Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) Connecticut Section, Region 3 Member Handbook

Rev. 2.25.07
1

Table of Contents
Introduction:............................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Our Mission: ............................................................................................................................................................................ 5 What is ARES?........................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Why Join ARES?..................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Why register? .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7 What is Region 3 ARES? ........................................................................................................................................................ 8 Member Participation .............................................................................................................................................................. 9 Activities (meetings and nets) ............................................................................................................................................... 10 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)................................................................................................................................ 11 Emergency Call-up and Activation Level Definitions ............................................................................................................ 12 Non Member Participation..................................................................................................................................................... 13 Additional Considerations ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 Net Protocol and Effective Communications......................................................................................................................... 14 Net Control ............................................................................................................................................................................ 14 Tactical Call Signs:................................................................................................................................................................ 14 Break Tags: ........................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Weekly and Emergency Nets:............................................................................................................................................... 17 NTS National Traffic System.............................................................................................................................................. 18 Appendix I Region 3 Repeaters ......................................................................................................................................... 19 Appendix II Simplex Frequencies ...................................................................................................................................... 21 Appendix III CT ARES Training Roadmap (Source: CT Section ARES) .......................................................................... 23 Connecticut ARES Training Plan .......................................................................................................................................... 23 Training Roadmap................................................................................................................................................................. 23 Course Descriptions .............................................................................................................................................................. 24 Appendix IV NETC (FEMA) Online Virtual Campus How-To (Source: FEMA)................................................................. 27 Appendix V: ITU Phonetic Alphabet..................................................................................................................................... 29 Appendix VI: Weekly and Emergency Net Information: ....................................................................................................... 31 Appendix VII: Net Scripts: .................................................................................................................................................... 33 Appendix VIII: The CT ARES Leadership Council ................................................................................................................ 35 Appendix IX: NTS Net Reference Information ..................................................................................................................... 37 Appendix X: Region 3 Maps and Geography Information ................................................................................................... 45 About the copyright............................................................................................................................................................. 48

Introduction:
First and foremost Welcome! Thank you for volunteering your skill, time and equipment to provide emergency communications. Region 3 ARES has undergone a lot of changes, starting in the middle of 2006. This handbook incorporates these changes. If you are new to ARES, then you will find this information useful. If you have been involved with ARES for a long time, you should replace outdated reference materials with the information youll find here. We have made a concerted effort to update lists of frequencies, repeaters and contacts in this manual. Please take the time to give this manual in initial reading in order to understand how Region 3 will operate within the CT Section of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service. Please note training and membership requirements. In many instances, these requirements can be fulfilled in less than 50 hours a year and still keep you updated with all the information you need to be an effective communicator within our region. A note on the conventions used in this handbook. You will see frequent references to an appendix at the end of this manual. Though during the initial reading of this manual, it will require some page turning, there is a logical reason for putting the manual together in this fashion. If you print this out and put it in a binder or plan (and we hope you do!), you should only have to check for updates to the appendix sections. When there is a change, you will most likely find out via email or during one of our regular nets. When this is the case, all you have to do is download the current version and replace the old one. Its that easy. As of this writing, you can expect frequent changes throughout 2007 and possibly early 2008 as we develop and improve our operations throughout the region. Please check the Region 3 ARES website at www.ctarea3.net for details. Again, thank you for taking the time to volunteer for the organization. If I can be of any assistance, feel free to contact me or any of our regional leadership were more than glad to help.

February 19, 2007 E. Jonathan Hardy Amateur Radio Emergency Services Connecticut Section Region 3 District Emergency Coordinator [email protected] Additional contributions by: The Amateur Radio Relay League NTS Public Service Communications Manual and Memorandum of Understanding Content George Lillenstein, AB1GL Editing and content Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Connecticut Section Training Roadmap, Alert levels

Our Mission:
The mission of the Region 3 Amateur Radio Emergency Service is to provide emergency and public service communications to our communities in central Connecticut. The purpose of this plan is for all ARES members to have a resource of basic, yet vital, information available as we fulfill our mission. These procedures are set forth in accordance to the rules and regulations in the Federal Communications Commission part 97 rules and regulations. Of particular note, Part 97.1: SUBPART AGENERAL PROVISIONS 97.1 Basis and purpose. The rules and regulations in this Part are designed to provide an amateur radio service having a fundamental purpose as expressed in the following principles: (a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntar y noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergenc y communications. (b) Continuation and extension of the amateurs proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art. (c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communications and technical phases of the art. (d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts. (e) Continuation and extension of the amateurs unique ability to enhance international goodwill.

What is ARES?
The ARRL best describes ARES in their Public Service Communications Manual: 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

Why Join ARES?

If you are a volunteer interested in emergency communications and want to be "in the know" about training opportunities and want to be on the front lines of service, you will want to get involved and join CT ARES. Joining means that you have a desire to train and to serve either at home or in the field. It's easy, so read below about the process, come aboard and have fun! You will also want to join our CT ARES e-mail list. Go to the www.ctares.org website and go to How to Join the Discussion List and become informed! Process and Procedures Introduction While we actively encourage everyone to register to make life easier for volunteers, the ARES leadership team and our served agencies, there will be those who have not registered before a disaster occurs. Every effort will be made to accommodate them, but they will need to register, and most likely will be taken aside for training that will be offered every few hours before they are allowed to participate. Obviously, these people will be the junior people on any team. It is especially important to note that this is not an ARES requirement, but a federal mandate. There are certain training programs (for the federal mandate these programs are free and offered online) required by the federal government and a few programs offered by the Amateur Radio Relay League. The ARRL courses are not free, but significantly reduced for members. For more on training, please refer to Appendix III CT ARES Training Roadmap. How to Join or Renew All a potential member has to do is go to www.ctares.org and fill out the online membership form on the membership page. A single form is now used to process both new applications and renewals. Joining and renewing are done on-line; the data is submitted into the database and then sent to your DEC. Membership forms need to be filled out on an annual basis. Anyone whose membership has expired needs to fill out another application form. If in doubt, please fill out the form and submit it online. Renewal of membership may seem like an inconvenience to many. It is an extremely important function. We need to know if there are any changes in your station capability, e-mail address, phone number, street address or training status. If we dont have accurate information about you, ARES cannot function at full operational effectiveness. Because of this, we consider application forms to have a life of one year. If you do not renew, you will be placed on Reserved status for up to 6 months. After six months, Region 3 will be forced to remove your name from the roster so please fill out the form annually. When the time comes, you will receive a renewal email reminder if you havent already completed your membership application.

Why register?
ARES leadership will use the information from your application to determine what duties you can be assigned. When the state or other served agency requests amateur radio operators from ARES, only qualified names from the data base will be submitted for duty at secure locations such as EOCs, public safety complexes, shelters, or incident command posts.

What is Region 3 ARES?

Now that you understand that ARES is a community service organization that is part of the ARRL, what is region 3? Connecticut is broken down into 5 regions. This is done by the state of Connecticut and our state level served agency, the Department of Emergency Management / Homeland Security (DEMHS). Since their map has the state broken down into 5 regions, following their example makes a lot of sense. We serve the same towns in each region that the State of Connecticut does. Each region has an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Below is a small map of CT and you can see Region 3 in yellow in the middle of the state.

A larger, printer friendly, full page version of this map and region information is located in Appendix IX: Region 3 Maps and Geography Information. This appendix will also give you a top level overview of whos who for this region, as well as what towns are part of which team. The Region 3 EOC and headquarters is located at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Rocky Hill, CT.

Member Participation
Membership in ARES carries with it a significant personal responsibility. You need to find time to participate in drills and various exercises (both for our organization and our served agencies). You also need to take time for annual training (though that requirement is very simple as referenced in our Training Roadmap later on in this manual). When our members are not actively engaged in ARES activities, there is also the amount of work it takes to make sure your equipment and personal belongings are available at a moments notice. For this, you can get an idea in the various check-lists available in this handbook. Some positions in ARES carry greater responsibility. Leadership (DEC, ADEC, EC, AEC, NCS, etc) is expected to attend most meetings as to set an example for the rest of the membership. General membership is expected to adhere to the Training Roadmap, attend at least 2 of our quarterly meetings and check in to our regular, weekly nets (net information on page 6 of this handbook). The training programs and meeting requirements are organized in such a way to make participation in ARES enjoyable and with the least impact possible to our duties to our family and careers. We cannot overemphasize the importance of regular membership participation and its impact to the success of our organization. We are all volunteers who have freely accepted a commitment to community service. All the training and participation will make you a well-trained team player. This participation will allow us to better serve the State of Connecticut, Red Cross, Salvation Army and other served agencies. It is also extremely important to remember The Amateurs Code published by the ARRL in their handbook. Specifically, please note the part on Balanced:

The Amateurs Code

The Radio Amateur is CONSIDERATE...never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others. LOYAL...offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, and the American Radio Relay League, through which Amateur Radio in the United States is represented nationally and internationally. PROGRESSIVE...with knowledge abreast of science, a well-built and efficient station and operation above reproach. FRIENDLY...slow and patient operating when requested; friendly advice and counsel to the beginner; kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit. BALANCED...radio is an avocation, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community. PATRIOTIC...station and skill always ready for service to country and community. --The original Amateur's Code was written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, in 1928.

Activities (meetings and nets)

Meetings: Regular membership meetings/training sessions are quarterly. These session dates, times and training topics are discussed on our weekly nets and via email. We will make attempts to rotate meeting locations as to make travel easier for some of our membership. Nets: Our weekly net is held on Monday evenings at 8:00 PM on the KB1AEV Linked Repeater System. This is a large, linked repeater system. All the repeater information for our region is listed in appendix I:

Drills and exercises When an emergency situation arises, it is too late to begin thinking about how our organization will react. Because of this we train, plan and run routine exercises. It is important to note that participation in public service events is also very important in this endeavor. Not only does this provide the obvious public service, but it allows us to work together as a team and test our effectiveness. Annual SET: Once a year, our section carries out an SET or Simulated Emergency Test. This event is usually carried out nationally, but not necessarily on the same day from section to section. This activity is used to show how members react to real situations and how effectively we, as an organization, handle such situations. The test itself is rather straightforward. A scenario is developed (weather related, industrial accident, etc.), and as the drill progresses, new announcements and bulletins released and we as a team react accordingly. After this exercise (like any drill we are involved with) we debrief ourselves on what worked, what didnt work, and what we can do to improve our effectiveness. Served Agency Drills: These happen usually 2 or 3 times a year. We may be active during a local, state or federal exercise with any of our served agencies. These are run in much the same manner as the annual SET.

Remember, if you are a CT ARES member, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable and available to support the organization and its mission!

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Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Understanding our Memoranda of Understanding (From the ARRL) The premier justification for continued access to our piece of the spectrum pie is, and always will be, public service. A major part of our public service activity is conducted in the context of the League's formal agreements with "heavy hitters" of the emergency management community. These include, not in order of importance, the American Red Cross, the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, the National Communications System, the Salvation Army, and REACT. Let's take a brief look at each of these agencies, and our "method of operation" under each of our national-level formal agreements, a.k.a. Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). First, however, a few basics: An MOU provides a framework for cooperation and coordination with agencies to which we as radio amateurs provide communication services. At the national level, this means Headquarters-to-Headquarters contact periodically, for exchanging news, views, information, and points of contact in the field. For example, ARRL staff attends the annual Red Cross partnership meeting, along with representatives from other agencies and organizations (from the government and non-government, private and commercial sectors) that have MOUs with the congressionallychartered organization. The idea is to get to know one another on a face-to-face basis, so that when the detritus hits the fan, you know who to call and who you can count on. At the local level, an MOU serves two purposes. First, it's a door opener. A new ARES group is more likely to be heard and taken seriously by a local NWS office when accompanied by the agreement document signed by the head of the agency. The served agency says, in effect, we have examined this organization of radio amateurs and have found them to be trustworthy and able to render substantial and needed services for our field operations in times of emergency. The agency head is telling its field offices, "Go get 'em--they are good for us." Secondly, once your foot is in the door, the provisions of the MOU document spell out the capabilities and organization of the servers (us), the organization and needs of the served agency (them), and the methods of operation. These are broad guidelines that lead to the establishment of a local memorandum of understanding or similar document that sets forth the detailed operational plans and policies to be subscribed to by both parties during drills, and actual events. The most important step here is to ensure that both parties to the local agreement have a realistic assessment of the resources brought to the table by the servers, and the needs of the served. Fanciful expectations are the largest pitfalls leading to breaches of trust and a breakdown of relations, with each party going away unhappy and demoralized. Rifts develop and once in place, become recalcitrant. What's worse, is that the public, the "clientele" of both Amateur Radio and the agency, is not served. The public has the true need. More information on ARRL MOUs is available on their website at the following link: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/mou/ The section that follows will show national MOUs. This does not include local or regional links. This list is by no means complete. There may be more organizations not listed on the ARRL or our list here. There are links to the following organizations in which we have an MOU on the national level: American Red Cross National Weather Service Department of Homeland Security -- Citizen Corps (FEMA) Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International National Communications System National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers, Inc. Salvation Army Society of Broadcast Engineers Quarter Century Wireless Association, Inc. Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams Civil Air Patrol (CAP)

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Emergency Call-up and Activation Level Definitions

As mentioned earlier in the membership section, it is important to renew your membership so that we have the most current updated information to contact you as needed. If you have changed phone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses, etc., please renew your membership on the www.ctares.org website. Good news, you have extended your renewal for another year! Staying updated allows you to stay informed about Region 3 and CT Section events, training opportunities and public service events. This allows us to also reach people, as needed, during a real emergency. Of course, we always monitor our regular repeater frequencies. However, when telephone and email service is still functional, well try to reach you by those means as well. Once our organization is activated, you will want to check into a resource net and alert the net control station (NCS) that you are available. Either by email, phone, or during nets, you will be notified of what our current alert status is at that time. The alert levels are listed below. Our Alert Levels are: Level 0 Inactive: Level 1 Alert: Level 2 Standby: Level 3 Deploy: No known event likely to occur. something might happen a hurricane coming our way, etc. will only occur if something happens (time to load the car, make sure everything is ready) will only occur if a served agency asks for help

Your EC and DEC are your points of contact as always. In case of emergency when phone service is disrupted, the following (in priority order) are the best ways to volunteer. Please remember that anyone who self dispatches will be turned away. There are other leaders in our section that may be actively involved during a call-up. They would be the CT ARES Leadership Council or CALC. The members of this group are listed in Appendix VIII: The CT ARES Leadership Council. The ways to check in when phone service is disrupted are: First Choice - Your local ARES 2-meter or other communications links. Local repeaters and net resources in the appendix section of this handbook. Second Choice - The linked repeater system - The CT ARES Resource and Planning Net Third Choice - 3.965 MHz - CT Phone Net and Statewide HF Communications Last Choice - E-mail to [email protected]. Note that this e-mail address is only checked during emergencies and is truly a last choice. During non-emergencies please contact the appropriate ARES leadership official using the information http://www.ctares.org/organization.htm.

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Non Member Participation

In the past, non ARES members might offer assistance during an emergency. Though the thought and consideration is appreciated, the time to actual deployment might be considerably delayed. Since 9/11, we, as an organization, are required to have NIMS (National Incident Management System) training and compliance. This requirement was applied to all sectors of emergency service (police, fire, medical, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Tribal Nations that receive federal funding, etc.). If you are not an ARES member that has had at least IS 100, IS 200 and IS 700 training, you will have to take a crash course during the event. This is why we ask for membership and NIMS training before we are actually needed. NIMS training is free and information is available in Appendix III - Training Roadmap. NETC / FEMA course registration information is available in Appendix IV NETC (FEMA) Online Virtual Campus How-To.

Additional Considerations
Considerable effort has been devoted to our call up and activation methods. Please keep in mind that our activation will be at the request of one of our served agencies. Members can and should anticipate a call-up either by expecting certain weather conditions or listening to notices and bulletins on local ARES repeaters. Remember, we volunteer our communications skills and equipment as needed by our served agencies when normal means of communication have failed or when volume on standard channels of communication is unusually high or burdened.

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Net Protocol and Effective Communications

What is effective communications? Effective communications occurs when one station transmits a message to a receiving station clearly and concisely. Simple statement, but takes practice. It is important to note that unlike normal ragchewing or repeater conversations our operations carry considerable responsibility. Our ability to carry out effective communications can quite literally be a matter of life or death. Normal methods of conversation via radio might not be the most effective, so please take advantage of all training opportunities and public service events. These are great practice and allow us to practice effective communications, whether we use voice, CW (morse code), digital modes, etc. The following techniques will allow us to provide acceptable emergency communications. We ask that all volunteer operators adhere to these standards as closely as possible while providing communications support either during an emergency or during a public service event. Remember, public service events should be treated as seriously as emergencies. These are our greatest training opportunities to function as an organization.

Net Control
The net control station (NCS) is like a conductor of a symphony. He controls who and when other stations are heard during a net. The NCS will act as a kind of traffic cop for all messages according to their importance. The NCS will also maintain a log of all traffic, times, stations, etc. It is important to keep this written information for immediate reference and after an exercise or emergency during debriefing. All NCS should know what their duties are and whom they report to. If there is any doubt, please contact any ARES leadership for direction. If you have a priority message, make it known. If you have a routine message, please DO NOT check in with a priority or emergency message. You can seriously jeopardize the safety and well being of others with true emergency messages.

Tactical Call Signs:

Tactical call signs are sometimes used to indicate a station location, responsibility, function, etc. Some examples may include: Region 3 EOC Middletown Red Cross Hartford, Shelter 3

What is important to note is that using these on the air DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR NORMAL FCC ID OBLIGATIONS. As required by the FCC, you still must identify your station, by using your call sign, every 10 minutes or at the end of a conversation.

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Listen Before Transmitting:

It is vital that you always listen before transmitting, even if you have an emergency. If you are on the same repeater as the person transmitting, your message will most likely not be heard if you transmit at the same time as another station. Likewise, if you have a routine message, you can literally walk over another emergency message and seriously hinder effective communication. If there is a net in progress, stand by and wait for routine check-ins. Do not interrupt the flow of the net until check-ins are queried. Unless, of course, you have an emergency. If you havent heard any messages on the frequency for a while, check your rig to see if you have a stuck mike or have moved off frequency, or have a dead battery. The following section on Break Tags will also help during net operations.

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Break Tags:
When net communication gets heavy, someone may have a quick solution to a problem that is taking up too much valuable airtime for discussion, but can't break into the net to share it. The use of "Break Tags" is the way to deal with such a scenario. There are currently seven one-word Break Tags. They are: "answer," "question," "info," "priority," "medical," "emergency" and your call sign by itself. Most of these tags have been used with great success in large public/emergency services nets. Here is how they work: Instead of saying "break" between transmissions during a directed net, the operator uses the word specified as a Break Tag with a call sign. They are to be used only when the operator's traffic will be appreciated by net control and results in more efficient communication. They are to be used wisely, as net control is directed to stop and query the breaking station. The message that follows a break should be as short as possible. Make sure you know what you are going to say before using a break tag; some people can compose the transmission in their head, others will need to write the information down. Here are the definitions and how they are used: "Answer": To be used when you have the definitive answer to a question currently being discussed on the air. "Question": To be used when the answer of a question can't wait; for example, when the mayor is standing next to you and requesting you to get information using your radio. "Info": To be used when information needs to be transmitted rapidly but is not related to what is being said on the air; for example, if an event that net control needs to know about is going to happen in the next few seconds or if waiting for the end of an exchange will negate the value of the information. "Priority": To be used to report an important but non-life threatening situation such as a fender-bender that just happened. "Medical": To be used to report a minor medical incident that affects the operator in some way; for example, having to leave his/her post for a few minutes to walk someone with a minor cut over to a med tent. "Emergency": Only to be used to report an ongoing life or property threatening or damaging incident. Your Call Sign: Traditionally used as a break tag, but when used alone does not give the net control station the same amount of information that the other six break tags do. Using "Break Tags" takes little training. Its use is contagious and comes very naturally. Other RACES/ARES groups around the country are using them with good results.

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ITU Phonetics:
Below is the phonetic alphabet developed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). This alphabet should always be used whenever there is a need to spell words over the air. These words have been chosen as easily recognizable even when pronounced with various accents or under poor reception conditions. It is far too common for amateur operators to use other phrases or cute phonetics during routine operation. This is fine for normal rag chewing but completely unacceptable during net operations or when providing public service. These are international phonetics and are easily recognized by operators who arent proficient in the English language. The ITU Phonetic Alphabet is located in Appendix V.

Weekly and Emergency Nets:

Please check into our regular emergency nets. We hold our nets on a weekly basis. Checking into these nets will allow you to stay aware of upcoming events, frequency changes, public service announcements, etc. All our frequencies are located in the following Appendixes: Appendix I Region 3 Repeaters Appendix II Simplex Frequencies Appendix VI: Weekly and Emergency Net Information: Net scripts can be located at: Appendix VII: Net Scripts

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NTS National Traffic System

The National Traffic System plan is a means for systematizing amateur traffic handling facilities by making a structure available for an integrated traffic facility designed to achieve the utmost in two principal objectives: rapid movement of traffic from origin to destination, and training amateur operators to handle written traffic and participate in directed nets. These two objectives, which sometimes conflict with each other, are the underlying foundations of the National Traffic System. NTS operates daily, even continuously with the advent of the advanced digital links of today. The personnel consists of operators who participate for one or two periods a week, and some who are active daily. The National Traffic System is an organized effort to handle traffic in accordance with a plan which is easily understood, is basically sound, and which employs modern methods of network traffic handling in general acceptance today. NTS is not intended as a deterrent or competition for the many independently-organized traffic networks. When necessitated by overload or lack of outlet for traffic, the facilities of such networks can function as alternate traffic routings where this is indicated in the best interest of efficient message relay and/or delivery. One of the most important features of NTS is the "system concept." No NTS net is an independent entity which can conduct its activities without concern for or consideration of other NTS nets. Each net performs its function and only its function in the overall organization. To whatever extent nets fail to perform their functions or perform functions intended for other nets, to this extent is the overall system adversely affected. Nets may sometimes find it necessary to adopt temporary expedients to ensure the movement of traffic, and this is considered improper operation only when no attempt is made to return to the normal schedule. Nevertheless, improper operation of any NTS net is the concern of all NTS nets, and every effort should be made to assist in returning any nonfunctioning or improperly functioning net to its normal operation. Mode: The National Traffic System is not dedicated specifically to any mode or to any type of emission, nor to the exclusion of any of them, but to the use of the best mode for whatever purpose is involved. The aim is to handle formal written traffic systematically, by whatever mode best suits the purpose at hand. Whether voice, CW, RTTY, AMTOR, packet or other digital mode is used for any specific purpose is up to the Net Manager or Managers concerned and the dictates of logic. There is only one National Traffic System, not separate systems for each mode. Modes used should be in accordance with their respective merits, personnel availabilities and liaison practicalities. Whatever mode or modes are used, we all work together in a single and thoroughly integrated National Traffic System.

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Appendix I Region 3 Repeaters

The KB1AEV system is where our weekly net is held on Monday evenings at 8:00 PM local time.

CT ARES AREA 3 Repeater Directory

The repeaters listed below represent those clubs / owners that have graciously given permission to Area 3 ARES for the use of their repeaters. We thank them for their continued support of the ARES program, and CT ARES Area 3. KB1AEV LInked Freq Off Town/City 145.370 Torrington 147.345 + Vernon 224.360 Vernon 442.600 + Vernon 444.100 + South Killingly 444.550 + Naugatuck 444.650 + Bristol 447.225 Torrington 147.270 + Barkhamsted 147.285 + Sharon 442.750 + Granville W1EDH 147.030 147.090 444.625 www.kb1aev.net/ Call PL N1FNE 77.0 KB1AEV 77.0 KB1AEV 77.0 KB1AEV 77.0 N7PRD 77.0 WA1NQP 77.0 KB1AEV 77.0 KB1AEV 77.0 W1RWC 77.0 W1BAA 77.0 KB1AEV 77.0 www.w1edh.org W1EDH 110.9 W1EDH 110.9 W1EDH 110.9 www.narl.net W1AW 127.3 W1AW 127.3 W1OKY 100.0

PL Type TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS

Part time Part time Part time

+ + +

Portland Glastonbury Glastonbury

TS TS

W1AW/W1OKY 145.450 Newington 224.840 Newington 443.050 + Newington K1YON 145.230 W1DHT 146.685 K1IKE 440.800

TS

East Hartland

K1YON

123

Bristol

W1DHT

141.3

East Haddam

K1IKE

110.9

Revision: 2.25.07 19

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Appendix II Simplex Frequencies

Area 3 ARES Simplex Frequency Chart

2 Meter / 70 cm 146.415 146.43 146.445 146.46 146.475 146.49 146.505 146.52 / 446.00 146.535 146.55 146.565 146.58 147.42 147.435 147.45 147.465 147.48 147.495 147.51 147.525 147.54 147.555 446.025 446.050 446.075 Tactical Call Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta Echo Foxtrot Golf National Simplex Calling Freq Hotel India Juliet Kilo Lima Mike November test for W1AW interference Oscar Papa Quebec Romeo Sierra Tango Test for W1AW interference Uniform W1AW Code Practice Victor Whiskey X-Ray

This list of suggested frequencies is based on the ARRL band plan, or with guidance from the Connecticut Spectrum Management Association. The following have been assigned as primary frequencies for either Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) or Official Emergency Stations (OESs). EOC Town Rocky Hill Manchester Rocky Hill Farmington Middletown Ellington East Granby Wethersfield New Britain Facility State EOC EOC EOC Red Cross Red Cross OES EOC OES/SKYWARN Red Cross Frequency Golf 146.505 Charlie 146.445 Alpha 146.415 Kilo 146.58 Mike 147.435 Lima 147.42 Delta 146.46 India 146.55 Echo 146.475 Revision: 2.25.07 21

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Appendix III CT ARES Training Roadmap (Source: CT Section ARES)

Connecticut ARES Training Plan

This is the Connecticut ARES Training Roadmap. There are three major areas:

1. General ARES Training 2. Training to help us work with our served agencies 3. Connecticut ARES Specific Training
Information on registering for these courses, course format, etc. is included in the Course Description section following the roadmap. (This roadmap is being shared with surrounding Sections so that they will know what we are doing.)

Training Roadmap
ARRL General ARES Training Amateur Radio Emergency Communications EC-001 Strongly recommended for all members. For more info or registration: http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html#ec001 Amateur Radio Emergency Communication EC-002 Recommended for Net Control Stations and future leaders For more info or registration: http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html#ec002 Amateur Radio Emergency Communication EC-003 Recommended for ARES Leaders. For more info or registration: http://www.arrl.org/cce/courses.html#ec003 FEMA/DHS/Red Cross Training Red Cross Introduction to Disaster Strongly recommended for all members. For Red Cross training info: http://www.ctredcross.org/ DHS IS-700 Introduction to National Incident Management System Strongly recommended for all members http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700.asp DHS IS-22 Are You Ready? Recommended for all members. http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is22.asp CT ARES Specific Training CT ARES Symposium. Strongly recommended for all members.

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Course Descriptions
In terms of General ARES training, the ARRL offers the three ARESCOM Courses: Amateur Radio Emergency Communications EC-001 - Introduction to Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. A basic course to raise awareness and provide additional knowledge and tools for any emergency communications volunteer. This course has 23 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. This course is highly recommended by CT ARES for all ARES members. Amateur Radio Emergency Communications EC-002 Intermediate Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. A more in-depth study into amateur radio emergency communications to enhance the skills and knowledge received from previous experience. Level I ARECC is required prior to taking Level II. This course has 20 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. This course is recommended for any member who may want to participate as a Net Control Station or wants to learn more than is covered in the level 1 course. It is highly suggested for all ARES Leaders. Amateur Radio Emergency Communications EC-003 - Advanced Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. This course is designed to bridge the gap between basic participation and leadership. Both Level I and Level II certifications are required prior to taking this course. This course has 23 lesson units, is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. This course is highly recommended for all ARES leaders, or those considering a leadership position.

All of the above courses are Internet-based, self-paced (within the 8 week period) and consist of learning experiences online, on the air, and working over the Internet via e-mail with a mentor.

In terms of training to help us work with our served agencies:

DHS IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS), an Introduction

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700.asp DHS Description: On February 28, 2003, President Bush issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5. HSPD-5 directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer a National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents.

The DHS IS-700 Course introduces NIMS and takes approximately three hours to complete. It explains the purpose, principles, key components and benefits of NIMS. The course also contains Planning Activity screens giving you an opportunity to complete some planning tasks during this course. The planning activity screens are printable so that you can use them after you complete the course. Chucks Comments: This course is vital to understanding how FEMA/DHS plans to operate at TOPOFF and other times. It provides a very slim description of ICS, which is a vital part of NIMS, but NIMS is more than ICS. I think this course should be highly recommended for all ARES leaders, and required for CALC and DECs. This course should be a high priority for any ARES member who is interested in understanding FEMA/DHS disaster management. If a person is going to take IS-100 and IS-200 they should take them before IS-700. FINAL NOTE: IS-700 NIMS is the most important of all of these courses for any ARES member, but leaders should take IS-100 and IS-200 first. ICSSS and ICSTUT are some short self-study courses on ICS but are fire-based and do not readily apply to what we do, or our served agency needs. DHS IS-22 Are You Ready?: An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness 24

DHS Description: This guide has been prepared for direct dissemination to the general public and is based on the most reliable hazard awareness and emergency education information available at the time of publication, including advances in scientific knowledge, more accurate technical language and the latest physical research on what happens in disasters. Chucks Comments: Every adult or high-school student in America should be encouraged to take this course. It does not require using the on-line system so no technological expertise is required. While I feel it is important, as far as ARES I think it is optional. DHS IS-100 Incident Command System, Basic http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is100.asp DHS Description: This course is designed to give an introduction to the principles, common terminology and position responsibilities when responding to an event using the Incident Command System. Chucks Comments: This course is vital to understanding ICS and should be highly recommended for all ARES leaders, and required for CALC and DECs. The average ARES member could benefit from it, but if they have only a small amount of time to put into training they should take IS-700. DHS IS-200 Incident Command System, Basic http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is200.asp DHS Description: This course has been developed to compliment the IS-100 course for the Federal disaster response workforce, and to take the students education to the I-200 level. Chuck's Comments: Same as IS-100. This provides a great more detailed explanation that the IS-100 course. DHS IS-800 National Response Plan, An Introduction http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is800.asp DHS Description: The NRP provides a framework to ensure that we can all work together when our Nation is threatened. Daves Comments: This course completes what I call the alphabet soup courses. Which are IS-100, IS-200 & IS-700. These give you a good insight into the Federal mindset of how command is handled in situations where multiple agencies respond.

DHS IS-275 Role of the Emergency Operations Center in Preparedness, Response & Recovery

Community

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is275.asp DHS Description: The goal of this independent study course is to provide the user with the understanding of the vital role an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) plays in the overall communitys preparedness, response, and recovery activities. It is a prerequisite for G-275, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management and Operations. Chuck's Comments: This course is vital to understanding what FEMA/DHS thinks an EOC should do and should be highly recommended for all ARES Leaders, and required for CALC and strongly suggested for DECs.

DHS IS-317 Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is317.asp DHS Description: Introduction to CERT Chucks Comments: This course is vital to understanding what FEMA/DHS thinks the CERT teams should do and should be highly recommended for all ARES leaders, and required for CALC and strongly suggested for DECs. THIS IS NOT CERT TRAINING. CERT Training can only be done in a classroom type class. There are skills taught which required hands-on. This is training in working with CERTs.

Red Cross Introduction to Disaster:

This is the key course to take before the American Red Cross will permit you to take their other courses. We will try to offer this in one ARES Symposium each year.

Red Cross Damage Assessment:

Available at your local Red Cross Chapter. This course is in the process of be revised and renamed; Disaster Assessment. I will try to keep everybody informed of the latest, but if there are any questions contact your local American Red Cross Chapter, or check the website: http://www.ctredcross.org/

NOAA Skywarn Spotter Sessions:

Information on Skywarn Spotter Sessions can be found at http://www.ctskywarn.com the Basic and Advanced Spotter Sessions are suggested for all CT ARES Members. 25 Both

CTARES Specific Training:

In terms of training that is specific to CT ARES at times we offer an ARES Symposium and special sessions are often offered at hamfests. Those who subscribe to the CT ARES Discussion e-mail list will be informed of all of these training opportunities. The CT ARES Symposium usually covers the following topics, which are subject to change: Go Kits and Deployment Preparation Directed and Tactical Nets Formal NTS Message Handling Red Cross Introduction to Disaster National Incident Management System (NIMS) and how ARES fits into the Incident Command System structure of NIMS Revision: 2.25.07

26

Appendix IV NETC (FEMA) Online Virtual Campus How-To (Source: FEMA)

What is the Virtual Campus? The National Emergency Training Center's (NETC) Virtual Campus is the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) online training site. The NETC Virtual Campus courses are intended for emergency management personnel, fire service personnel, first responders, Department of Homeland Security personnel, and the general public. The NETC Virtual Campus is powered by a learning management system and provides a variety of interactive web-based courses as well as print materials and access to CD ROMs. Where is the Virtual Campus? 1. Go to http://training.fema.gov and click Online Training or 2. Go to http://virtualcampus.fema.gov/learningspace5/program/UI/Main/Themes/Kendall/Main.asp 3. Bookmark these pages into your favorites for easy access. Logging In & Creating a User Identity First time? Create a user identity 1. Click on New Student 2. Fill in all the fields: First Name, Last Name, Logon name, UserID (same as Logon Name), Password, confirm your password, your email address (important!), and leave the last setting (EMI or FEMA) alone. 3. Click on Log On button in the upper right-hand corner. Already a student? 1. Enter your logon name and password. 2. If you have forgotten your logon name or password please e-mail [email protected] and ask for it again. This will alleviate duplication of accounts. 3. Click on the Logon button. 4. You will enter into the Virtual campus into the Learning Home section Your First Use of the Virtual Campus Learning Home 1. At the top and center of your screen, youll see navigation buttons for the three sections of the Virtual Campus: Learning Home, Course Catalog, and My Courses. 2. Please look at Taking Courses under Important Information. This will help you understand the process of taking a course. 3. Notice the Student Tools box on the left: by default, you are in the section Welcome. 4. Also of interest is Change password and Progress Reports where you can see your grades and status of your courses. Course Catalog 1. Click on Course Catalog to see a list of courses available to you. 2. Click on a course, and on the right-hand side will appear a description with a button labeled ENROLL. 3. If you click on that button, it will change to UNENROLL. This means you are now enrolled, and that course has been placed into MY COURSES. My Courses 1. When you click on My Courses, along the left-hand side of the screen your Course List will appear. a. For Q534 Emergency Response to Terrorism Self-study, the test will load on the right-hand side or there is an alternate test that you may download. 2. If you wish to read course material or take a test, click on the + sign next to your course: it will change to a -sign and expand out the course materials and any tests.

27

Taking Tests NFA (Q) courses At the end of a test, youll see a SUBMIT button which causes the test to be scored and recorded on our servers with the test results. You may see your test results by going to the section LEARNING HOME, and clicking on the Progress Report within Student Tools. EMI (IS) Courses At the end of your course you will see Exam or Evaluation. Click on the + sign and it will expand into two different areas. The test question downloads and then the online answer sheet. Download the test, go to the online answer form and after you complete the form, submit it. Certificates Getting your Certificate for EMI (IS) Courses 1. Upon submission, the test is routed to the IS server where it is graded. 2. If the test is submitted Monday afternoon - Friday morning, students receive an email notice informing them whether they passed or failed the following afternoon. 3. If the test is submitted Friday afternoon - Monday morning, students receive an email notice Monday afternoon. 4. They should receive their certificates in the mail within three weeks. 5. If you have further questions concerning IS courses please go to http://www.training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/isfaq.asp Problems? I cant open PDF Files Many of the course materials are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Adobe provides a free, downloadable Reader that will also incorporate into your Web browser. Download the latest reader free at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/ and choose Downloads. Save the files that open in your reader to your hard disk by clicking on the icon in the Acrobat Reader toolbar. I took the test, but it says my results were not recorded to the server? You have an incompatible version of JAVA. The latest version of Sun Java is incompatible with our Virtual Campus in some regards, notably in recording results to the server. Determine if your version of Java is later than Sun Java 1.3.1_07-b02. If so, you must uninstall it and download the version from this address: http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.3/download.html . Follow the instructions to download, save, and install this version. I have disabled all pop-up blockers and course will still not launch? If you have disabled all pop-up blockers and you click on the lesson link and the course does not launch, you need to check to see if you have Sun Java v1.3.1 installed. If not follow the directions above. How do I know what version of Sun Java is on my computer? On your Internet Explorer, click Tools > Internet Options > Advanced Tab and scroll down to see if you have the Java (Sun) section (it should be the section after HTTP1.1 Settings). If you do not see Java (Sun), click on the following link for Sun Java J2SE v 1.3.1_12 JRE download for Windows (Windows US English). http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.3/download.html Why doesnt my progress bar show complete? Student progress reports do not reflect student transcripts. IS courses will show as incomplete because test questions and online answer sheet links are not elements of the course and cant be tracked by the Virtual Campus. I am using XP Service Pack 2 how do I access courses? First, disable the built-in pop-up blocker by clicking Tools > Pop-up blocker > Turn Off Pop-up Blocker. Next, change your Sun Java version to 1.3.1. See above instructions. Last words a) Only your last test effort counts, and only Pass or Fail matters. If you fail the test 100 times, the successful 101st time is the test score that counts. This is for all Virtual Campus courses. b) If you continue to have problems after reading this document and the FAQs please contact us. Our contact information is as follows: [email protected] [email protected] NETC Help Desk 301-447-7211 Monday Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time c) Q course certificates take time to process. If you have questions about a Q course certificate please call 301-447-1035 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. d) Please review the FAQs found at http://training.fema.gov/ under Online Training (NETC Virtual Campus).

28

Appendix V: ITU Phonetic Alphabet

ITU Phonetic Alphabet:

Word list adopted by the International Telecommunications Union

A--Alfa B--Bravo C--Charlie D--Delta E--Echo F--Foxtrot G--Golf H--Hotel I--India J--Juliet K--Kilo L--Lima M--Mike N--November O--Oscar P--Papa Q--Quebec R--Romeo S--Sierra T--Tango U--Uniform V--Victor W--Whiskey X--X-ray Y--Yankee Z--Zulu

29

30

Appendix VI: Weekly and Emergency Net Information:

We hold a weekly ARES Region 3 Emergency Net on Monday evenings at 8:00 PM. Our weekly net is held on the KB1AEV linked repeater system. KB1AEV Net 145.370 147.345 224.360 442.600 444.100 444.550 444.650 447.225 147.270 147.285 Emergency Nets: Currently, we are using the linked system as a resource net on a shared basis with Region 4. We will develop a standalone system in Region 3 as our plan develops. Please use the frequency list above in the meantime. Revision: 2.25.07 www.kb1aev.net/ Torrington Vernon Vernon Vernon South Killingly Naugatuck Bristol Torrington Barkhamsted Sharon

+ + + + + + +

CT CT CT CT CT CT CT CT CT CT

N1FNE KB1AEV KB1AEV KB1AEV N7PRD WA1NQP KB1AEV KB1AEV W1RWC W1BAA

77.0 77.0 77.0 77.0 77.0 77.0 77.0 77.0 77.0 77.0

TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS TS

Litchfield Tolland Tolland Tolland Windham New Haven Hartford Litchfield Litchfield Litchfield

31

32

Appendix VII: Net Scripts:

Region 3 Net Script Region 3 Emergency Net Monday 8:00 PM CT Linked Repeater System / KB1AEV repeaters. 147.345 PL 77 NOTE: If you are scheduled to be Net Control but suddenly realize you can't do that, it is your responsibility to find a replacement AND tell the net manager. **** OPENING ***** Is this frequency in Use? (Pause. If nothing is heard, proceed.) Does anyone need to make a call before we start tonights Region 3 emergency net? Calling the Region 3 ARES net, Calling the Region 3 ARES net This is (your callsign) and my name is ( ), net control station for this session of the Region 3 Emergency Net. This net meets every Monday evening at 8 PM local time, on the KB1AEV Linked Repeater System, for the purpose of passing ARES related bulletins and announcements, informal training and encouraging all amateurs to participate in emergency communications. This is a directed net and check-ins are welcome from anyone anywhere. All communications will be directed by Net Control. Again, this is (callsign), net control, and my name is ( ). Do we have any priority or emergency traffic? (Pause) Any other traffic? When all traffic has been listed and handled, make the following statement: I'll now take all check-ins. Please give your call sign phonetically, your location, name, then wait to be recognized. I'll take several check-ins at a time. If I miss you or have your call wrong, please check in again so I get you correctly in the log. (After taking all comments and late check-ins, read the following) ***** CLOSING ***** Net Control Stations are needed. If you are willing and able to take this net for one week at a time, please let me know. Right now, a volunteer is needed for __________(any upcoming week). Call signs please. This concludes tonight's session of the Region 3 Emergency Net. We look forward to hearing from you again next week, same time, same place. Please pass the word that this net is here for the good of everyone and our communities. In the case of an emergency, please tune to this frequency for any instructions. Thanks to one and all who participated. Thanks also to Dana KB1AEV, Rod N1FNE, Dick W1RWC, and the control operators of the KB1AEV Linked Repeater System for the use of this repeater and the links. More information on this repeater system including repeater locations, frequencies, contact information etc. can be found on the web at www.kb1aev.net. This is (call sign) returning the KB1AEV Linked Repeater System to regular Amateur use. Revision: 2.25.07

33

34

Appendix VIII: The CT ARES Leadership Council

Current members of the CT ARES Leadership Council (CALC) are: Brian Fernandez, K1BRF - SEC leader of the team, and overall operational coordination; [email protected] Rod Lane, N1FNE Assistant SEC [email protected]

Mac Harper, W1FYM General DEC; [email protected] Chuck Rexroad, AB1CR - DEC Digital Communications Coordinator; [email protected] Steve Williams DEC SKYWARN; [email protected] DEC (Region 1) Allan Valeo, NN1H; [email protected] DEC (Region 2) Art Fregeau, K1WMQ; [email protected] DEC (Region 3) Jonathan Hardy, KB1KIX; [email protected] DEC (Region 4) Wayne Gronlund, N1CLV; [email protected] DEC (Region 5) Dave Hyatt, K1DAV; [email protected] Official Emergency Stations assigned to management responsibilities may be included at the discretion of the SEC. These appointees may also be included at ARES leadership meetings at the request of the SEC. The Section Manager is an ex officio member of the CALC; Elizabeth Doan, SM [email protected]. Revision: 2.25.07

35

36

Appendix IX: NTS Net Reference Information

NTS Net Type Local Phone Net (Bristol) Statewide Section Phone Net Packet Name Nutmeg VHF Traffic Net CT Phone Net Time 9:30 PM 6 PM 10 AM 24 hrs Days Every night Mon-Sat Sun Every day Frequency 146.88 no PL 3.973 1.865 145.09

Incoming CT traffic held at W1AD-4 in Shelton Outbound NTS traffic W1EDH in Glastonbury

Packet

24 hrs

Every day

145.09

Contact the Section NTS Traffic Manager, Larry Buck, K1HEJ to volunteer as a Net Control operator or backup. In an Emergency the Section Manager, SEC, or DECs may activate these nets at other times/days. If no NTS traffic is being moved the Nets will close and reopen usually on the hour or every two hours for the duration. These nets are designed so our NTS operators work from their homes. They take messages from field personnel and hold them for the destination station or relay them via other nets or packet. Emergency Operations Centers EOCs should monitor these nets when opened: The States Administrative net The Region Administrative net Local shelter frequencies The ARES Tactical net The ARES Resources net The NTS local net at the scheduled time The NTS state net at the scheduled time Packet for bulletins and traffic held for the EOC

Smaller or less-equipped EOCs should monitor at least the first three. The following pages in this appendix will have general NTS operating aids as well as a blank copy of an NTS form. We advise that you either purchase the pads from the ARRL or print plenty of copies of the blank form for your plan. Some amateurs keep a binder and logbook together just for passing traffic.

Revision: 2.25.07

37

Source: ARRL

FSD-218

Relief Emergency Routine Messages Recommended Precedences

Every formal radiogram message originated and handled should contain the following component parts in the order given
I. Preamble a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Number (begin with 1 each month or year) Precedence (R, W, P or EMERGENCY) Handling Instructions (optional, see text) Station of Origin (first amateur handler) Check (number of words/groups in text only) Place of Origin (not necessarily location of station of origin.) Time Filed (optional with originating station) Date (must agree with date of time filed)

II. Address (as complete as possible, include zip code and telephone number) III. Text (limit to 25 words or less, if possible) IV. Signature separates the parts of the address. separates the address from the text and the text from the CW: The prosign signature. marks end of message; this is followed by B if there is another message to follow, by N if this is the only or last message. It is customary to copy the preamble, parts of the address, text and signature on separate lines. RTTY: Same as CW procedure above, except (1) use extra space between parts of address, instead of ; (2) omit cw procedure sign to separate text from address and signature, using line spaces instead; (3) add a CFM line under the signature, consisting of all names, numerals and unusual works in the message in the order transmitted. PACKET/AMTOR BBS: Same format as shown in the cw message example above, except that the and prosigns may be omitted. Most amtor and packet BBS software in use today allows formal message traffic to be sent with the ST command. Always avoid the use of spectrum-wasting multiple line feeds and indentations. PHONE: Use prowords instead of prosigns, but it is not necessary to name each part of the message as you send it. For example, the above message would be sent on phone as follows: Number one routine HX Golf W1AW eight Newington Connecticut one eight three zero zulu july one Donald Smith Figures one six four East Sixth Avenue North River City Missouri zero zero seven eight nine Telephone seven three three four nine six eight Break Happy birthday X-ray see you soon X-ray love Break Diana End of Message Over. End of Message is followed by More if there is another message to follow, No More if it is the only or last message. Speak clearly using VOX (or pause frequently on push-to-talk) so that the receiving station can get fills. Spell phonetically all difficult or unusual words--do not spell out common words. Do not use cw abbreviations or Q-signals in phone traffic handling.

38

Precedences
The precedence will follow the message number. For example, on cw 207R or 207 EMERGENCY. On phone, Two Zero Seven, Routine (or Emergency). EMERGENCY--Any message having life and death urgency to any person or group of persons, which is transmitted by Amateur Radio in the absence of regular commercial facilities. This includes official messages of welfare agencies during emergencies requesting supplies, materials or instructions vital to relief of stricken populance in emergency areas. During normal times, it will be very rare. On cw, RTTY and other digital modes this designation will always be spelled out. When in doubt, do not use it. PRIORITY--Important messags having a specific time limit. Official messages not covered in the Emergency category. Press dispatches and other emergency-related traffic not of the utmost urgency. Notifications of death or injury in a disaster area, personal or official. Use the abbreviation P on cw. WELFARE--A message that is either a) an inquiry as to the health and welfare of an individual in the disaster area b) an advisory or reply from the disaster area that indicates all is well should carry this precedence, which is abbreviated W on cw. These messages are handled after Emergency and Priority traffic but before Routine. ROUTINE--Most traffic normal times will bear this designation. In disaster situations, traffic labeled Routine (R on cw) should be handled last, or not at all when circuits are busy with Emergency, Priority or Welfare traffic.

Handling Instructions (Optional)

HXA--(Followed by number) Collect landline delivery authorized by addressee within....miles. (If no number, authorization is unlimited.) HXB--(Followed by number) Cancel message if not delivered within....hours of filing time; service originating station. HXC--Report date and time of delivery (TOD) to originating station. HXD--Report to originating station the identity of station from which received, plus date and time. Report identity of station to which relayed, plus date and time, or if delivered report date, time and method of delivery. HXE--Delivering station get reply from addresses, originate message back. HXF--(Followed by number) Hold delivery until....(date). HXG--Delivery by mail or landline toll call not required. If toll or other expense involved, cancel message and service originating station. For further information on traffic handling, consult the Public Service Communications Manual or the ARRL Operating Manual, both published by ARRL.

39

ARRL QN Signals For CW Net Use

QNA* QNB* QNC QND* QNE* QNF QNG QNH QNI QNJ QNK* QNL QNM* QNN QNO QNP QNQ* QNR QNS* QNT QNU* QNV* QNW QNX QNY* QNZ Answer in prearranged order. Act as relay Between _____ and _____ All net stations Copy. I have a message for all net stations. Net is Directed (controlled by net control station). Entire net stand by. Net is Free (not controlled). Take over as net control station. Your net frequency is High. Net stations report In.*. I am reporting into the net. (Follow with a list or traffic or QRU). Can you copy me? Can you copy _____? Transmit message for _____ to _____ Your net frequency is Low. You are QRMing the net. Stand by. Net control station is _____ What station has net control? Station is leaving the net. Unable to copy you. Unable to copy _____ Move frequency to _____ and wait for _____ to finish handling traffic. Then send him traffic for _____ Answer _____ and Receive traffic. Following Stations are in the net. *(Follow with list.) Request list of stations in the net. I request permission to leave the net for _____ minutes. The net has traffic for you. Stand by. Establish contact with _____ on this frequency. If successful, move to _____ and send him traffic for _____ How do I route messages for _____? You are excused from the net.* Request to be excused from the net. Shift to another frequency (or to _____ kHz) to clear traffic with _____ Zero beat your signal with mine.

* For use only by the Net Control Station. Notes on Use of QN Signals The QN signals listed above are special ARRL signals for use in amateur cw nets only. They are not for use in casual amateur conversation. Other meanings that may be used in other services do not apply. Do not use QN signals on phone nets. Say it with words. QN signals need not be followed by a question mark, even though the meaning may be interrogatory.

40

International Q Signals
A Q signal followed by a ? asks a question. A Q signal without the ? answers the question affirmatively, unless otherwise indicated. QRA QRG QRH QRI QRK QRL QRM QRN QRO QRP QRQ QRS QRT QRU QRV QRW QRX QRZ QSA QSB QSD QSG QSK QSL QSM QSO QSP QSV QSW QSX QSY QSZ QTA QTB QTC QTH QTR QTV QTX QUA What is the name of your station? What's my exact frequency? Does my frequency vary? How is my tone? (1-3) What is my signal intelligibility? (1-5) Are you busy? Is my transmission being interfered with? Are you troubled by static? Shall I increase transmitter power? Shall I decrease transmitter power? Shall I send faster? Shall I send slower? Shall I stop sending? Have you anything for me? (Answer in negative) Are you ready? Shall I tell _____ you're calling him? When will you call again? Who is calling me? What is my signal strength? (1-5) Are my signals fading? Is my keying defective? Shall I send _____ messages at a time? Can you work breakin? Can you acknowledge receipt? Shall I repeat the last message sent? Can you communicate with _____ direct? Will you relay to _____? Shall I send a series of V's? Will you transmit on _____? Will you listen for _____ on _____? Shall I change frequency? Shall I send each word/group more than once? (Answer, send twice or _____) Shall I cancel number _____? Do you agree with my word count? (Answer negative) How many messages have you to send? What is your location? What isyour time? Shall I stand guard for you _____? Will you keep your station open for further communication with me? Have you news of _____?

41

Abbreviations, Prosigns, Prowords

CW AA AB ADEE ADR AR ARL B BK C CFM CK DE HX K N NR PBL N/A R SIG TU WA WB N/A N/A PHONE (meaning or purpose) (Separation between parts of address or signature.). All after (use to get fills). An before (used to get fills). Addressee (name of person to whom message addressed). Address (second part of message). End of message (end of record copy). (Used with "check," indicates use of ARRL numbered message in text). Stand by; wait. More (another message to follow). Break; break me; break-in (interrupt transmission on cw. Quick check on phone). Separation (break) between address and text; between text and signature. Correct; yes. Confirm. (Check me on this). Check. From; this is (preceding identification). (Error in sending. Transmission continues with last word correctly sent.) (Handling instructions. Optional part of preamble.) Initial(s). Single letter(s) to follow. Repeat; I say again. (Difficult or unusual words or groups.) Go ahead; over; reply expected. (Invitation to transmit .) Negative, incorrect; no more. (No more messages to follow.) Number. (Message follows.) Preamble (first part of message) Read back. (Repeat as received.) Roger; point. (Received; decimal point.) Signed; signature (last part of message.) Out; clear (end of communications, no reply expected.) Thank you. Word after (used to get fills.) Word before (used to get fills.) Speak slower. Speak faster.

42

THE AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE

RADIOGRAM
NUMBER PRECEDENCE HX VIA AMATEUR RADIO STATION OF ORIGIN CHECK PLACE OF ORIGIN TIME FILED DATE

TO:

THIS RADIO MESSAGE WAS RECEIVED AT:

AMATEUR STATION: PHONE: NAME: STREET ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE NUMBER:

CITY AND STATE:

Recd

From

Date

Time

Sent

To

Date

Time

THE AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE

RADIOGRAM
NUMBER PRECEDENCE HX VIA AMATEUR RADIO STATION OF ORIGIN CHECK PLACE OF ORIGIN TIME FILED DATE

TO:

THIS RADIO MESSAGE WAS RECEIVED AT:

AMATEUR STATION: PHONE: NAME: STREET ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE NUMBER:

CITY AND STATE:

Recd

From

Date

Time

Sent

To

Date

Time

43

44

Appendix X: Region 3 Maps and Geography Information

Revision: 2.25.07 45

Region 3 is separated by the Connecticut River. Because of this, the region has 2 primary teams, logically called the East and West Team, based on their geographical location next to the Connecticut River.

46

Region 3 Leadership by Town and Team

E. Jonathan Hardy, KB1KIX DEC Region 3 ARES [email protected]

West Team
Ray Sabb, N1TAI ADEC, Region 3 West Team [email protected] Region 3 North West Team Jim Donaldson, K1CCT Northwest and Granby EC Granby Suffield East Granby Windsor Locks Windsor Canton Simsbury Bloomfield Region 3 South West Team Mark Harris, KB1MSH South West EC (Town to be assigned) Avon West Hartford Hartford Burlington Farmington Bristol Plainville New Britain Newington Wethersfield Rocky Hill Southington Berlin Cromwell Middletown

East Team
George Lillenstein, AB1GL ADEC, Region 3 East Team [email protected] Region 3 North East Team Position to be assigned Enfield Somers Stafford East Windsor Ellington Tolland South Windsor Vernon East Hartford Manchester Bolton Region 3 South East Team Position to be assigned Glastonbury Hebron Marlborough Portland East Hampton East Haddam

* = Towns with local EC

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About the copyright.

I feel that the work embodied in this manual should remain freely available to anyone that can use it. I know I looked high and low at other sources, but being able to use their work wasnt possible as long as they had a copyright or all rights reserved. To that end, I have decided to release this manual not under a copyright, but a kind of copyleft. In a nutshell, as long as you dont profit from the work, feel free to use the original content enclosed in this handbook. Some material here I did not create (ARRL and such). Where that is the case, they (content producers) do own the copyright to their respective works, and you must ask them for permission.

2007 E. Jonathan Hardy

Creative Commons License Deed

Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

You are free:

to Share to copy, distribute and transmit the work to Remix to adapt the work

Under the following conditions:

Attribution. You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work). Noncommercial. You may not use this work for commercial purposes. Share Alike. If you alter, transform, or build upon this work, you may distribute the resulting work only under the same or similar license to this one. For any reuse or distribution, you must make clear to others the license terms of this work. Any of the above conditions can be waived if you get permission from the copyright holder. Apart from the remix rights granted under this license, nothing in this license impairs or restricts the author's moral rights. This is a human-readable summary of the Legal Code (the full license). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/legalcode For more information: Creative Commons 543 Howard Street 5th Floor San Francisco California, 94105, USA.

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