As those who were listening last night know, we did our initial effort on the net in trying a little NBEMS messaging using fldigi. Two stations did some transmitting while one more was receive only. The three of us were pleasantly surprised at how successful we were. Everyone else just thought it was noise. Hopefully it raised some interest in the groups members. The plans are to provide initial training at the next meeting at the end of April. Also, Dennis, AI8P, wants to try it as part of the towpath drill at the end of May.
For those interested, some links for information on NBEMS and where to download the open source fldigi software are:
www.w1hkj.com - where to download the software
www.panbems.org - great reference material
www.midcoastdigiham.belljar.net - reference material on digital modes including fldigi/NBEMS
NBEMS appeared in the August 2009 QST on page 73 and June 2010 QST on page 76.
My thanks to Matt, W8DEC, for inviting us to the training District 10 sponsored on NBEMS and fldigi and to Harry, W3YJ, for his excellent presentation on the topic. Much of the material on the PA NBEMS web site is Harry's creation.
After years of complaining about the "digital mode de jour" approach being pushed for amateur emergency communications, I now think NBEMS has the potential to acheive sufficient addoption by the amateur community that it would be useful in an actual emergency. While it is being pushed for emergency communications, fldigi itself provides many of the digital modes such as CW, RTTY & PSK that are in everyday ham use so it is not just an EMCOM program.
As it says on the the WPA NBEMS web site:
The NBEMS/FLDIGI software is the perfect package for digital emergency communications because it is:
- FREE!
- Easy to configure
- Easy to use
- Easy to modify and standardize
- Works on Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Linux and Mac systems
- Usable without the need for additional/complex/expensive hardware
zeke, AB8OU
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Flood Plain Surfing
Well, it did not take long to trip over another item.
The Emergency Management Forum recently had a online program based on a position paper by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), Critical Facilities and Flood Risk. as well as the slides.. While I did not view the presentation, the information in the paper & slides was interesting. I learned a lot about flood plains, levies, 100 and 500 year floods, and why critical infrastructure gets located in flood prone areas. I learned that 100 year flood zone has a 1% chance of flooding each year while 500 year flood zone has a 0.2% per year.and that levies give a false sense of security. While most planning has been based on the 100 year level, the paper questions whether the 500 year level is adequate for the 21st century. Very timely based what happened in Japan this month.
zeke, AB8OU
The Emergency Management Forum recently had a online program based on a position paper by the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), Critical Facilities and Flood Risk. as well as the slides.. While I did not view the presentation, the information in the paper & slides was interesting. I learned a lot about flood plains, levies, 100 and 500 year floods, and why critical infrastructure gets located in flood prone areas. I learned that 100 year flood zone has a 1% chance of flooding each year while 500 year flood zone has a 0.2% per year.and that levies give a false sense of security. While most planning has been based on the 100 year level, the paper questions whether the 500 year level is adequate for the 21st century. Very timely based what happened in Japan this month.
zeke, AB8OU
Back to the Present
Finally, I have moved and updated the set of Emergency Communications Topics that were used for training back in 2006. This updating was requested by our new EC, Dennis - AI8P, since they were only identified by the month and year they were created and he felt that they were being considered irrelevant since they were so old.
Well, for those who keep track, I did do the topic on the available on-line FEMA training recommendations. That topic requires a bit more work and will be up later.
They have been moved to this blog to encourage keeping them up to date and adding new material. There is certainly no shortage of new material available. All I need is the energy and time to get up on my soapbox.
Some topics I hope to address in the near future are:
Well, for those who keep track, I did do the topic on the available on-line FEMA training recommendations. That topic requires a bit more work and will be up later.
They have been moved to this blog to encourage keeping them up to date and adding new material. There is certainly no shortage of new material available. All I need is the energy and time to get up on my soapbox.
Some topics I hope to address in the near future are:
- Volunteer Reception Centers (VRC)
- Background Checks
- Digital Modes de Jour
- Message Handling
- Changing Role of Hams in Emergency Communications
- Training, Training and More Training
Stay tuned.
zeke, AB8OU
Friday, March 25, 2011
Message Authoring
One of the age-old questions is who authors the ECOM message; them or us. There is no question about who authors service messages about net operations, frequencies, relief operators, etc.
Very few ECOM operators will have the authority or knowledge to prepare formal messages for a served agency. The ECOM operator may be able to offer suggestions to improve the clarity or minimize the number of words in the message. The ECOM operator shall never change the wording without the approval of the originator of the message. Don’t forget that every formal message must include the signature and title of the originator so who ever receives the message can determine the validity of the message. Where messages must handled by a number of people before reaching the recipient, formal written messages are almost the only way of getting the message through correctly.
Tactical communications is a little different in that it typically involves informal and unwritten messages. The messages may be time critical such as when EMS is needed for an injured individual. The message, like formal messages, should contain as much of the five W’s as practical.
Remember, the ECOM operator should never change the message on their own.
zeke, AB8OU
Very few ECOM operators will have the authority or knowledge to prepare formal messages for a served agency. The ECOM operator may be able to offer suggestions to improve the clarity or minimize the number of words in the message. The ECOM operator shall never change the wording without the approval of the originator of the message. Don’t forget that every formal message must include the signature and title of the originator so who ever receives the message can determine the validity of the message. Where messages must handled by a number of people before reaching the recipient, formal written messages are almost the only way of getting the message through correctly.
Tactical communications is a little different in that it typically involves informal and unwritten messages. The messages may be time critical such as when EMS is needed for an injured individual. The message, like formal messages, should contain as much of the five W’s as practical.
- WHO – Who is originating the request, a ham or a nurse who is treating a victim?
- WHAT – What is needed, EMS, a fire truck, ?
- WHERE – Where is it needed, address, or location, directions ..?
- WHEN – How urgent? A marathon runner needs picked up or an ambulance?
- WHY – Bad cut which is squirting blood, fell down bleacher steps,..?
Remember, the ECOM operator should never change the message on their own.
zeke, AB8OU
Who’s the boss?
One of the points made at a Red Cross forum at Dayton a number of years ago was why they like amateur
radio volunteers who have had the Level I EMCOM course. The Red Cross speaker felt that the amateurs who completed the course come in with a good attitude.
One of the course lessons emphasizes that “attitude” is even more important than communication skills. A professional and helpful attitude does wonders in achieving acceptance of amateur radio volunteers by a served agency. Remember that you are working for the served agency either as a contract employee through ARES or directly as a volunteer employee.
The served agencies are bureaucracies and have their own policies and procedures that must be followed. Our job is not to question or comment on how dumb we think their procedures are or to tell them how they should be doing their job. We need to meet their needs; including performing any task that we are asked to do as long as we are qualified to do, not just playing radio and passing messages.
Remember who the boss is!.
We are there to serve, not to run the show. A poor attitude creates problems in getting amateur radio accepted as a valuable participant in disaster response. We need to be considered part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Have you had your attitude adjustment?
zeke, AB8OU
radio volunteers who have had the Level I EMCOM course. The Red Cross speaker felt that the amateurs who completed the course come in with a good attitude.
One of the course lessons emphasizes that “attitude” is even more important than communication skills. A professional and helpful attitude does wonders in achieving acceptance of amateur radio volunteers by a served agency. Remember that you are working for the served agency either as a contract employee through ARES or directly as a volunteer employee.
The served agencies are bureaucracies and have their own policies and procedures that must be followed. Our job is not to question or comment on how dumb we think their procedures are or to tell them how they should be doing their job. We need to meet their needs; including performing any task that we are asked to do as long as we are qualified to do, not just playing radio and passing messages.
Remember who the boss is!.
We are there to serve, not to run the show. A poor attitude creates problems in getting amateur radio accepted as a valuable participant in disaster response. We need to be considered part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Have you had your attitude adjustment?
zeke, AB8OU
"Our Net Control is Missing"
Way back in March 2006, Gary Hoffman’s, KB0H, column “The Amateur Amateur: Our Net Controller is Missing” appeared on the ARRL web site. He related the story when forgot one night that he was the net control station for their weekly net and no backup NCS made it either. In the absence of any of the regular net control stations, the awaiting participants jumped in and ran the net. They knew what needed to be done, knew how it was done, and did it.
How would your local net do? Would someone step up and run the net if the net control did not show up? Or would there just be a number of kerkunks as the lurkers check to see if the repeater is alive?
In a real emergency, who would get the nets going if none of the group's leadership or net controls is available? It’s been reported that typically 75% of an emergency response organization may not be available when an emergency occurs. They may be victims, been evacuated, busy taking care of the immediate needs of their family, out of town on business or vacation, etc.
Part of training is having been through an experience so than when you encounter it for real, part of your response is more automatic. Would you jump in and do a net if no NCS shows up? Remember, all the other participants on the net are so happy that they don't have to step up as the NCS that they will consider your performance to be outstanding no matter how bad you think you were.
Better yet, get experience as net control when you can prepare for it rather than having it suddenly thrust upon you. Volunteer to run a net occasionally or fill in for the regular net control when they are on vacation or out of town.
zeke, AB8OU
How would your local net do? Would someone step up and run the net if the net control did not show up? Or would there just be a number of kerkunks as the lurkers check to see if the repeater is alive?
In a real emergency, who would get the nets going if none of the group's leadership or net controls is available? It’s been reported that typically 75% of an emergency response organization may not be available when an emergency occurs. They may be victims, been evacuated, busy taking care of the immediate needs of their family, out of town on business or vacation, etc.
Part of training is having been through an experience so than when you encounter it for real, part of your response is more automatic. Would you jump in and do a net if no NCS shows up? Remember, all the other participants on the net are so happy that they don't have to step up as the NCS that they will consider your performance to be outstanding no matter how bad you think you were.
Better yet, get experience as net control when you can prepare for it rather than having it suddenly thrust upon you. Volunteer to run a net occasionally or fill in for the regular net control when they are on vacation or out of town.
zeke, AB8OU
I'll Be There If You Need Me
Another training topic from 2006 came about after reading an ARRL E-Letter. It may be even more pertinent today than it was in 2006 which had a much higher level of ham participation in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Here is an updated version of the topic.
.The March 15, 2006 issue of the ARRL E-Letter included the following in its comments on the “TOPOFF 3” disaster drill:. “On the negative side the drill was held on a weekday with some workers who could not get time off to participate. Others were required to take vacation time to participate. The drill went 36 hours straight in the beginning, which also provided a number of challenges.”
This will always be a problem with volunteer groups. Federal, state and local agencies want to schedule meeting and drills during their working hours. This increases the value of active members a group who are retired.
To be effective, we need to have trained and experienced operators that will show up when needed. This requires participation in drills and public service events and completing training classes. If you say “I don’t have time take the training or to participate in the drills and public service events but I will be there if you need me in an emergency.”, how will you get the training, experience, and qualifications you need? While our participation in these activities are often not really needed or appreciated in some cases, we need the experience in handling communications and working as part of the team.
When our local group was placed on standby to man and provide communications for the Katrina shelters were being prepared, would we have been able to provide the trained manpower to meet the requirements for a 24/7 operation over an extended period? Since we were not put to the test thats time, we will never know. Other local groups have been put to the test and came through. That does not stop me from worrying. One time we had a small activation and just squeaked through. Disasters should never be allowed to occur on Field Day! (I'll be there when you need me except ...)
We don’t get to vote on when our services are required, we just need to respond when requested. But we need to respond with trained and qualified people. Hams are needed who can be part of the solution, not ones who add to the problem.
zeke, AB8OU
.The March 15, 2006 issue of the ARRL E-Letter included the following in its comments on the “TOPOFF 3” disaster drill:. “On the negative side the drill was held on a weekday with some workers who could not get time off to participate. Others were required to take vacation time to participate. The drill went 36 hours straight in the beginning, which also provided a number of challenges.”
This will always be a problem with volunteer groups. Federal, state and local agencies want to schedule meeting and drills during their working hours. This increases the value of active members a group who are retired.
To be effective, we need to have trained and experienced operators that will show up when needed. This requires participation in drills and public service events and completing training classes. If you say “I don’t have time take the training or to participate in the drills and public service events but I will be there if you need me in an emergency.”, how will you get the training, experience, and qualifications you need? While our participation in these activities are often not really needed or appreciated in some cases, we need the experience in handling communications and working as part of the team.
When our local group was placed on standby to man and provide communications for the Katrina shelters were being prepared, would we have been able to provide the trained manpower to meet the requirements for a 24/7 operation over an extended period? Since we were not put to the test thats time, we will never know. Other local groups have been put to the test and came through. That does not stop me from worrying. One time we had a small activation and just squeaked through. Disasters should never be allowed to occur on Field Day! (I'll be there when you need me except ...)
We don’t get to vote on when our services are required, we just need to respond when requested. But we need to respond with trained and qualified people. Hams are needed who can be part of the solution, not ones who add to the problem.
zeke, AB8OU
Assured Power
Lt. General Russell Honore, who headed the military response in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, gave a talk "Military Response to Hurricane Katrina" to The Houston Forum on February 13, 2006.which was carried by CSPAN. This talk inspired a training topic presented to the Summit County ARES® group which is as valid today as it was in 2006. The following is a updated version of what was presented in February 2006.
One of the many points made by General Honore was the need for BAG's ("Big Awsome Generators"). Without power you don't have communications or much else. Where do they put the back-up generators that do exist? In the basement! How many gas stations have emergency generators? If you cannot get the fuel out of the tanks, how can you refuel generators, emergency vehicles, evacuation vehicles, or IBB's ("Itty Bitty Boats") when a disaster occurs?
As an amateur radio operator, what emergency power sources do you have available?
Who has generators? If you have a generator, how much fuel do you have on hand? Where could you find additional fuel to keep the generator running?
How many fully charged battery packs do you have for your handhelds? Are you sure they are charged? How long will backup batteries last? Can you charge or operate your handheld off a car battery? Can you recharge batteries with solar cells if the sun is out? Can you use alkaline batteries with your handhelds? Do you have a stock of alkaline batteries on hand?
How would you power your HF rigs?
The time to think about and act on these questions is before a disaster strikes. That means the time to act on these questions is right now.
zeke, AB8OU
“
One of the many points made by General Honore was the need for BAG's ("Big Awsome Generators"). Without power you don't have communications or much else. Where do they put the back-up generators that do exist? In the basement! How many gas stations have emergency generators? If you cannot get the fuel out of the tanks, how can you refuel generators, emergency vehicles, evacuation vehicles, or IBB's ("Itty Bitty Boats") when a disaster occurs?
As an amateur radio operator, what emergency power sources do you have available?
Who has generators? If you have a generator, how much fuel do you have on hand? Where could you find additional fuel to keep the generator running?
How many fully charged battery packs do you have for your handhelds? Are you sure they are charged? How long will backup batteries last? Can you charge or operate your handheld off a car battery? Can you recharge batteries with solar cells if the sun is out? Can you use alkaline batteries with your handhelds? Do you have a stock of alkaline batteries on hand?
How would you power your HF rigs?
The time to think about and act on these questions is before a disaster strikes. That means the time to act on these questions is right now.
zeke, AB8OU
“
Unauthorized or Unconfirmed Information and Rumors
The Sago coal mine explosion in West Virginia in January 2006 was the basis for a training topic with the Summit County ARES® group. The topic is as valid today as it was in 2006. The following is a updated version of what was presented in January 2006 .
During a coal mine disaster, miscommunication with the rescue crews resulted in the initial belief that there were a large number of survivors. What initially appeared to be good news rapidly spread through the use of cell phones. The corrected information of only one survivor was not immediately released.
Fortunately, amateur radio was not part in this incident. However, it is very easy to picture a similar situation involving amateur radio operators. We always have to be alert to what we say over the air.
Amateur radio should not be responsible for the spread of unconfirmed information or rumors. We must also think about how the words we use could be misinterpreted. “We need more bodies over here.” may not be the best choice of words to use over the air.
Always think about what you are saying over the air. There can always be media and others listing to amateur communications. Never pass unauthorized information or your personal comments over the air when working emergency communications.
zeke, AB8OU
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
This blog is intended to capture thoughts on a variety of amateur radio emergency communication topics. Much of the material will be based on my experiences as an AEC with the Summit County, Ohio Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) ® group. The views expressed are strictly my own or if anyone is brave enough to be a guest blogger, they will be the views of that author.
I hope to cover training topics, references to websites which may be of interest, software that might be of benefit in emergency communication activities, lessons learned from drills and public service events, and my random thoughts on what is going on with amateur radio emergency communications.
zeke, AB8OU
"ARES” and “Amateur Radio Emergency Service” are registered servicemarks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated and are used by permission.
"ARES” and “Amateur Radio Emergency Service” are registered servicemarks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated and are used by permission.
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