Details

Fundamentals

  • Tactical call signs are words or phrases that identify a station regardless of who the operator of the station is. Ideally, the tactical call sign provides a short and concise identification of the location.
  • Why use tactical call signs? We use tactical call signs specifically because we need to identify the location traffic is coming from or going to. Operators may move from site to site or be replaced by another operator, so ham call signs are poor tools for identifying tactical locations.
  • It is important that all EMCOMM communications be clear and distinct regarding who is calling whom. Frequently we hear situations where considerable time is wasted in relaying messages taken up by over use of long and unnecessary FCC call signs that hams are accustomed to in our daily communications and yet there can be confusion as to who is communicating to whom.
  • EMCOMM communications typically uses an adaptation of Military and Aviation communications protocol to provide for more streamlined ”to” and “from” definition and still comply with FCC Part 97. This is called using tactical call signs. Tactical call signs can identify the station’s location or its purpose during an event, regardless of who is operating the station. This is an important concept. The tactical call sign also allows you to contact a station without knowing the FCC call sign of the operator. It virtually eliminates confusion at shift changes or at stations with multiple operators.
  • Tactical call signs should be used for all emergency nets and public service events if there are more than just a few participants.
  • If one does not already exist, the NCS may assign the tactical call sign as each location is “opened.” Tactical call signs will usually provide some information about the location or its purpose of each station.
  • It is often helpful if the tactical call signs have a meaning that matches the way in which the served agency identifies the location or function.
  • Some examples of tactical call signs are:
    • “Net”--for net control station usually at Incident who orchestrates smooth transmissions and sets communications priority.
    • “Alternate Net” – for alternate NCS perhaps at a home location for backup.“
    • “CHECKPOINT 1” - Identifies physical location or function.

Meeting FCC Part 97 rules regarding Amateur Radio Service:

  • The FCC requires identification only at end of transmission sequences and every ten minutes during a single transmission.
  • A directed net can be thought of as a series of transmissions comprising a single sequence and thus there is no need for FCC ID during the working part of the net unless a single transmission is longer than 10 minutes which is not recommended.
  • Always listen before transmitting and be as brief as possible on the initial call until you have clearance from NCS.

Tactical Calls and procedures to avoid

  • “Control” or phrases with control in them. Unless you are assigned to shadow the Incident Commander in an ICS situation and can speak for him/her or directly to him/her, do not use the pro word or call sign “Control”. Get used to calling the ham NCS as “Net” and not Net Control to avoid any confusion with the Incident Commander who has ultimate control of the exercise or activation we are supporting. Our NCS has no role being a pseudo IC.
  • “Turkey Trot 77, Sky King 23, or even EMCOMM Unit 1” - This flavor of military tactical call does nothing to convey a sense of what your functional support role is. Avoid this type of call sign unless directly authorized by higher authority for information security reasons.
  • Never use your Ham Call on other frequencies such as FRS, EMA, or Public Service bands.
  • Except on informal time or training drills at the discretion of NCS, avoid using operator names during nets. It makes us look un-professional to those listening on scanners.
  • When using a tactical call together with your required FCC Ident, use your own operator’s call not a call issued to the station you are working from. This is a carry over from the days when station and operator calls were issued separately. Unless you have the direct permission of the trustee/control operator, you should identify yourself for FCC purposes together with the linkage to the tactical call being used. Avoid trouble by using some third party call. You are the one responsible for insuring that the station is operating within the limits of your license.

Rules of thumb:

  • USE COMMON SENSE AND USE THE MOST ABREVIATED ID TO ESTABLISH WHO YOU ARE AND WHO YOU NEED TO TALK TO WHEN CHECKING IN OR DURING A CONVERSTION ON THE NET.
  • USE YOUR FULL FCC ID WHEN ASKED TO BY NCS OR DURING YOUR FINAL TRANSMISSION DURING A SERIES OF TRANSMISSIONS ON THE NET.
  • AVOID LONG TRANSMISSIONS WITH REPEATER KEYED. IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, ID EVERY 10 MINUTES IF YOU CAN NOT AVOID IT.

Details

The National Traffic System is the backbone of Amateur Radio traffic handling.  These nets run routinely, allowing us to refine our skills for the time when this system will be used to pass a variety of emergency traffic. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions:

Read more: National Traffic System

Details

ARRL Radiograms, like the FEMA forms ICS-213, used to communicate formal traffic. ICS-213 will be covered elsewhere. This document focuses on the “Radiogram” format, used heavily in ARES exercises and actual emergencies.

The Radiogram has 4 parts: Preamble, Address, Text, and Signature. The “Records” block constitutes a possible 5th block, often not counted as part of the radiogram since it is there for station record-keeping purposes and is not communicated to other stations.

 

PREAMBLE

The preamble is message tracking information. It ensures a way to track a message from where it originates to the destination. The preamble is filled in by the first amateur radio operator to transmit the message (the originator). Here are the various components of the preamble:

Read more: ARRL Radiograms Explained

Details

“Go Kits”, sometimes called “Jump Kits”, "Go Bags" or “Deployment Bags” are intended to allow us to cope with and/or respond to emergencies. There really is no set rule for what these should contain, but there are some common elements virtually everyone agrees on. Your own set of skills, likely deployments, thoughts on emergency response, and past experience will dictate what your own kit may contain.

The “Everyday” bag is a simple personal emergency kit designed primarily for “minor” incidents or inconveniences occurring while on the way to and from work or about town.

The “24 Hour” kit is designed for actual short-term deployments. This would usually be a local severe-weather incident or assignment to a shelter or other location outside the actual disaster area (such as the hurricane Gustav deployment)..

The “72 Hour” kit is intended for a longer deployment to a local emergency or for an non-local deployment during a larger emergency.

The Everyday Bag

The "everyday" kit is designed to stay within easy reach. It should include a dual-band HT, and weigh less than 5 pounds, and small enough to fit in a small waist bag or hand-carried canvas bag. Many feel the need to expand this so much that they go to the 24-hour bag as the one they carry with them. Here are some of the items to consider for inclusion:

  • 2-meter or Dual-band HT.

  • Driver’s License and a copy of your current FCC Operating License.

  • Replacement for the typical HT "rubber duck", improving performance by 3 db).

  • Extra high-capacity (1000+ mah), or backup AA battery case for HT.

  • DC adapter & fused power cord for HT. A car adaptor should be considered.

  • Extra fuses for HT chagrining/power sources.

  • Speaker mike

  • Swiss Army pocket knife or Leatherman multi-purpose tool

  • Mini-Mag-Lite, extra bulb and spare AAs

  • Pencil and pocket notepad

  • Emergency gas / phone money ($10 bill, + six quarters and six dimes in pill box).

  • SO-239 to male-BNC adapter to fit HT to mobile antenna coax and female BNC to SO-239 to fit HT gain antenna to jumper.

  • 6 ft. RG8-X jumper with soldered PL-259s, plus suction cups or car window clip.

  • Spare eye-glasses (preferably with safety lenses) of current prescription.

  • Band aids, moist towelettes and sunscreen

  • Pocket sewing kit

  • Small pocket compass

  • Operating reference card for HT

  • Emergency phone and frequency list

  • Bagged wash cloth / paper towel / towelettes.

  • Energy Bar / Crackers (change out periodically)

  • Basic First-Aid kit. (those with medical training would want to carry more)

  • Wrench to turn off gas or water.

  • Gloves

  • Goggles

  • Survival knife (usually has compass, sewing kit, etc. built in)

 

The 24-hour Deployment Kit

The "24-hour" kit is designed for use during initial deployment and/or a known short-term deployment. This would normally be contained in a sturdy shoulder bag with carrying strap or small backpack. Suggested contents include items from the “Everyday” bag and:

  • Documents (in binder): Forms (ICS, ARRL, EMCOMM) and protocols for. This may include:

    • Net Scripts

    • SKYWARN protocol

    • Expanded frequency list of repeaters, VHF simplex, and HF frequencies.

    • ARRL Radiogram

    • ICS Form 213 (message form) & ARRL consolidated Radiogram/ICS 213

    • Maps

  • Second, "backup / loaner" 2-meter or dual band HT. (ideally with the same accessories and compatible with the primary radio)

  • Extra 10' AWG 10 gage twin lead extension cord, with battery clips, in-line fuses and Molex connectors to power brick amp or HT.

  • Compact, but rugged, 25-40w 2 meter or dual-band brick amplifier for the HT.

  • 2-meter or dual-band Mobile or Mobile/Base radio for use in vehicle.

  • Gain antennas for both HTs.

  • Cell phone charger & spare battery.

  • Gel cell batteries, sufficient to power small brick amp at 25w + 25 percent duty cycle for 12 hrs. (minimum, four NP2-12 or equivalent) .

  • Two refills of AA Alkaline batteries for HT.

  • Cable ties, large and small, 6 each

  • Spare pencils/pens and permanent marker.

  • Quick-reference card(s) listing primary and secondary repeaters, local wide-area coverage or cross-linked repeaters, SKYWARN and ARES / RACES working frequencies.

  • Personal hygiene items including toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, tissue, liquid soap, change of clothes, tissues, antacid, etc.

  • Sunglasses & cap or hat.

  • Spare seasonal clothing (sweater, gloves, jacket, coat, etc.).

  • Matches or lighter

  • Additional energy bars, crackers, snack foods, etc.

  • Prescription drugs

  • Insect repellent & sun block.

  • Bagged wash cloth / paper towel / towelettes.

  • Energy Bar / Crackers (change out periodically)

  • First-Aid kit that includes tweezers, antiseptic wipes, larger bandages, gauze and tape, etc.. (those with medical training would want to carry more)

  • Wrench to turn off gas or water.

  • Work gloves

  • Folding chair (in car trunk)

  • Goggles

  • Safety helmet.

  • Survival knife (usually has compass, sewing kit, etc. built in)

 

The “72 hour” Kit

The "Disaster Bag" is packed in a duffel or large backpack and stowed with the "24-hour bag" in a plastic storage container. Although we call it a “72 hour” bag, it’s really your extended deployment bag and should be stocked for at least 72 hours of use. Think “camping”. This kit requires some maintenance to ensure food is in-date and clothes are season appropriate. It is designed to support a weekend or longer activation or evacuation, such as operating a remote Skywarn Net Control station during a power outage accompanying a severe storm event:

  • Extended supplies documents: forms (ICS, ARRL, EMCOMM) and protocols for SKYWARN and net operations.

  • J-pole or other easily deployed antenna, throwing weight, nylon line.

  • 50 feet of quality coax with PL-259 connectors and double-female through connector

  • 12-volt powered light with spare bulb. Adequate light is important for maintaining operating efficiency.

  • 12-volt, 30w soldering iron to fit auto cigarette lighter plug, or propane soldering torch with fuel & solder.

  • Additional batteries (disposable and rechargeable)

  • FRS/GMRS radios to more easily communicate with non-radio operators at location.

  • Tarp and/or poncho

  • Rope / heavy twine

  • Wool blanket or insulated poncho liner

  • Push pins, paper (8.5x11), clipboard or legboard..

  • Vinyl electrical tape for rain wraps, 1 roll

  • Cable ties, large and small, 1 dozen each

  • Rubber bands, medium and large, six ea.

  • Adjustable open-end wrench, 6"x 0-5/8"

  • Folding hex key set

  • Side cutters

  • Needle nose pliers

  • Black electrical tape

  • Various connectors, plugs, and sockets

  • Channel locks or Vise-Grip pliers

  • Small, mobile-type SWR/power meter

  • Pocket VOM or multi-meter w/ test leads

  • Assorted connectors / adaptors including no-solder BNC and UHF for emergency repairs

  • 3 days supply of bottled water and nonperishable food*(which can be eaten cold).

  • Mess kit and utensils.

  • Camp stove.

  • Trash bags.

  • Duct tape

  • Book, magazine, pocket video game (for use during ‘down’ time).

  • Extended personal hygiene and sanitation supplies.

* A person needs 2 quarts of water a day as a general rule, more if there is exertion and/or extreme temperatures. One gallon/day of water is needed for drinking and washing.

 

Ideal foods to store in kits include canned soup, beans, tuna, juices, fruits, and vegetables; they can be eaten cold but also easily warmed in the can over conventional heat. Other good items include hard candy, instant coffee, tea, dried fruit, and crackers.

 

A camp stove or Sterno is a good idea. Military MRE's are light-weight and convenient, but are expensive. Since we’re not expected to be trudging through jungles, deserts, or rough terrain we can shop food with greater variety and lower cost from our local grocery stores since weight is not a problem.

 

Remember, the idea is to be as self-sufficient as possible, otherwise we cease being an asset and become a burden during already stressful circumstances.

Details

One thing you should expect in most emergency scenarios is loss of power. Only people with radios which are capable of  running on, and having emergency power, will be able to communicate for any significant period of time.  As an emergency communication (EmComm)  amateur radio operator, you should endeavor to have two sources of emergency power – even if they are both of the same type.

Of course, many of us won’t have the money for heavy investment in backup power systems. So, while we discuss this, we all need to realize that many really great ideas for backup power will not be practical for all members.

Whichever emergency power sources you pick, know the capabilities and limitations of these alternative methods of powering your equipment..

Your emergency power considerations need to be based upon two scenarios: Maintaining operations at your home or at the deployment site. Most of us will be counting on our car battery to provide our emergency power at a deployment location such as an emergency shelter.

Alternative Power Sources
There is also no reason why a typical car battery can’t be your home system as well. Keeping a car battery in a ventilated area on a trickle charger requires only that you bring the battery inside and hook it up when the need arises. Many of us already have car battery chargers, so the investment is primarily a battery. I would consider using some kind of connector that allows you to quickly and easily connect the battery, perhaps even keyed connectors so you don’t have to worry about polarity while you’re hurrying to hook up your backup power. Anderson Powerpole connectors are a good option. The downside of using car batteries is they are not tolerant of repeated "deep cycling" (full discharge / recharge).

For those that aren't familiar with them, Anderson Powerpole connectors are keyed connectors, usually color coded, that are friction attached.  Being keyed, it's almost impossible to hook them up wrong, and the color coded connectors also provide a visual indicator of how to connect them.  Being friction attached, no latch of any kind, they just push together and pull apart, which makes them easy to use and less likely to cause damage to radios if someone trips over a wire in a crowded make-shift communications room.

Some hams have older hand-held radios and are not in a financial position to afford something newer.  Older radios may have more current drain.  Also older HT Ni-Cad batteries have decreased performance.  If you plan on using your HT and the battery doesn’t hold a charge or you have no spare battery, consider the investment. If money is tight then consider purchasing a couple battery packs that you can install alkaline or rechargeable batteries in.

Portable backup generators are a good option, but you’ll need to have fuel for them and they aren’t all that efficient for communications use. However, if you want one to keep freezer going anyway, then this may be a good option. The biggest issue related to these is keeping fuel handy, especially with the rapidly decreasing life of gasoline as ethanol and other mixes are mandated.

Portable “Jump Starters” have been mentioned during a past round-table. These are useful because they can be used for their intended purpose, but also provide a portable higher-current power source. Many of these units have the 12 volt “cigarette lighter” type power plug. Others have USB ports and even 110 volt capability. This would run an HT for quite a while and also provide considerable run time for a mobile or base unit if transmit power is kept to the minimum necessary.

Solar power is often used for keeping batteries charged, and can even power low-consumption equipment on a sunny day. However, here in Georgia, the most likely emergency response scenarios are probably not going to be taking place on clear and sunny days. This might be considered for trickle charging backup battery systems. The cost of solar power is usually just too prohibitive. I brought a Solar Cell out for Field Day a few years back, to extend the life of our alternate power station, having used it to charge the battery before-hand.

Sealed batteries and Marine batteries are really good for battery backup. These are batteries that can be safely charged, discharged, and stored indoors. These types of batteries are used in Uninterruptable power supplies and other devices that require operation where power is not constant. These are not as expensive as solar power or backup generators but still more expensive than a typical car battery. I personally believe this is a good compromise and has become my backup power system. Batteries charge off the same power supply that runs my radios and one set is then tied to my radios, so I’m always “running off battery”, being recharged by the power supply. In this configuration a power outage doesn’t even interrupt radio operations for a moment.

Gary/KJ4MHS mentioned seeing someone hook a 12v generator to a bicycle, so a person could peddle the bike to produce power.  Used in conjunction with a battery, this could be a useful system for maintaining charge on batteries and recharging them, and getting a little exercise to boot!

Regardless of which battery backup method you use, be sure to determine how much power is required so your power systems is sized to support the equipment.  By knowing current draw you can come up with some good rough estimates of how long you can operate with the power system you choose.

Power Requirement - AH
Regardless of your backup power system type, operators should consider how much power, in Amp Hours, is required.  Amp hours is normally determined by estimating average power consumption and the number of hours you are anticipating operating.  For instance, most radios consume twice the power they output when transmitting, so your 50W radio will actually consume about 100W when keyed. Knowing power equals Volts times Amps (V*A), Amps will equal watts divided by Voltage.  So 100W/12V=8.3A. Receive in most radios will draw an Amp or less in receive. 

Now that we have transmit and receive current draws, we need to estimate how much transmitting versus receiving we will be engaging in. It's safe to estimate, if you aren't net control or a liaison to another net, that you'll be transmitting for five minutes or less. So, for 55 minutes you'll draw 1A, while for 5 minutes you'll draw 8.3A. So how do we average the power consumption to Amp-Hours (AH)?  A little use of fractions. In the example provided we would factor the two current draws based upon how much of the 60 minutes in an hour the amperage is being consumed. In the above example (8.3A for five minutes and 1A for the remaining 55 minutes of the hour) the formula would be (8.3*5/60)+(1*55/60)=1.61AH.

Knowing we want to 1.61AH available for a radio and, assuming we want to operate for eight hours, we would multiply the two, 1.61*8=12.9AH capacity in the battery. 

Final Thoughts
Finally, most amateur radio equipment runs on 12 volts. As a result, we should consider gearing our backup systems along those lines to get maximum efficiency. Remember, converting from one voltage to another ALWAYS results in a loss of energy, something to be avoided when power needs are a premium and availability is at a minimum. The exception to this is if you’re one of the lucky few who has whole-house propane or natural gas backup generation, but even then a simple battery backup should probably be kept handy, just in case.

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