Good Stuff!

By J.M. Rowe, N5XFW - Arkansas Section Manager

Hello all:

I have a new resource that was made public this last week. Tom K5WTH developed a list of EMCOMM nets by state. It was hard for me to believe that such a list did not already exist! Thanks to Tom for the work in gathering and verifying that information, and thanks to John KE5NZY for getting it on the internet in an indexed document and a PDF. http://www.arkansas-aresraces.org/NARRLEFL.htm

Several of you were at the Arkansas Interoperable Communications Conference a couple of weeks ago, and I am sure you remember that Tony Hayes of Cambridge Wireless Communications gave away a Kenwood portable for AWIN in a drawing. Edwin Lyons was the winner of the drawing, and then he gave the radio to Arkansas ARES/RACES! The radio has been programmed with the Command and Control template. John W5JLG, the SEC, will have the radio, and it will be used to help maintain situational awareness. This makes the second AWIN radio for us; the ADEM ARES/RACES Officer is issued one. Thanks to Roger N5QS for his part in getting this done.

I am sure most of you have heard we are going to have a DEC/EC meeting on Sunday November 14 at ADEM to discuss the National Level Exercise in May. Ken Gibson, the Information Technology division chief at ADEM, will give us an overview of what is expected of ham radio in the event of an earthquake on the New Madrid Seismic Zone. May seems like a long way off, but it will be here before we know it! As of today, 46 counties are participating, and I am not sure how many non-governmental organizations will be involved. If you are coming to the meeting, please be familiar with the Arkansas Plan http://www.arkansas-aresraces.org/AresRaces/aresracesplanarkansas.pdf and the Standard Operating Procedures http://www.arkansas-aresraces.org/aresracessop.pdf . For your information, the message standards have changed due to ADEM moving to WebEOC, and that will be reflected in both the plan and SOP as soon as possible

I hear the Stuttgart Pumpkin Patrol went well, and Bill W5WPN reports another successful race in Cross County! I think that’s great!

This is from N5JFD:
NEARC will hold its fall Tailgate swap meet Nov. 20th. From 9-12 am. The location is Trinity Church 701 E. Highland Drive, Jonesboro, AR. 72401. Testing will be at 10 am for all classes. We will be giving away an antenna book, no purchase needed (Thanks to ARRL for donation of antenna book). Talk in will be on 443.150, any info needed contact Travis Williams 870-931-8743 or email n5jfd@arrl.net

As always, I am happy to publicize ham radio events, so let me know about them!

That’s all for now.

Thanks and 73,

J.M.

"Pumpkin Patrol" Help Police in Stuttgart

Leigh Kreimeier of the Daily Leader reported that The Grand Prairie Amateur Radio Club took on a new role on the night of Saturday, October 30. They attached lighted pumpkins to their vehicles and took to the streets to help out the local community, calling themselves The Pumpkin Patrol.

Read the entire story online at the URL below:
http://www.stuttgartdailyleader.com/news/x294035991/Pumpkin-Patrol-help-out-police

AICC, VOAD, and the NLE11

By J.M. Rowe, N5XFW - Section Manager

Hello all:

Last week was a very busy time for me! I attended the two and a half day Arkansas Interoperable Communications Conference (AICC), and the Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) meeting. Luckily the AICC was ending just as the VOAD was begininng, and I had to drive fast from West Little Rock to Camp Robinson to make it on time.

There were several workshops and presentations at the AICC, and I got to sit on a panel discussing the response to the Albert Pike Flood. The people involved in the discussion all had good things to say about the capabilities of ham radio, as well as the hams themselves. One comment in particular struck me: it was brought out how flexible hams are; from problem solving to being a net control to joining a search team that otherwise would not have had external communications. What a compliment!

The main topic of discussion at the VOAD meeting was the upcoming exercise. The National Level Exercise 2011 (NLE11), as you know, will be about the New Madrid Seismic Zone. This is a big deal, with 8 states in 4 different FEMA Areas participating. We are understanding the scenario calls for a total systems failure for at least the first 24 hours. Did I mention this exercise is going to be done in real time? And it's May 16-20, so in reality we have little time to get all the ducks lined up.

So, we need to restart the face-to-face DEC meetings to do some exercise-specific planning. DEC's and EC's will be receiving some messages from the SEC shortly about this topic. I can pass on that the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management is very interested in their ham radio capabilities, and in our ability to get messages to and from local authorities. Think about doing that for 24 hours straight! Net Managers will have to line up shifts of Net Controllers, for instance.

Any volunteer must see to the health and safety of their family before responding, and in this case it is easy to see this would be a long and difficult recovery. Plan now for your and your families' personal preparedness.

That's all I have for now.

73, and good luck.

J.M.

Basic Emotional First Aid Offering

By J.M. Rowe, N5XFW - Arkansas Section Manager

I have been asked to pass this on to the hams (or other volunteers) that might respond to any sort of emergency. This is an educational offering called "Basic Emotional First Aid". It will be offered in three seperate areas of the state. There is a cost associated.

http://www.arkhospitals.org/calendarpdf/Basic%20Emotional%20First%20Aid%202010-2011.pdf

Critical Incident Stress causes a lot of people to quit or at least have some sort of inappropriate response. All of us have seen that, so maybe this course is something each of us should give serious consideration.

Here is some news for the Arkansas Section!

By J.M. Rowe, N5XFW - Section Manager

Hello all,

I asked in my last email for folks to send me things that would benefit from being sent out statewide. So this email will serve to follow up.

Two EC's have been appointed: W5SRE in Perry County, and N5EQW for Mississippi County. We look forward to working with them. Let's all lend them whatever support possible.

This is a link to the AWIN Quarterly Newsletter. https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:37896.8683486834/rid:7cf61fef3adf196366f912fb8100db4c

The Stuttgart repeater is back on the air! The info is good in the repeater directory. Randy K5NDX extends a big thank you to Bob KD5LN for the donation. Also the Grand Prarie club has been invited to Hamming in the Park. The date will be October 23. Contact Jesse KF5EQB shadow275050 (at) yahoo.com for more information.

I understand a group is traveling to Gillette to upgrade that repeater this weekend. Looks like it will be good weather for it! This is a sorely needed resource for that part of Arkansas, and my thanks to those fellows.

This is from James KE5OVE:
I wanted to announce that I will be conducting ARRL-VEC VE testing sessions beginning on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 1:30 to 3:30 pm at the Vilonia Fire Department.

Testing will be held on the third Saturday of: January, March, May, July and November 2011. (September test date depends on future All Arkansas Hamfest schedule)

Testing location:

Vilonia Fire Department

7 Bise Street

Vilonia, AR 72173


Sponsor:

James M. Cope, KE5OVE

Ke5ove@arrl.net


Walk-ins welcome. All testing candidates are highly encouraged to contact the sponsor for directions and parking. (PLEASE DO NOT park in front of the fire department garage doors.)


Additionally, I would like to ask for any interested volunteer instructors if they would be willing to teach ARRL radio classes, (Tech - Extra) beginning after the first of the year (February-March time frame).

Those interested are asked to contact me at ke5ove@arrl.net


Joe AE5NE sorted the Arkansas Repeater Council page and came up with this. You might check to see if the information is correct, and take steps if you find something in error. Contact the frequency coordinator Bob W5LVB w5lvb (at) arrl.net. http://s3.ae5ne.com/page17.html

This is a link which may prove useful for finding hams you may not know about: http://hams.mapmash.com/hammap.php

That's all I have for now. If I missed something, or if you have an addition, let me hear from you.

73,

J.M. N5XFW

Some information

By J.M. Rowe, N5XFW Section Manager, Arkansas ARRL

Hello all:

Well, I had a wonderful time at the Batesville hamfest. The food was good, the weather was outstanding, the fellowship was great, and it all appeared effortless! I talked to KE5NZY about that, and he tells me they used the Incident Command System and the planning "P". http://www.region5-6.org/forms/assets/PlanningP.pdf

I think that is marvelous. Imagine actually putting ICS to use in real life! John says now that they know how to plan, they can do a big one! Take a lesson from the Batesville group: this stuff works, and we should include those concepts in planning for any event.

I was given the opportunity to serve as a VE as well. A very polite 8 year old fellow told me he came there to take a test. He said he had been doing practice tests online, and his grandfather said it was OK to come take the test. Long story short, he walked out after passing the Tech test with flying colors! His CSCE was signed by the Section Manager, the Delta Division Vice Director K5UZ, and the President of the BARC KE5NZY. I can tell you all three of us were thrilled to see that young ham's face when we told him he passed! He is now on the road to a lifetime of enjoyment in ham radio.

Listen up! Wayne WA5LUY (the engineer) with help from Bob W5LVB, Phil WA5VRQ and J.M. N5XFW, ( the lifters and toters and go-getters) completely changed out the 2 meter repeater in Hot Springs. What was the 146.760 machine is now the 146.880 machine. That means you guys doing the linking over RF may need to reprogram. The IRLP and the EchoLink numbers remain the same, howvever. This change was necessary to solve a mixing issue, and it appears to have worked. I conducted range tests while coming home from Batesville, and it sounds great! The 146.760 will go where the 146.880 was, as soon as WA5LUY finishes his maintenance.

Let me hear about upcoming hamfests, events, or other stuff you would like to get publicized. I wll be happy to include them in a Section Manager email. They will also go on the Facebook page and the http://ar.arrl.org website.

That's all I have for now.

73,

J.M

Batesville Hamfest and the SET (plus some other stuff)

By J.M. Rowe, N5XFW - Section Manager


The Batesville hamfest is this weekend. This is is an event that is getting bigger every year, thanks to the hospitality of the Batesville group. Here is the official website:
http://barchams.org/hamfest/index.htm I hope to see a huge crowd.

The scenario for this year's Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is the Section Manager and the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) are in Batesville for a hamfest when the New Madrid Seismic Zone turns loose.
The earthquake traps them both in the Batesville area, and they are unable to immediately travel back to Little Rock. The Batesville group has graciously offered their assistance, and we will be looking to make a bunch of contacts. The various net managers should already have been contacted by the Section Traffic Manager WW5AA to discuss their participation. See http://www.arkansas-aresraces.org/aresracessop.pdf
for more information about various nets. The SEC W5JLG and I appreciate all the activity!

I have been asked to join a panel discussing communications at the Albert Pike Flood. We are to meet at the Arkansas Interoperable Communications Conference. Go to http://www.awin.arkansas.gov/ for vendor and individual registrations, as well as forthcoming information. I understand there are a limited number of scholarships available for the registration fee, but I have no information about that. Check with your county Department of Emergency Management if you are interested in attending; they might have some help for you.

Arkansas’ Amateur Radio Leadership Appoints New Emergency Coordinator

Appointment comes within days of 75^th anniversary of emergency service by Ham Radio operators

By Joshua Carroll, N5JLC - Arkansas Section Public Information Coordinator

Arkansas Section Manager J.M. Rowe, N5XFW, announced today the appointment of John Goswick, W5JLG as the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) for the Arkansas Section of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) - the national association for Amateur Radio. In this position Goswick will be responsible to take care of all matters pertaining to emergency communications and the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) on a statewide basis. The SEC post is one of top importance in the section. There is only one SEC appointed in each section of the ARRL Field Organization.

Rowe said, "I know he is very capable of meeting this challenge, and I look forward to working with him. John is exceptionally clear minded in his thinking, and is not influenced by politics. He understands that we're here to help our served agencies, such as the American Red Cross and emergency management offices all over the state. He's already heavily involved in emergency communications, so he's well prepared to serve in this position."

Goswick already serves as the State Emergency Operations Officer for the Army Military Auxiliary Radio System. He is also the president of the Central Arkansas UHF Group, an organization of amateur radio enthusiasts that, according to their web site, is dedicated to supporting state-wide communications on amateur radio frequencies for emergency communications and education.

"I look at it as a challenge to be in this position. I'm very interested in emergency communications and helping ham radio operators in the state to be prepared for the next emergency," said Goswick.

Goswick holds a Master's degree in Information Technology from the University of Central Arkansas, and a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from John Brown University.  He has also received communications training from the American Radio Relay League and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Most recently, he has completed the Department of Homeland Security's Communications Unit Leader (COML) course, which trains emergency responders to be communications unit leaders during all-hazards emergency operations.  Additionally, he has completed training to become a COML instructor.

Editorial - Survey results

By Joshua Carroll, N5JLC - Arkansas Section Public Information Coordinator

All of us are aware that people become involved in Amateur Radio for lots of different reasons. Whether it be to assist in emergency communications, learn about the science of radio, or just to have fun and make friends - undisputed it all leads to a fun and fascinating hobby. Once inside the "Ham Radio world" new operators discover that there are lots of other areas of interest to intrigue and occupy our time. Our ability to assist with emergency communications is, while glamorous and very worthwhile, only a scratch in the surface of the possibilities that come with an Amateur Radio operator's license.

Considering all of this, we really wanted to know what the people in the Arkansas Section found to be the most enjoyable part of the hobby. So, we recently conducted an informal poll of visitors to the Arkansas Section web site in which we asked what was their primary focus in Ham Radio.  Here are the results we received:

Emergency communications: 33%, Contesting: 20%, Amateur satellites: 1%, Packet: 1%, Experimenting with new technologies: 7%, APRS: 5%, "Ragchewing" or "chit chat": 25%, WAC / WAS certificates: 3%

Of course, these survey results are in no way scientific. But maybe they could spark some interest in an area you haven't checked out yet.

Field Day 2010 in northwest Arkansas

By Kevin Thornton, K5KVN - Public Information Officer, District L

Field Day in northwest Arkansas was huge!  I enjoyed visiting five sites:

• K5GOE at the University of Arkansas, where UAPD officers and an elected official from Westville, Okla., stopped by.
• N5NTI at American Red Cross in Tontitown, set up with a "go kit" for emergency power.
• AA5AR at American Red Cross in Tontitown, where some new hams got a chance to operate Field Day for the first time.
• WC5AR at the Washington County Emergency Operations Center in Fayetteville, where members of the Fayetteville Fire Department got on the air.
• Benton County Radio Operators at Frisco Park in Rogers, complete with the Benton County Emergency Services command vehicle.

Here is a video of operations from AA5AR and photos from the sites I mentioned above.






Leave a comment below and tell us about your Field Day experience...

Hot Springs at the Airport

Still working!

Ft Smith Area Bell Park

There was plenty at one of the most important parts of Field Day, and
they do CW if it's not raining!

Russellville site

The group and field-expedient repairs to the satellite transmitting
antenna.

Faulkner County at the Cadron Settlement

Most original rotor decoration. Hard to see, but there is a cow skull
complete with horns. I think there might be some 'spurious emissions'.

North Little Rock

Aldermen from North Little Rock getting a chance at the radio.

Malvern

These guys have the most unique antenna mount so far!

This was engineered by KI5RA.

The vehicle

If you see this vehicle, it means the SM is visiting your Field Day
site!

Washington County "Amateur Radio Week" proclaimation

By Kevin Thornton, K5KVN - Public Information Officer, District L

As my first post as PIO for District L (Washington, Benton, Carroll and Madison counties), I'm happy to share with you a proclamation by Judge Marilyn Edwards announcing Amateur Radio Week in Washington County.

There are several opportunities to participate in Field Day in northwest Arkansas.  Find one on the map at http://ar.arrl.org/p/field-day.html and join the fun!

Gov. Beebe declares “Amateur Radio Week”; Amateur Radio Operators to Demonstrate Capabilities

By Joshua Carroll, N5JLC - Arkansas Section Public Information Coordinator


Governor Mike Beebe has issued a proclamation recognizing the public service contributions of Arkansas’ Amateur Radio operators and declaring June 20-26, 2010 as “Amateur Radio Week”. This comes as Amateur Radio operators throughout the state prepare to demonstrate their emergency communications capabilities in an annual event called “Field Day”.

Thousands of Ham Radio operators will be showing off their emergency capabilities during the twenty-four hour event, which will begin at 1 PM on June 26.  On the weekend of June 26-27, the public will have a chance to meet and talk with these Ham Radio operators and see for themselves what the Amateur Radio Service is about.  Hams from across the US and Canada will be holding public demonstrations of emergency communications abilities, showing the newest digital and satellite capabilities, voice communications and even historical Morse code.  Using only emergency power, ham operators will construct emergency stations in parks, shopping malls, schools, and backyards around the country.  Their slogan, “Ham radio works when all else fails” is more than just words to these operators as they prove they can send messages in many forms without the use of phone systems, Internet or other infrastructure that can be compromised in a crisis.  More than 30,000 operators across the country participated in last year’s event.

In the Little Rock area, the CAUHF Group and the Arkansas Emergency Services Club will be demonstrating Amateur Radio at Burns Park, pavilion 11.  They invite the public to come and see ham radio’s new capabilities, get on the air and speak with a distant station, and learn how to get their own FCC radio license.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony has been scheduled to kick-off the event at this location.  The ceremony will take place at 12:45 pm, at which time the Boy Scouts of America will present the Colors and civic leaders will be invited to make the first contact of Field Day.  Those invited to participate in the ceremony include Gov. Mike Beebe, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, Sen. Mark Pryor, Con. Vic Snyder, County Judge Buddy Villines, Mayor Patrick Hays and Mayor Mark Stodola.  Also at this location, Boy Scouts will be offered the opportunity to earn two merit badges.

Pike County Officials Request Amateur Radio Operators Assistance

Pike County Officials Request Amateur Radio Operators Assistance

Ham radio operators needed to check-in on local repeaters

Amateur Radio operators are being asked to assist with Search and Rescue operations in Pike County.

Little Rock, Arkansas, June 13, 2010 – The Pike County Sherriff has requested Amateur Radio operators who are capable of walking through very rough terrain to assist with search and rescue operations tomorrow morning. 

Volunteers need to be in good physical condition as these are demanding conditions.  Joshua Carroll, Public Information Coordinator for the American Radio Relay League in Arkansas said, “This is the type of situation for which Amateur Radio operators train.  We always hope that we aren’t needed.  But when in scenarios where cellular service isn’t available and other forms of communications may not be reliable, Amateur Radio is always ready.

Volunteers should be mindful that this is extremely rough terrain and it is not easy work.  Those willing to help should monitor local repeaters – coordination for volunteers is being conducted at the top of each hour until 10:00 pm tonight.

Amateur Radio operators are being reminded that tactical communications may be conducted on local repeaters throughout the state.  All operators should listen before transmitting.  Amateur Radio communications in the affect area are taking place on 146.925 megahertz, in coordination with the Howard County Search and Rescue.

Contact Information:
Amateur Radio Relay League, Arkansas Section
Joshua Carroll – N5JLC, Public information Coordinator
http://ar.arrl.org

Little Rock Mayor Proclaims Amateur Radio Day

By Joshua Carroll, N5JLC - Arkansas Section Public Information Coordinator

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola has declared June 26, 2010 to be "Amateur Radio Day".

Click here to view the proclamation.

Field Day Locations and Amateur Radio Week Proclamation

By Joshua Carroll, N5JLC - Public Information Coordinator

The Governor of Arkansas met with five members of the Arkansas Section leadership on Monday to present them with a proclamation naming June 20th through the 26th a Amateur Radio Week.  One excerpt of the proclamation reads, "I urge my fellow citizens to recognize thee instrumental role of amateur radio operators in voluntarily protecting and saving lives in our State when severe weather and other imminent dangers threaten human safety."  Read the entire proclamation here.

This proclamation can be used to help promote Field Day, which is right around the corner.  You can see a map of all of the Field Day locations at http://ar.arrl.org/p/field-day.html.  If you don't see your own location on the map, then yours isn't yet registered with the ARRL.  Follow the link below the map to have it added.

New Website

By J.M. Rowe, N5XFW - Section Manager

Welcome to the new site for the Arkansas Section of the American Radio Relay League.

Our Public Information Coordinator, Joshua Carroll, N5JLC has worked very hard to make this website as comprehensive and accurate as possible. We know it is not complete, and Joshua would like to know what you would like to see on the site.

I would appreciate if all ARRL members go to the ARRL site www.arrl.org to update your profile. This is the information that is available to other members, and you need to check to see what is displayed. I have heard reports of erroneous information being released, and I strongly suggest each of you make sure your information is correct. I ask that each of you in a leadership position upload a photo of yourself, even if like me, you have a face made for radio. It'll make eyeball QSO's easier!

CAREN Upgrades Phone Patch Repeater: Central Arkansas’ Only Landline Connection Resumes Operation

By Danny Straessle, KE5WLR - District A Public Information Officer

Continuing an established tradition of service to the statewide Amateur Radio community, the Central Arkansas Radio Emergency Net (CAREN Club) has recently completed upgrades to the organization’s phone patch repeater in Little Rock.

Constructed years before the advent of cellular telephones, the phone patch repeater has been in operation since the late 1960s and located high above the historic Pulaski Heights neighborhood since 1980 on an elevated storage tank owned and operated by Central Arkansas Water. Upgrades including a new antenna and controller were made while the repeater was off-air as Central Arkansas Water sandblasted & re-painted its half-million-gallon tank. The antenna mount is at an elevation of approximately 740 feet above sea level.

Arkansas SKYWARN® Names New President: MOU Renewed with NWS Little Rock and CAREN

By Danny Straessle, KE5WLR - Arkansas District A Public Information Officer

Entering its fourth decade of providing community service and emergency communications, Arkansas Weather Net, Inc. (aka Arkansas SKYWARN®) has named Greg Staton, K5GSS, as the organization’s president. He is preceded by outgoing President Pat Dixon, N5ZSN, who served for the last three years.

Staton is on-call 24/7 with the National Weather Service Little Rock Forecast Office, which activates SKYWARN® at its discretion whenever weather may be severe enough to threaten its 45-county warning area. An updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among Arkansas SKYWARN®, the National Weather Service, and the Central Arkansas Radio Emergency Net (CAREN Club) has been signed and will serve as the framework for volunteer Amateur Radio operators to coordinate their services, facilities and equipment with the National Weather Service in support of the state of Arkansas and local governments for early warning of emergency weather information and emergency communications.

Section Manager's Update

Hello to all:

I had a great time at Russellville, and I can't say it often enough.  I understand attendance was up from last year.  That's great!

Speaking of hamfests, remember the Arkansas Section Convention is April 24 2010 at 4911 W. Pleasant Grove Rd. Rogers, AR.  The ARRL is sending Debbie Johnson K1DMJ from HQ to speak at the forum.  She is the Education Services Manager so we should have a good time learning from her.  Springfest in Jonesboro, the Hanging Judge in Ft Smith, and the NEARC Swap Meet in Jonesboro are all upcoming.  Plan to attend!

Emergency Services

Many amateur radio operators participate in some type of emergency service activity. Those who do are volunteers who provide selfless service in times of public need to help protect life and property. There are many agencies who are served by these volunteer emergency communicators, such as the National Weather Service (as part of the Skywarn program), the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (as part of the RACES program), and many others.

To locate any of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) leadership in Arkasas, visit http://www.arkansas-aresraces.org/AresRaces/leadership.htm

For more information about ARES and RACES in Arkansas, visit http://www.arkansas-aresraces.org.

For more information about Arkansas Section Traffic Emergency Net , visit http://www.arkansas-aresraces.org/ASTEN.htm