QRZ! Ham Radio 6/QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - Volume 6.iso/pc/files/races/mismisc1.txt

Text File | 1994-11-27 | 19.7 KB | 368 lines

Page 1

MISMisc1   Version 1. 3     3/1/92



Subject: MISCELLANEOUS, Part 1
[Category: MIS]

A REVIEW OF THE CHANGES IN RACES
This year continued to see a growth in the planning for and use
of Amateur Radio operators and other communications volunteers in
government service. This interest and growth has been not only in
California but throughout the United States and Canada. The role
of the Amateur Radio operator in emergency communications has
changed drastically from what it was twenty years ago. Back then,
the ham basically planned for long term operations that might
last for days at a time. The RACES person, that is any ham
attached to a local government civil defense agency, was
preoccupied with a worst-case wartime scenario.
Today's RACES unit, on the other hand, is geared for quick
response, short term, emergency public safety communications sup
port. Gone, thank goodness, is the image of the tin hat, armband,
flashlight and bucket of sand. Gone are the legions of home based
radio stations. In their place are more and more government
locations fully equipped with RACES, CAP, and other radio
stations so that the volunteers don't have to lug their own to
serve their government. I say thanks to all those unpaid
professionals in our organization and those of you throughout the
country with whom I have communicated with this year. Such good
volunteers not only look good, they make you and your
organization look good. We salute the dedicated and growing
number of packet bulletin board sysops who make these Bulletins
available to a host of emergency communications volunteers. We
thank all of you who have contributed material for these
Bulletins. In 1992 we plan to encourage the broader use of the
RACES people in many other radio and communications services. We
hope to see a return to the emergency communications performance
role of the Civil Air Patrol. This year we changed the name of
the forty year old State RACES section to the Auxiliary Radio
Service to better reflect the broad diversity of services
required of today's volunteers. Together we look forward to 1992,
and may it ever bigger and better for us all. Stan Harter, KH6GBX
State RACES Coordinator and Cary Mangum, W6WWW, Chief State Radio
Officer. RB202

RACES BULLETINS. How TRANSMITTED
At the request of numerous state and local emergency management
and civil defense agencies around the country, plus the American
Radio Relay League headquarters, we are transmitting the weekly
State RACES Bulletins nationwide (to RACES @ ALLUS in the linked
national packet radio system).
The weekly RACES bulletins answer questions, provide guidance,
recommendations, interpretations and information regarding the
utilization of Amateur Radio serving these agencies. There is a
close working relationship between ARES (Amateur radio Emergency
Service) and the RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) in
California. In this state, any volunteer serving the State or a
local government must be a registered disaster service worker.
Those Amateurs who elect to affiliate with a specific government,
for example, become a part of that government's RACES unit. Thus,
most ARES members are members of a city, county, or the State
RACES unit.
Most Bulletins are undated in nature and applicable (directly or
through interpretation) anywhere in the U.S. They have been
requested by several Pacific basin nations because their use of
Amateur Radio in support of emergency communications is similar
to ours. Several people and agencies have said that the Bulletins
help fill a void created by the disappearance of national RACES
guidance by FEMA many years ago.
We hope that the weekly California RACES Bulletins will be
helpful to you, too.
STANLY E. HARTER, KH6GBX Amateur Radio Service Coordinator
Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CA) Vice-Chairman, FCC's
State Emergency Communications
Committee
[SYSOPS Note: Most WESTNET sysops, for example, leave the current
Bulletin in the directory for one week and then move it into a
"W" sub-directory upon receipt of the next Bulletin. Thank you
all for your support and cooperation. 73 and Aloha, Stan/KH6GBX
(W6HIR @ WA6NWE).]

The State RACES Bulletins are transmitted via the WESTNET packet
radio system throughout California and other areas. At the
suggestion of the ARRL Headquarters, the State RACES BULLETINS
were entered into the nationwide packet radio mailbox system. The
BULLETINS are intended to be delivered weekly to county and city
emergency management agencies by their RACES operators except, of
course, in those jurisdictions that do not yet have a RACES unit.

Mailing the RACES BULLETINS to jurisdictions would be prohibitive
and the RACES is, after all, a radio communications system.
However, we mail the BULLETINS to those jurisdictions that are
out of WESTNET range or do not yet have a RACES unit, and to
Amateur publications and newsletters that use the material. If
you are not getting these Bulletins or would like more
information, please call the State OES Telecommunications
Division at 916-427-4281 and ask for the RACES section.  RB043

RACES BULLETINS/INDEX are Available to Emergency Managers ,
Responders, SYSOPS.
The BULLETINS are intended for all emergency management offices
and their communications volunteers in government service. The
latter is anyone who provides (or may be interested in providing)
a state or a local government such service as an enrolled
volunteer member of that government, and serves in a manner
prescribed by that government.
The RACES BULLETINS are written by and for people involved with
the RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service and the ARES
(Amateur Radio Emergency Service) and similar organizations.
Material for the Bulletins is from contributors around the U.S.
and Canada.
As suggested by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), in 1988
the BULLETINS went into national distribution via the Amateur
Radio linked packet radio bulletin board system. They are also
carried by the CAP and MARS packet radio networks.
They are presently available to individuals and organizations
via:
1. The Amateur Radio packet radio bulletin board service
throughout the United States, Canada, and Pacific rim countries.
2. First class mail. Camera ready. Four at a time in your
business size SASE. Starts upon receipt of your SASE supply.
Expiration reminder inserted when last SASE envelope is used. The
published Bulletins frequently contain additional information,
articles, diagrams or cartoons not available to the packet radio
or diskette versions.
3. On Disc from Races Coordinator, Office of Emergency Services,
2800 Meadowview Drive, Sacramento, CA 95832. RB140-90

[Compilers 1992 notation: This By-Topic version, and a hard-copy
PRINTED version, both are more functional than the by-the-number
bulletins. The by-the-number version is for those who want an
exact chronological record; however a number of the time-related
bulletins were deleted from the By-Topic Version. The Disc and
Print Versions of RACESBulletins-by-Topic)= have a table of
contents and a cross reference index cross not a part of the
by-the-number Bulletins.]

CCDN & RACES BULLETINS
The California Civil Defense Net has historically skipped Mondays
that fell on holidays. Effective immediately(1987) the CCDN will
be conducted every Monday of the year. At least one California
STATE RACES BULLETIN will be sent to QST and every OES agency
every Monday. The BULLETINS are sent via (1) the CCDN, Mondays at
1900 on CW and 1930 on AMTOR on 3545.5 MHz; (2) all WESTNET
packet bulletin boards; and (3) by mail to selected agencies and
CLUBS who use them in their club publications.
The BULLETINS are of lessened value if they are not delivered
upon receipt to every county OES coordinator by a local Amateur.
Not all RACES BULLETINS may be carried by the CCDN. Time critical
BULLETINS may be sent by packet at any time. RACES program
personnel statewide should check their packet mailbox daily for
traffic addressed to "RACES".
As pointed out at a recent ARRL conference all emergency
operations centers, RACES, and ARES management personnel should
be equipped with packet communications. It is the fastest and
most accurate Amateur communications mode readily available for
message traffic, management and training subjects.
Again, it is requested that all STATE RACES BULLETINS be read at
reading speed over all voice radio nets throughout California to
keep all Amateurs informed of Amateur Radio emergency services.
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services thanks all who have
cooperated in this effort. Sgd/STANLY E. HARTER, KH6GBX
Coordinator, Amateur Radio Service Asst. Chief,
Telecommunications Division . RB87-37-UPDATED
[Compilers note: CCDN was changed to the California Emergenc
Services Net, CESN, in early 1992]

EXCELLENT RACES NEWSLETTER
An example of an excellent newsletter of a reorganized and
revitalized RACES unit, is that of Orange County, California To
review their monthly publication send single request with
business sized first class (at least l ounce) SASE. To receive a
continued copy send a supply of business-size first-class SASE 's
and request "NET CONTROL" to: Walter Wilson, N6VYB, RACES Program
Director, County of Orange, 1985 South Santa Cruz Street,
Anaheim, CA 92805-6815.  RB50-89 [Compiler recommends sending
additional stamps as size of this newsletter has increased.]

USAFR RESCUE 621
RESCUE 621 is the transportable communications system assigned to
the 939 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group (Air Force Reserve),
located at Portland International Airport, Oregon. According to
Mr. Bill Kratch of the 939th, the capability of RESCUE 621
exceeds that of virtually any other civil or military system now
in operation. RESCUE 621 radio systems include: HF Point to Point
and Air/Ground, UHF Air/Ground, VHF Air/Ground, VHF Satellite
(NASA ATS-3), VHF-FM ("Fox Mike" tactical radio), VHF FM High
Band and Low Band Mobile Radio (Federal government, state and
local law enforcement, rescue, fire and ambulance services,
American Red Cross), and connections for virtually any portable
or mobile radio that can be furnished by the user. RESCUE 621 can
patch together transmissions among these channels, providing a
unique capability to extend local communications to a regional or
global basis, while quickly adapting to rapidly changing
situations. Through RESCUE 621, on- scene officials can literally
talk to supporting agencies on the other side of the globe, while
simultaneously all parties are linked into local or regional
networks. While rescue missions were being flown immediately
following the eruption of Mount St. Helens, the White House
Situation Room used RESCUE 621 to link directly with military
rescue aircraft and civilian officials responding to the
disaster.
The vehicle and support systems trailer are air- transportable by
military aircraft, and are kept in mission-ready condition at all
times. The vehicle is a CJ5 Jeep containing all radios and
operating consoles. The vehicle carries the driver and one
passenger. The trailer carries power generator, gasoline tanks
and radio repair kits. This system has been funded as a peacetime
rescue resource by the Air Force Reserve. RESCUE 621 is managed
by Mr. Bill Kratch, 939th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group
(AFRES), Portland International Airport, OR. Telephone
503-335-4561, AUTOVON 638-4561. Mission tasking for RESCUE 621 is
controlled by the USAF Rescue Coordination Center, Scott AFB, IL.
Telephone [phone] or AUTOVON 576-4815. RB 66-89 and 67-89

STATION LICENSE
QUESTIONS Q. Can we get a new club or RACES station license? A.
No. They are no longer available. Q. If we already have one, can
it be renewed? A. Yes. RB87-89

NEW STATE OES CALLSIGN
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 5, 1987, THE AMATEUR RADIO CALLSIGN FOR THE
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, STATE OES HEADQUARTERS,
SACRAMENTO, WILL CHANGE FROM KH6GBX TO W6HIR. THANKS TO THE
SUPPORT FROM RAMS, THE RADIO AMATEUR MOBILE SOCIETY INC., STATE
OES HEADQUARTERS WILL HAVE A CALLSIGN THAT WILL IDENTIFY THIS
ACTIVITY AND LOCATION INSTEAD OF AN INDIVIDUAL. THE PACKET RADIO
CALLSIGN WILL BECOME W6HIR-1. PLEASE NOTE THIS CHANGE IN YOUR
RECORDS AND RACES PLANS. RB 86 - 45

APPOINTMENT OF STAN HARTER AS RACES COORDINATOR
"I for one am most pleased to see the rejuvenation of the RACES
BULLETINS with attendant interest in the RACES program as
currently fostered by the State Office of Emergency Services.
Welcome aboard to Stan Harter, KH6GBX. Your efforts will be
appreciated by all RACES members.
Amateur Radio began to play an important role for the State of
California in the 1950-1951 era of Civil Defense. The California
Civil Defense Net (CCDN) was formed to supplement governmental
communications systems during emergencies. From this base the
California RACES program was developed in 1952. RACES has served
well during many floods, fire and earthquakes.
Not often do we get the call to duty but, when required, RACES
has been indispensable. It behooves all jurisdictions to maintain
a high state of training and readiness. We all hope and pray that
we are never needed. On the other hand, from past experience, we
know that communications facilities are never adequate during a
major catastrophe. "BE PREPARED!"
Signed/MARION HENSON, W6NKR, State RACES Radio Officer, APRIL
1985

The following bulletin was transmitted 4/1/85: OES has hired Stan
Harter (KH6GBX) to fill its new position of EBS/RACES
communications coordinator. His primary duties will be to
organize the State EBS and RACES programs when he starts work on
April 22, 1985. Stan worked as the Hawaii State Communications
Officer for 20 years where he was directly involved with the
planning, organizing, implementation, operating and improving the
state's EBS and RACES programs. Stan has been an Amateur for over
35 years and has worked at commercial broadcast stations for over
23 years. s/s: W6NKR

COPY RIGHT PERMISSION
We receive questions from time to time whether or not the
bulletins, model communications plan, exhibits, or any of the
other aids may be copied?
Of course they may be copied, used, or modified to suit your
area, needs, or application. As one has observed, the only
copyright is that you copy right. It is proper to give
attribution to the source or author. We invite comments and
inputs. When communicating by packet, please include your name,
address, and telephone number(s). The model plan format,
volunteer position descriptions, standards, policies, standard
operating procedures, all of the weekly Bulletins since 1985, and
other exhibits and aids are available to anyone on computer
disc(s). They are in IBM PC ASCII format. Send us either TWO
3-1/2" disc or THREE 5-1/4" discs to State OES, ATTN: RACES, 2800
Meadowview Road, Sacramento, California 95832. RB187-91

A STATE OES TRAINING EXERCISE: HISTORY OF
ITEM 1. The annual earthquake exercise will be conducted October
14 and 15. The exercise will be played in real time and will
commence after a 0430 hypothetical major earthquake in Southern
California.
ITEM 2. The only communications at the offset for the State
Office of Emergency Services between Los Alamitos and Sacramento
will be HF-SSB. For this we will be looking towards RACES, CAP
and MARS.
ITEM 3. The contact in Southern California for communications
planning and coordination is Don Root, telephone (xxxxxxxxxx)
This will be an excellent opportunity to test the capabilities of
the frequencies, personnel and equipment of RACES, CAP and MARS.
Operations each day will end around 1500.
ITEM 4. It will be a limited scope exercise reflecting the first
36-48 hours of the disaster. The focus will be on communications,
using all radios available. Emphasis on public information
functions, situation reports, priorities. No canned messages.
"Real time" time play. City to county to State Coordination
Center (SCC) Los Alamitos to State Operations Center (SOC)
Sacramento.
ITEM 5. Players will include but not limited to Los Angeles
County, City of L.A., FIRESCOPE OCC, FEMA Region 9, State OES at
all Regions and the SCC and SOC, and the counties of Orange, San
Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Riverside and Ventura.
ITEM 6. We hope to incorporate the CAP and MARS organizations
into the permanent California State plans for emergency high
frequency communications . [Compilers note: was successfully
completed.]
ITEM 7. As noted by Headquarters W6HIR traffic the last couple of
weeks, the State will be participating in an earthquake exercise
on 14-15 October, along with city, county and federal
governments. Under the exercise scenario, government and
telephone communications will be severely impacted in parts of
Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Ventura, and
Santa Barbara counties.
ITEM 8. RACES members of the above jurisdictions who wish to
participate, but cannot arrange time off during the normal
business hours on October 14th can still participate. Contact the
person in your jurisdiction who is planning their participation
in the exercise or me at State OES Region 6 office for details.
Telephone xxxxxxxxxx.
ITEM 9. This exercise will provide OES the first opportunity to
test the new Southern California Earthquake Response Plan,
adopted by the Governor's Emergency Council last spring. Under
the plan, cities in the impacted area coordinate their needs with
their counties; the counties coordinate with State OES. As such,
OES will not accept message traffic from cities (with the
exception of the City of Los Angeles) during the "active"
portions of the exercise.
ITEM 10. Also under the plan, the concept of OES Regions 1 and 6
as separate coordinating entities is replaced by one coordinating
facility: the State Coordination Center (SOC), currently located
on the Armed Forces Reserve Center at Los Alamitos in Orange
County.
ITEM 11. A number of Amateurs thought about the need for portable
operation and go so far as to put together a portable station,
and then forget a few basic items to include. We all think about
VHF operating with a small two meter rig, complete with batteries
and magnetic mount antenna. But what about the ground plane when
you do not have a metal surface to mount the antenna on or near?
Build 4 radials that are a quarter wavelength for the band
concerned out of coat hangers, welding rods or spare antenna
rods, and place them in an X pattern under the mag mount to
provide a minimal ground plane.
ITEM 12. When planning portable HF stations, remember a ground
rod and a solid connection. Your tuner and your antenna wants to
see a counterpoise. Also remember to carry some warning tape for
your radials and guys that are located where people may walk into
them. A trip to your local lumber store will yield vinyl survey
tape in a number of colors including yellow and orange to warn
people of the hazard. Tie 6 to 8 inch pieces of the tape to your
radiator or guys at eye level and every 12 to 18 inches downward
from there.

RESPONSE EXERCISE IS UPON US! The Response exercise is now less
than 10 days away. Packet radio is being featured as a mainstream
method of message handling. The State Coordination Center at Los
Alamitos will be on vvvv(MHZ) ....[more details no longer of
interest]. As many government agencies are experiencing packet
for the first time through this exercise, we would appreciate the
cooperation of the general Amateur community in keeping the
channels for this exercise free on non-exercise traffic. Thank
you. 73, DON ROOT, WB6UCK, Ass't. Chief, State Telecommunications
Division, Southern Area RACES Coordinator.  RB 029 TO 035-87
(dates and phone numbers deleted for this compilation.)