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The HOTLINE |
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Where To Meet This Month? |
by Terry Williams KD5KJU |
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Welcome to the Heart
of Texas Area Chapter of the
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Last month we enjoyed an excellent presentation by Sandra Gage, the new director of the Waco American Red Cross (ARC) chapter. Sandra welcomed our input on their “radio room,” and invited us to recommend what could be done with it. After we learned that we would not be able to meet at TSTC as usual this month, the Directors realized that this was a great opportunity to accept Sandra’s invite! So, I contacted Sandra and she definitely welcomed us to meet in their Board Room this month. She even went on to say that anytime we needed a place to meet, as long as there was no previously planned event there, we were welcome. Sandra will probably not be able to attend this month’s HOTARC meeting herself because of prior commitments, so has made Aaron Thompson, KD5MBX our point of contact—a fellow ham many of you already know. Aaron has also agreed to give us a presentation on the ARC Katrina and the Shuttle Recovery efforts, showing the services provided by the Red Cross and many volunteers from our area and across Texas. So, I am confident that this will be another interesting meeting.
So, to summarize: we will meet this month at the American Red Cross building at 4224 Cobbs Drive in Waco, and enjoy a presentation by Aaron Thompson, KD5MBX. Hopefully, these new activities with the ARC will rekindle the past relationship between our organizations. And, of course, I hope you will join me in extending our appreciation to Sandra and Aaron for the use of their Board Room for our March meeting. Hope to see you at the meeting!
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President’s Corner |
by Rodney Baden, K5YKC |
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Rodney, K5YKC |
I would like to thank all of the Board and the members that stepped up in the past month and made the coming club meeting possible (at the Red Cross building). I would also like to solicit your help in the “Race For The Cure” coming up next month. Please contact Grant Gilliam, KE5ERW (KE5ERW@gmail.com) to signup to help with the communications.
This year, I can count myself very lucky when my doctor caught my Melanoma early enough to have it removed by a surgeon. I am now a cancer survivor. I urge you to please make a promise to yourself to be checked often for the first signs of cancer. Along these lines you might remember our Club members: Jim Lovett AC5HV (SK), after whom our club trailer is dedicated, and Marshall Mabry KD5IQ, who is also a cancer survivor, yet even today is battling the consequences of that struggle.
I hope to see all of you at the March meeting.
73
Rodney A. Baden, K5YKC
HOTARC President
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Last chance to renew your HOTARC membership! |
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For the Record... |
HOTARC Meeting of Members
February 23, 2006
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Sandra Gage |
The February meeting was called to order by -President Rodney Baden K5YKC at 7:02 PM. Present were sixteen full members, one associate member, one lifetime member, and three visitors: Joan Roach KA5MND (wife of member JW Roach W5AYX), Sandra Gage (American Red Cross), and Miss Jordan Gage (accompanying Sandra).
Sandra Gage, the new Director of the Heart O’ Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC) addressed the Club before the business meeting began. Sandra described in vivid detail the recent ARC hurricane response efforts and coordination, which could not have happened without the communications at the shelters supplied by amateur radio operators. Sandra pointed out that following these two recent storms, Waco and central Texas have been designated the focal point for future coastal evacuations. She exhorted all of us to get agreements among various agencies BEFORE the next disaster, get registered as Volunteers with the ARC, and complete the ARC online courses “Intro to Disaster Services” and Shelter Operations.”
The meeting was opened with a prayer by Wayne Branscum KD5SMC. The Minutes for the January meeting were approved as published in the HOTLINE, on a motion by Ed Hynan KC5KNI, second by W5AYX, and unanimous vote by the members present. The January Treasurer’s Report was also accepted as published in the HOTLINE following a motion by Ed Middlebrook KC5NT, second by KD5SMC, and unanimous vote by the members present.
Announcements
· Dues: Don’t forget that Club dues are due January 1 each year. See the web page for the renewal from and other information to renew now (if you haven’t already done so). Thanks!
· KD5IQ: Horace Bushnell W5TAH and others gave an update on Marshall’s condition following a stroke.
Committee Reports
· Audit Committee: John Chamberlain AC5CV and Bill Cox W5JRM delivered their audit report to K5YKC, giving the Club’s Treasury a clean bill of health, with thanks to the Treasurer for a job well done.
· ARES: KC5KNI reported that Skywarn went well, although attendance was down—probably due to the last minute change of location. Leftover donuts were brought to the Salvation Army food bank. Wayne also reiterated that the Salvation Army will be hosting a 4-day disaster conference in Waxahachie, rescheduled for March 6-9.
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The Treasurer Reports... |
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Heart O’ Texas
Amateur Radio Club Beginning Account Balance $ 4,665.88 Income Dues $ 165.00 Donation from WWWC $500.00 Interest 0.91 TOTAL Income $ 665.91 Expenses Flowers for KD5IQ $ 23.79 TOTAL Expenses $ 23.79 Ending Account Balance $ 5,308.00 Outstanding
(as of 3-14-06) Submitted by |
· Trailer: Mike Ross N5MVL reported the trailer’s television took another tumble when the trailer was last moved, and suggested that the Club consider replacing the television with a flat screen monitor that could be wall mounted, and function as both television and computer monitor. The idea was well received by the members. David Bush KC5UOZX will do some research and report back to the Club next month.
· Repeater: Norris Martin KB5SLI reported that he just learned that the 145.15 repeater may not be working, and promised to investigate.
· Web page: John Chamberlain AC5CV reported that all is well with the web site. K5YKC reported that he’d heard of many outside the Club were regularly accessing our web site.
· ATV: David Bush KC5UOZ reported that all is well with the ATV repeater and weekly operations.
· Education: KB5SLI announced that TSTC was planning a Boy Scout “merit badge college” on April 22, and might need some amateur radio instructors…stay tuned. AC5CV reported that the February 11 BSA Camporee at Wings for Christ airport was very successful, as reported via email to the Members list.
· Public Relations/Special Events: K5YKC reminded all of the upcoming “Race for the Cure” on April 8, and the Belton HamExpo on April 22.
Old Business
· None.
New Business
· Gift from WWWC: KB5SLI reported that the Club received a $500 check from the Waco Wild West Century bike ride, despite the fact the event was canceled due to a hurricane threat. AC5CV contacted the WWWC folks to decline their generosity (since we did not actually do anything this year), and the WWWC insisted that we accept the donation. Everyone was duly grateful, and the Secretary will send WWWC a letter of thanks and appreciation.
· Small Communications Trailer: Larry Bush W5NCD suggested that the Club consider setting up a small trailer for portable operations (akin to the “grab-n-go” trailers that he and KC5UOZ have built), as a supplement to the Club’s full-size trailer, noting that often a small trailer would suffice, and that many more members would be able to pull it (as opposed to the few who were equipped to move the Club’s full-size trailer). The idea was well received by the members, N5MVL offered to donate a small trailer, and W5NCD and KC5UOZ agreed to prepare a recommendation for next month’s meeting.
· Field Day 2006: K5YKC reported that Hewitt Park has been reserved for our FD 2006 event, and we are seeking a volunteer to “drive” this year’s Field Day operation. Please contact K5YKC if interested.
Motion to adjourn heard from KC5KNI at approximately 8:34 PM.
KD5SMC presented a short inspirational video (DVD) produced by the Salvation Army.
Submitted
by:
John Chamberlain AC5CV
HOTARC Secretary
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Race for the Cure |
by Grant Gilliam, KE5ERW |
Start off your spring
right this year by helping with the annual central Texas “Race
for the Cure” on April 8. The Susan
G. Komen foundation will put on this fabulous annual event downtown, Saturday
April 8 starting at 8:45AM. Join all of your friends from HOTARC, the City of
Waco, and Baylor University for an exciting special event. Using your talents
in amateur radio, you can help all of the participants and the other
volunteers. Please contact Grant Gilliam by phone
(254-855-1320) or e-mail.
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Required Training |
by Ed Hynan, KC5KNI, |
Current buzz words heard on many nets and in conversations between
amateur radio operators include NIMS, ICS and NRP. These are the
acronyms for courses offered by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).
The following is an excerpt from the ARES E-Letter dated 15 Mar 2006…
Subject: ARES Volunteers and NIMS Compliance
Are volunteers required to be National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant? I decided to ask FEMA for clarification. Their answer: “Thank you for contacting the NIMS Integration Center. The short answer is: Yes. In a response scenario that extends beyond local government, there needs to be common terminology and doctrine that everyone can follow so that personnel and resources are feathered in a seamless manner. This is especially true for radio communications. Radio operators need to understand what is being said and asked of them during an incident so that they can convey this information effectively and efficiently. Please let me know if I can provide further assistance. Regards, Paul F. Ganem, NIMS Integration Center”
We need to push NIMS and ICS training as hard as we can. If you know of a forum where these issues are being discussed, I would be very interested in participating. —Ron Breitwisch, KC0OX, District Emergency Coordinator, Iowa District 6 West, Emergency Preparedness Director, <http://ares.rf.org/linn/kc0ox.htm>
FEMA courses are FREE. The three courses (NIMS, ICS and NRP) are all available online and are summarized below. Complete course descriptions are available from the FEMA web site: www.fema.gov (Click on Education and Training.)
IS-700, Introduction to National Incident Management System (NIMS)
A Homeland Security Presidential Directive directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer a National Incident Management System (NIMS). This course introduces NIMS and takes approximately three hours to complete. It explains the purpose, principles, key components and benefits of NIMS.
IS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS)
This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
IS-800, Introduction to National Response Plan (NRP)
This course introduces you to the National Response Plan (NRP), including the concept of operations upon which the plan is built, roles and responsibilities of the key players, and the organizational structures used to manage these resources. The NRP is predicated on NIMS. Together the NRP and the NIMS provide a nationwide framework for working cooperatively to prevent or respond to threats and incidents regardless of cause, size, or complexity.
What Does This All Mean To McLennan County A.R.E.S.?
To summarize the complete NIMS FY2006 Training Requirements, local emergency responders need to have as a minimum IS-700 and IS-100. Eventually IS-800 will also be required.
We are getting ready to revalidate all McLennan County ARES Membership Data—current ID Cards expire at the end of Apr 2006. As a part of this revalidation, the new ARES ID card will document completed training, as evidenced by copies certificates of completed courses provided when you renew. While non-completion of the courses will not prevent you from becoming a member of ARES, it may have an impact on your access to specific areas during an emergency.
Additionally, we are still working on re-establishing RACES in McLennan County. Completion of these courses, the ARRL Emergency Communications Course(s), and a specific level of involvement in local amateur radio activities are being considered as requirements to qualify for membership in RACES.
Additionally, the training requirements from the North Texas ARES Section Emergency Operations Plan (dated 14 March 2006, Release v 1.1) states “In addition to the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Courses, the membership is additionally encouraged to take the FEMA provided National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses. Especially valuable are the Incident Command System (ICS) courses (IS-100, IS-200 and IS-300) which eventually will be required training at all law enforcement and fire departments throughout the country. ARES members and the leadership need to understand this system as it will impact the planning for each area.” (From section 14.a Preparedness.)
In all cases, the level listed is the suggested minimum training. All members and leaders are encouraged to complete as much training as possible.
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Using EchoLink Locally |
by Ed Middlebrook, KC5NT |
Severe storm season is upon us and through the efforts of some of our members, EchoLink will be another “tool” in this year’s arsenal. I will describe for you the necessary connection steps so that, even if you happen to be away from your radio, you can still take part in the Baker’s Dozen Net with your computer and an Internet connection.
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EchoLink list of stations. |
Getting EchoLink operational is done in one of two ways: direct and link.
In direct mode, the local repeater would be connected to the
Internet directly. This allows for 24´7 access to EchoLink
and is the most preferred method, but it is not currently available to any of
the HOTARC repeater sites. This leaves us with link mode, which
involves the use of connecting to our local repeater via another station in the
area that is connected to the Internet. You connect to the local ham’s
computer via the Internet, and that EchoLink ham has his radio
set to the local repeater (net control) frequency and connected to his computer.
While this works well, it is not available at all times since the control
station (local ham) must monitor the link. We are fortunate to have three
local hams that have volunteered to make their stations available in the event
of a net call-up.
So, all that’s left for you to do is to get EchoLink working on your computer! Here’s how to do just that!
1. Download the EchoLink software (it’s free!) from www.echolink.org. It’s easy to install and the web site will answer all of your questions. You’ll be in “Single-User”—not “Sysop”—mode since you will be connecting to another site.
2. Complete the registration process on the web site. (Without registering, you’ll be able to listen, but not transmit.) The folks at EchoLink will perform some checking on the validity of your license and you’ll soon receive confirmation that you are “good” to transmit. (This process can take a couple of days, so get it done BEFORE our first storm event.)
3. Complete the setup information in the EchoLink software package by filling in your call sign, address and email address. All of the remaining default settings should work fine.
4. Connect a microphone and speakers to your computer’s sound card, or purchase a computer headset with microphone. These are available from many local discount stores at extremely reasonable prices.
5. Connect to the Internet, and you’ll find a long list of stations to which you can connect. These stations may have their call signs followed by “–R” for directly connected repeaters or “–L” for stations that are linked to a radio.
6. For our area, look for one of the following: KD5SMC-R (Wayne Branscum), KD5UEW-L (Bill Feltenberger) or KE5ERW-L (Grant Gilliam). These three members have offered to “link” their home radios to the repeater that will be hosting the weather net.
7. Right-click your mouse on one of the above stations and “connect”. After a couple of seconds, you’ll be “on-line” and you should hear and be able to participate in the net. Your computer’s space bar will act as the PTT switch.
Since the setup and registration process require some time, get this done now. Visit with other hams on EchoLink, and you will be able to get all of your equipment adjusted “just right”. I’ve been impressed at how well it works—even from my dial-up connection! So, even if you only have dial-up Internet capability, as a User station, you should be just fine.
Good luck, and I hope to find you on EchoLink!
The HOTLINE is the monthly newsletter of the Heart O’ Texas Amateur Radio Club (HOTARC), Inc., a nonprofit corporation, chartered by the State of Texas and principally located in Waco. It is permissible to use any of the original material contained herein, provided proper credit is given to the source.
Edited and Published by John Chamberlain AC5CV, AC5CV@arrl.net
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2006 Board of Directors |
HOTARC 2006 Board of Directors
President: Rodney Baden K5YKC, 857-9760, K5YKC@arrl.net
Vice Pres: Terry Williams KD5KJU, 662-2438, pumpman_rpss@yahoo.com
Secretary: John Chamberlain AC5CV, 855-7731, AC5CV@arrl.net
Treasurer: Norris Martin KB5SLI, 829-2138, KB5SLI@flash.net
Past-Pres.: Ed Middlebrook KC5NT, 826-4053, KC5NT@arrl.net
Director (2006): Scott Shafer KD5MLY, 848-5888, ScottShafer@clearchannel.com
Director (2007): Bill Feltenberger, KD5UEW, 756-1397, bfeltenb@swbell.net
Director (2008): Wayne Branscum, 857-3964, wbscum@grandecom.net
145.15 MHz (input at –600 kHz, tone 123 Hz)
146.88 MHz (input at –600 kHz)
146.98 MHz (input at –600 kHz, tone 123 Hz)
ATV: 421.25MHz (Cable 57), input 439.25 MHz (Cable 60)
Next session Saturday March 25, 10:00 am. Location: Baylor’s Rogers Engineering and Computer Science Bldg (#63), Room 109. Bring: 1) testing fee of $14 (cash only); 2) current license and photocopy of it; 3) a photo ID (two for first-time licensees), and 4) photocopy of any relevant CSCE. Contact: Linda Hynan, AC5QQ at 666-4873 or Linda.Hynan@UTSouthwestern.edu.
Meeting NoticeThe monthly meeting of HOTARC will be at 7:00 pm on Thursday March 23, 2006 at the American Red Cross building, 4224 Cobbs Drive in Waco. Meetings generally last about 75 minutes consisting of fellowship, general Club business, and an interesting program. Visiting hams, family members, and prospective hams are welcomed! |
Ham Radio AND the Internet…
What
a great partnership!