73,
Phil Crombie, Jr., K1XFC
Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC)
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
Connecticut Section
Cell: 860-338-6332
crombiejr@snet.net
Emergency-Communications
CNHARC Receives Repeater System Donation
ARES, POTA “Go Box” Show and Tell at Nutmeg Hamfest, Meriden CT, October 13, 2024
Douglas Sharafanowich, WA1SFH, writes on the ct-ares mailing list:
WHAT: ARES and POTA “GO BOX” Show and Tell
DATE: Sunday, October 13, 2024
HOURS: 8:30 am – 10:30 am
WHERE:
NUTMEG HAMFEST 2024
Maloney High School
121 Gravel Street Meriden, CT 06450
Open to ALL Hams
A Perfect excuse to “Get Organized” to “Go Portable”!
– Make Portable operations less of a hastle and chore.
– Eliminate the last minute hunting for gear before leaving.
– Banish the frustration of not having what you need at the operating site… because it is still back at the home QTH.
Note: For many hams on a budget, their “Go Box” does “double duty” as their Home Station.
The “Go Box” is probably the best way to organize your radio equipment for those times when you want to (or need to) “Grab-‘n-Go” for Portable Operations such as:
– Public Service Events
– ARES Drills/Exercises
– Real World Disasters
– Parks On The Air activations
– Day Trips to: the Park, Beach, Woods, or… the In-Laws.
– Weekend Get-Aways
– Vacations
Don’t Have a “Go Box”? BUILD ONE!
You can build/assemble your own “Go Box” in less than one day, and it will probably better than my Proof of Concept example.
See: www.ctaresregion2.org/forum/prepared-to-go-go-go
BE CREATIVE!
Your creative design and build may be exactly the thing that get someone else to build his own “Go Box”… or modify their existing “Go Box”.
BRING IT!
Come with your “Go Box” to the Nutmeg Hamfest for Display, Judging, and Awards or Show & Tell
AWARDS
– Best ARES VHF/UHF “Go Box”
This will include Voice and Digital/Data capability (Winlink, “Classic” Packet Radio)
– Best ARES HF “Go Box”
This will include Voice and Digital/Data Capability (Winlink/HFVARA)
– Best ARES VHF/UHF/HF “Go Box”
This will include Voice and Digital/Data capability for each radio as appropriate.
(VHF/UHF Winlink, VHF/UHF “Classic” Packet Radio, Winlink/HF VARA)
– Best POTA 100w (max) radio “Go Box” *
– Best POTA QRP “Go Box” *
* Where POTA “Go Box” includes: Cases, Backpacks, Camera Bags, etc.
Entry DETAILS @
SKYWARN Training Session, Wallingford CT, June 6, 2024
The Meriden Amateur Radio Club (W1NRG) is pleased to announce W1NRG & the National Weather Service, Upton, NY (OKX) is holding a FREE in-person three-hour SKYWARN Training Session.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Thursday Wallingford Public Library (Community Room)
200 N Main Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
7:00 -10:00 pm
June 6th, 2024
HOW TO REGISTER:
Weather.gov/nyc
Go to SKYWARN icon in lower left corner. Click on SKYWARN Training Schedule. Chose in-person event and fill out on-line form.
This program is free and open to the public – you do NOT need to be a licensed amateur radio operator. Registration will be limited to 125 attendees.
Ed W1YSM
President, W1NRG
Wallingford Amateur Radio Group/Meriden Amateur Radio Club
ARRL CT Affiliated Club Coordinator
EC SKYWARN NH/Middlesex Counties
W1YSM@arrl.net
Vermont ARRL Field Organization Signs MOU With American Red Cross
Vermont Section Manager Paul Gayet, AA1SU, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Red Cross.
According to Paul, “We are just the second state in the union to do so.”
The document is endorsed with the signatures of Vermont’s Section Manager and the American Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer for Vermont.
Winter Field Day: “A Great Opportunity to Practice ARES Groups’ Emergency Preparedness”
Jack Ciaccia, WMØG, Assistant Director, EmComm and Public Service writes on the NE-ECAPS mailing list:
This month, we have a great opportunity to practice our ARES groups’ Emergency Preparedness. The Winter Field Day Association promotes emergency operating preparedness, particularly in the challenging winter months characterized by freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and other hazards that pose unique operational obstacles. The primary objective of Winter Field Day, along with its fundamental principles, is addressing the unpredictability of natural disasters, which can occur unexpectedly. Your training and operational skills must extend beyond fair-weather scenarios, as preparedness is crucial for a professional and timely response to any event.
This event occurs from 19:00 UTC on Saturday, January 27 until Sunday, January 28th, at 18:59.
It’s important to note that Winter Field Day is an emergency communications (EmComm) exercise, so while the rules are significant, the total points accrued are not the primary focus. The knowledge gained during Winter Field Day and the ability to adapt and overcome unexpected obstacles will prove invaluable during emergencies. Participants should prioritize testing their abilities and equipment over chasing contacts or points. When you engage in signal report exchanges, provide accurate signal report information to help the other station assess the effectiveness of their setup. For those who share the commitment to emergency communications, Winter Field Day offers a challenging yet exciting and rewarding experience that aligns with your dedication to this critical aspect of amateur radio.
This year, you’ll observe a shift from “Bonus Points” to “Objectives;” your goal should be to achieve as many objectives as possible during the event.
The New England Division’s ARES group’s goals should include participating from your State EOC and making at least one contact with each New England State EOC via some mode and frequency. I will leave the frequency and modes to each section’s ARES SEC to coordinate.
-
- Any mode is usable during this exercise except FT8 and FT4 modes.
- All frequencies, except for the WARC bands, can be used.
- One hundred watts is the maximum power level for this event.
- Six hours of continuous operation from each participating station.
- Running your station at home or in the field from an emergency power source during the exercise.
- Operating from an outdoor location and perhaps doubling as a POTA/SOTA activation.
The rules are available at: https://winterfieldday.org/
Above all, enjoy the Winter Field Day experience. Discuss the temperature, forge new connections, and create lasting memories as you refine your skills as an amateur radio operator.
You must register your Winter FD operation at: winterfieldday.org/register-
73,
Jack Ciaccia WM0G
Asst Dir., NE EMCOMM and Public Services
303-587-0993
FEMA Region 1 Winlink Testing
FEMA Region 1 will begin conducting monthly Winlink tests starting January 2024. The purpose of this test is to exercise the Regional PACE plan, Winlink is part of the “Emergency” category of the plan. We would like to include Amateur Radio and SHARES stations in New England in this test. Here are the details:
Testing Procedure: Each month FEMA Region 1 Disaster Emergency Communications Branch will generate a Winlink message to participating stations. The message will be sent via Winlink through an Amateur Radio or SHARES gateway. The message will contain simple instructions on how to reply – which form to use, information requested, response time, etc. The receiving stations will reply to FEMA Region 1 via Winlink with the requested information within a set timeframe. The date and time of the monthly test will vary.
Participating Stations – Open to Amateur Radio or SHARES stations in New England. Stations must have Winlink capability and a valid Winlink email address. Participating operators should be aware that this test is conducted without announcement, so it is important that Winlink messages are checked regularly.
How to Sign Up – Stations wishing to participate can sign up online at https://forms.gle/sTibzJjZhftHXR4J9
Please feel free to share the above information with those who may be interested in participating. Any questions, let me know.
Thanks,
Mike
Mike Corey
Emergency Management Specialist | Disaster Emergency Communications
Response Division | FEMA Region I
Cell: 202.704.9853
michael.corey@fema.dhs.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency
fema.gov
CT ARES Training Class Offerings
Connecticut DEC Douglas Sharafanowich, WA1SFH, writes on the ct-ares mailing list:
HAPPY Thanksgiving Day. As you relax today, here is serious question to ask yourself…
Are YOU ARES TRAINED and EQUIPPED?
GET ARES TRAINED (Registration info Below)
Overview
ARES has advanced into the 21st Century, and new skills and capabilities are required to meet the needs of the day.
As a result, ALL ARES members are now being requested to complete the national ARES Individual Operator Task Book: LEVEL 1 & LEVEL 2.
And, for those interested in Leadership positions, to complete LEVEL 3.
PRACTICAL Encouragement
In order to assist ARES members in meeting some of the KEY requirements and help be better prepared for a BLACK SKY event (i.e.; “The Next BIG ONE”), a series of FREE monthly Training Classes (on Saturdays) are being held in Region 2.
Training Classes being Offered (details below)
• Introduction to VHF Winlink (Part 1)……………. Dec. 2, 2023
• Introduction to VHF Winlink (Part 2)…………… Jan. 13, 2024
• Introduction to FEMA Message Forms…………. Feb. 3, 2024
• Introduction Net Control Station Operations…… March 2, 2024
• Introduction to HF Winlink……………………….. April 6, 2024
When: Saturday Mornings (8 am to 11.30 am)
Where: Various locations in Region 2
Training Classes (Details)
These classes include basic concepts, but more importantly also focus on helping you become functional in each area… IF YOU DO YOUR PART.
Introduction to VHF Winlink (Part 1)
Date: Dec. 2
Where: Guilford Fire Department
390 Church St., Guilford
In this Class you will learn about Winlink, How to Set-Up Winlink on your computer, and How to send messages via TELNET. You will also learn what you will need to bring with you to “PART 2” in order to send messages via RF using your VHF/UHF radio.
YOU BRING:
Your laptop/notebook computer (Windows preferred) with Winlink loaded onto it, a paper Notepad, pencils/pens
Introduction to VHF Winlink (Part 2)
Date: Jan. 13
Where: North Haven Fire Dept. Company #4
366 Washington Ave., North Haven
During this Class, you will connect your computer and radio to an antenna to send Packet Winlink messages over the air through a local WINLINK GATEWAY, and do Winlink P-2-P (Peer to Peer) messaging.
YOU BRING:
Your laptop/notebook computer, your VHF/UHF mobile radio (5-50 watts), 12v Power supply (Battery, or AC/DC with short ext. cord), connecting cables, Computer to Radio Interface: Terminal Node Controller (TNC), or a Sound Card Interface (SCI) with a TNC Emulator loaded on your computer, and a mag mounted VHF/UHF antenna with a metal pizza plate/baking plate, paper for notes, pencils/pens.
HINT #1
With Christmas rapidly approaching, best to tell Santa to bring you the gear you need for this class.
Introduction to FEMA Message Forms
Introduction to FEMA Forms
Date: Feb 3
Where: Quinnipiac Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven
You need to know what Forms our “served agencies” are using, where to find them in Winlink and how to send them. During this class you will be introduced to the common forms that are in use, and send a few via TELNET.
YOU BRING:
Your laptop/notebook computer with Winlink loaded (and set-up), paper for notes, pencils/pens.
Introduction Net Control Station Operations
– Basic skills in running an efficient Net, plus tips for Staying Organized when the SHTF.
Date: March 2
Where: Quinnipiac Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven
I have heard it said that in the USMC: ‘Every Marine a Rifleman’.
Similarly,
In ARES: Every ARES operator is a Net Control Station Operator
Imagine this:
One day, the situation will arise when you will be thrust into taking over a Communications Net as a Primary or Reliever Net Control Station operator.
– It will be at this exact moment that you will wish you had been at this class and taken advantage of periodically practicing the skills during CT ARES weekly Nets.
THIS IS IMPORTANT – Don’t miss it!
YOU BRING:
Your laptop/notebook Computer, a paper Notepad, pencils/pens
Introduction to HF Winlink
– You need to send Winlink messages, but no working VHF Winlink Gateway is nearby.
Date: April 6
Where: North Haven Fire Dept. Company #4
366 Washington Ave., North Haven
GOT General, Advanced, Extra license? Then, this class is for YOU!
In this class you will learn how to send HF Winlink messages successfully and practice sending a few over the air.
YOU BRING:
Your computer, connecting cables, a 100 watt HF radio, 12v Power Supply (Battery or AC/DC with ext. cord), a Sound Card Interface (SCI) if not built-in to the HF Radio, paper for Notes, pencils/pens.
HINT #2 (Repeat)
With Christmas rapidly approaching, best tell Santa bring you the gear you need for this class.
Bottom Line
If you are serious about getting the training you need to be effective in ARES, then you need to make the decision to do it.
And, TODAY is a GOOD DAY to JUST DO IT.
* SPACE IS LIMITED
* SEATS ARE LIMITED
* Reservations ARE Required
– If you just show up without a reservation, don’t expect that there will be space for you.
REGISTER for Classes HERE
Please register using the Google Sheets document (link below).
Enter your information and put a “1” in each class you will attend.
(The program automatically SAVES your input. So, just close the page to exit.)
I will confirm you Reservations with a reply email.
LINK
https://tinyurl.com/58rtzdct
—
73, Douglas Sharafanowich – WA1SFH
ARES District Emergency Coordinator (DEC)
Region 2 – Connecticut Section
email: wa1sfh “at” arrl “dit” net
Video, Slides from Emergency Communications and Public Service Team Meeting, November 9, 2023
NH Simulated Emergency Test, November 4, 2023
Dave Colter, WA1ZCN, writes on Twin State Radio Club mailing list:
The NH-AREs Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is scheduled for next Saturday, November 4, from 8am to 1pm. However, the actual time commitment is minimal.
If you didn’t see the original announcement several weeks ago (attached,) we’re doing a re-run of last year’s 1938 hurricane-based SET with a small expansion. For purposes of this exercise, we’re assuming that all repeaters are down, and that HF conditions are poor. That leaves us with mostly 2m simplex operations on 146.51 (no tone) which can require “high-point” relay stations, both for local coverage and a path to the State EOC (SEOC) and Red Cross in Concord. This year, we’re primarily concerned with the paths to the Bow Relay point on Quimby Hill in Bow, which has a commanding “view” of the capital region and points east and south, and seems to work well for long-haul paths (not Coos, of course.)
We have a state-wide list of known sites that have proven to have a path to Bow Relay, or have that potential. We are looking for even more sites, because you never know which ones will be accessible after a major hurricane. Attachment K, High Point Relay, is attached.
I’d like West Central ARES members to test all the sites on the list in in our area, as well as identify others. All this requires is attempting to contact Bow Relay (tactical call) from that location during the SET, which should only require a few minutes. If you live near one of these sites, of know of one with a good long eastern view (even your own home!,) please let me know. (We have a preference for “drive up” sites rather than “hike-in” for obvious reasons.) Just make contact with Bow Relay, and report the signal quality to me. I tested Bly Hill in Newbury last year, so I won’t be trying that one again.
Be aware that “hidden transmitter” syndrome will be a big issue with every active group in the state trying to reach Bow Relay as they test various sites. Listen for a while to be sure Pete W1FEA at Bow Relay isn’t talking to anyone else.
We’re a small group, so we need as many folks as possible to lend a hand with this test. If you have questions or site ideas you want to talk about, send me a note. Hope to hear you on the air!
73
Dave Colter WA1ZCN
Interim EC – West Central NH ARES
ASEC, Training – NH-ARES
www.nh-ares.org
Hamshack Hotline: Ext. 4806
DHS SHARES: NNA1DC