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The HOTLINE |
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Convergence and Emergency Communication |
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Today’s world of Amateur Radio is quite a bit different from the world just ten or fifteen years ago. There have been many advances in electronic and digital communication techniques so that these components are now ready to “come together” to enhance Amateur Radio’s public service role. At the April HOTARC meeting this Thursday, Ed Middlebrook KC5NT, will present our meeting program that will show how current hardware and software have come together to improve and expedite emergency communication.
Ed has been an amateur radio operator for twenty-seven years and a
computer professional for twenty-five. His current work in designing B2B
(business to business) communication systems have led him to take a different
approach to handling emergency message traffic. Ed’s presentation will cover
the basics of traffic handling, a comparison of various modes that are used in
transmitting data, and how a simple message handling program can be used with
current digital techniques to enhance the flow of vital emergency information.
In the true Amateur Radio style of “cobbling” together various components, modes and techniques into a new process, come see how these items combine to push traffic handling and emergency communication to a new level.
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President’s Corner |
by Rodney Baden, K5YKC |
BPL Needs to Be Defeated
The last couple of weeks I
have contacted a Texas State representative and senators office about the
pending legislation concerning SB1748. I sure did talk to some very nice people
working for our state government. They were very receptive to my comments regarding
BPL and said that they would pass on the message. I also forwarded some of the
news releases about the test site in Irving being shut down and comments that have been forwarded
to me by the ARRL.
I told them that I was representing myself and that this was not a political (Republican or Democratic) problem. I informed them that this not only effects amateur radio operations but some military operations, and maybe some emergencies services frequencies. Also, that BPL was being very strongly supported by the power companies. They asked for the bill number and how the interference was effecting communications.
If you have a chance, please call your state representatives, as they are in session now, and ask them to NOT support this bill. Be sure to say that you represent yourself, and not HOTARC or the ARRL North Texas Section.
I hope to see everyone at the meeting on Thursday at 7:00 pm
Rodney A. Baden, K5YKC
HOTARC President
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For the Record... |
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HOTARC Meeting of Members
March 24, 2005
The March meeting of the Heart O’ Texas Amateur Radio Club, Inc. was called to order by Rodney Baden, K5YKC at 7:03 pm at the studios of KXXV (Channel 25) in Waco, Texas. Present were seventeen full members and five visitors: Dan Ward KD5DWY of Hewitt, Chris Lott KE5EGJ of West, David Pratt of Waco, Allen London KE5DHN of Waco, and Chris Perez of Waco. The meeting was begun with an opening prayer given by J.W. Roach W5AYX.
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The Treasurer Reports... |
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Heart O’ Texas Amateur Radio Club Beginning Account Balance $ 4,251.85 Income Interest $ 0.88 Dues 270.00 TOTAL Income $ 270.88 Expenses 440 Duplexers $ 400.00 TOTAL Expenses $ 400.00 Ending Account Balance $ 4,122.73 Outstanding (as of 4-14-05) Submitted by |
The Minutes for the February meeting were approved as published in the HOTLINE, on a motion by Bill Feltenberger KDF5UEW, second by Ed Hynan KC5KNI, and unanimous vote by the members present. The February Treasurer’s Report was also accepted as published in the HOTLINE, following a motion by Ray Read AD5CK, second by Wayne Branscum KD5SMC, and unanimous vote by the members present.
Announcements
· New Frequencies: K5YKC reported that the Texas Forest Service has moved to 154.280 with PL tones.
· Hamcom: K5YKC advised that HamCom is scheduled for June 3,4,5.
· Web Training: K5YKC reported that the National Incident Management System (NIMS) offers an online course, IS 700, that will soon be mandatory for any emergency work—radio, or otherwise. (for more info see http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is700.asp)
Committee Reports
· ARES: KC5KNI exhorted all to remember Skywarn this Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; the “famous” Alan Mohler will be there! The grant to reimburse ARRL EC course fees will end in June 2005. Sign up now! K5YKC reported that there is a move to turn NWS into NOAA—contact your congressman now to voice your opinion on this!
· Trailer: Roger Miles, WB5MBO had nothing new to report.
· Repeater: Norris Martin, KB5SLI reported that the Waco PD antenna is “out of band” and will need to be replaced. K5YKC reported that the Texas VHF-FM approved our application for the 442.875 MHz repeater frequency to W5ZDN.
· Web Page: AC5CV reported all is well.
· ATV: David Bush, KC5UOZ reported the ATV repeater is well.
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Members meeting on March 24, 2005 at KXXV Television studios |
· Special Events: John Chamberlain AC5CV reported that we still need volunteers for the Race for the Cure event, and reported on some of the details for this event. KC5UOZ reported that he is willing to provide ATV/SSTV support if there is any interest. Ed Middlebrook KC5NT agreed to serve as Chairman of the Field Day Committee.
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Andy Wallace WX5ACT discussing the KXXV weather station |
New Business
· Skywarn Refreshments: A motion for HOTARC to cover the expenses of refreshments at Skywarn up to $50 was made by W5AYX, seconded by KD5UEW, and unanimously approved by the members present.
· Training for Public Officials: K5YKC reported that the Austin Amateur Radio Club is interested in forming a class or seminar to educate public officials about amateur radio. K5YKC offered to represent HOTARC (ARES). A motion to move forward on this opportunity was made by W5AYX, seconded by KD5UEW, and unanimously approved by the members present.
K5YKC heard a motion by KC5KNI to adjourn the meeting at approximately 8:00 pm.
The program this evening was a tour of the television-weather reporting studios by KXXV Chief Meteorologist Andy Wallace WX5ACT.
Submitted by:
John Chamberlain, AC5CV
HOTARC Secretary
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What is A.R.E.S.? |
by Ed Hynan, KC5KNI,McLennan County Emergency Coordinator |
The Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily
registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the
public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of
membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization, is eligible for
membership in the ARES. The only qualification, other than possession of an
Amateur Radio license, is a sincere desire to serve. Because ARES is an amateur
service, only amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of
emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for
membership.
ARES is what amateur radio is all about – using equipment and communications skills to help others. Amateur radio and ARES has played a big part in disaster response since the events of 9/11. Support for recovery efforts in New York, Washington, Texas floods and the Colorado and Arizona fires have put amateur radio in the public spotlight. Registration is necessary to best match available equipment and operator availability to support disaster relief efforts. In addition, security requirements for responders have become a requirement as a result of the 9/11attacks. Access to Emergency Operations Centers, hospitals, and incident command posts will be limited to those individuals who have been screened and identified. McLennan County ARES is the backup communication resource for Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management, Hillcrest Hospital and other government agencies within the county.
If you are interested in becoming a member of McLennan County ARES, go to the HOTARC Web site http://www.hotarc.org/ under the frequently asked questions and download the application. E-mail or mail the completed application according to the instructions listed at the bottom of the application. Your application will be processed and you will receive an ARES ID Card. Check in to the Weekly McLennan County ARES net every Monday at 8:00 PM on the 145.15 repeater (tone 123.0). If you have a sincere desire to help, registration is necessary before the next emergency, not after it occurs.
Every amateur radio activity is a training opportunity for ARES. Get involved and be a part of the solution. ARES Statistics for the 2004 calendar year were as follows:
Number of Events: 63 Total Man-hours: 1212 Total number of contacts: 2866
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The Door of Opportunity is Closing… |
gleaned from the ARRL Letter Online |
Registration for all three levels of the ARRL on-line courses in Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course continues. And, thanks to our grant sponsors—the Corporation for National and Community Service and the United Technologies Corporation—the $45 registration fee paid upon enrollment will be reimbursed after successful completion of the course. ACT NOW! THESE ARE THE FINAL MONTHS OF THE GRANT-SUBSIDIZED CLASSES!
Radio amateurs age 55 and older are strongly encouraged to participate. During this registration period, seats are being offered to ARRL members on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more, visit the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Web page (http://www.arrl.org/cce). Or contact Emergency Communications Course Manager Dan Miller, K3UFG, by email or phone (860-594-0340).
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Hamfests! |
by John Chamberlain, AC5CV |
Two great ham fest opportunities are happening in the next several weeks, so mark your calendars:
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If you are a new amateur, these are especially wonderful opportunities to mingle with hundreds or thousands of other licensed amateurs, get your hands on some actual radio gear, ask some questions and get some answers, and maybe even decide to acquire some radio equipment at very reasonable prices. These “ham gatherings” are noted for their vendor displays (that is, the radio companies that sell new radio equipment), tailgate offerings (that is, used equipment sold by fellow amateurs), and other meetings, test sessions, and rewarding opportunities available by virtue of the large gathering of radio interests.
For more information, visit the web sites of these well-known events by clicking the graphics above.
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SKYWARN 2005 Was Great! |
by John Chamberlain, AC5CV |
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Those who attended Skywarn 2005 were rewarded with superbly educational and current presentations by two of the premier weather scientists in the country: Gary Woodall and Alan Moller of the National Weather Service Office in Fort Worth. Here are links to some excellent resources: |
Gary Woodall |
Alan Moller |
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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2005 Board of Directors |
HOTARC 2005 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 (2005): Ed Hynan KC5KNI, 666-4873, KC5KNI@arrl.net
Director (2006): Scott Shafer KD5MLY, 848-5888, ScottShafer@clearchannel.com
Director (2007): Bill Feltenberger, KD5UEW, 756-1397, bfeltenb@swbell.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 May 28, 10:00 am. Location: Baylor’s Rogers Engineering and Computer Science Bldg, 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 April meeting of HOTARC will be at 7:00 pm on Thursday April 28, 2005 in the Kultgen Automotive Center of the TSTC Waco Campus. Meetings generally last about 90 minutes consisting of fellowship, general Club business, and an interesting program. Visiting hams, family members, and prospective hams are welcomed! |
We’re making plans for 2005…Come join the fun!
Heart O’ Texas Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
P.O. Box 32
Waco, TX 76703-0032