As I’ve mentioned here there is a new set of software available for digital modes. It is commonly called NBEMS for Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System. I’ve installed the software on one of my PCs and find that it works very well and covers all of the available digital modes that I can see. I would like to see other amateur radio operators in Centre County using the software. Click below to see more information:
Continue reading
WPA Phone & Traffic Net Liaison Station Needed
The Centre County ARES needs a liaison station(s) to check in to the Western Pennsylvania Phone and Traffic Net and handle traffic (messages) in and out of Centre County. We haven’t had such a station for years and it really is part of the Amateur Radio Emergency Services system. I plan to use this station(s) during the SET on October 31, 2009 to handle some drill traffic.
Continue reading
PEMA Draft Documents Removed
I have received word that the documents published earlier are work product of a PEMA working group and thus are not generally releasable. Additionally, they are in the process of change as I write. In fairness to the process and to prevent misinformation I have removed them from the blog.
Thank you.
Carmine Prestia
Comments from John, N3SPW on PEMA Conf, 9/26/09
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency held its ACS/RACES Conference on Saturday September 26th. I was able to attend and saw many familiar faces from Western Pennsylvania. Below are a couple of points that were discussed at the conference that I thought were noteworthy.
ARRL WPA ARES Net Listing Available
The file linked below contains a listing of the Western Pennsylvania ARES nets, their frequencies, schedules, and other pertinent information. Prepared by WPA SEC, John, N3SPW.
Volunteers requested for 2009 Section Emergency Test
On October 31ST from 09:00 hours to 12:00 hours local time the ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section will be conducting a Simulated Emergency Test, or SET. The Centre County ARES organization will be participating in the SET.
The purpose of the SET is to test readiness to handle emergency communications in Centre County and the ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section. All amateur radio operators are welcome to participate.
Interested volunteers may contact me at k3cwp@arrl.net, on the air, or after the Sunday night ARES net on 146.85. Again, the simulated emergency test will be held on October 31ST from 09:00 hours to 12:00 hours local time.
73, Carmine, K3CWP
Raytheon State College Showcases Amateur Radio
On September 24th Raytheon of State College participated in National Preparedness month by showcasing their Emergency Operations Center at their State College Facility. David Hege, K3DWH, Raytheon Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, noted their corporate commitment to including amateur radio operations in their facilities and plans.
See the linked photos below:
The Raytheon Lobby
The Raytheon EOC
Shawn Kauffman, Centre Region Council of Governments Emergency Management Director, also attended the event. Mr. Kauffman and Mr. Hege are discussing the possibility of the Raytheon EOC being used as a backup EOC for the COG.
Recommended EmComm Training for Amateur Radio Operators
One of the purposes of amateur radio is to provide a cadre of trained communicators in times of disaster or emergency. Most of our drills and contests serve as training for emergencies. Yes, contests too. Contests, like most skill competitions, train us on how to exchange information in a fast moving pressurized environment. That is what a disaster is. But that isn’t the only thing we need.
Continue reading
SEC John, N3SPW reports on WPA EC Meeting
The below report of the 8/15 EC meeting was submitted by John Swarcz and posted with his permission. Carmine, K3CWP
Everyone,
I just wanted to say thank you to all who took the time to attend the WPA Section EC meeting in Brookville last Saturday. We had a total attendance of 23 people representing ARES groups from all over the section. There was good food and lots of conversation about issues we face as ARES organizations. Also in attendance was our Section Manager John Rodgers N3MSE and the ARRL Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar N3LLR.
County EC attends WPA meeting
K3CWP, Carmine, Centre County EC attended a meeting of the ECs of the ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section. The meeting was held in Brookville, PA on Saturday August 15, 2009. N3SPW, John called the meeting to discuss a number of items related to amateur radio and emergency preparedness in the section.