S, Pactor III modems, antennas, cables).  Non-penetrating roof mounts for the Western and Eastern Branch offices, coax cables and other installation stuff is on-order and expected at NCEM Raleigh within the next couple of weeks.

Here's the initial implementation plan:
  1. Next week, I will sign-out 1 (one) hardware group (radio/modem/cables), take it to my office and integrate it.  I will make drawings of the configuration for future use.  I will then load Winlink software onto a dedicated Windows XP machine and get it configured and operational.  I will make installation CDs of the configuration for later use.
  2. Then, we will install the first hardware group at the State EOC in Raleigh and clean-up any remaining hardware/software/firmware configuration issues and update the CDs with a working configuration.  Generation of initial training info/documents will begin at this point.
  3. Next, we will get the hardware delivered to the Western and Eastern Branches, along with supporting documentation.
  4. NCEM will arrange for any contractor work (wall penetrations, lift/setup of the roof mounts, etc.).
  5. Hams at the Western Branch and Eastern Branch will need to arrange a short work-party to pull-up the dipole antennas and connect the coax.
  6. The undersigned and others will conduct the training on-site[s] and help with any configuration issues.  This will be coordinated with NCEM personnel that will also participate in training.  This will include installation of configured software.
     
  7. Following the foregoing, we will want to "wring-out" the system for a few weeks and understand the inherent characteristics and finalize any operational guidelines.


This is the culmination of a lot of effort by a lot of folks in the Ham community and at NCEM over some years and is the backbone for a larger digital system for NCEM in NC.  Thanks to all that have participated and in particular, Clay Benton and Mike Sprayberry at NCEM.  Mike said "you present me with a workable plan and I'll make funds available".  We did and he did.

Thanks and 73,

Tom  N4TAB
ASEC Central Branch

Distribution:
Bernie Nobles NC SEC
Paul Robinette ASEC Western Branch
Ron Knapp ASEC Eastern Branch
Tim Slay NC SM
John Guerriero EC NCEM

cc: Clay Benton, Operations Center Manager, NCEM
     Mike Montague NCEM Communications Coordinator

 

To: Western Branch Digital Operators

First of all, I wish to apologize to all who responded promptly (some time ago) to my query about Western Branch digital operations. At that time it was my intent to assemble information and mail it out to you with some ideas about using our digital networks during the Oct. 4. SET. I realize I have been slack in accomplishing this. In September I made two long trips, one each to LA and TX, to assist in disaster relief operations to assist the victims of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The time spent away from home as well as "catch-up" tasks have contributed to this slackness.

I am attaching a MS Word file with information about the five Winlink 2000 RMS Gateway stations that are currently operating in the Western Branch. I have connected successfully to each one, except KG4HJU, from my home in Concord
If this information is not correct, please email me with the correction(s).

Information about ARES Area 11 digital stations can be found at URL http://www.ncares11.com/Packet.htm.

So, what can we do digitally during the SET? I have the following ideas.
1) Exercise your digital equipment and try to connect to as many of the RMS gateway stations as possible.

2) Send email via the WL2K system to ARES officials including the SEC and SM. Send at least one to Paul, KD4OZI, our Western Branch ASEC. His email address is KD4OZI@bellsouth.net. I have inquired of our SM, Tim Slay, as to the email addresses at the State EOC and the Branch EOCs. I have not yet received that information from him. The Section Manager's email address is N4IB@arrl.org. The email address for Jim Rogers, N4EUX, the DEC for Area 12, is bozo38@charter.net. The email address for Duke, W4DK, the DEC for Area 15, is W4DK@arrl.net.
A list of Western Branch ARES officials may be found at URL http://bellsouthpwp2.net/k/d/kd4ozi/DEC/DEC%20EC%20ORG.htm

3) Send WL2K email messages to county ECs (both your own and other counties.). In order to do this we will need gather some more email addresses. If you are interested in providing an email address use the REPLY ALL button on this email and send to all on this address list.. The email address for Sam Roberts, Cabarrus Co. EC, is sroberts@pipeline.com

4)If some of you will have packet mailboxes active during the SET, tell us the call signs, frequency, and location (including county). Use the REPLY BUTTON as described above to give us this information as well. The mailbox for Cabarrus County will be W4LN-1 on 145.09, accessible via dual frequency node K4CEB-7.

Please send me other ideas and information to me or the group in the address list.

I realize this a late date for preparing for the SET. Thank you for your cooperation and participation.

73
Richard W4LN
AEC Cabarrus County
 
All District Emergency Coordinators Copy
All your Emergency Coordinators Copy
All Emergency Coordinators Copy
all ARES members pass it on
 
Known as the "Magic Band," 6 meters QSO Party
Congratulations to members of the Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club for
orchestrating a successful amateur radio contact between the battleship
USS North Carolina and her namesake, docked in Wilmington for a
commissioning ceremony this weekend.  The director of the museum ship
and the Captain of the new attack submarine USS North Carolina made a 2
meter contact yesterday.  The event was covered by WWAY TV and video
can be seen at the link below:

http://www.wwaytv3.com/video/sub_battleship_share_historic_radio_call/04

This is the first known conveyance of radio greetings between two
namesake military vessels since the cold war era. This weekend the
ACARC will be operating a special event station from the radio room of
the battleship North Carolina to celebrate the commissioning of the new
submarine.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL North Carolina Section
Section Manager: Timothy B. Slay, N4IB
n4ib@arrl.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This message is being sent to you via the ARRL Members Only Web site.
If you do not want to receive further messages, go to the site at:
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Log in with your username and password and change your email options.
Unchecking the "News and information from your Division Director and
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being sent to you.
-- webmaster@arrl.org

 

 

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

 

 
North Carolina Section News
3/18/08
Will Travel Will Climb ??
We have a few Counties that need climbers.  If you know of
some one that will climb a tower at a reasonable price let me know.  Iredell and Stanly County are requesting a name of a Climber.

Paul - KD4OZI
2/27/08

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