EmComm

My Start in Public Service Communication

    RACES is a leadership, response and
    organizational protocol which is used
    by federal, state, and local agencies
    that seek to utilize amateur radio operators
    as a decentralized auxiliary communication
    resource in times of emergency.
    Public service and EmComm have been part of my radio amateur DNA. It dates back to my novice days. Training as an Net Control Station (NCS) took root when I was a Technician Class operator. I frequented the Cape and Islands (Two Meter) Traffic Net (courtesy of mentoring by KA1EXJ, WA4STO, and others).

    I grew up in Southern New England -- home to hurricanes, significant blizzards, thunderstorms and even a renegade tornado. The "Blizzard of '78" and Hurricane Gloria are two incidents that loom in my memory.

    The guys at Central Fire Station in my home town of Middleboro, MA chuckled when - as a teenager - I'd bring the monthly "Civil Defense" bulletins to the watch desk. That's back when Cokes were 25¢ and the Whistle House -- an original alarm system that signaled the approximate location of a fire by a series of numeric whistle-counts -- was located in the tower of Town Hall. (The Starr Mill area, my neighborhood, was code "2-7". That's two whistle blasts followed by seven.)

    Fortunately, the dismissal of the fire chief and deputy didn't deter my curiosity and resolve. And so it goes ...

    Revising the "Go Kit"

    My "go kit" is currently being overhauled.  Stay tuned!
    • Elecraft KX3 
    • Yaesu FT-817
    • Yaesu VX-7R (handheld)
    • Pigtail (WiFi dongle) & HamLog (Ver. 4.0)
    • iPad with Chill Pill compact speakers 
    • Youkits FG01 Portable Antenna Analyzer
    • Buddipole (backup multiband antenna)
    • 144 MHz Three Element Backpacker Yagi 
    • 144 / 440MHz J-Pole - Easy-breezy installation
    • Buckmaster Line-Grip™ - Grips for pulley and guy lines


    My "Go Kit" for Auxiliary Communication

      I've always had a "go bag" in one form or another. My kit has become much more sophisticated since 2006. A "backpack" style go-kit was assembled in 2006; however, I can no longer wear backpacks. Everything was transferred to two water-protected hard cases for quick travel and easy deployment. The radio case (right) is still used for quick-carry incidents. A sturdier portable rack, which was first tested during Field Day 2013, is being assembled for faster transfer and equipment use.
      The radio case includes a VHF/UHF all mode transceiver, a VHF/UHF HT, audio filtering, PSK/RTTY interface, Vibroplex QRP Morse Code keyer, NUE-PSK portable modem, dummy load, 45 Watt HF amplifier, and 100 Watt two-meter amplifier.
      I can choose from a several portable antennas, such as: dipoles, Buddipole or Portable HEX-PAC multiband hexagonal beam. The transceiver and antennas are matched by an LDG Z-817H higher powered tuner for the Yaesu FT-817.  A Tokyo Hi Power 45 watt amplifier was available, yet it now needs some repair.

      The Yaesu-Vertex VX-7R-S is a "quad band" transceiver that's a workehorse in my "Go Kit." This HT is capable of transmitting and receiving on the 50 MHz (6 meters), 220 MHz (1.25 meters), 144 MHz (2 meters) & 440 MHz (70 centimeters) bands.

      "Go Kit" Battery / Solar Power Supply

      An updated EmComm "12 volt kit" includes several self-contained rechargeable batteries, a PowerGate (which permits auto switching from solar/commercial power to rechargeable battery packs), a battery booster and a 27-watt fold-up solar panel. Two 45 feet military masts and a light-weight shock-cord mast compliment the antennas.  A RACES guide, rig manuals, laminated regional maps, amateur and GMRS licenses, ID holder and lightweight tablet with weather and radar apps round off the gear.

      Additional Items in "Shelter in Place" and "Go Kit"

      Overkill?  Absolutely!  But it's been fun building and testing the kit ... and I hope to be well prepared to offer auxiliary communication during a future incident.

      Arlington County, VA OEM

        Well, times have definitely changed and I have a hunch the public safety folks back home might view things a little differently nowadays. Back when I lived in Arlington, VA, I affiliated with a local Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and was deputized as a radio operator in February, 2007.




        Even though I no longer live in Arlington County, VA, I remain involved with Arlington OEM as volunteer (RACES protocol). I am trained and familiar with the Arlington OEM protocol. I am able to assist if Arlington ever needs a radio operator to coordinate auxiliary communications - particularly is someone "outside the immediate area" is needed. The 2012 Derecho weather event is an example of how I pitched-in as a relay station operating outside the county.

        Some of my activities with APRSC include:
        • 06/2006 - Field Day radio operator at Minor Hill Park
        • 02/2007 - Arlington OEM Deputizes EmComm Radio Operators
        • 02/2007 - Fire Station Simplex Test (Fairfax RACES)
        • 05/2007 - Arlington Neighborhood Day Parade
        • 06/2007 - Field Day radio operator at Minor Hill Park
        • 09/2007 - APEX Reagan National Airport staged a disaster drill
        • 05/2008 - Arlington Neighborhood Day Parade
        • 06/2008 - Field Day radio operator at Minor Hill Park
        •  01/2009 - Inauguration Special Event and Talk-In (K4I)
        • 06/2009 - Field Day radio operator at Minor Hill Park
        • 12/2009 - Presentation on Psychological First Aid and the Radio Operator
        • 06/2010 - Field Day radio operator at Minor Hill Park
        • 06/2011 - Field Day radio operator at Minor Hill Park
        • 06/2012 - GERC special event radio operator at Minor Hill Park
        • 06/2012 - Field Day radio operator at Minor Hill Park
        • 06/2012 - Activation due to 911-Call Center Disruption as a result of the Summer 2012 (Derecho) Weather Event 

        Why Arlington County? 


        Some wonder why I'm not linked-up with other local groups. Hey, I tried. So my answer is regretful, yet honest: I contacted governmental agencies, reaches out to the volunteer groups, rubbed elbows with local hams when we moved to Suburban Maryland. Ultimately, I didn't feel welcomed. No shame, no blame ... this happens all the time. 

        One summer, I went over to meet some fellow hams and help raise surplus military masts for an upcoming Field Day event. Felt odd.The biggest  conversation (with me) was with a ham who corrected me with condesention ("My name is Robert, not Rob" Rest assured I changed the name is to protect the arogant, but it sure didn't help that he never introduced himself, never responded to my introduction  and that everyone else called him "Rob"! Go figure.) So, I've decided stayed connected with a cohesive and organized group that genuinely feels as though they welcome newcomers, they train members and facilitate a comprehensive vetting process.

        Groups that genuinely value experience, training, hard work and hospitality will flourish. If you're looking to volunteer, ask how many recruits are welcomed and trained by the group each year.  If a roster is always growing and there's limited attrition, the you may be looking at an organization worth your while! If; however, your paced on a listserv, told to just check-in to a weekly net and don't ever see anyone for face-to-face orientation and training, then caveat emptor.

        Here's a good article on amateur radio and volunteer organizational effectiveness:

        Title:          EMCOMM Groups: If You Aren't Doing, You're Dying
        Excerpt:    If your local group doesn’t have stuff going on, you’re dying.


        What You Can Do: Start with "Shelter in Place" Resources

        My spouse wonders why I have solar rechargeable battery kits. And friends wonder why I have resources to store "back-up" drinking water. I half expect to be nominated for "Preppers," although that level of preparedness (obsessiveness?) truly exceeds my behavior. Truth be told, the questions get answered when things like the Derecho happen.

        I confess, the degree of adversity I've personally experienced has not been that remarkable. Yet, even living here in the Wash DC Metro, there have been multiple events worthy of consideration.

        Here are a few experiences, just of f the "top of my head," that required use of "Shelter in Place" and "Go Kits." Each incident impacted home, travel, workplace and/or other activities for more than 24-hours:
        • Mid-Atlantic and Midwest Derecho (June - July, 2012) - roads closed, power out for one week, some 911 communication failures, temperatures above 100 degrees F
        • Hurricane Sandy (October, 2012) - the threat potential was remarkable and the devastation (north of DelMar) still exists
        • North American Blizzard of 2009 (December, 2009) - foreshadow of a hard winter
        • North American Blizzard of 2010 (Snowmageddeon, February, 20100) - Biggie!
        • Washington Metro Red Line Train Collision (June, 2009)
        • Hurricane Isabel (September, 2003)
        • Beltway Sniper Attacks (October 2002)
        • Brentwood Post Office Incident (October, 2001)
        • College Park and Beltsville, Maryland Tornadoes (September, 2001)
        • September 11 Attacks (September, 2001)
        • Blizzard of 1996 (January 6 - 8, 1996; followed by another storm on January 12th)

        Memorize Important Telephone Numbers

        David, N5FDL Makes a good point in his EmComm Blog:

        “In Jeff Friedrich’s dispatch from the Boston Marathon yesterday, he quoted a volunteer named Kathleen Hunt, who was helping runners retrieve their bags near the finish line. “There were runners who couldn’t find their clothes, who didn’t have their phones, who couldn’t find their families,” she said. “It reminded me how important it is to memorize a few phone numbers.” Read more from Slate…



        Scott Vest to the Rescue!

        I'm not advertising - nor making a profit - just offering a suggestion that could help others.  This jacket / vest combo is a great asset for the traveler and EmComm Operator alike! I use it for traveling. My back is "shot," so this vestal lows me to keep multiple items within reach and it doesn't create stress on the lower spine.

         Personal Area Network Travel Document Pocket
         Magnetic Pocket Closures  Eyeglass Chamois with Versatile Clip 
         Bottle Holder (for Vapur Anti Bottle) Water Hydration System Pocket
         PubPocket™ 22 Pockets and compartments
         Weight Management System NoBulge Pockets™
         DeepPockets™ Back Pocket
         Extendible, removable Key Holder BudBuckets™—earbud Pockets
         Pen/Stylus Pockets ZIP-PIP™
         Change Pocket MyMemory Pocket™
         CollarConnect™ HangingPockets™


        RACES

          Here's some information about Radio Amateur Civil Emergency (RACES) protocol and the Emergency Auxiliary Communications unit with which I volunteer in Arlington County, VA:
          "The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) was established under FCC regulations, as part of the Amateur Radio Service. The mission of RACES is to establish and maintain the leadership and organizational infrastructure necessary to provide Amateur Radio communications in support of emergency management entities throughout the United States. 
          In Arlington County, RACES may be employed during a variety of emergency/disaster situations when governmental communications systems are damaged or when additional communications are desired. 
          RACES develops emergency communications training to enhance the Emergency Support Function 2 (ESF2) communications capabilities of Arlington County government through the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
          Arlington County OEM requires Amateur Radio operators who request certification as RACES operators to undergo criminal background checks conducted by the Sheriff's Department. RACES operators must satisfy certain training benchmarks on an annual basis to retain certification." (from www.w4ava.org)
          Field Day 2010   ARPSC, Arlington, VA   (c) KE4SKY

          Sunday, July1, 2012

          The mid-Atlantic region was hit by an unusual weather incident (known as a 
          derecho) on Friday evening, June 30, 2012. This weather event left millions of residents in the Wash DC Metro without power. I count myself among the 
          unfortunate without commercial power.

          Arlington County RACES was activated on Saturday for several hours. Telephone services were impaired and several 911 systems 
          were adversely impacted. RACES worked to bridge the gap
          and then provide parallel auxiliary communications for citizens
          of the county.


          In response to this activation, I positioned my mobile station on a 
          Montgomery County (Maryland) parking structure and offered remote assistance to Arlington County EOC. The ideal role for my tactical position included acting as a back-up Ops Net Control or relay, if need.

          Navigating just a few miles to get to this location was challenging. 
          Trees were blown across major roads, several homes and autos were visibly destroyed, and lights at major intersections were not operational (for days). 

          I live near a hospital, so it's pretty significant when traffic signals are extinguished for long periods of time.

          Here are a few random picture (taken on the third day of the
          power outage):

          A big branch still hangs
          (Northbound, Georgia Ave @ 16th)
          First PEPCO utility
          truck seen thus far!
          Local Home Damaged by Tree


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