AUXCOMM USA and Radio Relay International are proud to announce the implementation of a Memorandum of Agreement outlining cooperation between the two organizations.

AUXCOMM USA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency communications support for communities during emergencies and disasters. In addition to coordinating emergency response in support of various government and relief organizations, AUXCOMM USA provides standardized training to better prepare volunteers to support emergency operations using multiple platforms including, but not necessarily limited to, Amateur Radio,
Internet, Cellular Data Networks, and various other emerging technologies.

Radio Relay International (RRI) was founded in 2016 as a voluntary nonprofit NGO dedicated to the development of survivable communications infrastructure capable of providing resilient communications in time of emergency. RRI operates an International modified hybrid mesh network capable of providing survivable messaging services using both the High Frequency and VHF radio spectrum. RRI also operates common-denominator radiotelephone and radiotelegraph networks, all of which are interoperable with a variety of wireless network operations. 

 

Like AUXCOMM USA, RRI places a strong emphasis on professionalism, training and exercising of personnel and assets.

“This memorandum of agreement serves as an excellent example of a collegial, symbiotic relationship in which the mission of two organizations are aligned, despite a somewhat different focus,” said James Wades, Emergency Management Director for Radio Relay International. 

 

“AUXCOMM USA focuses on direct, boots-on-the-ground emergency communications response, whereas RRI focuses on providing multi-layer, survivable infrastructure and connectivity for agencies and NGOs active in disaster response. The systematic coordination of these two missions
serves as an excellent force multiplier,” he added.

RRI also sponsors the “Neighborhood Hamwatch” program through which local emergency communications units provide training to various disaster response organizations, while assisting them with the development of survivable radio networks built around FRS and GMRS assets. 

 

Organizations such as AUXCOMM USA can provide interoperable messaging between such organizations and emergency services agencies in an affected area, and RRI can likewise provide the necessary training and medium/long-haul communications infrastructure to support multiple organizations active in disaster response.

For more information, please visit the AUXCOMM USA website at: https://www.AUXCOMMmusa.org

The Radio Relay International website may be found at: www.radiorelay.org

 

 

 

#Skywarn operations on network radios #hamradio

How does this assist with storm spotting and relaying severe weather reports to the NWS? What is the value-add for this medium?

Good question.

How does VOICE over Internet Protocol  help in Skywarn?

Here are some examples.

One evening, the author was monitoring WX5JAN from the Emergency Operations Center in Oklahoma.  There was a tornado warning.  

Their NCS announced, during an active warning, he had lost his warning source.  I keyed up Echolink and said "I have your warning.  Want me to read it?"  He said yes.  I read the warning.  The net continued as if nothing had happened.  

 

The VOIPWX.NET has for decades used only Echolink and Internet Radio Linking Project to receive Skywarn reports from the affected areas and sent them on to WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center in Miami.  For years, that net has been at the mercy of getting reports from mostly untrained operators who may not know a wall cloud from drizzle  We have to vet them the best we can.  The Hurricane Center sends  thanks during every hurricane operation for the quality and quantity of reports.

VOIPWX has only within the last few years begun using networked digital voice beyond Echolink and IRLP.  It started on Allstar and has grown from there.

BTW, surely there will be a Skywarn report from a ship at sea in the near future.  Over the last two years, the author visited with a ham buddy on a cruise ship in the Caribbean on Hamshack Hotline.  The next operator was an English ham serving as Third Engineer using Echolink on a ship in the Indian Ocean.  Both were using the ship's WiFi for that free call. 

Speaking of the "Hurricane Net", their Skywarn operations chief also has close ties to NWS Boston.  They have an entire Echolink conference server dedicated to Skywarn operations in Massachusetts.  It's quite interesting to give a listen.

The Colorado SkyHub group has a daily net on a system similar to Sunflower.  Their system covers much of the State of Colorado.  Their net lasts about an hour as the NCS goes with reports from the NWS offices that serve the State.  Each office gets their HWO mentioned. 

During severe weather, they "Island", i.e. segregate the parts of the State that are not impacted.  Warnings are read.  Reports are received.    One evening, last season, there were warnings for storms that would cross the State line into Kansas.  SunflowerNet was connected to their system so users in Kansas could hear what was heading their way. 

Finally, our neighbors at N0NWS have a weekly training net on Echolink and Allstar.  They are connected to SunflowerNet.  They run their operation on a networked repeater system that covers a few counties in Kansas.  They even accept reports over Echolink and Allstar for the Springfield office.

Skywarn has always been more than getting reports from the field and relaying those reports to NWS.  Informing the public has always come as part of the privilege of getting information FROM NWS.  If nothing else, scanner listeners still listen to their scanners, including Broadcastify.  I'm not suggesting we go into the broadcasting industry with Weather On the Eights.  I am suggesting that we mention the weather into the future, ex.  Storm Prediction Center one- two- and three-day outlooks, etc.

Hope that helps understand how Skywarn can use connected radios to fulfill the mission.  

 

 

SunflowerNet.us explained #hamradio #Skywarn

 From another list, came this item:

Sunflower requires the use of hotspots

Happily, this statement is incorrect because SunflowerNet neither requires nor prohibits hotspot or any other method of connection.

Repeaters are encouraged to connect to SunflowerNet on any of the modes available.  Those modes are Allstar 28848, Echolink KC5FM-R 906281, Hamshack Hotline 94032, DMR TGIF 31207, P25 31207, DSTAR XLXOKL C, Yaesu Fusion 31207, M17-SUN module A.

Clearly, some of those modes, ex. M17, are not available on a large number of repeaters.  Because of grant funding available and the low cost of equipment, that should quickly become a problem with a fix.

Echolink is one mode that one can use on Windows, Linux, Android, and IOS. Register your callsign and connect to the node listed above.  Both the software and your registration is free of charge.

Allstar users look for RepeaterPhone, for "When you are out of range of the repeater. While it is not free, users also get Echolink in addition to Allstar.  Registration is free.

Hamshack Hotline offers the best audio of the mix.  It's not free, however.  You will need a device.  Registration is free.  When you get the device and registered, go to this link to see who is logged onto SunflowerNet and other RF links around the world.  The Author uses Groundwire (available on Google Play for Android and IOS) using WiFi over DSL or celluar to roam the planet.

M17 offers the best audio quality on the Digital Voice side.  To use it, grab a copy of DroidStar on Android or Dudestar for your Windows or Linux devices.  For less than $50, users should be able to get an Android phone to use over wifi and a copy of Droidstar from Google Play.

The rest of the modes can be joined over wifi and a hotspot BUT:

RepeaterBook lists all the repeaters in Kansas, for example.  Search there for your local repeater listing the mode you wish to use.  Connect as you can.

Clearly, Sunflower is not the only multimode system.  Alabama, Oklahoma, Illinois, Colorado and just a few States with their own version.   

 

 

 

Just in time for #Christmas #hamradio

 Now that your Christmas tree is up and the Thanksgiving meal is a memory, it's time to tune your attention to the ham radio Santa nets.

 Leading the pack, the CQ Santa effort is on 3.916 mHz  nightly through Christmas Eve.

Friends at KC Wide will have Santa On the Air on November 29 and December 6.  See the web page to register your child's QSO.

Santa at N0P will be on the air beginning November 27.  The only thing better would have been a callsign like N0L ... get it ... No EL.

For our overseas friends who are convinced that Santa lives in Lapland, The Christmas Goat will be at OH9SCL beginning December 2.  

 Merry Christmas and 73

When is not enough too much #hamradio #ARRL

How many TV stations can you watch at one time?  How many radio stations can you comprehend at one time?  Can you stream YouTube, Google TV, and watch your favorite movie on Netflix at the same time?

How many local repeaters are there in your area?   The link lists nine, though not all are in range of the handheld.

Of the nine or those in your area, how many are monitored for emergency calls?  If you called a MayDay on your most popular local repeater at 0200, would you get an answer?  If you called on any of the simplex channels available (repeater is down), can you reasonably expect an answer?

An old dead Roman said once, "When Danger comes, it's too late to plan".  Please plan now how you will communicate during an emergency.  Write it down. Share that with local residents.  When you hear new folks, tell them "XYZ is monitored for emergencies.  ZYX is the backup."

Holiday travel is upon us.  Listen.  Help.

Preparedness Information from @Bing #NatlPrep

Hello, this is Bing. I'm glad you are interested in emergency preparedness. It is a very important topic that can help you and your family survive and cope with various types of disasters. Some essential items that you should have in case of a disaster are: - A basic emergency kit that contains water, food, flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, whistle, dust mask, sanitation items, wrench or pliers, can opener, local maps, and cell phone with chargers¹ - A car emergency kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflective triangle, ice scraper, car cell phone charger, blanket, map, cat litter or sand for traction² - Important documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies, identification cards, bank account records, etc. stored in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box² Some essential skills that you should have in case of a disaster are: - First aid and CPR: You should know how to treat common injuries and illnesses, and how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on someone who is not breathing or has no pulse² - Fire safety: You should know how to prevent and extinguish small fires, and how to escape from a burning building safely² - Communication: You should know how to contact your family members and emergency services in different ways, such as phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, etc.² - Evacuation: You should know how to leave your home or workplace quickly and safely if you are asked to do so by authorities¹ To create an emergency plan for your family, you can follow these steps: - Identify the types of disasters that could affect your area and learn how to prepare for each one¹ - Choose a family meeting place where everyone can gather after a disaster¹ - Designate an out-of-town contact who can relay information between family members in case local communication is disrupted¹ - Make copies of your emergency contact list and keep them in your wallet, car, workplace, etc.¹ - Plan how to take care of your pets or service animals during a disaster¹ - Review and practice your plan with your family at least once a year¹ I hope this information was helpful. If you want to learn more about emergency preparedness, you can visit [Ready.gov](^1^) or [National Safety Council](^2^). Stay safe! 😊 Source: Conversation with Bing, 10/9/2023 (1) Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov. https://www.ready.gov/. (2) Emergency Preparedness Home - National Safety Council. https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/emergency-preparedness-home. (3) Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov. https://www.ready.gov/. (4) Emergency Preparedness Home - National Safety Council. https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/emergency-preparedness-home. (5) What is Emergency Preparedness? - Definition from Safeopedia. https://www.safeopedia.com/definition/194/emergency-preparedness. (6) Emergency Preparedness and Response: Getting Started. https://www.osha.gov/emergency-preparedness/getting-started. (7) Emergency preparedness checklist: Prepping for beginners. https://theprepared.com/prepping-basics/guides/emergency-preparedness-checklist-prepping-beginners/.

 

 

NTS/APRS Gateway user information #ARRL #hamradio #APRS

There's a new National Traffic System gateway for the Automatic Packet Reporting System.  Here's instructions from Michael, WZ0C.

 

 

How to use the APRS NTS Gateway

With the APRS gateway for NTS, you can send a Radiogram on to DTN by
sending it to "NTSGTE" on APRS.  Here's the process:

1. Send your listing to NTSGTE.  E.g. "QTC 1" (or whatever quantity you 
have)  Some people skip the listing and go straight into the message, which
works if you only have one message and start with the preamble.
 
2. Then send your message in this format, per the APRS specification (with 
a couple of updates):

N#\number\precedence\handling\originator\check\place\time\date
NA\address_line1\address_line2\address_line3\address_line4
NP\phone number
NE\email address
N1\line 1 of NTS message text
N2\line 2 of NTS message text
N3\line 3 of NTS message text
N4\line 4 of NTS message text
N5\line 5 of NTS message text
N6\line 6 of NTS message text
NS\Signature block\signature line 2\signature line 3

The fields above are optional where reasonable.  E.g., you don't have to
have 6 lines of text.  You don't have to have 3 lines in the signature.  
You don't have to have a phone number in the addressee field.  Etc.

You can use lower case letters if it's simpler.  They will be converted
to upper case.

An example Radiogram sent in this format looks like:

N#\380\R\\WZ0C\9\MAYNARD MA\\AUG 27
NA\MICHAEL WZ0C\MAYNARD MA 01754
NE\WZ0C ATSIGN ARRL DOT NET
N1\THIS IS A TEST MESSAGE
N2\SENT WITH APRS 73
NS\MICHAEL WZ0C

3. NTSGTE will "Roger" the message.  

The received message is then relayed to the Digital Traffic Network.

If you have more messages to send as part of your listing, go back to 
step 2 and send the next message.


Command reference

The following are the commands that the gateway understands:

INFO        # Display an example radiogram
HELP        # Same as INFO
QTC 1       # List one piece of traffic
N#\         # The message preamble
NA\         # The message addressee
NP\         # The addressee phone number
NE\         # The addressee email address
N1\         # Line one of the text
N2\         # Line two of the text, etc.
NS\         # The message signature
QSL?        # Validate the currently held message and report any issues
READBACK    # Display the currently held message
READ BACK   # Same as READBACK
CANCEL      # Cancel the current message (and subtract one from the listing)


Additional information

If you've sent the entire Radiogram and haven't received confirmation
within a reasonable time, you can send "QSL?".

If you make an error in a message and want to start over, you can 
send "CANCEL".

If there is an error in one line, you can also just resend that line 
with the error corrected.

If you're getting duplicate APRS messages back from NTSGTE, check that your APRS

client is configured to send message acknowledgements.  APRS systems will
resend messages if no acknowledgement is received.

Messages are buffered line by line by the gateway until the full message
is received and the check is correct.  Then the message is rogered, and
the buffer is reset for the next message.


For more information on how to construct a Radiogram, see:
https://www.k8amh.com/radiogram/

For more information about the NTS Gateway for APRS, send 
email to Michael WZ0C <wz0c@arrl.net>.

OpenSpot 4 for #hamradio

Not long ago, the author purchased an OpenSpot 4 from SharkRF.

Through no fault of the manufacturer, the device was damaged.

The thought process was (1) turn it into the ARRL insurance or (2)  see just how good the company supports their product.

As it turns out, Shark RF stands behind their product pretty well.  After mailing off the device and waiting a surprisingly short amount of time, the device was shipped fixed to the author.

But WAIT, there's more.

The Author was on deployment.  "Can you ship the item to my field address?"

Certainly can and they did.

Cost?  The ARRL insurance deductible is $50.  The repair cost, minus shipping, was just under $50.  While shipping drove that cost over the insurance amount, the Author had some control over that cost.

That's not a bad thing from "The World in Your Pocket" producers.

Linking GMRS repeaters #GMRS

 On Twitter, the author quoted Federal Communications Commission rules and said:

It is illegal ...




There was pushback to which the author suggested the reader "diagram the sentence", "You cannot directly interconnect a GMRS station with the telephone network or any other network for the purpose of carrying GMRS communications, but these networks can be used for remote control of repeater stations."

As a result, the author asked the FCC for a clarification.  The following is the reply to that request.

 While the author is not reporting any  GMRS systems to the FCC, clearly this should be notice enough.

 

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your inquiry on GMRS repeaters. FCC staff asserts section 97.1745 permits the operator of a repeater, base or fixed station to have remote control over the station. This is for control of its operation to turn it on or off and other control functions and the control can be done over various media (PSTN, internet or other networks). We do not believe this permits using various networks to carry GMRS user traffic or communications. We have long held that GMRS communication traffic should not be permitted over other media or systems. While the rules previous only outlined a prohibition of GMRS communications on the PSTN, this language was recently updated to include "other networks" more generically to address a range of other technologies (internet, cellular networks…).

If you have any further questions or need additional information, please submit a help request at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/available-support-services or call the FCC Licensing Support Center at (877) 480-3201.

Sincerely,

FCC Licensing Support Center
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST, M – F

 

Ref:MSG13014139

 

 

#ARRL voting

Are you excited about voting?  Are you excited about the way the League or any other group you join is heading?

It's a simple answer for you to VOTE.  YOU get to select the decision makers.  

The Pages of QST are FULL of elections where the "winner" was determined by  appointment or because only one candidate filled the slot.

In the second issue, the ONLY want to actually have an election is for candidates to actually RUN.

With that, the electorate needs to be better informed of the issues or they will replace the board with members who are not. 

Don't forget to run.  Don't forget to vote.

HURRICANES HAVE NO BORDERS #Skywarn #hamradio

In a recent meeting with the ARRL, there was an active discussion about weather, alerting, and public information.

Friends, if you are NOT a member of the Hurricane Watch Net, the VoipWX Net, or your local Skywarn program, you are a member of the Public.  That means these nets serve you in two ways:

1.  They alert you that there are storms getting ready (or Fixin To as they say in the South) rearrange your life.

 

2.  Give you an opportunity to an avenue to hear your call for help or the information the Hurricane Center uses to issue accurate forecasts and, more importantly, to the public.

Either way, the opportunity is there.  

If you can converse in any of the languages below, feel free to reach out to a serving group to volunteer your time.  High Frequency, Voice Over IP, or a combination of the two, it does not matter.  Your willingness matters right ahead of your ability.

Your talent is also needed on the Sunflower Net.  This resource is often tied to the VOIP net with Dstar, DMR, Allstar, Fusion, Hamshack Hotline, P25, and M17 to give additional opportunities to send reports and receive life saving information.

If a ham on a cruise ship can call in on Hamshack Hotline, so can you.

Please remember:

HURRICANES HAVE NO BORDERS.

HAM RADIO HAS NO BORDERS.

Here is an open letter to amateur radio operators from WX4NHC.  IF you are bilingual, please help the HWN or the VOIPWX net with your talent:

WX4NHC Hurricane Season Letter to Amateur Radio Stations in Hurricane Affected Areas Hello Fellow Ham Radio Operators, 

In cooperation with the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, and WX4NHC, we are asking for your assistance during the Hurricane Season. The most important role amateur radio plays in hurricanes is to gather and relay information to the National Hurricane Center’s Amateur Radio Station WX4NHC. While there are mechanisms to do this, we are always looking for more assistance in this vital job. You could be the only station in the impacted area and your Eye Witness Reports or measured data, if you have a weather station, could be critical to the forecasters. You could be the only station hearing some other ham calling with a report or needing assistance in a dangerous situation they are in. Also, you could play the important role in translating a Ham's report into a language that we understand. So as you can see, everyone has a part they can play. WX4NHC on 14.325 MHz is a frequency that you should always monitor during a hurricane. More information can be found at www.wx4nhc.org This frequency is maintained for hurricanes by the Hurricane Watch Net www.hwn.org The VoIP Hurricane Net utilizes Echolink and IRLP to link stations together over the internet. When HF propagation is not good, sometimes this is the only way information reaches WX4NHC. EchoLink Conference Room is WX-Talk (Node 7203) and IRLP Node is 9219. More information can be found at www.voipwx.net We ask you for your support and assistance anytime the Hurricane Watch Net, VoIP Hurricane Net, and WX4NHC are active. The part you may play may save someone's life! - - - - - - - - - 

Hola Estimado Colegas, En cooperación con el Centro Nacional del Huracán en Miami, Florida, y la estación WX4NHC, estamos pidiendo su ayuda para la temporada del huracán que comienza 1ero de Junio. La función de radio aficionados más importante durante huracanes es transmitir información meteorológica y condiciones locales al la estación de Radio Aficionado en el Centro Nacional del Huracán WX4NHC. Mientras que hay mecanismos científicos por satélites y aviones para hacer esto de lejos, estamos buscando siempre más ayuda en este trabajo vital. Usted podría ser la única estación en el área afectada y sus informes del testigo del ojo o datos medidos, si usted tiene una estación meteorológica, podría ser crítico a los Meteorológicos de Huracanes. Usted podría ser la única estación que escucha una estación que llama con informes o que necesita ayuda en una situación peligrosa. AMATEUR RADIO STATION AT THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER Volunteer Public Service at NHC since 1980 Our Mission – to help save lives También, usted podría ayudar en traducir el informe de una estación en una lengua que entendemos. Como usted puede ver, cada uno tiene una parte que pueden hacer. WX4NHC en 14.325 MHz es una frecuencia que usted debe escuchar siempre durante un huracán. Más información se puede encontrar en www.wx4nhc.org Esta frecuencia es mantenida para los huracanes por la red “Hurricane Watch Net” www.hwn.org durante un huracán. La red del Huracán de VoIP utiliza Echolink e IRLP para conectar estaciones juntas sobre el Internet. Cuando la propagación del HF no es buena, ésta es a veces la única manera que la información alcanza WX4NHC. La sala de conferencias de EchoLink es “WX-TALK” (nodo 7203) y el nodo de IRLP es 9219. Más información se puede encontrar en www.voipwx.net Le pedimos su ayuda para la red del “Hurricane Watch net”, la red del Huracán de VoIP, y WX4NHC cuando estamos activos durante huracanes. ¡La parte que usted puede hacer, puede salvar una vida! - - - - - - - 

Bonjour collègues radioamateurs, Avec la cooperation du Centre National d’Ouragans a Miami, Florida, et celle du WX4NHC, nous vous prions de votre assistance pendant la saison d’ouragans. Le role le plus important que la radio amateur joue pendant un ouragan est celui de ramasser et retransmettre information au Centre National d’Ouragans a travers le WX4NHC. Bien qu’il y ait deja plusieurs mecanismes en marche pour le faire, nous sommes toujours a la recherche de plus d’assistance pour ce travail vital. Votre station peut etre la seule dedans le secteur d’impact, et pourtant, vote reportage de temoignage ou de donnees pourrait etre essentiel pour les pronostiqueurs, sourtout si vous avez une station de meteo. Votre station peut etre aussi la seule qui ecoute l’appelle d’un autre amateur en danger qui a besoin d’assistance, ou qui a des renseignements importants. De plus, vous pouvez traduire pour nous des reportages en langues etrangeres. Alors, comme vous voyez, il y a des contributions importantes partout. Pendant un ouragan, vous devez toujours ecouter la frequence de WX4NHC au 14.325MHZ. Pour obtenir plus d’information, allez aux pages web du Hurricane Watch Net : www.wx4nhc.org; www.hwn.org; ou Voip Hurricane Net www.voipwx.net . Le filet d'ouragan “Hurricane Net” de VoIP utilise Echolink et IRLP pour lier des stations ensemble au-dessus de l'Internet. Quand la propagation d'à haute fréquence n'est pas bonne, parfois c'est la seule manière que l'information atteint WX4NHC. La salle de conférence d'EchoLink est “WX-TALK” (le noeud 7203) et le noeud d'IRLP est 9219. Plus d'information peut être trouvée à www.voipwx.net Enfin, nous demandons votre assistance et votre appui chaque fois que le Hurricane Watch net, le Voip Hurricane Net, et lle WX4NHC se rendent actifs. Vous pourriez peut-etre sauvez une vie! www.wx4nhc.org