A new report is claiming blocked stairwells, radio confusion and misinformation about the water supply caused the deaths of two fighters last year at a condemned ground zero skyscraper.
The Associated Press’ Amy Westfeldt says fire officials with the FDNY released the 176-page report last week, along with 40 pages of emergency radio transmissions from more than 100 firefighters who went into the former Deutsche Bank tower on Aug. 18, 2007.
The 26-story building was badly damaged during the 9/11 attacks, and was in the process of being dismantled when the fire broke out a year ago on the 17th floor. Two firefighters died of smoke inhalation on the 14th floor.
A grand jury is considering whether to criminally charge contractors or the government agencies overseeing the project.
While Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta told Westfeldt the report “is not about affixing blame,” it did detail a number of problems firefighters encountered while battling the blaze.
“Firefighters were told at the scene by construction workers that a standpipe supplying water to fire hoses worked, and 20 minutes were wasted before they realized it was broken, according to the report. It took 13 minutes for workers to call the department, and an additional 67 minutes to get a water supply,” Westfeldt says. “Firefighters sent more than 30 distress signals, including 14 maydays, from inside the burning bank tower, but some weren't heard because they came in at the same time.”
Scoppetta told Westfeldt it was “a failure of radio discipline” and said firefighters would be trained to allow the urgent signals to come through one at a time, keeping channels clear once one signal is posted.
This is why our nets are so important!
GMWinslow - N4GMW
WTARS
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
2008 WTARS Annual Tail-Gate Swap Meet
QST ALL STATIONS!
The 2008 WTARS Annual Swap-Meet will be held on September 20th, 2008 at Gander Mountain located at 1523 Vann Drive in Jackson, Tn (see map). Swap Meet from 9am til 12 pm.
The management of Gander Mountain has graciously consented to our use of a portion of their parking lot for our "tail-gateing" activity.
So rummage through your "shack" and find all those 'treasures' you forgot you had, blow the dust off and bring them out and swap them for someone else's 'treasures.'
Following the Swap Meet, Members of WTARS will be presenting an Emergency Communication Seminar (about 45 minutes) for the public at 12 noon in the "Lodge Room" inside Gander Mountain. The Seminar is free and all are welcome. Come in and lend your assistance or simply observe and then enjoy wandering around the store. If you have never been in Gander Mountain, it is something see.
73,
GMWinslow - N4GMW
President - WTARS
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Directional WI-FI Antenna Construction
Here is a fun little video that shows how to build a directional wi-fi antenna out of a fruit juice can. Thought it might be of interest to you:
GMWinslow - N4GMW
GMWinslow - N4GMW
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Madison County ARES-RACES Activated
The Madison County ARES-RACES, most of them members of The West Tennessee Amateur Radio Society (WTARS) were activated along with the Jackson Police Dept, Jackson-Madison Co. Fire Depart on Sunday night at 9pm, August 18th in response to a "lost child" incident.
The child was a 10 year old little girl that had decided to run away from home and did not wish to be found. Fortunately, thanks to the professional responders and ARES-RACES, the little girl was found hiding in the woods behind Morris Nursery (Hollywood Drive), unharmed, in about 1 1/2 hours after the call went out.
Thanks to all the WTARS-ARES-RACES volunteers that were able to respond on such short notice.
G. Michael Winslow - N4GMW
President - WTARS
The child was a 10 year old little girl that had decided to run away from home and did not wish to be found. Fortunately, thanks to the professional responders and ARES-RACES, the little girl was found hiding in the woods behind Morris Nursery (Hollywood Drive), unharmed, in about 1 1/2 hours after the call went out.
Thanks to all the WTARS-ARES-RACES volunteers that were able to respond on such short notice.
G. Michael Winslow - N4GMW
President - WTARS
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Hello From Hunstville
Several members of The West Tennessee Amateur Radio Society made the trek to Hunstville, AL on the annual pilgrimage to see all the new toys and prove the old axiom that one man's junk is another man's treasure.
Phillip Julian - KG4NVN, Marty Amick - KJ4CVU, Jimmy Owen - WA4NIF and myself, Mike Winslow - N4GMW departed Jackson, Tennessee this morning at the crack of dark; fully fueled on petro and caffeine. Phillip and I traveled in one vehicle and Marty and Jimmy in another. Of course, we lost them about halfway to Huntsville and did not recover them until they emerged from the parking garage at the Von Braun Center, no worse for the wear.
Kenny Johns - AB4EG, Scott Pearce - KD4OZT, Clay Dungey- W8JVV, Greg Flanagan - KE4FTA, Wayne Murley - WA4BJY, Forrest Myers - AG4ND were spotted prowling the hunting grounds inside the exhibit center.
Above are some photos fromt the day so far. A few of us will probably meet up later and go out to dinner and maybe an adult beverage or two!!!
GMWinslow - N4GMW
President
WTARS
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Three Phases of Learned Proficiency
The following was contributed by Lee Towater - KF4NZV from "Coax Connections" e-Zine
By: Wayne Barringer KB6UJW, KAG0370
Those of you who have been reading this section from the very first issue already know there is nothing new to be learned here. So why is it included in each issue then?
Because, once in a while, we need to be reminded.
Most of us end a training exercise or an event with good intentions to improve or make it better the "next" time. We do not want to be in the same situation the next time. We sincerely (hopefully) want to improve.
But then, things gets in the way. Life continues around us. Those "best of intentions" slowly get put aside...and are soon forgotten. Until the next training exercise or event, that is, when suddenly a switch goes off inside our head reminding us we've "been there" and "done that" before. It is those "gentle reminders" that provide us with past moments of good intentions:
-- How many training exercises have resulted in lessons learned highlighting that we need to "slow down" when we speak because some poor sucker at the other end of the transmission is getting "carpel tunnel" as they try to write as fast as we talk?
-- Why is it we always seem to have someone who find a colorful way to "modify" the phonetic alphabet?
-- Why is it there is always someone at the last minute gets on the radio to ask for directions because they either came unprepared or forget how to get there?
-- Why do we, as professional communicators, or self-proclaimed "communications specialists" continue to have a radio operator show up without a manual for THEIR OWN RADIO and without any hesitation, ask if anyone can program it for them?
If one (or more) of the above has never happened to you, then I can only assume you live in a very gifted neighborhood, need to get out more often, or suffer from a terrible dose of "pinocchio disease" and opted to selectively forget rather than accurately remember!
Over the years, these "pearls of wisdom" have danced across my desk
on more than one occasion:
> How you perform is how you will be remembered.
> Good intentions do not produce good performance.
> A goal is just a dream...WITH an action plan.
Using that as a backdrop, I would like to offer a simple way to try and measure individual radio operator proficiency. It is not close to being scientific (if it was, I certainly wouldn't be offering it
here), but over the years, it has proven to be a reliable method of evaluating basic levels or phases of proficiency...both for myself and those around me.
--EXPOSURE--
This is the "awareness" phase, the most basic, introductory level. Everyone has to start somewhere, and this is that place. This is where most radio operators are with the NIMS or ICS courses. They know about it, probably have a Certificate of Completion on their wall proving they know about it, but other than that, they don't have a clue what all the fuss is about. (They are just glad they have the Certificate on the wall!!) I've got a zillion questions, and have few people with the time to give me all the answers. But the worst part is everyone is telling me to "be patient" and I'll pick it up with experience. If they would only stop speaking in the "Q" codes and just use "plain English" like I learned when I took my online ICS course!!
--EXPERIENCE--
Now, I've got a radio, have become an active participant on several radio nets, and I'm getting comfortable operating my radio "solo" and without panic. Heck, I can even help those "newby" types, and am more than willing to let them know how much I know, on "OR" off the air. Others come to me with their questions, and I'm happy to share with them -- even if I don't know completely what I'm talking about (after all, I know more than they do!). Why did I even need
to get that stupid Certificate of Completion for NIMS and ICS? No one in my club or group is using it. Heck, I'm just a volunteer!
--EXPERTISE--
The person who was going to provide the information for this last section is at a speaking engagement because they know it all. So, I will have to make it up as I go along. These are the people who freely offer themselves as a mentor, allow you --ENCOURAGE YOU-- to
make mistakes (and learn from them). They are patient, don't brag, and actually listen to your questions BEFORE they start giving you the answer they THINK you need (instead of what you want to hear).
Gee...we need more experts!!
Thanks for reading.
By: Wayne Barringer KB6UJW, KAG0370
Those of you who have been reading this section from the very first issue already know there is nothing new to be learned here. So why is it included in each issue then?
Because, once in a while, we need to be reminded.
Most of us end a training exercise or an event with good intentions to improve or make it better the "next" time. We do not want to be in the same situation the next time. We sincerely (hopefully) want to improve.
But then, things gets in the way. Life continues around us. Those "best of intentions" slowly get put aside...and are soon forgotten. Until the next training exercise or event, that is, when suddenly a switch goes off inside our head reminding us we've "been there" and "done that" before. It is those "gentle reminders" that provide us with past moments of good intentions:
-- How many training exercises have resulted in lessons learned highlighting that we need to "slow down" when we speak because some poor sucker at the other end of the transmission is getting "carpel tunnel" as they try to write as fast as we talk?
-- Why is it we always seem to have someone who find a colorful way to "modify" the phonetic alphabet?
-- Why is it there is always someone at the last minute gets on the radio to ask for directions because they either came unprepared or forget how to get there?
-- Why do we, as professional communicators, or self-proclaimed "communications specialists" continue to have a radio operator show up without a manual for THEIR OWN RADIO and without any hesitation, ask if anyone can program it for them?
If one (or more) of the above has never happened to you, then I can only assume you live in a very gifted neighborhood, need to get out more often, or suffer from a terrible dose of "pinocchio disease" and opted to selectively forget rather than accurately remember!
Over the years, these "pearls of wisdom" have danced across my desk
on more than one occasion:
> How you perform is how you will be remembered.
> Good intentions do not produce good performance.
> A goal is just a dream...WITH an action plan.
Using that as a backdrop, I would like to offer a simple way to try and measure individual radio operator proficiency. It is not close to being scientific (if it was, I certainly wouldn't be offering it
here), but over the years, it has proven to be a reliable method of evaluating basic levels or phases of proficiency...both for myself and those around me.
--EXPOSURE--
This is the "awareness" phase, the most basic, introductory level. Everyone has to start somewhere, and this is that place. This is where most radio operators are with the NIMS or ICS courses. They know about it, probably have a Certificate of Completion on their wall proving they know about it, but other than that, they don't have a clue what all the fuss is about. (They are just glad they have the Certificate on the wall!!) I've got a zillion questions, and have few people with the time to give me all the answers. But the worst part is everyone is telling me to "be patient" and I'll pick it up with experience. If they would only stop speaking in the "Q" codes and just use "plain English" like I learned when I took my online ICS course!!
--EXPERIENCE--
Now, I've got a radio, have become an active participant on several radio nets, and I'm getting comfortable operating my radio "solo" and without panic. Heck, I can even help those "newby" types, and am more than willing to let them know how much I know, on "OR" off the air. Others come to me with their questions, and I'm happy to share with them -- even if I don't know completely what I'm talking about (after all, I know more than they do!). Why did I even need
to get that stupid Certificate of Completion for NIMS and ICS? No one in my club or group is using it. Heck, I'm just a volunteer!
--EXPERTISE--
The person who was going to provide the information for this last section is at a speaking engagement because they know it all. So, I will have to make it up as I go along. These are the people who freely offer themselves as a mentor, allow you --ENCOURAGE YOU-- to
make mistakes (and learn from them). They are patient, don't brag, and actually listen to your questions BEFORE they start giving you the answer they THINK you need (instead of what you want to hear).
Gee...we need more experts!!
Thanks for reading.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
In response to the "FCC Questions" segments, Jimmy Floyd - NQ4U - from MTARS contributed the following:
(Thanks Jimmy for participating in the discussion. 73, to all in MTARS)
This is good thought.............
Here is some material from the ARRL website FAQ. These pertain to FD but can be applied in everyday operating.
Q. Can KA1UFZ, a Novice, operate the station of N1KB, an Extra Class operator, during Field Day? Can she operate in the Extra Class segment even though she holds a Novice class license?
A. The answer is "yes" to both of these questions, but a control operator must be on duty whenever she operates outside of her Novice class privileges using the call of N1KB. FCC rules state that "A control operator must ensure the immediate proper operation of the station..." (97.105(a)). The rules go on to say, "A station may only be operated in the manner and to the extent permitted by the privileges authorized for the class of operator license held by the control operator" (97.105(b)).
Q. I am an Extra Class licensee, but I am going to use a Novice class operator's station and call sign during Field Day. Can I legally operate her station and use her call outside the Novice subbands?
A. You, the Extra, can be designated as the control operator. If you are authorized by the licensee, you may use the call sign of the Novice class licensee and operate only within the Novice class privileges. However, if an Extra Class control operator wants to operate outside the Novice class operator privileges, he may do so, but he must identify by appending his call to that of the Novice, such as signing "KA1UFZ/N1KB" on CW or separating the calls by the word "stroke" on Phone (97.105(a) and (b), 97.119(d)). True, this is a long identification procedure, but it is the only way to identify in this case. Why would an Extra want to use a Novice call, you ask. Well, that may not always be the case, but it clearly illustrates the point.
(Thanks Jimmy for participating in the discussion. 73, to all in MTARS)
This is good thought.............
Here is some material from the ARRL website FAQ. These pertain to FD but can be applied in everyday operating.
Q. Can KA1UFZ, a Novice, operate the station of N1KB, an Extra Class operator, during Field Day? Can she operate in the Extra Class segment even though she holds a Novice class license?
A. The answer is "yes" to both of these questions, but a control operator must be on duty whenever she operates outside of her Novice class privileges using the call of N1KB. FCC rules state that "A control operator must ensure the immediate proper operation of the station..." (97.105(a)). The rules go on to say, "A station may only be operated in the manner and to the extent permitted by the privileges authorized for the class of operator license held by the control operator" (97.105(b)).
Q. I am an Extra Class licensee, but I am going to use a Novice class operator's station and call sign during Field Day. Can I legally operate her station and use her call outside the Novice subbands?
A. You, the Extra, can be designated as the control operator. If you are authorized by the licensee, you may use the call sign of the Novice class licensee and operate only within the Novice class privileges. However, if an Extra Class control operator wants to operate outside the Novice class operator privileges, he may do so, but he must identify by appending his call to that of the Novice, such as signing "KA1UFZ/N1KB" on CW or separating the calls by the word "stroke" on Phone (97.105(a) and (b), 97.119(d)). True, this is a long identification procedure, but it is the only way to identify in this case. Why would an Extra want to use a Novice call, you ask. Well, that may not always be the case, but it clearly illustrates the point.
Friday, August 8, 2008
More FCC Part 97 Questions
Wayne Murley - WA4BJY - brought an article from World Radio Magazine to the WTARS August Meeting. This article was written by John B. Johnson - W3BE- in the 'Rules & Regs' feature addressing interpretation questions relating to FCC part 97. Good topics for discussion during rag chew sessions:
Question: Suppose that I have an Amateur Extra Class and visit a station with a lower class license and I want to operate. Who is the control operator?
Answer: That is for the station licensee to designate.
Question: Whose call sign is used?
Answer: Use the call sign assigned on the station license grant under which the station transmits. Section 97.119 requires that it must be transmitted in the station identification announcement.
Question: Whose privileges would have precedent?
Answer: The control operator's class of operator license determines the frequency bands available to the station. See Section 97.301. Section 97.301(a) says that the station licensee is responsible for the proper operation of the station in accordance with the FCC Rules.
Question: What I take from your article regarding Field Day is that a licensed person can only operate under his license privileges when alone, regardless of the club station license, and that he may only exceed his license privileges up to those of the control operator who is physically present at the operating position. Is this correct?
Answer: No, that is not correct. No one is authorized to exceed his or her operator privileges on Field Day, Groundhog Day, Dill Pickle Festival Day or any other day!
Question: Doesn't the fact that I am sitting right next to this person mean I am the control operator?
Answer: No, it dosen't. The control perator of an amateur station can only be the person so designated by the licensee of the station under the authority of Section 97.103(b)
Question: Suppose that I have an Amateur Extra Class and visit a station with a lower class license and I want to operate. Who is the control operator?
Answer: That is for the station licensee to designate.
Question: Whose call sign is used?
Answer: Use the call sign assigned on the station license grant under which the station transmits. Section 97.119 requires that it must be transmitted in the station identification announcement.
Question: Whose privileges would have precedent?
Answer: The control operator's class of operator license determines the frequency bands available to the station. See Section 97.301. Section 97.301(a) says that the station licensee is responsible for the proper operation of the station in accordance with the FCC Rules.
Question: What I take from your article regarding Field Day is that a licensed person can only operate under his license privileges when alone, regardless of the club station license, and that he may only exceed his license privileges up to those of the control operator who is physically present at the operating position. Is this correct?
Answer: No, that is not correct. No one is authorized to exceed his or her operator privileges on Field Day, Groundhog Day, Dill Pickle Festival Day or any other day!
Question: Doesn't the fact that I am sitting right next to this person mean I am the control operator?
Answer: No, it dosen't. The control perator of an amateur station can only be the person so designated by the licensee of the station under the authority of Section 97.103(b)
FCC Part 97 Questions To Ponder
Wayne Murley - WA4BJY - brought an article from World Radio Magazine to the WTARS August Meeting. This article was written by John B. Johnson - W3BE- in the 'Rules & Regs' feature addressing interpretation questions relating to FCC part 97. I will, in this space, reprint some of these, from time to time, for your pondering and information. Good topics for discussion during rag chew sessions:
Question: I have an Amateur Extra Class license. A lower class license holder is visiting my station. If I am sitting right next to him, is he allowed to operate as an Amateur Extra?
Answer: No. As the station licensee, you would have, under Section 97.103(b), designated a lower-than-your class operator of your station. Consult Section 97.301 for the privileges authorized to the class of operator licese grant held by your station's visitor. There you will find the transmitting frequence bands available to an amateur station located within 50km of the earth's surface, within the specified ITU Region, and outside any area where the amateur service is regulated by any authority other than the FCC. Where you happen to be sitting is of no consequence to any of this.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: I have an Amateur Extra Class license. A lower class license holder is visiting my station. If I am sitting right next to him, is he allowed to operate as an Amateur Extra?
Answer: No. As the station licensee, you would have, under Section 97.103(b), designated a lower-than-your class operator of your station. Consult Section 97.301 for the privileges authorized to the class of operator licese grant held by your station's visitor. There you will find the transmitting frequence bands available to an amateur station located within 50km of the earth's surface, within the specified ITU Region, and outside any area where the amateur service is regulated by any authority other than the FCC. Where you happen to be sitting is of no consequence to any of this.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Andrew Jackson Marathon - Jackson Exchange Club
This morning, as president of the West Tennessee Amateur Radio Society representing you, the members, I attended the breakfast meeting of the Jackson Exchange Club for the presentation of the check by the Andrew Jackson Marathon for funds raised in this year's event. There was a total of $8,000 raised this year.
As has been the custom, WTARS has provided communication services for this very public event. This year, we used the new Emergency Communication Trailer, from which all Net Control functions were performed from our location at Union University.
As one of the support organizations, WTARS was presented a Certificate of Appreciation and asked to, once gain, participate in next year's Andrew Jackson Marathon event scheduled for April 18th, 2009.
The Andrew Jackson Marathon and the Jackson Exchange Club thanks all the Ham Radio operators that participated this year for their time and expertise.
Mike Winslow - N4GMW
President - WTARS
Saturday, August 2, 2008
AED / CPR Class
The West Tennessee Amateur Radio Society and the Jackson-Madison County Emergency Management Agency co-sponsored and presented a training session on the use of the Automatic External Defibrillator and the CPR techniques recommended by the American Heart Association.
The class was held at Grace United Methodist Church on McClellan Rd and was attended by 18 participants from the Jackson-Madison County area. Instructors for the class were Philli
p Julian - KG4NVN and Marty Clements - KI4EIV. They did a great job in presenting the material and tutoring all participants in the life-saving techniques of CPR and the use of the the AED.I would also like to offer our many thanks to Grace United Methodist Church for the use of their facilities and Jackson State Community College for the use of the CPR training mannequins.
If there is enough interest in another class for those who would have liked to take this one but were unable to today, we will start taking
names and when enough have signed up, another class can be scheduled. If you are interested in attending an AED / CPR class please drop me an email at: gmwinslo@bellsouth.net.73,
Mike Winslow - N4GMW
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