Radio Hints
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Some things that Ham Radio operators need to have or know in operating during a disaster.
You need the manual for your rig in case somebody declares the use of a mode that you do not remember how to program into your computer. Xeroxing the original manual is tedious and not very neat. Rig "Summary" cards and spiral bound summary operating manuals are available from Nifty Accessories. They also sell a really great HT stand that keeps your radio upright without you having to hold it. HTs get really, REALLY hot during prolonged operating and can cause 3rd degree burns if your hand comes into contact with the back of the HT (which is its heat sink).
Summary Manuals, HT stands, etc.
http://www.niftyaccessories.com
We are all expected to use Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) during ALL operations. First you have to know the standards. The following links will take you to some EXCELLENT SOP manuals that you can print out and put in your own three ring binder Operating Manual.
Calgary Standard Operating Procedures
http://caraham.org/ontheair/sop.php
ARES Standard Operating Procedures (Canada)
http://lloydminster.org/sarc/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=62
2007 Races SOP
http://www.n2ty.org/rcraces/NYS_RACES/2007_RACES_SOP.pdf
We have all seen pictures on the news of homes after major disasters. Most had strange red markings on the front with a bit "X" in the middle. If you are assigned to walk a neighborhood and report status back to command central, knowing the meaning of those markings can save you a LOT of time and frustration. They are designed to convey a lot of important information in a very small space and they prevent you from checking out a building that has already been checked. You can see a copy of the markings with explanations at the following link. The graphic was hard to readon my screen, but was very easy to read once I printed it out. This should go into your emergency operating manual for your grab and go kit.
Red Cross Markings
http://www.ushero.org/ushero/docs/es/nfpa/1670/nfpa1670_files/image002.jpg
During and/or after some disasters (volcano eruption, earthquake, tornado, etc) the weather is going to be a major concern. If there is a NOAA weather station in your area, you should have that frequency in your radio. Scann the NOAA web site to find your local frequency. There are only 4 or 5 frequencies natiowide and your area will use one of those.
If you have a computer connected to your radio, you can get some excellent weather info, with pictures and explanations at SkyWarn. You will need SkyWarn software, but you can get that for FREE at the following lihk:
SkyWarn Software
http://www.starsradio.org/skywarn/software.php
Morse Code Practice/Training
The greatest morse code program I have ever seen. Characters are always sent at 20 WPM speed, but the overall message can be sent at any speed from 2 WPM to about 35WPM. You constantly improve your speed, but you only learn the sound of the characters ONCE. With most software you learn the characters at 7WPM with 5 WPM spacing, then characters at 12 WPM with 10 WPM spacing and finally characters and message at 20 WPM. Vastly superior to anything else out there and it is entirely FREE! The software is written by G4FON, Ray Goff. You can get it here:
G4FON Koch Trainer
http://www.g4fon.net/
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