Week 50 of the SEC Notes..

Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 50 - 2013
For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.
These notes will also be available on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org

Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz LSB.

Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN)  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  USB.

Ross T. Stillisano KB8JTZ Memorial Award Winner:  David Rickon NF8O, of Medina, OH

Season's Greetings from the Northeast corner of the Buckeye State.  Looks like counseling is helping Old Man Winter and Mother Nature.  Temperatures and weather conditions are consistent with a winter wonderland.  ;-) 

Congratulations to the Twenty Over Nine Amateur Radio Club for a great craft show and spaghetti dinner last Sunday.  I had a great time and I was thoroughly impressed with the number of vendors and attendance.  The food was fantastic!  Hats off to everyone who helped make the event a success.  Job well done. 

The Warren Amateur Radio Association will be celebrating their 75th anniversary on December 15, 2013.  The club has decided to do a special event throughout the week of the anniversary.  This will be from December 15th, 2013 through December 21, 2013.  Club members will be operating from home using the club call sign W8VTD on 80, 40, 20, and 15 meters during this week.  Visit their website www.w8vtd.org or contact Jackie N8JMW at n8jmw2@gmail.com should you have any questions.

And now a short message from Assistant SEC Mark KB8YMN -

Let me introduce my self. I am Mark Griggs KB8YMN a newly appionted Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator For districts #3, #7 and #9. And I live in Franklin county Ohio. As part of my job I have been give the task of recruiting and retention of ARES personnel for the state of Ohio.As DEC’s and EC’s you are all aware that every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible to apply for membership in ARES. The point is we need new blood to pass on the skills and knowledge that we and our members have gained. So we don’t have an ARES group dwindle away because of no new members. Which has happened before. I also understand that  some counties have a smaller Ham community and it is harder to find members. And others have a larger Ham population and have no problem with recruiting. On the other hand can we afford to lose members for what ever reason.

So with that, what I am asking for is your help and input on questions regarding recruiting and retention of members. For example:

·        What are your problems with recruiting new members.

·        Do you have someone in charge of recruiting.

·        Do you give ARES brosures to new Hams at VE sessions.

·        Do you give ARES presentations to Ham clubs or different groups.

Also on retention do you:

·        List member milestone anniversaries in your newsletter or give certificates.

·        Thank members for their involvement in your events

·        Mentor new members.

·        Contact members that have quit or stopped participating to find out why.

·        Survey members to see what the think needs done to improve you group.

Questions like this is what I need answers for. So I am asking for all the Dec’s and EC’s in OHIO for your input. So that I can present to Matt W8DEC/ SEC, some type of plan. So this is your chance to have a say in the recruiting and retention plan for next year.  Please email me with your responses. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

ASEC Scott N8SX is still collecting FEMA training certificates from volunteers for IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800.  If you have not sent in your certificates, you're encouraged to do so by sending them electronically to n8sx@arrl.net.

That's all from me this week.  Have a nice weekend.  Thanks for everything you do for amateur radio.

73 de Matt W8DEC

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Week 49 of the SEC Weekly Notes..

Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 49 - 2013
For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.
These notes will also be available on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org

Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz LSB.
Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN)  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  USB.

Ross T. Stillisano KB8JTZ Memorial Award Winner:  David Rickon NF8O, of Medina, OH

Greetings and salutations from the Northeast corner of the Buckeye State.  Can you believe this weather?  60 degrees one day and 35 the next!  I think Old Man Winter and Mother Nature need counseling.  ;-)

Sunday, December 8th, Jackie N8JMW and I are heading to Austintown (Mahoning County) to visit the 20/9 Amateur Radio Club for their first ever combined craft show and spaghetti dinner.  The dinner runs from 11AM to 5PM and the craft show will run from 11AM to 4PM.  I think it's a great idea to do some Christmas shopping and enjoy a wonderful meal all in the same place.  See the attached announcement below or visit their website www.20over9.org for more details.

Scott Yonally has made some improvements to the ARES page on the Ohio Section website www.arrl-ohio.org.  Let me know whatcha think.

Saturday March 15th, 2014 from 10AM to 3PM is the Ohio ARES Leadership Meeting at the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center.  All ARES leaders including Assistant Emergency Coordinators and Official Emergency Stations are asked to attend.

September 12, 13, and 14, 2014 have been selected for ARES Training Camp at Camp Falling Rock in Newark, Ohio.  I have bounced these dates off of the Emergency Coordinators and District Emergency Coordinators and haven't seen any scheduling conflicts.  Now I am asking for your help.  Please review your calendar and advise of any scheduling conflicts.  Thanks.  Anyone interested in serving on staff or willing to be an instructor are asked to contact me at w8dec@arrl.net.

Speaking of ARES Training Camp...I have been posting a few menu items for training camp on my Facebook page.  Take a look at my Facebook page www.facebook.com/w8dec and let me know whatcha think.

That's all for this week.  Thanks for everything you do for amateur radio.  Have a nice weekend.

73 de Matt W8DEC

 

 

 

Week 48 of the SEC Weekly Notes..

Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 48 - 2013

For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.

These notes will also be available on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org

THANKSGIVING EDITION!

Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz LSB.

Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN)  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  USB.

Greetings and salutations.  I trust everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.  My Thanksgiving was pretty good, actually.  I got up early Thanksgiving morning and traveled to downtown Akron for a public service event.  I believe this is my fifth year volunteering with the Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club for the Gennesaret Homerun for the Homeless.  I am pretty sure this is my third year as the Net Control Station.  The event is a 1 mile fun run followed by a 4 mile run consisting of 4500 runners.  Not to mention it's 18 degrees outside.  While some of the runners wore gorilla suits, banana man outfits, and turkey hats, others were wearing shorts and t-shirts!  I did say it was 18 degrees, right?  Well, I didn't feel the cold as I was drinking my delicious cup of coffee and eating my scrumptious original glazed doughnut from Krispy Kremes in my nice warm vehicle all while maintaining good order and discipline on the two-meter net.  Hee hee.  All kidding aside, it's always a fun time and I enjoy donating my time for a such a worthy cause.

I had a great feast thanks to a special someone.  The dinner was fantastic!  But I also took a silent moment to remember those defending this great Nation against all enemies foreign and domestic.  I took a silent moment to remember the brave men and women of the US Armed Forces who could not come home to their families. For many years, my military career kept me from coming home for the holidays.  I know what it's like to stand a post on Thanksgiving.  It's only right and fair I take a moment to thank them.

Ladies and gentlemen, I do not need a holiday like Thanksgiving to be thankful.  I am grateful everyday for the time and effort you put into this amazing program called ARES.  But most of all, I am very thankful for my family and friends.  I do not know what I would do without them.

Well, that's all I have for this week.  I saved the announcements for next week.  Have a nice weekend.

Preparedness Leads to Readiness

73 de Matt W8DEC

Lucas County ARES Pictures Posted..

Hi,

Just posted a number of pictures from Lucas County ARES..

http://arrl-ohio.org/SEC/lucas_ares/index.php



73,

Scott, N8SY..

From the Section Emergency Coordinator - Week 47

Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 47 - 2013
For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.
These notes will also be available on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org

Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN)  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  USB.
Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz LSB.
Preparedness Leads to Readiness

There were no Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff last week.  I took a week off following the All Ohio ARES Conference.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those who suffered loss and tragedy from the storm and tornado outbreak last weekend.  This one hit close to home, ladies and gentlemen.

Many thanks to the Western Reserve Amateur Radio Club for having me as their guest speaker earlier this week.  I had a good dinner and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere.  I provided a short briefing on the All Ohio ARES Conference and gave an insight into ARES Training Camp next year.

Ohio Section ARES Leadership Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 15th, 2014 from 10AM to 3PM at the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center in Columbus.  This meeting is for all those who hold an ARES appointment.  Please make every effort to attend as every county and district should be represented.

Plans are underway for ARES Training Camp in September 2014 at Camp Falling Rock in Newark, Ohio.  Attached is a what I had in mind for what training could be offered.  This is not etched in stone.  If you have something you'd like to teach or train volunteers, please contact me at w8dec@arrl.net.  I am in the midst of creating a list of staff positions that will need to be filled.  I will publish it as soon as it's completed.

I received this from K2BSA...Early numbers are in for JOTA 2013. We received 272 station reports, up 33% from 2012. However, Scout participation was recorded at just under 14,000. This is a great number but down 25% from last year. More work ahead in assessing the reasons behind the numbers, downloading all the photos, and reviewing station reports and suggestions for next year. The final report should be out in early December along with the filing of the USA report with the World Scout Bureau. Stay tuned!

Tusco ARC hamfest is coming up January 27th in Strasburg, Ohio.  Check out http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/tusco-arc-hamfest-2 for details.

TRAINING.  IS-100 Unit 6 covers six basic types of incident facilities.  These facilities are established by the incident commander depending on the requirements and complexity of the incident or event.  You find this information by clicking on this LINK.

1.  Incident Command Post

2.  Staging Area

3.  Base

4.  Camp

5.  Helibase

6.  Helispot

But today, I am going to focus about Base and Camp.

 

Base - Location where primary logistics and administration functions are coordinated and administered.  There is only one Base per incident and it's designated by the incident name.  May be collocated with the Incident Command Post.  It is established and managed by the Logistics Section.

Camp - Where resources may be kept to support incident operations if a Base is not accessible to all resources.  Multiple Camps may be used but not all incidents have Camps.  Camps are temporary locations within the general incident area that are equipped and staffed to provide food, water, sleeping areas, and sanitary services.  They are designated by geographic location or number.

That is all for this week.  Next week will be my Thanksgiving edition of my Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff.  I will be also adding a recruiting & retention message from Assistant SEC Mark KB8YMN.  Thanks for all you do for amateur radio.  Have a nice weekend. 

 

73 de Matt W8DEC

 

 

Week 45 of the SEC's Notes..

Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 45 - 2013

For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.

These notes will also be available on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org

Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN)  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  USB.

Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz LSB.

Preparedness Leads to Readiness

There were no Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff last week (week 44).  If there had been, I would have talked about my SEC visits to Lucas County and Henry County.  On Saturday, October 26th, David Rickon NF8O and I traveled out to Maumee for the Lucas County ARES meeting.  I felt the meeting was quite productive and well attended.  After they conducted a small business portion of the meeting, I went over the Ohio Section website and duties and responsibilities of being an EC and AEC.  We had a fun radio programming drill and took a break for some birthday cake.  I then went over my go box I brought and some pictures from my Hurricane Katrina experience.  The meeting ended and David and I met up with the hams at the County EOC where we toured their communications truck and trailer.  Very impressive, if I might add.  See the attached picture.  But it didn't end there.  David and I were brought up to the amateur radio "corner" of the county EOC.  When I say corner, they get the whole corner.  It was huge!  We then saw the actual EOC.  It was a great visit.  Many thanks to Lucas County ARES for their time and hospitality.  David and I then traveled out to Napoleon, Ohio in Henry County where we met up with the Emergency Coordinator and one of his Assistants at the county EOC.  We were there for a couple hours and had a great discussion about ARES and emcomm.  Many thanks to Henry County ARES for their time and hospitality.

It's no secret I am going to be busy this week.  So I'll do what I can to keep this week's message short.  :-)  Routine vehicle maintenance this week as well as parent-teacher conferences later in the week with my 10 year old daughter.  I am also preparing for this small get together this coming Saturday.  You might have heard of it.  ;-)

The All Ohio ARES Conference is this coming Saturday, November 9th at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.  With 136 (and counting) participants registered, this conference will once again be one you will not want to miss.  All participants are encouraged to register online at www.arrl-ohio.org.  Check out the ARES page on the website for conference details such as one of the largest go box displays and emcomm vehicle/trailer displays this section has ever seen.  Great forums and presentations.  Also a group photo of all attendees for an article in QST magazine.  Not to mention, the amateur radio license exams open to the public at 8AM.  Tell a friend, bring a friend.  Carpool or convoy to one of the best conferences we have in the Ohio Section.

Results from the Statewide Simulated Emergency Test.  Results from the recent telephone notification drill.  Awesome news on net year's ARES Training Camp.  Update on ARESMAT in the Ohio Section.  Update from the Digital Communications Committee.  Update from Team W8SGT at the State of Ohio EOC.  Update from the Ohio Digital Emergency Net.  Presentation of the 2013 recipient of the Ross T. Stillisano KB8JTZ Memorial Award.  All of these will be discussed at the All Ohio ARES Conference.  Come to conference to hear all of this first hand.

My deepest condolences to Larry Mittman N9AUG.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  I received this message from Stan N8BHL (EC Delaware County)...

I just wanted to make sure you heard the news, that Larry Mittman’s wife Peg passed away last evening at St Ann’s.  I’m sure your prayers and sympathy for Larry will be appreciated. No arrangements yet, info when we get it.  Larry is President of DELARA, and a very active member of ARES and the cw traffic nets.

TRAINING THIS WEEK...types of nets.  Tactical Net.  Resource Net.  Command Net.  Open and Closed Nets.  Review the types of nets on page 20 of the ARES Field Resource Manual with your Emergency Coordinator.  This manual is a free download from the ARRL at http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ARESFieldResourcesManual.pdf.

That's all for this week.  See?  I said I would keep it short.  As always I thank you for everything you do for amateur radio.  If you're planning to attend the conference and have not registered yet, there's still time to do so.  I look forward to seeing everyone at the All Ohio ARES Conference.

Have a good week.

73 de Matt W8DEC

 

 

Week 43 - SEC's weekly notes..

Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 43 - 2013

For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.

These notes will also be available on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org

Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN) <http://ohden.org>  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  USB.

Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz LSB.

Preparedness Leads to Readiness

There are several purposes of the Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff.  First purpose is to open and maintain the lines of communications amongst ARES volunteers within the Section.  Second purpose is to disseminate amateur radio information such as announcements and bulletins.  The third purpose is to further the hobby by sharing ideas.  The final purpose is to provide a means of documentation.  The Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff is open to anyone interested in amateur radio communications.

Many thanks to the 108 volunteers who registered thus far for the All Ohio ARES Conference!  There's still room for more!  The All Ohio ARES Conference will be held on Saturday, November 9th at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The conference agenda has been sent to all District Emergency Coordinators.  It is also on the ARES page on the Ohio Section website www.arrl-ohio.org.

Starting next week, on Tuesday, October 29th, there will be a training component to the Ohio HF Emergency Preparedness Net.  I talked to W8SGT on 75 meters following the net this week and we all agreed that it was a great idea.  The training component will be conducted at the conclusion of roll call on 75 meters and again at the end of roll call on 40 meters.  See the frequencies above.  I thank W8SGT for everything they do keeping this net on the air for all of us to participate in.  The net is open to all properly licensed amateur radio operators.  You do not have to be an ARES member to participate in this net.  Come check in and put your county on the map.  The net control does call for check ins by ARES district.  If you're not sure what district in, go ahead and check out the online listing and map on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org.  It's located under Reference Materials.

I would like to thank the dozen amateur radio volunteers who participated in the City of Hubbard "live" tornado drill at Hubbard High School last week.  Volunteers from Trumbull County and Mahoning County answered the call on such short notice, some of whom left their breakfast, to come help in Hubbard's time of need.  I was impressed with the quick response, the proper net discipline, and how well everyone worked together.  At the drill debrief, the fire chief and the drill organizer thanked the "hammers" for their efforts and they look forward to working with them again.  As the Ohio SEC, I was not expecting to be the "leader of the band".  However, I am thankful to be a part of a great team and help demonstrate to the served agencies on scene that amateur radio is a effective and viable means of communication.

There is no training this week.

SEC's final...The Amateur Radio Emergency Service would not be a successful program without dedicated volunteers such as yourself.  It's no secret every volunteer is needed regardless of title or position, experience, knowledge, or license class.  Each volunteer brings a certain something to the team.  Previous experience reminds me that sometimes amateur radio can seem thankless.  You and I put in our time and effort day after day, month after month, and sometimes the thanks is forgotten.  It's not that thanks is demanded or expected.  It's just nice to know that our efforts mean something.  I thank you for your time, sacrifice, and perseverance.  I thank you for your patience, leadership, and expertise.  I thank you for your participation.  These are not just words.  They mean something and you are hereby recognized for everything you do for amateur radio.

 

73 de Matt W8DEC

 

Week 42 - Notes from the SEC..

Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 42 - 2013

For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.

These notes will also be available on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN)  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  Upper Side Band.

Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz Lower Side Band.

Preparedness Leads to Readiness

 

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that participated in the Statewide Simulated Emergency Test last Saturday, October 12th.  I trust you learned something about yourself, your equipment, and/or your ARES team.  Although official reports are still coming in, the SET revealed excellent participation.  I know it takes time and effort to participate and I cannot thank you enough for joining us last Saturday.

I would like to thank Team W8SGT for keeping the Ohio HF Net on the air for the full 12 hours during SET.  I'd also like to thank all the Net Control Stations for keeping Ohio Digital Emergency Net on the air for the full 12 hours.  All of you did a great job doing what you do best.

I'd also like to thank Mahoning County ARES.  I checked into their two meter net.  I observed them conducting proper net discipline, proper net protocol, and clear/concise directions from the Net Control Station.  They also had a great turn out on their net.  36+ checked into their two meter net on the repeater.  Almost equally the same number on their simplex nets!  The only thing that I saw that needed some improvement was following instructions from the net control station.  The net control asked for stations to identify phonetically and most did.  Some did not.  I am not sure if net control recognized this at the time but they were my link to W8SGT at the State of Ohio EOC.  Although, there had not been an HF Net liaison established yet in their county, two amateur radio operators from Trumbull County stepped up to serve as HF liaison for Mahoning County.  Thus, allowing my two messages to be passed to the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center.  Nice job everyone!  For those who do not know, Mahoning County ARES was "reborn" in the beginning of this year.  I think they have come a long way and I encourage them to keep up the good work.

I'd like to recognize Robert Webster WR8RW, of Canfield, Ohio.  Mr. Webster currently serves as an Assistant Emergency Coordinator in Mahoning County ARES.  He's also Vice President of the Western Reserve Amateur Radio Club.  He volunteers for public service events and he is an elmer to all.  Mr. Webster is preparing to move out of state and I'd like to wish him safe journey.  I understand he will remain with us until the closing of his home but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to thank him.  I thank him for all he has done for Mahoning County ARES and the amateur radio community.  Although he will be missed, I have no doubt he will be an asset to the ARES team wherever he moves to.

I'd also like to recognize Perry County ARES.  Some great kind-spirited people have brought Perry County ARES back to life.  They now have regular meetings, participate in public service events, and they are recognizing the need for some more organization such as suggested gear lists, communications plans, and operations plans.  I am truly thankful for the leadership and hard work amateur radio operators in and around Perry County have put into getting ARES up and running in Perry County.  Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing what ya'll come up with next.

If you haven't heard by now, starting in 2014, I am looking at holding a weekend long ARES Training Camp in late Summer or early Fall.  I am aiming to facilitate this event in the Central Ohio area in hopes to maximize participation from around the State.  I am exploring a few possible locations as we speak but I am open to suggestions.  Some possible suggestions received so far are boy scout / girl scout camps, church camps, state park campgrounds, and county fairgrounds.  If you have access to any of these types of facilities, please contact me directly at w8dec@arrl.net.  What I am looking for is a place where 100+ ARES volunteers can eat, sleep, train, and have fun.  Also, training camp will require staff.  There is no way I can organize, manage, and train a whole training camp by myself.  Therefore, consider this my call for help.  I am looking for volunteers to help me train volunteers.  Contact me directly at w8dec@arrl.net if you have something you'd like to teach, demonstrate, or show-off, or if you're interested in serving on staff for ARES Training Camp.

Training.  Ohio Section ARES Structure.  Part 1.

ARES in the Ohio Section starts with the Emergency Coordinator (EC).  The ARRL Emergency Coordinator is a key team player in ARES on the local emergency scene. Working with the Section Emergency Coordinator, the DEC and Official Emergency Stations (OES), the EC prepares for, and engages in management of communications needs in disasters.  Each Emergency Coordinator is appointed by the ARRL Ohio Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) at the recommendation of the District Emergency Coordinator (DEC).  There is only one Emergency Coordinator appointed per county in the Ohio Section.

An emergency or disaster could have a significant impact on manpower availability.  The Emergency Coordinator might not have the manpower available.  Why not?  Because those volunteers could very well be taking care of their family, home, or property.  What if the Emergency Coordinator does not have enough resources to efficiently and effectively manage communications needs?  Think about that and we'll talk about that next week.

That's all I have for this week.  As always, I thank you for everything you do for amateur radio.

 

73 de Matt W8DEC 

 

Week 41 - SEC weekly notes..

Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 41 - 2013

For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.

These notes will also be available on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN) <http://ohden.org>  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  Upper Side Band.

Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz Lower Side Band.

Preparedness Leads to Readiness

At the time of this writing, we're 19 hours 28 minutes until the ARRL Ohio Section Statewide Simulated Emergency Test.  I wish everyone the best of luck in the Statewide SET.  I hope your goals are met, objectives are achieved, basics are reviewed, skills are learned, and most of all I hope you have some fun.  Please note my contact information is correct on the Ohio Section roster < hint >.

I am on staff for a boy scout event this weekend at Camp Stambaugh in Canfield, OH (Mahoning County).  However, I brought my go box and HF equipment.  I am planning to participate locally in the Statewide Simulated Emergency Test and monitor HF frequencies.

I would also like to say best of luck to all the amateur radio volunteers who will be assisting in the Northern Ohio Marathon on Sunday, 10/13/2013.

This is Lake County's first marathon!

The ARRL Ohio Section March ARES Leadership Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 15th from 10AM to 3PM at the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center in Columbus, Ohio.  Although this meeting is open to ARES volunteers, it's primarily for:

Assistant Section Emergency Coordinators District Emergency Coordinators Assistant District Emergency Coordinators Emergency Coordinators Assistant Emergency Coordinators Official Emergency Stations

We're up to 85 registered (including myself) for the All Ohio ARES Conference on Saturday, November 9th at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.  Plan of the Day (agenda) will be posted next week on the ARES page on the Ohio Section website www.arrl-ohio.org.

 

Words of encouragement...

Do your best in the SET on Saturday.  Train how you practice.  Practice how you train.  Work together as a team.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.

It's ok to make mistakes.  It's better to make mistakes now than in an actual emergency or disaster.  Good luck to everyone.

 

That's all for this week.  I thank you for everything you do for amateur radio.

73 de Matt W8DEC

S.E.T. just 3 days away.. Are you going to particiapte??

At the time of this writing, we're 3 days 18 hours until the beginning of the ARRL Ohio Section Statewide Simulated Emergency Test (SET).  All county ARES teams in the ARRL Ohio Section should be participating in the Statewide Simulated Emergency Test on *Saturday, October 12th from Noon until Midnight* local time.  The 12 hours gives every county ARES team ample time to follow the Ohio Section Emergency Response Plan (OSERP), complete SMART <http://wayne.edu/hr/leads/phase1/smart-objectives.php>objectives, and conclude with an after-action meeting or report.  Although not required, it is recommended to take advantage of the full 12 hours.

The Statewide Simulated Emergency Test is a great opportunity to put your equipment on the air and practice your skills such as net protocol and discipline.  Great opportunity to exercise your ARES Operations Plan, Call-Up procedures, and ARES Communications Plan.  Remember the basics such as break-tags, procedure words, ITU phonetics, and tactical call signs.

It's a great opportunity to break out portable power solutions such as generators, batteries, and/or solar power.  Break out portable antenna solutions and Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS).  It's also a great opportunity to break out your digital station so you can practice digital sound card modes such as MT63 and OLIVIA.

All incidents start local and end local regardless of the size of incident.  To help reinforce that, the SET will be initiated by the ARRL Ohio Section appointed county Emergency Coordinator or their designee.

The Ohio HF Net managed by Team W8SGT will be on the air for the entire 12 hours.  The net control is located at the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  The Ohio Digital Emergency Net <http://ohden.org/>will also be on the air for the full 12 hours.  If you are unaware of those voice and digital frequencies, I encourage you to review the Ohio Section Emergency Response Plan with your Emergency Coordinator or District Emergency Coordinator.

Some volunteers have inquired about a scenario.  Quick answer...there isn't one.  This is not an oversight.  The purpose of SET is not scenario writing.  The focus of this year's SET is on the OSERP, development of SMART<http://wayne.edu/hr/leads/phase1/smart-objectives.php>objectives,

and conclude with an after-action meeting or report.  Besides, regardless if it's an earthquake, blizzard, or tornado, the Ohio Section Emergency Response Plan (OSERP) would still be activated and the objectives would be geared toward notification, activation, mobilization, and deployment.

If you are a volunteer reading this message, I encourage you to contact your Emergency Coordinator or District Emergency Coordinator and inquire what your county will be doing for the Statewide SET. If you are unsure who your Emergency Coordinator or District Emergency Coordinator is, there is a complete listing on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org.

Please make note of the common theme.  Local incident.  It's where it begins.  It's where it will terminate.

73 de Matt W8DEC

 

Less than 5 weeks away from the Ohio Section ARES Conference!!

Ladies and gentlemen, we are less than 5 weeks away from the ARES conference of all ARES conferences in the Ohio Section!

The All Ohio ARES Conference will be held on Saturday, November 9th at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.  The address is 8895 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 46068.  There are several hot topics this year.

First and foremost, the ARRL Board of Directors approved the All Ohio ARES Conference as a specialty convention.  Many thanks to Ohio SM Frank KI8GW and Great Lakes Division Director Jim K8JE for their support in this effort.  So the conference became eligible for a guest speaker from ARRL HQ.  With the hard work and determination of our illustrious Ohio Section Manager Frank KI8GW, our keynote speaker is Steve Ewald WV1X who is the Field Organization Supervisor at ARRL HQ in Newington, CT.  I have seen Steve's presentation at other conferences and I think you will enjoy it.

There will be one of the largest go box displays this section has ever seen!  There will be emcomm vehicles / trailers on display including the new Dayton Amateur Radio Association Communications Truck!  Didn't see it or tour it at Hamvention 2013?  No worries, it will be at the All Ohio ARES Conference!  There is a full agenda of programs and presentations.  What are they, you ask?  The schedule is in the midst of being finalized and will be posted on the ARES page on the Ohio Section website.  An announcement will be made when that happens.  All participants are asked to register online at www.arrl-ohio.org. There is a link on the right hand side of the page.  Click on it to register.  Online registration is important so the proper amount of food can be purchased.  It also tells me if you're bringing a go box and/or communications vehicle/trailer.

Volunteer Exam Session at 0800 (8AM) at the All Ohio ARES Conference.

Interested in upgrading or taking your technician license exam?  Click on this LINK <http://www.arrl.org/exam_sessions/reynoldsburg-oh-43068-3340-2>for details.  Many thanks to Muskingum EC Kathy KB3RDR and her team for making this happen again this year!

Last but not least, I have four ARRL gift certificates to give away at the All Ohio ARES Conference.  Register online, come to the conference, have a great time, and you might just be the winner of one of the gift certificates.  You can't possibly win if you do not attend!

 

73 de Matt W8DEC

Less than 5 weeks away..

Ladies and gentlemen, we are roughly 5 weeks away from the ARES conference of all ARES conferences in the Ohio Section!

The All Ohio ARES Conference will be held on Saturday, November 9th at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.  The address is 8895 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 46068.  There are several hot topics this year.

First and foremost, the ARRL Board of Directors approved the All Ohio ARES Conference as a specialty convention.  Many thanks to Ohio SM Frank KI8GW and Great Lakes Division Director Jim K8JE for their support in this effort.  So the conference became eligible for a guest speaker from ARRL HQ.  With the hard work and determination of our illustrious Ohio Section Manager Frank KI8GW, our keynote speaker is Steve Ewald WV1X who is the Field Organization Supervisor at ARRL HQ in Newington, CT.  I have seen Steve's presentation at other conferences and I think you will enjoy it.

There will be one of the largest go box displays this section has ever seen!  There will be emcomm vehicles / trailers on display including the new Dayton Amateur Radio Association Communications Truck!  Didn't see it or tour it at Hamvention 2013?  No worries, it will be at the All Ohio ARES Conference!  There is a full agenda of programs and presentations.  What are they, you ask?  The schedule is in the midst of being finalized and will be posted on the ARES page on the Ohio Section website.  An announcement will be made when that happens.  All participants are asked to register online at www.arrl-ohio.org. There is a link on the right hand side of the page.  Click on it to register.  Online registration is important so the proper amount of food can be purchased.  It also tells me if you're bringing a go box and/or communications vehicle/trailer.

Volunteer Exam Session at 0800 (8AM) at the All Ohio ARES Conference.

Interested in upgrading or taking your technician license exam?  Click on this LINK <http://www.arrl.org/exam_sessions/reynoldsburg-oh-43068-3340-2>for details.  Many thanks to Muskingum EC Kathy KB3RDR and her team for making this happen again this year!

Last but not least, I have four ARRL gift certificates to give away at the All Ohio ARES Conference.  Register online, come to the conference, have a great time, and you might just be the winner of one of the gift certificates.  You can't possibly win if you do not attend!

 

73 de Matt W8DEC

 

Week 40 from the SEC

Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 40 - 2013
For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.
These notes will also be available on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org
Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN)  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  Upper Side Band.

Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz Lower Side Band.
Preparedness Leads to Readiness

My apologies for no Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff last week.  Also, I received a comment about my weekly message being lengthy.  This week I tried really hard not to write a novel.

Just a friendly reminder...

County Emergency Coordinator reports are due by the 5th of each month.  District Emergency Coordinator reports are due by the 10th of each month.  EC's, please help your DEC by getting your report in on time.  I ask the DEC's to do the same for me.  This allows me ample time to complete my SEC report by the 15th of the month.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Emcomm East with Geauga AEC Bob N8KBX, ARRL PIO Jackie N8JMW, Medina AEC Dave NF8O, and Assistant SEC Mark KB8YMN this past weekend.  Emcomm East is an emergency communications conference held at St John Fisher College in Rochester, NY sponsored by Monroe County (NY) ARES.  Each year, the Ohio contingent to the conference grows.  Jackie took some great photos and she's planning on sharing those.  I am already looking forward to next year.

Right now, I have my eyes on the Huntsburg Pumpkin Festival this coming weekend October 5th and 6th.  The festival is a lot of fun and it's located at SR 322 and SR 528 in Geauga County.  This is my fourth year volunteering for this event and one of the things I look forward to is the pumpkin pancake breakfast which includes sausage links.  Yum Yum!  By the way, I know Geauga County EC Pat N8ONI is still looking for volunteers.  Check out http://www.geaugacountyares.org/ for details.

Speaking of websites?  Go to this website http://www.arrl-ohio.org/club_link/links.html
Do you see your club or ARES website listed?  Is the website link correct?  If not, send the correct web address to Assistant Section Manager Scott N8SY at n8sy@arrl.net so he may update the Ohio Section website.

Saturday, October 12th is the Statewide Simulated Emergency Test.  I have asked both net managers for the Ohio Digital Emergency Net and the Ohio HF Net to read a bulletin about the SET tonight on the nets.  I have also emailed the same briefing to all ARES leaders in Ohio.  All incidents start local and all incidents end local regardless of the extent.  Therefore, I ask that you contact your Emergency Coordinator or District Emergency Coordinator for details.

Do you know who your county ARRL Emergency Coordinator is or District Emergency Coordinator?  Do you know what district your county is in?  If not, you're in luck.  The ARRL Ohio Section website has a complete listing of all EC's and DEC's in Ohio as well as an Ohio ARES District Map.  Check out the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org.  When you bring up the ARES page, scroll toward the bottom and you'll see Reference Materials.  Under Reference Materials you'll see a link for Ohio ARES District Map and another for Ohio DEC/EC listing.

All Ohio ARES Conference, Saturday, November 9th at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg, OH.  I sent out a conference status update to my email distribution lists earlier today so I will not dwell on it here.  However, I made a typo in the zip code.  The correct zip code is 43068.  You might even find some of the websites say the Ohio Fire Academy is in Etna, Ohio.  Nonetheless, 43068 is the correct zip code.

If you are planning to take an amateur radio license exam at the All Ohio ARES Conference, here are some guidelines from Kathy KB3RDR..

Amateur Radio Testing Requirements for Technician, General, and Amateur Extra

1. Two forms of identification, one must have a photo such as a drivers license, passport, place of employment security/ID card with picture etc. Non-photo ID's could be a social security card, birth certificate, baptismal certificate, school ID card, library card etc.
2. If you are upgrading a license, then you must bring the original and a photocopy of your current license, (FCC form 660) and of any active CSCE's for passed exam elements for which you have not received a paper license from the FCC. An example would be if you had a Technician Class License and then took and passed the General Class test. No paper license will be issued, so the CSCE is needed to verify that you passed the code.
3. Calculators are allowed but one must be prepared to prove no pre-programmed formulas have been saved within the calculator. You may be requested to clear all calculator memories in the presence of a VE.
Current ARRL-VEC EXAM FEE $15.00

Thank you,

Kathleen Frederico, KB3RDR

ARRL-VEC Liaison / Muskingum County ARES EC

ARRL Atlantic Division Director Bill N3LLR contacted me last week and asked me to be the ARES Forum Moderator.  I took a gander at the online ARES forum and was impressed by the amount of participation it had already received being so new.  I saw great potential of what this forum can become and what it could do for ARES.  So I accepted the position.  I am asking anyone interested in ARES, disaster communications, emergency communications, and/or public service communications to sign up and register.  It's free and I thought it was easy to sign up.  You can sign up at http://www.bfdinforums.com/.  Let me know if you have any questions or need some guidance.

Across my desk...

Many thanks to Bob K8BL and Dave NF8O for sending me this.  Interested in a nice certificate suitable for framing?

Click on this link... http://www.radioqth.net/certificate/default.aspx

Training

ITU phonetics, break tags, procedure words, and tactical call signs are all basic skills for any amateur radio volunteer.  Knowing how to program your transceiver with frequency, offset, engaging PL, selecting proper PL tone, and loading it into a memory channel are also basic skills for any amateur radio volunteer.

But what about being a net control station?  Should that be a basic skill?  I am sure this question can be debated both ways.  My thinking is I believe all ARES volunteers should be a net control station at least once.  This achieves three things.  One, now the volunteer has a rough understanding what it's like to be a net control operator.  Two, they get a chance to practice and enforce net discipline.  Three, it might just inspire the volunteer to try it again.  While we know some volunteers who are really good net control operators, I am sure we know some who just aren't.  Does this mean we do not use them because they're not good at it?  Should net control training be a basic skill for all amateur radio volunteers?  I ask that you discuss this with your Emergency Coordinator or District Emergency Coordinator.

That's all for this week.  I thank you for everything you do for amateur radio!

73 de Matt W8DEC

Week 38 - SEC message..

Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 38 - 2013

For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.

These notes will also be available on the ARES page at www.arrl-ohio.org Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN) <http://ohden.org>  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  Upper Side Band. Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz Lower Side Band.

Preparedness Leads to Readiness

I am going to try and keep this week's Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff brief.  I have been out sick all week.

~~HOT~~ Statewide Simulated Emergency Test update.  The Statewide SET will be held on Saturday, October 12th from Noon to Midnight.  I thank DEC Bob KC8WHK, ASEC Mark KB8YMN, Gallia County EC Matt KD8OMT, and ASEC Gary WW8O for working diligently on this year's Statewide Simulated Emergency Test.

Every incident in history begins local and ends local.  Considering ARES has always been "grass roots" or a bottom up program, this year's Statewide SET will be begin at home.  Emergency Coordinators or their designee will begin the SET at 12 Noon.  Much like last year, Emergency Coordinators or their designee should be focusing on Notification, Activation, Mobilization, and Deployment.  However, the SET developers have decided not to include a scenario.  Not only do I support their decision, I totally agree that scenario is nowhere near as important as objectives.  Regardless of scenario, the objectives will more than likely stay the same such as notifying ARES personnel.  Getting a net on the air.  Volunteers check in for possible assignment, etc etc.  One thing I have learned as SEC is that each county is different.  This means there is more than one way to achieve the mission.  Therefore, each county is asked to develop a set of objectives based upon strengths and weaknesses.  For instance, perhaps your county ARES team needs to learn more about NVIS antennas.  Make that one of your objectives.  Perhaps your county ARES team does not do well with simplex operations.  Make that one of your objectives.  How you complete those objectives are dependent upon your tactics and strategies.

All counties should be checking into the Ohio HF Net during the Statewide SET which will be operational from the State of Ohio EOC.  All counties should have a representative check into the Ohio Digital Emergency Net.

Both of these nets will be used to disseminate important information to the Section.  I have attached a document prepared by my SET development team.

Should you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact DEC03 Bob KC8WHK at badge1@live.com and or myself at w8dec@arrl.net.

Tomorrow, Sept 21, Ashtabula County ARES will be conducting an NVIS and portable antenna exercise from Noon to 5PM local time.  All amateur radio operators are encourages to participate.  I am told the Ohio EOC W8SGT Station will also be on the air from 3PM to 5PM.  Contact Bob WD8PVB at wd8pvb@yahoo.com for details.

Cleveland Hamfest is Sunday, September 22nd at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea, OH.  Please come and support the Cleveland Hamfest.  Go to www.hac.org for more information.

Next week, I am teaching amateur radio and radio basic training to 90 volunteers from Crisis Response International at their disaster response training.  I performed this task last year and enjoyed it very much and I very much appreciate the opportunity to do it again.

EMCOMM EAST www.emcommeast.org is coming up next weekend.  There is still room in the carpool or convoy.  Contact me directly if you're interested in attending.  So far it's me, PIO Jackie N8JMW, ASEC Mark KB8YMN, and OES Dave NF8O.

That is all for this week.  I thank you for everything you do for amateur radio.

 

73 de Matt W8DEC

 

Week 37 Notes..

Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff - Week 37 - 2013
For public distribution.  Please forward as appropriate.
Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN)  Tues at 8PM. 3585 kHz and 7072 kHz  Upper Side Band.
Ohio HF Net by W8SGT.  Tues at 7PM on 3875 kHz and 7240 kHz Lower Side Band.
Preparedness Leads to Readiness

Please note there was not a Week 36 edition of Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff.

Greetings and salutations from the Northeast corner of the Buckeye State.  My name is Matt Welch and I approve this message.  Ohio SEC Notes & Stuff is brought to you by the letters E, M, A, I, and L.  ;-)

~~HOT~~ All Ohio ARES Conference update!!!  Thanks to our illustrious Ohio Section Manager, Frank KI8GW, we now have a keynote speaker from ARRL Headquarters!  The guest speaker emailed me today asking for details.  After several exchanges, he and I are looking forward to joining us at the All Ohio ARES Conference.  So just to bring you up to speed...the conference has been blessed by the Ohio Section Manager, Great Lakes Division Director, and the ARRL Board of Directors!  And now we have a keynote speaker!  Not to mention, we're going to have the best go box display and emcomm vehicle/trailer display this Section has ever seen!  Listen, if you're not coming to this conference, I am afraid you will be missing out on a great time!  All participants are asked to register online at http://www.arrl-ohio.org/SEC/default.html.  By the way, with the All Ohio ARES Conference being a specialty convention, we're eligible for ARRL gift certificates as door prizes.  Just another reason to come join us for one of the best conferences the Ohio Section has to offer.

Whoever said, "Amateur radio is dying" has no clue what they're talking about.  I had a great time working Ohio QSO Party with the Geauga Amateur Radio Association a week ago.  We even worked Maui and Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian QSO Party too.  Ohio State Parks on the Air was fun with the Warren Amateur Radio Association at Mosquito Lake State Park last weekend.  We worked some of the Indiana State Parks contest too.  Not to mention I've been working some of the Route 66 Contest and special event stations from home.  I am not a contester or dx'er but I sure do enjoy both.

I am traveling to the Toledo Mobile Radio Association (TMRA) on Wednesday, September 11th, for an SEC visit.  I will be providing an overview of ARES activities in the Ohio Section and providing a short briefing on the Statewide Simulated Emergency Test and All Ohio ARES Conference.  If you are a past, present, or future ARES member in Northwest Ohio, this is the meeting to attend!  Check out www.tmrahamradio.org for details.

Ashtabula County ARES in District 10 will be conducting a fun training exercise using NVIS and portable antennas on Saturday, September 21st from Noon to 5PM local time.  All county ARES teams are encouraged to participate. This 5 hour event is a great time to practice setting up portable antennas, getting on the air, learn about radiation patterns, propagation, and how to operate your equipment.  Not to mention, it's quite a bit of fun. This is a favorite in Ashtabula County.  Make it a favorite event in your county.  This event is not just for Ohio ARES.  ARES volunteers from anywhere are welcome to participate.  Contact Ashtabula County ARES at ash_ares@yahoo.com for more information.

Come out and support the Cleveland Hamfest on Sunday, September 22nd at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea, Ohio.  www.hac.org for details.  Doors open to patrons at 8AM.  9AM is the ARES Forum.  10AM is a forum on the Amateur Radio Promotion Project.  11AM is the ARRL Forum.  12 Noon is the Annual ARES Tenth District Go Box Contest.  The contest has always been a favorite.  Bring your Go-Box for display and you might just win.  You're never going to win if you do not take a chance on entering.

The The Ohio Section ARES Membership Drive is off to a great start.  Keep up the good work recruiting volunteers!

EMCOMM EAST www.emcommeast.org is coming up on Sunday, September 29th at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY.  This is my fourth year teaching at this conference.  This year I am teaching about ARES & Fun Activities - Keeping the Spirit Alive!  ASEC Mark KB8YMN, PIO Jackie N8JMW, and I are traveling to the conference.  There's still room for more if anyone is interested.  I am hoping to see a much larger Ohio contingent this year.  It's always a fun time.  Contact me if you're interested in traveling with us.

Training.

I think it's about time for a refresher on radio basic training.  This week we'll start with tactical call signs.

Tactical call signs are typically used in times of emergency/disaster and public service events.  Some amateur radio team leaders use them regularly and some do not use them enough.  I will tell you they are a great tool for any event.  They are clear, concise, and to the point.  They rarely ever change.  Net Control is a tactical call sign.  Water Stop 2 is a tactical call sign.  Mobile 1 is a tactical call sign.  Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is a tactical call sign. Some tactical call signs are referred to by their geographic location such as a street name.  The neat thing about the tactical call sign is the station will be the same but the operator may change several times during an event.  For instance, when I was at Hurricane Katrina, one of the places I was stationed was the Hancock County EOC.  Tactical call sign was Stennis.  Reason being the EOC was located at Stennis High School.  Each of the Points of Distribution (PODs) were also assigned a tactical call sign such as McDonald Field or Waveland.  All these locations had several operators during Hurricane Katrina.  But the tactical call sign remained the same regardless of who was operating the station.

Meeting FCC requirements. 

Your amateur call sign should be used at the end of an exchange or every ten minutes to satisfy FCC regulation 97.119. This is easily satisfied by terminating an exchange with your tactical call sign plus your FCC assigned call sign.

Example: Net Control, this is Finish Line, over.  Finish Line, Net Control, send your traffic, over.  Net Control, this is Finish Line, the last runner has crossed the finish line. KA0XTT, out."

Note that participation in a formal net is considered one continuous exchange. This means that NCS will not identify at the end of every exchange, but will do so at least every ten minutes. However, you need not identify every 10 minutes if you have not transmitted since the last time you identified.

That's all for this week.  I thank you for everything you do for amateur radio.

73 de Matt W8DEC