Fresno ARES/RACES

March 20, 2010-  This Month showed some reality checks, some were planned and some were forced upon us but all demonstrated the need for training.  We established some clearer goals and outside influence rendered new tools and support channels.  I think we will look back and see March as the opening of a new path in EmComm, and a welcome one.

As each of the EmComm entities delved into their goals, the broad spectrum of continued procedural training, operational training and leadership training needs were obvious.  Our group, lead by Joe WA6FFJ began to upgrade our traffic handling abilities with a presentation at the last meeting and is following up with training session’s specific to message creation and procedures.  I cannot over stress the important nuances associated with proper technique that are only acquired in practice.  These basic skills help an operator every time he is on the air.

FCC:  They are considering a blanket waiver for Hospitals.  This is intended to allow Hospital personal to operate during disaster drills without risking violation of Part 97.  How or if this will happen and in what form it will take, is too soon to speculate, however, my personal thought is they have already allowed the Government this option for the grater good and similar could be said for Hospitals.

RACES:  You will be seeing knew Fresno County ID cards of the modern style.  Bar-coded, picture and all.

There has been a recent re-establishment of RACES in Illinois, They could be the new template for RACES.

Glen N6HEW has been conducting simplex drills and Lew KI6YWX, our NCS for this month, mapped out the coverage area,  for those able to find the simplex mode on their radios, hi.  Glen is revising the simplex frequencies from the 1994 plan and intends to continue the exercises to include our outlying areas via relay procedures.

ARRL ARES:  There is to be a new committee reporting to the Board of Directors with a representative from each Division, specifically to report on happenings regarding EmComm and ARES.  Our rep is the Manager of East Bay Section, Jim Lathom AF6AQ.  Hopefully this will establish a more direct information channel and a National guidline from ARRL.

We are getting information that the new ‘Advance Emergency Communications Course’ will roll out with the New ARRL Website.  If you have interest in the new course, contact me, direct at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with the SUBJECT: advanced course.  Thank you.

ARRL ARES Official vest (purchase on website):  http://www.arrl.org/pio/contact/2010/02/#ares

SATERN:  We can’t leave out the Salvation Army as they are wishing to establish a permanent presence in the Fresno “Regional” area.  Captains Dwaine KG6SYA, and Kristin KI6QED believe they have enough SATERN people to begin planning their mission.  This will include enhancing the station at the Citadel and their disaster plans.  73 de Dan AE6SX

NET:  Monday  1930 hrs local  on 147.150+, PL 141.3
Monthly: meetings, the 4th Thursday of each Month
Salvation Army Citadel, 1854 N. Fulton St  1900 hrs
EmComm and Coffee:  Time is 0830 hrs, 3rd Friday Yosemite Falls Cafe on Blackstone and Shaw
You can contact us directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it