Page 1 MISMisc1 Version 1. 3 3/1/92 MISCELLANEOUS, Part 1 [Category: MIS] A REVIEW OF THE CHANGES IN RACES This year continued to see a growth in the planning for and use of Amateur Radio operators and other communications volunteers in government service. This interest and growth has been not only in California but throughout the United States and Canada. The role of the Amateur Radio operator in emergency communications has changed drastically from what it was twenty years ago. Back then, the ham basically planned for long term operations that might last for days at a time. The RACES person, that is any ham attached to a local government civil defense agency, was preoccupied with a worst-case wartime scenario. Today's RACES unit, on the other hand, is geared for quick response, short term, emergency public safety communications sup port. Gone, thank goodness, is the image of the tin hat, armband, flashlight and bucket of sand. Gone are the legions of home based radio stations. In their place are more and more government locations fully equipped with RACES, CAP, and other radio stations so that the volunteers don't have to lug their own to serve their government. I say thanks to all those unpaid professionals in our organization and those of you throughout the country with whom I have communicated with this year. Such good volunteers not only look good, they make you and your organization look good. We salute the dedicated and growing number of packet bulletin board sysops who make these Bulletins available to a host of emergency communications volunteers. We thank all of you who have contributed material for these Bulletins. In 1992 we plan to encourage the broader use of the RACES people in many other radio and communications services. We hope to see a return to the emergency communications performance role of the Civil Air Patrol. This year we changed the name of the forty year old State RACES section to the Auxiliary Radio Service to better reflect the broad diversity of services required of today's volunteers. Together we look forward to 1992, and may it ever bigger and better for us all. Stan Harter, KH6GBX State RACES Coordinator and Cary Mangum, W6WWW, Chief State Radio Officer. RB202 RACES BULLETINS. How TRANSMITTED At the request of numerous state and local emergency management and civil defense agencies around the country, plus the American Radio Relay League headquarters, we are transmitting the weekly State RACES Bulletins nationwide (to RACES @ ALLUS in the linked national packet radio system). The weekly RACES bulletins answer questions, provide guidance, recommendations, interpretations and information regarding the utilization of Amateur Radio serving these agencies. There is a close working relationship between ARES (Amateur radio Emergency Service) and the RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) in California. In this state, any volunteer serving the State or a local government must be a registered disaster service worker. Those Amateurs who elect to affiliate with a specific government, for example, become a part of that government's RACES unit. Thus, most ARES members are members of a city, county, or the State RACES unit. Most Bulletins are undated in nature and applicable (directly or through interpretation) anywhere in the U.S. They have been requested by several Pacific basin nations because their use of Amateur Radio in support of emergency communications is similar to ours. Several people and agencies have said that the Bulletins help fill a void created by the disappearance of national RACES guidance by FEMA many years ago. We hope that the weekly California RACES Bulletins will be helpful to you, too. STANLY E. HARTER, KH6GBX Amateur Radio Service Coordinator Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CA) Vice-Chairman, FCC's State Emergency Communications Committee [SYSOPS Note: Most WESTNET sysops, for example, leave the current Bulletin in the directory for one week and then move it into a "W" sub-directory upon receipt of the next Bulletin. Thank you all for your support and cooperation. 73 and Aloha, Stan/KH6GBX (W6HIR @ WA6NWE).] The State RACES Bulletins are transmitted via the WESTNET packet radio system throughout California and other areas. At the suggestion of the ARRL Headquarters, the State RACES BULLETINS were entered into the nationwide packet radio mailbox system. The BULLETINS are intended to be delivered weekly to county and city emergency management agencies by their RACES operators except, of course, in those jurisdictions that do not yet have a RACES unit. Mailing the RACES BULLETINS to jurisdictions would be prohibitive and the RACES is, after all, a radio communications system. However, we mail the BULLETINS to those jurisdictions that are out of WESTNET range or do not yet have a RACES unit, and to Amateur publications and newsletters that use the material. If you are not getting these Bulletins or would like more information, please call the State OES Telecommunications Division at 916-427-4281 and ask for the RACES section. RB043 RACES BULLETINS/INDEX are Available to Emergency Managers , Responders, SYSOPS. The BULLETINS are intended for all emergency management offices and their communications volunteers in government service. The latter is anyone who provides (or may be interested in providing) a state or a local government such service as an enrolled volunteer member of that government, and serves in a manner prescribed by that government. The RACES BULLETINS are written by and for people involved with the RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service and the ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) and similar organizations. Material for the Bulletins is from contributors around the U.S. and Canada. As suggested by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), in 1988 the BULLETINS went into national distribution via the Amateur Radio linked packet radio bulletin board system. They are also carried by the CAP and MARS packet radio networks. They are presently available to individuals and organizations via: 1. The Amateur Radio packet radio bulletin board service throughout the United States, Canada, and Pacific rim countries. 2. First class mail. Camera ready. Four at a time in your business size SASE. Starts upon receipt of your SASE supply. Expiration reminder inserted when last SASE envelope is used. The published Bulletins frequently contain additional information, articles, diagrams or cartoons not available to the packet radio or diskette versions. 3. On Disc from Races Coordinator, Office of Emergency Services, 2800 Meadowview Drive, Sacramento, CA 95832. RB140-90 [Compilers 1992 notation: This By-Topic version, and a hard-copy PRINTED version, both are more functional than the by-the-number bulletins. The by-the-number version is for those who want an exact chronological record; however a number of the time-related bulletins were deleted from the By-Topic Version. The Disc and Print Versions of RACESBulletins-by-Topic)= have a table of contents and a cross reference index cross not a part of the by-the-number Bulletins.] CCDN & RACES BULLETINS The California Civil Defense Net has historically skipped Mondays that fell on holidays. Effective immediately(1987) the CCDN will be conducted every Monday of the year. At least one California STATE RACES BULLETIN will be sent to QST and every OES agency every Monday. The BULLETINS are sent via (1) the CCDN, Mondays at 1900 on CW and 1930 on AMTOR on 3545.5 MHz; (2) all WESTNET packet bulletin boards; and (3) by mail to selected agencies and CLUBS who use them in their club publications. The BULLETINS are of lessened value if they are not delivered upon receipt to every county OES coordinator by a local Amateur. Not all RACES BULLETINS may be carried by the CCDN. Time critical BULLETINS may be sent by packet at any time. RACES program personnel statewide should check their packet mailbox daily for traffic addressed to "RACES". As pointed out at a recent ARRL conference all emergency operations centers, RACES, and ARES management personnel should be equipped with packet communications. It is the fastest and most accurate Amateur communications mode readily available for message traffic, management and training subjects. Again, it is requested that all STATE RACES BULLETINS be read at reading speed over all voice radio nets throughout California to keep all Amateurs informed of Amateur Radio emergency services. The Governor's Office of Emergency Services thanks all who have cooperated in this effort. Sgd/STANLY E. HARTER, KH6GBX Coordinator, Amateur Radio Service Asst. Chief, Telecommunications Division . RB87-37-UPDATED [Compilers note: CCDN was changed to the California Emergenc Services Net, CESN, in early 1992] EXCELLENT RACES NEWSLETTER An example of an excellent newsletter of a reorganized and revitalized RACES unit, is that of Orange County, California To review their monthly publication send single request with business sized first class (at least l ounce) SASE. To receive a continued copy send a supply of business-size first-class SASE 's and request "NET CONTROL" to: Walter Wilson, N6VYB, RACES Program Director, County of Orange, 1985 South Santa Cruz Street, Anaheim, CA 92805-6815. RB50-89 [Compiler recommends sending additional stamps as size of this newsletter has increased.] USAFR RESCUE 621 RESCUE 621 is the transportable communications system assigned to the 939 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group (Air Force Reserve), located at Portland International Airport, Oregon. According to Mr. Bill Kratch of the 939th, the capability of RESCUE 621 exceeds that of virtually any other civil or military system now in operation. RESCUE 621 radio systems include: HF Point to Point and Air/Ground, UHF Air/Ground, VHF Air/Ground, VHF Satellite (NASA ATS-3), VHF-FM ("Fox Mike" tactical radio), VHF FM High Band and Low Band Mobile Radio (Federal government, state and local law enforcement, rescue, fire and ambulance services, American Red Cross), and connections for virtually any portable or mobile radio that can be furnished by the user. RESCUE 621 can patch together transmissions among these channels, providing a unique capability to extend local communications to a regional or global basis, while quickly adapting to rapidly changing situations. Through RESCUE 621, on- scene officials can literally talk to supporting agencies on the other side of the globe, while simultaneously all parties are linked into local or regional networks. While rescue missions were being flown immediately following the eruption of Mount St. Helens, the White House Situation Room used RESCUE 621 to link directly with military rescue aircraft and civilian officials responding to the disaster. The vehicle and support systems trailer are air- transportable by military aircraft, and are kept in mission-ready condition at all times. The vehicle is a CJ5 Jeep containing all radios and operating consoles. The vehicle carries the driver and one passenger. The trailer carries power generator, gasoline tanks and radio repair kits. This system has been funded as a peacetime rescue resource by the Air Force Reserve. RESCUE 621 is managed by Mr. Bill Kratch, 939th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group (AFRES), Portland International Airport, OR. Telephone 503-335-4561, AUTOVON 638-4561. Mission tasking for RESCUE 621 is controlled by the USAF Rescue Coordination Center, Scott AFB, IL. Telephone 618-256-4815 or AUTOVON 576-4815. RB 66-89 and 67-89 STATION LICENSE QUESTIONS Q. Can we get a new club or RACES station license? A. No. They are no longer available. Q. If we already have one, can it be renewed? A. Yes. RB87-89 NEW STATE OES CALLSIGN EFFECTIVE JANUARY 5, 1987, THE AMATEUR RADIO CALLSIGN FOR THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, STATE OES HEADQUARTERS, SACRAMENTO, WILL CHANGE FROM KH6GBX TO W6HIR. THANKS TO THE SUPPORT FROM RAMS, THE RADIO AMATEUR MOBILE SOCIETY INC., STATE OES HEADQUARTERS WILL HAVE A CALLSIGN THAT WILL IDENTIFY THIS ACTIVITY AND LOCATION INSTEAD OF AN INDIVIDUAL. THE PACKET RADIO CALLSIGN WILL BECOME W6HIR-1. PLEASE NOTE THIS CHANGE IN YOUR RECORDS AND RACES PLANS. RB 86 - 45 APPOINTMENT OF STAN HARTER AS RACES COORDINATOR "I for one am most pleased to see the rejuvenation of the RACES BULLETINS with attendant interest in the RACES program as currently fostered by the State Office of Emergency Services. Welcome aboard to Stan Harter, KH6GBX. Your efforts will be appreciated by all RACES members. Amateur Radio began to play an important role for the State of California in the 1950-1951 era of Civil Defense. The California Civil Defense Net (CCDN) was formed to supplement governmental communications systems during emergencies. From this base the California RACES program was developed in 1952. RACES has served well during many floods, fire and earthquakes. Not often do we get the call to duty but, when required, RACES has been indispensable. It behooves all jurisdictions to maintain a high state of training and readiness. We all hope and pray that we are never needed. On the other hand, from past experience, we know that communications facilities are never adequate during a major catastrophe. "BE PREPARED!" Signed/MARION HENSON, W6NKR, State RACES Radio Officer, APRIL 1985 The following bulletin was transmitted 4/1/85: OES has hired Stan Harter (KH6GBX) to fill its new position of EBS/RACES communications coordinator. His primary duties will be to organize the State EBS and RACES programs when he starts work on April 22, 1985. Stan worked as the Hawaii State Communications Officer for 20 years where he was directly involved with the planning, organizing, implementation, operating and improving the state's EBS and RACES programs. Stan has been an Amateur for over 35 years and has worked at commercial broadcast stations for over 23 years. s/s: W6NKR COPY RIGHT PERMISSION We receive questions from time to time whether or not the bulletins, model communications plan, exhibits, or any of the other aids may be copied? Of course they may be copied, used, or modified to suit your area, needs, or application. As one has observed, the only copyright is that you copy right. It is proper to give attribution to the source or author. We invite comments and inputs. When communicating by packet, please include your name, address, and telephone number(s). The model plan format, volunteer position descriptions, standards, policies, standard operating procedures, all of the weekly Bulletins since 1985, and other exhibits and aids are available to anyone on computer disc(s). They are in IBM PC ASCII format. Send us either TWO 3-1/2" disc or THREE 5-1/4" discs to State OES, ATTN: RACES, 2800 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, California 95832. RB187-91 A STATE OES TRAINING EXERCISE: HISTORY OF ITEM 1. The annual earthquake exercise will be conducted October 14 and 15. The exercise will be played in real time and will commence after a 0430 hypothetical major earthquake in Southern California. ITEM 2. The only communications at the offset for the State Office of Emergency Services between Los Alamitos and Sacramento will be HF-SSB. For this we will be looking towards RACES, CAP and MARS. ITEM 3. The contact in Southern California for communications planning and coordination is Don Root, telephone (xxxxxxxxxx) This will be an excellent opportunity to test the capabilities of the frequencies, personnel and equipment of RACES, CAP and MARS. Operations each day will end around 1500. ITEM 4. It will be a limited scope exercise reflecting the first 36-48 hours of the disaster. The focus will be on communications, using all radios available. Emphasis on public information functions, situation reports, priorities. No canned messages. "Real time" time play. City to county to State Coordination Center (SCC) Los Alamitos to State Operations Center (SOC) Sacramento. ITEM 5. Players will include but not limited to Los Angeles County, City of L.A., FIRESCOPE OCC, FEMA Region 9, State OES at all Regions and the SCC and SOC, and the counties of Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Riverside and Ventura. ITEM 6. We hope to incorporate the CAP and MARS organizations into the permanent California State plans for emergency high frequency communications . [Compilers note: was successfully completed.] ITEM 7. As noted by Headquarters W6HIR traffic the last couple of weeks, the State will be participating in an earthquake exercise on 14-15 October, along with city, county and federal governments. Under the exercise scenario, government and telephone communications will be severely impacted in parts of Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. ITEM 8. RACES members of the above jurisdictions who wish to participate, but cannot arrange time off during the normal business hours on October 14th can still participate. Contact the person in your jurisdiction who is planning their participation in the exercise or me at State OES Region 6 office for details. Telephone xxxxxxxxxx. ITEM 9. This exercise will provide OES the first opportunity to test the new Southern California Earthquake Response Plan, adopted by the Governor's Emergency Council last spring. Under the plan, cities in the impacted area coordinate their needs with their counties; the counties coordinate with State OES. As such, OES will not accept message traffic from cities (with the exception of the City of Los Angeles) during the "active" portions of the exercise. ITEM 10. Also under the plan, the concept of OES Regions 1 and 6 as separate coordinating entities is replaced by one coordinating facility: the State Coordination Center (SOC), currently located on the Armed Forces Reserve Center at Los Alamitos in Orange County. ITEM 11. A number of Amateurs thought about the need for portable operation and go so far as to put together a portable station, and then forget a few basic items to include. We all think about VHF operating with a small two meter rig, complete with batteries and magnetic mount antenna. But what about the ground plane when you do not have a metal surface to mount the antenna on or near? Build 4 radials that are a quarter wavelength for the band concerned out of coat hangers, welding rods or spare antenna rods, and place them in an X pattern under the mag mount to provide a minimal ground plane. ITEM 12. When planning portable HF stations, remember a ground rod and a solid connection. Your tuner and your antenna wants to see a counterpoise. Also remember to carry some warning tape for your radials and guys that are located where people may walk into them. A trip to your local lumber store will yield vinyl survey tape in a number of colors including yellow and orange to warn people of the hazard. Tie 6 to 8 inch pieces of the tape to your radiator or guys at eye level and every 12 to 18 inches downward from there. RESPONSE EXERCISE IS UPON US! The Response exercise is now less than 10 days away. Packet radio is being featured as a mainstream method of message handling. The State Coordination Center at Los Alamitos will be on vvvv(MHZ) ....[more details no longer of interest]. As many government agencies are experiencing packet for the first time through this exercise, we would appreciate the cooperation of the general Amateur community in keeping the channels for this exercise free on non-exercise traffic. Thank you. 73, DON ROOT, WB6UCK, Ass't. Chief, State Telecommunications Division, Southern Area RACES Coordinator. RB 029 TO 035-87 (dates and phone numbers deleted for this compilation.)