Henry Wyatt, K4YCR, SEC
| Total number of ARES members | 1291 | Change since last month | +105 |
| DECs reporting this month | 10 out of 15 Call Signs |
ARES nets active | 195 sessions (reported) |
| ECs reporting this month | 42 out of 75 Call signs |
Nets with NTS Liaison | most of these nets |
| Number of Drills, tests and training sessions this month | 40 | Person hours | 191 |
| Number of Public service events this month | 3 | Person hours | 59 |
| Number of Emergency operations this month | 2 | Person hours | 37 |
| Total number of ARES operations this month | 41 | Person hours | 298 |
From the SEC
In a very quick review of the last two years, Virginia ARES has added 4 new DECs and a host of new ECs, many in localities that we had not serviced, some for a long time! Each of these, has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort in preparing this Commonwealth for the “whatever and whenever” that we all hope never comes! Many are working with the aftermath of Katrina still fresh in mind, while others remember back to Camille and the havoc that was wrought on Nelson County, then, there was Floyd that laid-waste to Zuni and Franklin. And these were just some of the hurricanes! The ice storms of ’93-94 left many without power for days, paralyzing much of the state!
HF voice modes have been the gold standard for many years, with CW as the choice for the NTS. We need be looking to the future for many additional modes that we can use to “connect” the citizens with each other and the first responders.
Packet was the first of the digital modes to enter the emergency response arena since RTTY was burdened by its big clunking machines. Packet continues to function as a back-bone of the state emergency system.
This is being overtaken by other digital modes such as CHIP 64 and the newest kid on the block … ALE. On a recent VDN, the CHIP 64 signal was nested neatly between the Mark and Space of a RTTY station on the same frequency running 850 Hz FSK … there was no interference. (I was so excited about this, I forgot to take a “screen shot” for the records!) The nightly CW net operates 3578.5 KHz, same as the digital net running CHIP 64 with a 1300 Hz offset and there is no interference. I also note that AMSAT is planning a geo-synchronous satellite, just think of the implications for emergency use.
WinLink needs to be implemented by more stations, enabling Internet “connect ability” anywhere, either HF or VHF/UHF.
But don’t forget the “interoperability” for which amateurs are noted. D-Star is great for those that have it … but at least, it may be used in the analog mode to communicate with those who don’t have the digital capability. The biggest problem that I foresee, is to be ready, batteries charged, with a 72 hour bag, then stand by and wait for the call. I wish everyone “Happy Preparedness”!
Thank you for the support that you have shown for ARES and the Commonwealth … hoping that your SEC has made the job of being a DEC, or and EC easier.
ODEN (from K3EP)
- Special thanks to Lou (KF4JRV, Wythe County EC), who picked up the net on the 18th when the scheduled NCS (N4WDC) was held over at work.
- If the scheduled NCS does not show -- and let's face it, we all have other things to do in our lives -- then I ask any of you to step up and run the net, just as Lou did. If you are unsure of yourself, then run a short net, taking only callsigns and then thanking all for checking in. Don't worry about where the station is located, comments from ARES leaders or check-ins, whether they are using battery power, etc. Just do check-ins and then close the net; I would be happy. I would rather have a short net, than no net at all.
- Regarding whether you have emergency power during check-in comments, we're making a change. Rather than ask you how much backup you have, all we want to know now is if you have any emergency power backup at all. We will no longer ask how much.
District 2
February was a quite month. They are planning for the spring public service events and searching for a replacement EC for Arlington County.
District 3
- From WW4GW EC for Buckingham and Cumberland Counties - Upgraded the Buckingham "Green" repeater system by installing a wind turbine. This upgrade will provide the site with additional power and allow us to install a 440 repeater along with IRLP and APRS. We have received the coordination for the 440 repeater and expect it to be functional by April 1. The Buckingham/Cumberland emergency services meetings continue to be a real important focal point for emergency planning for this area. Buckingham County emergency services has received the future remote command post vehicle and it is in the paint shop. Afterwards it will be equipped for service within the county and will include amateur radio capability.
- From N3DFS EC for Greene County - Emergency Net continues active at about same level with interest apparently about the same.
District 4
- Boyd, KO4WK, EC/RO, Caroline County: The ARES/RACES team was called up on Feb. 10, 2008 (Sunday) at 1430 EST with the EC and AEC requested to report to the EOC. Four other hams were alerted by phone and 2m repeater for standby. The EOC was activated to prepare for the strong winds, fires, trees and power lines down which kept the Fire and Rescue personnel very busy. Since the Red Cross in Fredericksburg did not respond to phone calls, David: N4WDC and Tom: AK1E drove to that office and opened the radio room and made contact with us via 2m repeater, and then also 2m packet. We also made contact with the state EOC via packet. Thanks also go to Danny: WA4SDE, Kirby: K4KHM, Jerry: AG4NV, Boyd: KO4WK for their participation.
- Tom, KI4AFE, EC/RO, Spotsylvania County: February was a very quiet month. We look forward to providing support to the Special Olympics on March 14th & 15th.
- Dick, W6WLG, EC/RO, Orange County: Attended the Orange County emergency planning meeting in Orange. The planned drill in July does not include any planned use of ARES/RO, however after presenting the benefit of our participation, even though no real need defined, it was decided by the planners to accept the offer and include us in the planned activities.
- Tom, W4LLK, EC/RO Fredericksburg City: A quiet month.
- Bart, N3GQ, EC/RO, Stafford County: Several members of our team local ham clubs attended the annual Frostfest in Richmond, our favorite ham fest. Bart, N3GQ bought materials to build a 700-foot long Extended Double Zepp antenna for the 160 meter band. On the following week, EC/RO Bart, N3GQ was given a tour of the new Stafford County Public Safety Building by the Sheriff’s Office 911 Center Manager, Carol Adams. EC/RO Bart, N3GQ managed 2 Saturday VE exam sessions and brought in five newcomers to our magic world of Amateur Radio. The Stafford EmComm team welcomed a new member this month, Andrew Miles, KJ4CCU.
District 5
Quiet month! Still actively seeking recruits for empty EC slots.
District 6
- K2QIJ (New Kent): New former member about to come on board....growing slowly;
- KG4YXP (District 6): We have two new appointments, Parke (N4KFT) as EC and Bill (KJ4ASH) as AEC for Henrico County. Henrico has a growing list (35 as of the last report) of county employees who are interested in becoming hams. We are planning to conduct a radio school at the Henrico Training Center to assist these potential new hams in getting their ticket. Frostfest was a success as we had a display for recruiting new ARES members and to promote ARES. We had 8 hams sign the visitor log and several of them are in the process of completing the registration process. We marketed to new hams by providing tickets to the RARC VE team to provide to new hams leaving the VE session. The ticket was exchanged for a bottle of cold water at the District 6 ARES table.
District 9
Norfolk has been involved with the CERT teams to promote Amateur Radio. Lots of Events in the near future! Portsmouth coordinating CERTEX (CERT Exercise) on April 19th and there will be SKYWARN training on April 01 or 14 Call 441-5600 for more details.
District 12
LARC program was SKYWARN for February, with lots of interest from membership, possible SKYWARN group could be formed in D12.
District 13
Appeared as an ARRL representative at the Franklin County Planning Commission hearing, advising them of the League's decades long history assisting communities in Amateur Tower legislation. The Franklin County Club presented a 62 page technical rebuttal to the Commission's initial draft that was further supported by a presentation made by Ron Shiflett, KG4KRB, a Virginia Registered Professional Engineer. The Commission was very impressed with Ron's technical explanations, and coupled with advice from the Franklin County Attorney as to Amateur rights under law, gave strong indications that most of the challenged elements may well be discarded. We are currently awaiting a revised initial draft and second interactive working session prior to a public hearing.
- Franklin: February activities focused on the proposed Amateur Tower ordinance draft. Attended special work session with Planning Commission members in which we were allowed to interact as part of their deliberations. It appears that we may have been successful in eliminating several onerous elements.
- Wythe: On feb 18th, I called the ODEN net. Good experience. Today, 2/29, I received a letter from the Wythe County Board of Supervisors stating that I have been appointed to the Wythe County local emergency planning committee.
- Floyd: Winlink gateway W4VZH-10 is up and running and is in test mode. A propagation test is scheduled for Mar 8. We have 2 airmail stations on the air and 2 more under construction. Thank you Dave W4RPI for technical assistance.
District 14
Worked several Skywarn Nets, to include WXSpots, during snow/ice storms. Continue with ARRL EmComm Level One training with W4GHS.
- Gayson County, Jeff Sexton, KI4TSK:Myself and W4GHS meet with Joan Isoam with Red Cross in Galax over shelters that was open in Grayson County and if there was a communications problem
- Carroll County, Jeff Sexton, KI4TSK:Myself and about 9 other hams are taking the Emergency Communications Classes The 9 actived member are in the class We had no drills or emergency this month
- Smyth County, Howard Roland, KI4LWA:Continuing participation in ARRL Level 1 EmComm class with W4GHS
- Washington County, Robert Jones, KD4CZE: Feb.was a quiet month for MEARS. The regular monthly meeting was held with a good attendance. The financial books for 2007 were audited and approved. The March of Dimes has requested MEARS to provide the communications for the March of Dimes walks in Abingdon in March, and Marion in April. The club approved to assist with both walks. This will be the 4th or 5th year for these events.
Thanks to all those submitting their reports and activities.
Submitted:
Henry L. Wyatt, K4YCR
SEC VA ARES