COMEX REPORTS. Amateurs who participated in the COMEX communications exercise on April 1-2 are asked to send their After Action Reports to SEC Kenny Garrett, N4KLG. KY EM would like to hear of your participation in the exercise and your input regarding opportunities for improving future exercises.
COMEX was a prelude exercise to the 2011 National Level Exercise (NLE) coming the week of May 16, 2011. Of great interest during COMEX was the airborne crossband repeater that was tested on Friday, April 1st.
NATIONAL LEVEL EXERCISE MAY 16-20, 2011. For background information on the communications portions of the NLE involving Amateur Radio, please see the PDF file of a Powerpoint presentation from the February NLE planning meeting in Madisonville. (NOTE: This is a large file, and can take several minutes if you are using dialup). You can also visit the KY Division of Emergency Management website, http://kyem.ky.gov/
GREAT CENTRAL U.S. SHAKEOUT. While the Kentucky Section does not have a sectionwide exercise planned for this event, the Great Central U.S. Shakeout is set for Friday, April 29th. The Shakeout is an earthquake safety awareness campaign, and will be centered around a simultaneous drop, cover, and hold drill that will be held at 11:15 AM EDT on April 28, 2011. The drill is designed to increase awareness and be a simple thing that can be done easily by many people. For more details and to learn how you and/or your organization can participate, visit this link.
CALL TO ACTION: HR 607. All Kentucky Section ham operators are asked to contact their member of Congress regarding HR 607. This bill, titled “Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011″ addresses certain spectrum management issues including creation of a national Public Safety broadband network.
But one of the changes that would occur as a result of passage of the legislation as written is the reallocation of 2/3 of the Amateur Radio 440 MHz band for commercial auction and usage by commercial interests.
The inclusion of most of the Amateur 70-cm spectrum as one of the replacement bands is a major problem. The 420-440 MHz band is not Public Safety spectrum and should not be included in any spectrum swap of Public Safety allocations.
The ARRL is not opposing the creation of a broadband network for first responders; the reallocation of most of the 70 cm band is the part of the legislation that Amateurs are asked to contact their member of Congress and voice their opposition.
If you are an ARRL member, you can find out who your Congressman is by visiting the HR 607 link on the ARRL home page. Please be aware that delivery of written letters sent by mail may be delayed several weeks due to security scans for hazardous materials of mailed parcels. The ARRL recommends letters be signed and mailed to the ARRL lobbying firm Chwat & Co. They will hand deliver letters from hams to members of Congress. Letters may also be scanned and e-mailed as an attachment, faxed or sent by postal mail to Chwat. Send your letter to John Chwat, Chwat & Co., Suite 103, 625 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314; by fax at (703) 684-7594, or by e-mail to: john.chwat@chwatco.com.
HR 607 LETTER GENERATOR. A letter generator has been created and is the easiest way to create a letter to oppose HR 607. Visit this link: http://www.kd4pyr.net/hamletter.htm, and inert your call sign where indicated and follow the instructions on the screen. The name and address of your US Representative will automatically be put into the letter, as will your name and address. It will be ready to be printed and signed.
Please be sure to observe the following once you have printed your letter:
- Be sure to sign it. Letters without a handwritten signature are not effective.
- Signed letters can be sent by e-mail, fax or postal mail as outlined above.
- Do not send this letter or any letter about HR 607 to your US Senators at this time. The bill is only in the US House of Representatives. Letters sent on HR 607 to US Senators will merely waste their time and demonstrate lack of knowledge of how our system of government works.
KY EMERGENCY NET: IS THIS FREQUENCY IN USE? Due to ongoing QSOs very near the KEN’s regular 3972.5 kHz frequency at net time, the net has been required to move to an alternate frequency. The net has moved several times to 3968 and 3993 kHz, depending on conditions and QRM. If the ongoing QSOs near the 3972.5 kHz net frequency appear to be about to QRT, the net will standby until the frequency is clear; otherwise the net will move to a clearer frequency; the frequency being used will be announced.
STM REPORT. Region 1 has been running nets on 2m simplex to see how their coverage would be if there was a major disaster in the area. This is great training for the 2011 National Level Exercise (May 16-20) and a good thing to know if the repeaters went dark. We all get used to the easy life of repeaters and the internet, so it is a great idea to see what you can do if “IT” ever happened. Let me know what you have done in your area, have you tried battery or solar powered? Have you tried other bands like 6m or 10m? How about something digital like Winmore? Let me know: kc4bqk@arrl.net
KY ARES ON FACEBOOK. If you are one of the millions of people who frequent Facebook, visit the KY ARES page there by clicking this link. You can find the ARRL on Facebook by clicking this link.
SUPPORT KYHAM.NET. For many years, the KYHAM.net web site has been the resource for all things in Kentucky related to Amateur Radio. The KYHAM e-mail list is one of the valuable services that is free and an important resource for knowing what is going on in the Commonwealth. Signing up is simple and easy. Pat Spencer, KD4PWL, runs a tight ship, and you won’t be receiving a lot of spam or junk mail. Visit KYHAM.net and click on the “Listserv“link on the lefthand menu.
BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION: VOLUNTEER! The Kentucky Section is packed with talented and creative Amateurs whose skills are needed across the Commonwealth. Are you active in ARES? Does your county have an Emergency Coordinator? If not, would you like to serve in that capacity? Do you have an interest in giving back to our communities as a volunteer? Contact your county EC, DEC, ASEC or SEC Kenny Garrett, N4KLG for information on being a communications volunteer.
ACTIVITY REPORTS. Please submit your reports of your station activity, net or public service by the 9th of each month. The report forms on the KYHAM.NET web site are the easiest way for you to send in your reports (click here for the KYHAM reports page).
| 2011 ARRL-Sanctioned Kentucky Hamfests |
| APRIL 30, 2011 – River Cities ARA Hamfest, sponsored by the River Cities ARA. Location: PNC Bank parking lot, 100 Carter Ave., Ashland, Ky. Info: Ken Bramblett, K4IT, (606) 836-9170 ork4it@arrl.net
MAY 14, 2011, Louisa Hamfest, sponsored by the Big Sandy ARC, Louisa Senior Citizens Center, 109 W. Pine St., Louisa. Info: Fred Jones, WA4SWF, (606) 483-1109 or wa4swf@bellsouth.net AUGUST 14, 2011 – Central Ky. ARRL Hamfest, sponsored by the Bluegrass ARS, American Legion Post #34, 745 W. Broadway, Lawrenceburg, Ky. Info: Jeanie Dalton, KB8QLC, (859) 619-8164 or jeanie@insightbb.com. SEPT. 10, 2011 – Louisville Sunrise Hamfest, sponsored by the Greater Louisville Hamfest Association, Paroquet Springs Conference Centre, Shepherdsville, Ky. Info: SEPT. 17, 2011 – Richmond Hamfest, sponsored by the Central Kentucky ARS, Madison County Fairgrounds, KY 52, Richmond, Ky. Info: Mike Rogers, KE4ISW, (859) 624-9156 orke4isw@arrl.net. OCT. 29, 2011 – Hazard Hamfest, sponsored by the Kentucky Mountains ARC, National Guard Armory, 782 Dawahare Drive, Hazard, Ky. Info: John Farler, K4AVX, (606) 476-9662 or email: k4avx@arrl.net PLANNING A HAMFEST? Get official ARRL sanction for your hamfest and receive special benefits such as free prizes, handouts, and other support. The League’s web site has a handy hamfest planner, as well as the rules for ARRL-sanctioned events. It’s easy to apply using the League’s online form. For details visit the Hamfests & Convention web page, or contact ARRL HQ by e-mail (hamfests@arrl.org) or telephone, (860) 594-0262). |
| Kentucky Section Net Schedules |
| KEN - The Kentucky Emergency Net is held every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, 6:30 p.m. Central time on 3972.5 kHz. The purpose of this net is training for emergency and is an ARRL sponsored net. Net Manager is Kentucky Section Manager KY4Z. KDN - The Kentucky Digital Modes Net is held every Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, 7:30 p.m. Central time on 3585 kHz using PSK31. The purpose of this net is training in the use of digital modes. Net Manager is Jim Rayburn, KC4BQK. KDN-2 The Kentucky Digital Modes Net 2 is held every Monday night at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, 7:30 p.m. Central time on 3585 kHz using PSK31. The net follows the weekly KEN on Mondays, and you can find some of the regulars hanging out on the KEN frequency of 3972.5 kHz offering help to those with questions about the operation and use of digital modes on the KDN and KDN-2. The purpose of this net is training in the use of digital modes. Net Manager is Jim Rayburn, KC4BQK. KYN - The Kentucky CW Net is held at 9 PM ET daily on 3535 kHz and runs at about 15 WPM. Information is available from the Net Manager for the format and procedures of the net. Net Control Stations will send to match the speed of those who check in. For more information, contact Net Manager John Farler, K4AVX. |
| Kentucky Traffic Report – March 2011 | ||||
| NET NAME | SESSIONS | TRAFFIC | CHECK INS | NET MANAGER |
| KDN | 4 | 5 | 26 | KC4BQK |
| KDN 2 | 5 | 18 | 42 | KC4BQK |
| KEN | 4 | 14 | 98 | KY4Z |
| KYN | 31 | 29 | 103 | K4AVX |
| WTEN | 5 | 1 | 47 | KO4OL |
| KD7ARET | 5 | 8 | 56 | KG4HMN |
| NKARC | 5 | 0 | 43 | N4IJS |
| MSUARC | 4 | 0 | 90 | WX4MET |
| MADARES | 6 | 1 | 44 | KO4OL |
| Oldham County ARES Net | 4 | 0 | 20 | KB4IFE |
| Eastern KY ARES Net | 5 | 0 | 61 | WB4CLW |
| Perry County ARES Net | 4 | 0 | 42 | KY4JLB |
| Nelson County ARES Net | 5 | 0 | 21 | KY4Z |
| Hendeson County ARES Net | 3 | 0 | 49 | KC4BQK |
| Public Service Honor Roll – March 2011 | ||||
| KO4OL 110 | AG4BC 77 | KY4Z 59 | KC4BQK 75 | WD8JAW 90 |
| Station Activity Reports – March 2011 | ||||||||
| KO4OL 135 | AG4BC 3 | KY4Z 21 | K4AVX 19 | WD8JAW 36 | WD4ZDU 1 | KC4BQK 10 | ||
| Section Emergency Coordinator’s Report: March 2011 |
| 1.) Section: Kentucky 2.) Month: March 3.) Year: 2011 4.) Total Number of ARES Members: 5.) Number of Active Nets: 6.) Total Net Man hours: 7.) Total Public Service Events: 8.) Total Public Event Man hours: 9.) Total Emergency Operations: 10.) Total Emergency Operation Man Hours: 11.) Total Events: 12.) Total Man Hours: ———————————————– Comments:Reminder: All ARRL ARES Appointees are required to have current ARRL membership. ARES appointees (OES, EC, DECs) need to file a monthly report so we can track activities. Minimum required ARES Training: KYARES Online Tests, FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800. Recommended training for ARRL Field Station Appointees: ARRL EMCOMM Levels I. DISTRICT 1 Calloway County: This is a summary of (4) weekly nets for the month of March. The complete report is: 4 sessions, 90 stations, 145 minutes, 217.5 operator hours. This DOES NOT include time for four District 1 & District 2 Simplex nets in which I participated. I have not received a summary of those nets to include in my monthly report. 73! Graves County: WA4RKM attended Graves County Local Emergency Planning Committee’s (LEPC) first meeting; acted as Net Control on two nets; provided project costs for grant for additional ECOM equipment for local Health Dept (may be future Graves County EOC). Marshall County: The Marshall County ARES net will change to a new time 1930hrs on the second sunday of May. It will not be called during the month of April because of an apparent lack of interest by certain group members and a restructuring of the group is forthcoming. DISTRICT 2 Christian County: 3/15/11 we had Basic EOC training given by KYEM. Crittenden County: Called the Crittenden county ARES net four times checked into theTri county, marshall, dixon, and henderson, and union nets stood up a 40 foot tower and hung a 10 meter and 80 meter antenna, both needs to be fine tuned will let u know when the are operational. Hopkins County: Had 4 ARES members attend the annual weather spotters basic and advanced class on March 29th in Madisonville. Still in the planning phase on the upcoming NLE day 1 communications exercise. WD9HIK, D2 DEC: Checked into a weather net on the local repeter in Hopkinsville with the storms. DISTRICT 3 Union County: I got the ARES net started in Union Co. now and also have echolink up 24/7 on the Union Co. machine with a node # 578342. All is working well DISTRICT 4 Simpson County: 4 NETS WITH 64 TOTAL CHECK INS. DISTRICT 5 Hardin County: EVENTS in March – Cave City Hamfest, ARRL/ARES forum. KY Tornado drill. 5 students, 1 instructor part of BSAR class. Flooding assessment, 2 days, for Red Cross. Brief comms for Red Cross, 2 fires. ARES Meeting, with usual training. Actual SAR for missing soldier. Weather net (did not escalate to full Skywarn Net). (No places for some of the things we do, so they’re included in the above in various places). Nelson County: Time to participate in COMEX limited, but managed to check in with KY4EOC via airborne repeater. Saturday afternoon I took check-ins on 40 meters near the end of the exercise and forwarded those calls and reports to the EOC via e-mail. Looking ahead to Field Day, and operating in conjunction with local radio club. WA4YPQ, D5 DEC: I will need to keep better track of my admin cause i know that is low for what really happened. I have two EC’s to add to next months totals. DISTRICT 6 Anderson County: One severe weather net. Franklin County: Activity included the Statewide Tornado Drill local Skywarn Net on the Frankfort 147.105 Rpt. Net roster: KF4FMZ (NCS), KE4OER, KG4NNI, K4MIS, KF4DFH Other activity was planning and meetings for the upcoming April 1st and 2nd COMMEX and NLE. Exercise. DISTRICT 7 Gallatin County: Report includes Damage Assessment Course at Owenton on 12 March 2011 Scott County: Severe weather spotting for the two emergency operations. D7 DEC AB4BC: Includes the KYEM Damage Assessment class held in this area. DISTRICT 8 Bath County: 4 – Area 8 Ares Net 4 – Greater Mason County Net 4 – KY EM Net 1 – Region 8 Emergency Preparedness Group Net 5 – pieces of traffic handled Menifee County: Didn’t much go on this month, with the exceptions of the net. Haven’t heard anything back yet about acquiring a trailer for E-Comm at the state auction. Sorry this is late, but I had a death in the family. DISTRICT 9 Boyd County: This being my first few weeks as EC. I am just about to start the rebuilding process Carter-Elliot County: worked tornado drill,had multiple conversations with Elliott EM. Floyd County: 3-7-11 day netand ken. 3-15-11 ares. 3-21-11 day net and ken. 3-28-11 day net. Johnson County: Amateurs were alerted via the wx radio interfaced to the East Kentucky Repeater System on March 23, 2011 of a severe storm warning for most of ARES District 9 and parts of ARES District 8. Nine amateurs responded to the alert and Fred Jones WA4SWF began asking for reports of any damage. Stattions reported wind speed and direction,rainfall,hail, downed trees,power outages,roofs being blown off and some barges that broke loose from their tie down points in Ashland.Stations reporting were from Johnson,Lawrence,Boyd,Ccarter,Greenup,Pike Counties in Kentucky and one station from Wayne County West Virginia Following the net John Hager ADEC for district 9 faxed a damage report to the National Weather Service office in Jackson Kentucky. Lawrence County: WA4SWF call a sky warn net with severe storm that passed though eastern and north eastern ky on feb. 24 with heavy rain, wind and hail. we had some wind damage with some down trees and roof damage. the net lasted for about hour with 9 people checking in with damage reports in several locations. no other traffic to report. K4KBR, D9 DEC: National Weather Service spotter class 3/25 2 hours. Have attended several weather spotter classes but this was the most interesting i have attended. DISTRICT 10 Letcher County: LCARES particpated in the ARES severe weather (tornado) drill on March 8, 2011. This involved station checking in from District 9 and 10 – region 4. Perry County: 8 Ares Members attended a training session on message handling presented by K4AVX as dec dist 10. Severe WX lasted 45 min with 8 checkins giving 7 hors for Emergency Operations K4AVX, D10 DEC: Did hour of training on NTS message handling at KMARC Club meeting. District 10 participated with Districts 8 and 9 (all of Reg. 4) in the Spring State Wide Severe Weather drill on March 8, with WX4JKL at the Jackson NWS acting as net control. Tony at NWS Jackson did some refresher training during the net. WA4SWF, Region 4 ASEC: training nets and ARES nets this monnth, worked Skywarn Appreciation Day. DISTRICT 11 McCreary County: The two nets were held on 146.550 simplex and 444.050 repeater system in support of the NLE2011 COMEX. The regular ARES net for McCreary County has not as yet been established as far as a time and day. As of right now it is as needed. I am still trying to recruit members. Things are looking up in McCreary Co. and District 11. DISTRICT 12 DISTRICT 13 ————————— Note: The reporting section of KYHAM is functional. Please submit all monthly reports there. EC reports will go to their respective DECs for totaling. Areas with no DEC will still come to me. This will make reporting and accountability more streamlined. http://www.kyham.net/emcomm/reports.html. Reports are due to your respective DECs by the 5th of the month. DECs need to have their reports to me by the 10th of the month. Please fill out the reports completely so they do not get returned for correction. Please do not “test” the online system. ———————– Respectfully submitted, Kenny Garrett, N4KLG |
| Silent Keys |
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