MARA Net 07-25-2012

Thanks to all those who participated in the July 24th parade or races or fireworks displays with ham radio. That is how we get better at what we do, that is how we serve the community and that is how we keep amateur radio on the minds of service providers.

I have often recommended Automatic Siphon hoses as sold by Emergency Essentials (BePrepared.com/Utah). Someone bought an automatic siphon hose at Harbor Freight and said that it smelled awful and was poorly constructed. NEVER buy or use ANY siphon hose on your water supply unless it is made from food grade plastic. Emergency Essentials also has food grade garden hoses (25 foot or 50 foot) for filling your water storage containers.

You can light a propane stove using a magnesium fire starter. You do not need to shave off any magnesium, just use something to scrape on the flint bar and you can light your camp stove. Thanks to KC7ZVA (JEFF) for this handy bit of information.

KJ7ABC - SUSAN - Informed us about a 10 INCH FAN that runs off of D CELL batteries, NI/MH RECHARGEABLE batteries, AC and 12 V DC. It is made by O2 COOL (www.o2-cool.com) and is a very handy emergency fan.

It is HIGHLY recommended that you add a Porta-Potty to your emergency supplies. In an actual emergency, there may not be any running water!!!

KD7UM, Dave, informed us about a battery booster (DC to DC converter) that can take the output of a battery that is slowly going lower and lower in voltage and boost it to a constant 12 to 35 volts. It is sold on eBay by seller "LINEDAYS2012" and costs less than $10 with shipping. Right now it is item # 270963078608 on eBay.

Handy item to have - a grease pencil, a plastic clipboard and a piece of clear plastic. Clip the clear plastic on the clipboard. Now you can lift up the clear plastic and take notes in bad weather. Then flip the clear plastic protective sheet back down. Easy to erase with a finger or cloth/paper napkin. GREAT in bad weather.

FOR NEXT TIME - Please be thinking about handy items you can add to your emergency supplies (ham radio related or not) to share with the rest of us. More next time.
N7OZH -O. D.-
73
=====================

Ham Radio Events

A reminder that there is some great Emergency Preparedness info and Ham Radio info located at http://slcfoothillnet.blogspot.com That site/blog is maintained by Dave, KE7ORB.

===== Disaster/Fire/Emergency Info on the web =====

www.WILDLANDFIRE.COM

www.INCIWEB.ORG

www.NIXLE.COM

=====

Ham Radio Operators with HT units are needed to help with the July 24th Parade. This gets you close to the parade and lets you do some valuable community service.

For more info on this and other opportunities for ham radio service, check out http://arpse.org

The organizers of DX University (tm) are pleased to announce that the next session of DXU will be held at Ruby's Inn in beautiful Bryce Canyon, UT. The session will be held on Friday, July 27, 2012 in conjunction with the 2012 ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention.

Professors selected from the faculty of DXU will present information targeted at the beginner through intermediate DXer, but the seasoned DXer will be surprised at the number of tips and tricks he/she will learn.

About one month until the 2012 Rocky Mountain Division Convention in Bryce Canyon, Utah! Have you registered yet? The last day to pre-register is July 13 (securely online or via paper). A superb event filled with activities, vendors, forums, prizes, and much more awaits you this July 27-29. ARRL Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager Mike Corey KI1U will be the event's special guest.

Complete details including an event schedule can be found at http://www.utahhamfest.org

===== Upcoming Hamfests, Tailgates & Conventions =====

July 27-29 2012 ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention (Bryce Canyon, UT)

Aug 3-4 Albuquerque Duke City Hamfest (Albuquerque, NM)

Aug 19 Denver Radio Club Hamfest (Golden, CO)

Sep 1 Alamogordo Amateur Radio Club Hamfest (Alamogordo, NM)

Sep 23 Boulder ARC BARCfest (Longmont, CO)

Nov 3 285 TechConnect Radio Club Fall TechFest (Lakewood, CO)

===== LINKS =====

Upcoming special event stations:

http://www.arrl.org/special-event-stations

Upcoming contests: http://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar

Operating awards: http://www.arrl.org/awards

NOTE: Special Event stations can result in some very nice looking and colorful Certificates to hang on the wall in your shack or operating position.
=====
Thanks to Dave, KD7UM who gave tonight's training on the subject of "PRIORITIES" as they relate to disasters and disaster preparedness.

N7OZH

US Army Survival Manual and MORE

The US Army Survival Manual, one of the best emergency preparedness manuals on the planet is available for free download here. It sells on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and eBay for $6.00 to $29.00. Click the link above and it is free. More to come.

Emergency Links (Including Ham Radio)

MARA SLC has a twitter page! You can follow this with your smart phone or your computer. We send out a tweet each Wednesday night about the upcoming net. You can see it here: http://twitter.com/MARA_SLC Tonight's tweet was just posted and it just hit my phone. I know it came in, because my phone makes a beep note when new tweets arrive.

1. Off Grid Survival - Lots of info on survival and good Ham Radio Info. http://offgridsurvival.com/hamradio-2/

2. How to make char cloth - http://tinyurl.com/bn56mwb
Boy Scouts all learn how to make and use Char Cloth. It is a GREAT fire starter and is easy to make using old clothes or rope. http://tinyurl.com/bn56mwb

3. Making CharCloth using an Altoids Tin and then starting a fire with it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G3oq-dwim4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqhwGpIpDV0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6zH3iIfugw&feature=related

4. Emergency Amateur Radio Communication Kit by KH7O - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmnnf0xUWNM
This ENTIRE section is filled with info on how to make grab and go boxes for your radio and power supply. Lots of GOOD info here.

While looking at the YouTube info, be sure to look at the links on the right side of the page for related links and additional information. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will usually find that there are more pages with similar useful information.

Be sure to see last week's post on this blog for the MARA net frequencies and times - Thanks to Dave, KD7UM, for this helpful info.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES

Smith & Edwards - North of Salt Lake City - Lots of good stuff for Emergency Preparedness plus lots of amazing stuff you can't live without but you'll never even know it exists until you go to Smith & Edwards.

Emergency Essentials - Located at 6356 South State Street on the West side of the street. BePrepared.com/Utah

Puritan's Pride - Fantastic source for vitamins and similar products at Great Prices! - www.Puritan.com

The Vermont Country Store - www.VermontCountryStore.com - some things for emergency preparedness and LOTS of fun stuff and nostalgic things from your past. You'll go back to this one again and again PLUS they are a great resource around Christmas Time for things you can't get in the stores here.

-N7OZH-

MARA 05/30/2012

There is packet traffic on 145.05. Some info at PEAK, IMED, SMTN ON 145.05.

Every Thursday there is a net at 9PM on 147.50 SIMPLEX. Info regarding CERT and other issues for the general Sugarhouse area.

WWW.ARPSE.ORG - There are a number of events going on in June that need Ham Radio operators for communication. The next one is on June 2nd. It is a good idea to check ARPSE monthly. If you need ham radio operators for an event, your info can be posted on ARPSE.ORG.

Emergency essentials is now across from Fashion Place Mall in the old Comp-USA bldg.

Large selection of LED flashlights, LED lanterns, etc. at Big Lots on 2nd South. Also check out Big 5 Sports and, as always, Harbor Freight.

A 24 page flyer arrived today from Harbor Freight. Just about everything is on sale. Their 27 LED Worklight/Flashlight is on sale for $2.99. The trickle battery chargers are also on sale. There is also a 20% discount coupon that can be used on many items at Harbor Freight. If you are not getting their monthly 24 page sale brochure with lots of discount coupons, you can sign up at HarborFreight.com. If you are in the store you can fill out a Preferred Customer Card. This gets you discounts that are not available to people who do not get the flyer.

A pack of 100 Eleven Inch black or white cable ties are on sale for $1.49.

Gordon Smith will have a ham radio testing session this Saturday. 8 am to 8:45 am to register City County bldg at 2001 North State Street (corner of 21st south and state street) Test is in North Bldg room n3005

Go to WWW.SLCCERT.ORG to get info on CERT training schedules and locations.

CERT training is ESSENTIAL in a disaster. Each community will need LOTS of CERT trained individuals to help those who have no training and no emergency supplies and no emergency training. Notify your neighbors of the need and encourage them to take the training.

BATTERIES PLUS ON 3300 SOUTH AND BATTERY SPECIALISTS 3500 SO MAIN STREET - excellent source for Gel Cells. Battery Specialists has lower prices I am told.

KE7ORB has a great emergency blog located at http://slcfoothillnet.blogspot.com.

Finally, here is some info provided by KD7UM on MARA nets and other info.

www.mara.net

http://mercurynorthwest.org/index.php

http://www.mercuryalberta.ca/Mercury_Alberta/MARA.html

http://www.ldsradio.ca/

Nets I check into:

Monday 2130 MT 3965 KHz - MARA Northwest - great net for a roundtable

Saturday 0730 MT 3920 KHz - MARA Rocky Mountain - roll call and roundtable On even numbered months the Utah State RACES net starts here at 0800 MT

Saturday 0830 MT 3878 KHz - MARA Utah Net

Saturday ~0845 MT 3878 KHz - MARA Southern California

Saturday 0900 MT 7178 KHz - MARA Western Net

Saturday ~0915 MT 3937 KHz - MARA Northwest Saturday net

Tuesday 2100 MT Welfare Square Net 147.56 MHz except second week they meet on 145.45R 100 Hz

That's enough for now, more later. -N7OZH-

Emergency Preparedness Links

Apr 24, 2012

The $50 dual band radio is here.

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/9749

The first reviews are less than enthusiastic, but the rest seem very positive. Additional info is contained in the next link along with links to download literature, manuals, etc.

http://www.uv3r.com/Index.html

There was an excellent article in the Deseret News today on building an inventory list of the items in your house in case of a disaster. The list will be CRUCIAL in getting the maximum value for the items contained inside your house and garage. The article is here:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765570993/Total-recall-New-free-ways-to-make-home-inventories-pay-off.html?pg=3

During the Great ShakeOut on the 17th of April, LOTS of public safety organizations were VERY active. Even the special trunked radios were being used. Modern scanners can track trunked systems, but your ham radio cannot. On a trunked system, you may hear a conversation consisting of 5 different people each saying just one sentence each and not realize that each person was on a different frequency. Your trunked scanner will follow the trunked frequency hops but your ham radio cannot.

The Red Cross in SLC was active during the entire exercise. I found it interesting that they participated in the exercise with an assumption that their headquarters building was destroyed in the disaster.

News about long term food storage. Some Emergency food (Sam Andy in the example) has been found to be good after 30 years. Modern food storage has a longer shelf life than the older stuff. 1. Better handling and packaging 2. Long range testing has now been done.

=====

There is a DCF net on Sunday on IRLP & ECHOLINK (449.425 )

The Red Cross net starts on that frequency at 7PM. It is usually over by 7:20 or 7:40. The DCF net starts immediately after the Red Cross net.

=====

For something interesting, Google "ENELOOP BATTERIES" and also look up "DOUBLE BAZOOKA HF ANTENNA".

For some interesting preparedness info, check out the Cottonwood web site http://chgetready.com/ This is a very well done and very useful web site for emergency preparedness right down to the block captain level.

Finally, here are some more web pages with emergency prep info.

Car survival and emergency kit http://beready.utah.gov/beready/family/documents/BRUCarSurvivalandEmergencyKit.pdf

Tips for preparing children http://utah.ptfs.com/awweb/awarchive?item=16728

(Here is the same info in a PDF) http://utah.ptfs.com/awweb/awarchive?type=file&item=16728

7-part Emerg Prep handout http://ussc.utah.gov/publications/roots_earthquake_low.pdf

Utah students at risk. http://ussc.utah.gov/students_at_risk.html

That should be enough for today. -N7OZH-

ERC Net for 03/13/2012

The following links were added 03/14/2012. They include some fascinating tips and techniques.

=====
From the "XYZ For Dummies" series...
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/operating-your-ham-radio-in-an-emergency.html

Public Safety, Ham Radio, and Homeland Security
http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/services/amateur.html

Emergency Amateur Radio Communication Kit by KH7O (Video 2 Min 28 Seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmnnf0xUWNM

Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness (Video 4 Min 43 Seconds)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLA8p-N3ujA

Emergency Ham Radio Portable Go-Kit Revealed (Interesting Pictures)
http://sanantoniohams.org/blog/?p=2534

San Antonio Hams
http://sanantoniohams.org/

Installing Ground Rods the Easy Way
http://www.hamradio.me/installations/installing-ground-rods-the-easy-way.html
=====

Hams are needed to help out with the Scouting For Food project on Saturday, March 24th. All the details can be found at WWW.ARPSE.ORG. There are events listed there through Oct 20 as of today. The signup for the Days of '47 Parade are there on page 4 and several have already signed up. Lots more are needed. Scouting For Food could probably use almost double the number they have signed up.

The nation has had some very unexpected weather this year and I'm sure there will be more weather emergencies as the year goes along. In spite of the tornadoes we have already had, tornado season hasn't even started yet!

Here is a drill for this week. The disaster is over and the 145.45 repeater is down. So are most of the repeaters in the valley. Lots of traffic is on simplex voice, plus packet and other digital modes.

Some of the newer hams may not know what to do with the 145.45 repeater down. How can you contact them or answer their questions? This is when you want to remember some of the things you learned when studying for your Tech Exam. The 145.45 repeater TRANSMITS on a frequency of 145.45, but it LISTENS on 144.850, 600 KiloHertz down from the transmit frequency.

When those new hams key up on the 145.45 frequency, nobody tuned to 145.45 will hear them because of the offset. On your radio there is some way to put your radio in "Reverse" mode which causes it to switch the Transmit and Receive frequencies. Now you are listening on 144.850 and transmitting on 145.45. If anyone within simplex range is trying to reach others on 145.45, you can communicate with them by placing your radio into the Reverse mode.

Remember how to do that? It is very easy on most mobile radios, they have a single button for reverse although on some mobile radios (and just about ALL handi talkies) it is a two button operation involving the Function key + the reverse key.

Once you get everybody checked in and onto a free simplex frequency, you can get out of the reverse mode by pressing the same key or keys you used to get into reverse mode.

Once everybody is on the same frequency, you can, with a few button presses, remove the offset altogether and just place your radio in the simplex mode, while still on the 145.45 Frequency.

You should have a "cheat sheet" in your grab and go that tells how to get into VFO mode, enter a frequency, offset and PL Tone and save it into memory. There are several portable repeaters that will come online in an actual emergency but they almost certainly will NOT operate on any of the repeater frequency pairs you have programmed into your radio.

If you do not know how to put in a new pair (maybe even one with an odd split) you aren't going to be able to communicate.

More next week.

-N7OZH, O. D. Williams-

FCC approves licensing surveillance robots in 70 cm band

There is more info on the FCC web site. Here is the gist of the order. Thanks to ND5Y for posting this on QRZ.com.

In this Order we grant, subject to certain limitations outlined below, applications for authorization filed by the public safety agencies listed in the attached Appendix to deploy and operate the surveillance robot known as the “Recon Scout” for public safety purposes.1 The Recon Scout is a remote-controlled, maneuverable surveillance robot manufactured by ReconRobotics, Inc. (ReconRobotics), which transmits real-time video surveillance data.2 In granting the applications, we deny the Petition to Deny Applications filed against each of the subject applications by the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio (ARRL), the series of pleadings entitled Petition to Deny Applications/Conditional Authority and First Amended Petition to Deny, which Mr. James Edwin Whedbee (Whedbee) filed against these applications, as well as all associated challenges filed in related pleadings against these applications.3

ND5Y
QRZ Ham Member
======
Amateur Radio Newsline has a website located at www.arnewsline.org. More ham radio info here.
======
HAM HAPPENINGS: SARL LEAP YEAR CHALLENGE

Hams are invited to take part in the South Africa Radio League-sponsored Leap Year Challenge on Wednesday February 29th. The challenge starts at 00:01 and ends at 23:59 South Africa Time. Modes acceptable include phone, CW and digital activity on all bands including HF, VHF, UHF and microwaves.

The objective is simply to make as many contacts as you can on this day. The rules permit you to work a station once only regardless of band, mode or call sign.

Logs go by e-mail to zs4bfn (at) netactive (dot) co (dot) za and must be received by midnight Friday March 2nd, 2012. A South Africa Radio League membership is up for grabs for the log received with the most QSO’s made.

Also this reminder: If you do not take part, you will have to wait until 2016 to put the date February 29th into your logbook! (SARL)
=====
DX

In DX, Albania will be on the air during the 2012 CQ WPX SSB Contest. This with word that TA1HZ will operate from that nation as ZA1TC for the period of March 23rd to the 26th that includes the contest weekend. During his spare time outside the contest he will try to work some PSK31, especially on 30m band. Details and QSL info is on www.qrz.com.

Lastly, HA5PP will be active from Malta as 9H3PP on May 26th and 27th during the CQ WW WPX CW Contest as a Single-Operator Single-Band entry. Activity outside of the contest will be on 6 and 12 meters, and possibly s 17 meters as well. QSL via HA5PP.

(Above from various DX news sources)
====

Emergency Freqs and Records Safety

There are some emergency frequencies that have been agreed on internationally. It would be wise to program these into your HT radios and mobile VHF/UHF rigs. Check the manual for your radio. Some of them cover at least a portion of the HF bands. You will not usually hear anything of the HF bands on your HT/Mobile unless ONE of the following two conditions are met.

1. One of the HF stations is close by.
2. You have an outside antenna that you can connect to your radio.

I know that the second one works because I have noticed several HT/Mobile reviews where the radio tuned HF when connected to an outside antenna. It does not even have to be an HF antenna, just a long wire will work fine and you will get some stations using your outdoor HT/Mobile antenna.

If your radio can tune the HF bands, the following are some frequencies you might want to program into your radios.

14.265 - SATERN (Weather disasters)
14.300 - Maritime Mobile Service Net (This is one of three global "Center Of Activity" disaster frequencies set aside by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).

Others include:
7.045 and 3.720 Mhz (IARU Rgion 2 nets).
14.265 and 7.265 and 3.977 Mhz (SATERN Nets)

The International Radio Emergency Support Coalition (IRESC) is also active on EchoLink node 27817.

The idea here is not to communicate on the HF frequencies, you must have an HF radio and antenna to do that. The goal is to be able to monitor HF traffic for a wider perspective on the scope of the disaster and to learn about needs and resources in a wider area.

14.300, 18.160 and 21.360 MHZ are the three global Center of Activity (CoA) frequencies.

Of course, IRLP will be going strong in almost any disaster.
===
Now, how to keep your records intact in an emergency and how to avoid identity theft. Unless your state requires it, do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead put "Photo ID Required" in the signature block. If your state rerquires them to be signed, then sign then and write "Photo ID Required" above your signature.

When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "FOR" line. Just put the first 4 and last 4 digits. If your credit card account includes a member number, use that instead.

Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. Same for the address info. Best of all is a PO Box. NEVER have your SS# printed on your checks.

Place the contents of your wallet/purse on a photocopy machine and scan both sides. Now if there is a problem, you have the account numbers and the 800 numbers to call to report a theft of your card.

If your cards are stolen, file a police report. This proves to credit providers that you were diligent. Place a fraud alert on your cards and also file a fraud alert with the SS Administration.

Notify the 3 credit card agencies of the problem.

Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

Social Security Fraud Line = 1-800-269-0271

That's all for today.

N7OZH
===

10 Best Home Remedies

#1 - Ten Best Home Remedies
#2 - CyberGuys.com for accessories
#3 - Cheap simple portable antenna mast
#4 - Repurposing

#1
Here are some great tips from the UK Telegraph on The Ten Best Homemade Remedies. I am not endorsing these, I am only passing them on. Each ends with a reminder to check with your healthcare professional before mixing some of these with prescription drugs.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8888987/The-ten-best-homemade-remedies.html

THE TEN BEST HOMEMADE REMEDIES

#1 Chicken soup

To treat: Common cold

Served up for centuries to children feeling under the weather, chicken soup is a common remedy frequently called upon in the cold season. Not only does it a provide a warm, nourishing meal, some claim to have scientific proof that the soup can help reduce the activity of white blood cells, responsible for causing the respiratory symptoms of the common cold.

Disclaimer: always consult your doctor for advice before taking medicinal homemade remedies.
===
#2 Clove oil (CAUTION)

To treat: Toothache

Clove oil is a brilliant source of eugenol, a natural pain killer and antibacterial and is a popular toothache cure in folk medicine. Usually it is administered by mixing a few drops with 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil, applying cotton wool soaked in the mixture to the painful area. However individuals using clove oil should note the risks involved. Undiluted clove oil in contact with the mouth can cause burning, tissue or nerve damage and pain, with large doses potentially leading to vomiting, sore throat, seizure, difficulty breathing, kidney failure, or liver damage. Clove oil should not be applied to broken skin.

Disclaimer: always consult your doctor for advice before taking medicinal homemade remedies.
===
#3 Bicarbonate of soda

To treat: Upset stomach

Commonly known as baking soda, bicarbonate of soda is the main ingredient in most over the counter antacids such as Pepto-Bismol. It works via a chemical reaction with excess stomach acid, resulting in a more neutral pH in your stomach. Dissolving a teaspoon in a cup of water, provides an easy and cheap way of dealing with upset stomachs, although it does taste a little salty.

Disclaimer: always consult your doctor for advice before taking medicinal homemade remedies.
===
#4 Whole fat milk

To treat: Cold sores

Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus and therefore cannot be cured, however there are plenty of ingenious ways to speed up the recovery time of the unnattractive blistering. A popular and simple remedy is whole fat milk which contains Monocaprin. The presence of the Monocaprin reduces the virus' activity and the milk promotes healing in the affected areas.

Disclaimer: always consult your doctor for advice before taking medicinal homemade remedies.
===
#5 Honey

To treat: Sore throats

Honey must surely be the best tasting 'medicine' of all. Consumed by itself or as an ingredient in an Ayurvedic style lemon and ginger tea, honey has been proved in a scientific study to be just as effective as some branded cough syrups.

Disclaimer: always consult your doctor for advice before taking medicinal homemade remedies.
===
#6 Vinegar

To treat: Sun burn

While the only way to avoid the dangers and pain of sun burn is to cover up and wear plenty of sun cream, there are a few ways to cool the skin from the irritating effects of prolonged sun exposure. Suprisingly, applying vinegar, either pure or in solution, to the skin via a spray bottle can help relieve the burning sensation. Covering the area overnight with a tea towel will also help to continue the cooling effect, although the distinctly vinegary smell can become unpleasant.

Disclaimer: always consult your doctor for advice before taking medicinal homemade remedies.
===
#7 Duct tape

To treat: Warts

Another everyday item with scientific backing to prove its healing power is duct tape, which can be used to remove warts. Although usually taking about 28 days to heal the wart, the duct tape method completely resolved the warts in 85% of the cases as opposed to 60% of those using the cryotherapy method, in the study linked.

Disclaimer: always consult your doctor for advice before taking medicinal homemade remedies.

===

#8 Nail polish

To treat: Insect bites

Used to form a protective layer over the bitten area, clear nail polish is said to prevent irritation, allowing the body to heal the wound unhindered by the compulsion to itch.

Disclaimer: always consult your doctor for advice before taking medicinal homemade remedies.
===

#9 Talcum powder

To treat: Greasy hair

In the husle and busle of modern life sometimes there just isn't time to shower. Whilst perfume and deodrant can mask the unshowered smell, talcum powder can be used to disguise greasy hair. Simply running about a teaspoon of powder through your hair with a comb or hands will leave it looking much less oily and unwieldy.

Disclaimer: always consult your doctor for advice before taking medicinal homemade remedies.
===

#10 Olive oil

To treat: Earache

Warm olive oil is a remedy used by many parents of small children to combat the discomfort of earaches. It is believed that the warm oil soothes the inflammed eardrum, relieving the pain associated with earaches, caused by mucus blocking the a tube used to equalise air pressure on either side of the eardrum.

Disclaimer: always consult your doctor for advice before taking medicinal homemade remedies.
===
#2
GREAT PLACE FOR ACCESSORIES

HTTP://WWW.CYBERGUYS.COM
===
#3
PAINT POLE-PLASTIC-EXTENDS TO 20 FEET. GREAT CHEAP LIGHT ANTENNA MAST.

These are available at stores like Home Depot and Lowes, etc. They are cheaper than any Ham Radio antenna mast and since they collapse, they are very convenient and much easier to transport than standard Ham Radio masts.
===
#4
REPURPOSING

In an emergency, "making do" with whatever is at hand may mean the difference between success and failure. This often means using something in a way not originally intended.

Some examples:

TENNIS BALL CONTAINER EMERGENCY KIT.
CABLE TIES (FOR COMPUTERS - WORKS GREAT ON ANY CABLE INCLUDING HAM RADIO)
TIE WRAPS WITH "FLAGS" FOR LABELING. (CyberGuys)
RUBBER BAND WITH A HARD "T" ON ONE END FOR CABLES. (Harbor Freight)
BUNGY CORDS
NITE IZE CABLE WRAPS (A plastic coated bendable wire.) [CyberGuys]
PLASTI-DIP AND STRONG WIRE (Make your own cable wraps) [Harbor Freight]
EDGE OF TABLE CABLE KEEPERS - Keeps your cables from falling off the table when they are disconected. [CyberGuys.com]
Empty plastic water bottle - you can boil water in one of these. (The water keeps the plastic cool enough to prevent the bottle from melting over an open flame. This will NOT work on a stove. It has only been tested using a campfire.)

That's it for this week. 73's de N7OZH

Several Things

Today:
More on CFL Bulbs - almost house fire!
Quality LED Flashlights
Emergency Preparedness Forms
Winter Prep
Scanner Emergency Warnings

I received this from Scott, W7OXZ.

More CFL ammunition, This was on a bog complaining about LED lamp quality problems.
From http://www.edn.com/blog/, an electronics industry magazine web site.

cgqnw commented:

CFL almost burned my house down. I have a table lamp that we leave on all the time. Base down in a heated room. No moisture. We came home from a short trip to find the fixture melted and black. The lamp shade was a pile of carbon dust except for a few shreds on the wire bracket. We were just really lucky that the fire did not get to the drapes 4 feet away. I have never heard of an incandescent 60 watt bulb burning a house down. Also, very little polution or energy used in manufacturing and they do not fade the furniture or pictures. I am sure that with all of the manufacturing energy and polution in all of the parts assembled for LED or CFL lighting that you will never come close to becoming green....Stay green and buy incandescent bulbs. I have several hundred that I have put away, and they were all made in the USA.

I've got to do some research to find out why he referred to "no moisture". I have now found several sources that say to NEVER leave a CFL bulb in a socket that is on a timer. If the bulb burns out and the timer puts power to the CFL bulb, fire is the most common result.

Also, if you are in a room and a CFL burns out, you are advised to turn the switch off immediately to prevent a CFL fire. Never had that problem with incandescent bulbs, did we?
---
Quality LED Flashlights

The free flashlights from Harbor Tools are nice, but not super bright. Commercial flashlights are a different story. I have several that were sold by www.Brinkmann.net. These babies are BRIGHT. Of course, the lower intensity Harbor Freight freebies will make your battery last longer whereas the super bright ones will run your batteries down faster.
---
Emergency Preparedness Forms

You can get some great Emergency Prep forms at the following web site:
http://erclindon.org
Some great stuff there.
---
Winter Prep

I don't think that there can be any doubt that winter has arrived. If you have not already done so, this would be a good time to place candles, a blanket, and either led flashlights or cyalume light sticks (or both) in your cars.

We've already had some power outages. Do you have LED flashlights sprinkled around your house and office for such emergencies? One member of this net told me that he has LED flashlights located at every place in the house where he EVER sits down and also by the bed. Same in our house. In our house, when we are sitting down or in bed, we are no more than than 2 feet from an LED flashlight.
---
Scanner Emergency Warnings

If you have a modern scanner radio, check to see if it has a SAME option in its Weather Scan features. If so, the scanner can be set to stay silent until NOAA issues an extreme weather alert (at 1050 Hz tone) and then the scanner comes alive and you can hear the warning. Many farmers use this feature to give them a head start when bad weather is on its way in.

You can also set the SAME feature to stay in the background while you scan other frequencies such as ham radio, law enforcement, etc. Once the Hazardous Weather alert is received, the scanner ignores normal scans and switches to playing only the severe weather alert.

Look online for the manual for the Uniden BC-246T scanner for an example of this type of feature. Others also have this. You can Google weather SAME alert for more info on this handy feature.
---

That's it for this week. 73's de N7OZH.

CFL bulbs and Mercury in YOUR home.

Thanks to Scott, W7OXZ, for the following link. The state of Maine has done extensive testing on CFL bulbs and has published their findings for all to see. If nothing else, at least go to the referenced page and scroll down to read the Executive Summary. Is it "good" news that a broken CFL bulb can only raise the airborne mercury content in your home to just 3,333 times the safe level? Is it "good" news that the location on the floor where the bulb broke can take your in home mercury level to 1,500 times the safe level anytime anyone walks over it, even after a thorough clean up? Might be OK for you, not for me.

Here is the link for the story: http://www.maine.gov/dep/homeowner/cflreport.html

Utah VHF SWAP MEET - FEB 25 at the State FairPark - Show is from 8AM TO 11AM. Come early for the best deals, stay late for the drawings. Members of the Foothill Group and members of MARA have won prizes in prior drawings. Their web page is HERE.

Ham Radio and Computer Maintenance

Most hams use computers for some aspect of their lives. In an emergency the radio/computer combo is going to be essential for data logging and also for digital mode communications and EchoLink communications.

Herewith, some programs to help maintain your computer, keep it running at peak speed, avoiding viruses, cleaning up wasted hard drive space, etc.

For CPU temp monitoring I use Core Temp http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/
For backup I use Create Synchronicity. (http://synchronicity.sourceforge.net/)
For video and music playing I use VLC media player. (http://www.videolan.org/)

For malware protection and security I use ESET Smart Security 5. (http://www.eset.com/us/)
For housekeeping I use:
Kingsoft PC Doctor (http://www.kingsoftsecurity.com/)
and PC Pit Stop PCMatic (http://www.pcpitstop.com/store/pcmatic.asp)

and Revo Uninstaller Pro (http://www.revouninstaller.com/)
and Driver Max PRO (http://www.drivermax.com/
and CCleaner (http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner).

and Tweaking.com Windows Repair (All-In-One). (http://www.tweaking.com/)
For anonymous surfing I use Hide My IP (http://www.hide-my-ip.com/hidemyip.shtml).
For screen captures I use Snagit (http://www.techsmith.com/snagit.html).

For finding WiFi networks I use inSSIDer (http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/).
For PC-2-PC remote access I use LogMeIn Free (https://secure.logmein.com/)

For ThinkPad-2-PC remote access I use Splashtop Streamer (http://www.splashtop.com/streamer/do...remotedownload) and the webOS client.
For PDF tasks I use PDF-XChange (http://www.tracker-software.com/).

For CPU core temps I use Core Temp (http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/).
For HTML editing I use Microsoft Expression Web (http://www.microsoft.com/expression/..._overview.aspx).

For web hosting I use myHosting (http://myhosting.com/).
For my laptop OS I use Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium. (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...mpare?T1=tab04)
For office software I use I use Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/ee390818).

For digital picture management I use Picasa (http://picasa.google.com/).
For web browsing I use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer when necessary.

For torrent files I use uTorrent (http://www.utorrent.com/).
For ZIP files I use ZIP Genius suite (http://zipgenius-suite.en.softonic.com/).
For eBook management I use calibre (http://calibre-ebook.com/).

For access to an IBM i system I use IBM iSeries Access for Windows.
For picture viewing I use IrfanView (http://www.irfanview.com/).
For iPad management I use iTunes.

For MP3 volume management I use MP3Gain (http://mp3gain.sourceforge.net/).
For MP3 tag management I use MP3Tag (http://www.mp3tag.de/en/).
There are a few dozen other less important or less oft used, including some from www.karenware.com (RIP Karen).

The above list is from a blogger named RTWIGG.

========== FROM GOOGLE ====
http://www.iobit.com/press/free-anti-malware-iobit-security-360.html

Free Anti-Malware Security 360 Has Won Great Popularity

Oct 2, 2009 – Advanced security software provider IObit has been receiving widespread acclaim among almost all professionals, editors and users worldwide for the latest release of its free anti-malware product, Security 360. All the reviewers evaluate IObit Security 360's ability to block the installation of almost all malware, to clean detected malware more thoroughly than any other product, to keep malware from regaining a foothold on the system and to update in the background with no user interaction as reasons for its good reputation.

=============== O. D.'s Favorites ==============

360Amigo System Speedup Free

http://download.cnet.com/360Amigo-System-Speedup-Free/3000-18512_4-75206713.html

At first, 360Amigo System Speedup Free seemed to be of the more-tease-than-tool school of free system cleaners, and certainly its developers would like you to buy their premium package. But the free tool proved to be a good performer that will help many users keep their PCs running smooth and safe.

As with so many freeware versions of premium system utilities, 360Amigo's interface is stylish and heavy on the graphics and captions that explain what each feature does. The program consists of a system cleaner and a system optimizer, with a number of extra utilities, though some of the advanced tools are only available with the paid software. As with similar software, 360Amigo's System Cleaner scans for junk files and invalid or orphaned registry entries, runs a privacy sweep, defragments your disk drives, and restores your system to a previous state (if necessary). We performed a scan, and 360Amigo displayed its results along with some alarming graphics suggesting our well-maintained system's status was "bad," which free system cleaners are prone to do. We could de-select items for cleaning by unchecking their boxes, and the folder views let us see which files in each category the program was targeting for removal; in fact, 360Amigo's utilities offered more information about the files to be cleaned than many premium tools we've seen. After making our selections, we ran the first cleaner. Here's where many free tools clean a few errors and offer to clean the rest for a price, but 360Amigo powered through all three tools. Next we tried the System Optimizer, which includes an unusually detailed Startup Manager, a NetState tool that identifies all open connections and lets users terminate connections instantly, and a process manager, services manager, and uninstaller. The Tools menu offered an impressive array of extras like a Duplicate File Finder, a full Backup & Restore application, a drivers manager, a file recovery tool, and many others.

After we'd run 360Amigo's scan but before we let it fix the errors it found, we ran similar tools, including a premium package, for comparison. While the results were similar, 360Amigo's scan turned up some files the others didn't. The acid test came after we rebooted: 360Amigo's changes did no harm, and while our system didn't run noticeably better, we had the satisfaction of knowing the junk was gone from our system.
=================
KeePass Password Safe

www.http://keepass.info/

What is KeePass?
Today you need to remember many passwords. You need a password for the Windows network logon, your e-mail account, your website's FTP password, online passwords (like website member account), etc. etc. etc. The list is endless. Also, you should use different passwords for each account. Because if you use only one password everywhere and someone gets this password you have a problem... A serious problem. The thief would have access to your e-mail account, website, etc. Unimaginable.

KeePass is a free open source password manager, which helps you to manage your passwords in a secure way. You can put all your passwords in one database, which is locked with one master key or a key file. So you only have to remember one single master password or select the key file to unlock the whole database. The databases are encrypted using the best and most secure encryption algorithms currently known (AES and Twofish).

I use KeePass dozens of times a day. So does everybody in the office. So does everybody at home. I only know ONE password, the one that opens KeePass. It knows all the rest. In fact, it knows the URL of every website, the login name and the login password. If there are authentication questions such as "Mother's Maiden Name", it can keep those also.

Best of all, if you are on a machine that has an evil keylogger program installed to steal your passwords, KeePass defeats it. KeePass does not TYPE login info, it PASTES in your login. No keys are pressed and the evil keylogger does not even know that you have logged in.

You can also Google and download "Portable APPS" and the portable version of KeePass. Now you can put the whole thing on a thumb drive and login from anywhere. Don't worry about loosing the thumb drive, Keepass is useless without the startup password or token.

By the way, KeePass can also generate passwords that are almost impossible to crack using password crackers. Passwords like this - LQ&?ydBFr%)} or this - Da($RSU@[#c3. It would take the biggest computer in the world several trillion years to crack a password that contains upper and lower case letters plus numbers plus punctuation characters. There have been several articles written about this.

Have fun and keep those computers humming at peak performance.

Until next time, 73 from N7OZH.
===============

Edge of your seat book read.

If you have a Nook book reader or if you have installed the Nook software on your PC and set up a (free) account through Barnes & Noble. There is a book you should know about.

I've never talked about anything on here that was not related to Ham Radio or Emergency Preparedness, but this is a well deserved exception.

The book is called OXYGEN by John Olson and Randy Ingermanson. It is available at Barnes & Noble as a hardback, paperback or as a NOOK Book (eBook).

The story follows 4 astronauts as they travel to Mars. It is one of the greatest WhoDoneIt's I have ever read! The first sentence in the book has the main character fighting for life and it never lets up. As soon as one disaster is ALMOST under control, here comes a worse one! Half way in you will suspect all the main characters of being a saboteur. Further in you will suspect all NASA employees. The ending is a twist you could not possibly see coming. Well written, believable characters you identify with. I stayed up late every night until I finished this book. I kept thinking that their situation couldn't possibly get any worse. It got 10 times worse. Again and again and again and ... Just read the book, you'll see what I mean.

Read the appendix, the authors have web sites with more info. By the way, every device mentioned in the book exists. Every process mentioned is real and is done on the Space Station. The book is technically, medically, and scientifically correct. You won't notice all that, though, you'll just wonder how anybody could get out of the fix the astronauts are in. And then the next fix is even more severe. This is like Job in the Old Testament. While he is being informed of one disaster someone runs up and tells him of another even worse disaster.

OXYGEN is only $2.99 in the Nook version.

When you finish that, try Michael Crichton's novel "Prey". An enemy so small it is invisible to the naked eye, travels in giant swarms, is programmed to kill off the human race and has no natural enemies. Super tiny flying robot "bugs" with wings and feet that can slice through flesh like it was warm butter. Oh, by the way, they have the ability to build more of themselves and to repair each other. They are also super smart and have the ability to learn and improvise. Good luck surviving the swarm! This is another "can't put it down" book.

Enjoy!

-O. D.- N7OZH

Balloon with APRS sails from California to Algeirs!

A ham in California launched a balloon with APRS station K6RPT on board. It was tracked all across the USA, departed the East Coast and went over the ocean where it was tracked by various ships, islands and other stations. Last traced just north of Algeria (in Africa). Altitude had dropped from 100K feet to 14K feet - the balloon has probably popped and is very likey in the drink by now.

When you go to the web page, go to the right side of the page and click to view 3 days of data. Then you can see the entire track. Pretty impressive.

(Click the title to view the APRS page at aprs.fi)

Read about it on QRZ.com here.

===================================
Reverse-911 system fails to notify all residents - system being replaced.

This little county in Oregon has only 26,000 residents in the entire county and the Reverse-911 system was not up to calling all of them. Salt Lake County is a LOT bigger than that and we have a Reverse-911 system. Please share this with every emergency planner you know.
http://www.thenewsguard.com/news/article_d579f4ce-0fe1-11e1-8313-001cc4c03286.html

For a definition and explanation of a Reverse-911 system, you can visit this WikiPedia page. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_911

===================================
Cheapest fire starter -
metal scrubbing pads - like Brillo. Touch the pad to the + and - terminals
of a D size battery or a 9 Volt battery and prepare for FLAMES. You should
be holding/positioning the scrubbing pad over the intended target BEFORE
applying the battery.

==================================
Preparedness Expo and Ham Radio
Info KE7ORB - slcfoothillnet.blogspot.com Take a look at Dave's blog. Lots
and Lots of useful information on there!

==================================
RESCUE TAPE - Great stuff for sealing outdoor antenna/cable connections. Can be used to repair leaks in car radiator hoses. Withstands temps to 1500 degrees and
pressures up to 750 PSI. Where to get it - RV SHOW - SPORTSMANS SHOW -
STATE TRAILER SUPPLY - TRUCK STOPS, etc.
==================================
Radio Features for disaster Prep. These are a MUST in a disaster.
1. Ability to punch in a VFO simplex frequency
2. Ability to punch in a VFO repeater frequency with offset and tone.
3. Ability to enable/disable Squelch Codes.

(CTCSS & DCS = Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System & Digital Coded Squelch)
CTCSS is a sub-audible tone of a particular frequency. 42 freqs from 67.0 to 254.1. numbered 1 to 42.
DCS is a sub-audible tone that represents a 3 digit octal number (0 thru 7). There are 104 predefined sets from 023 to 754

ODD OFFSET RPTR - HOW TO DO IT
NUM OF FREQ - CHEAT CARD FOR FREQS
DOWNLOAD RADIO MANUAL

===================================
Some Emergency Prep Info:

http://www.equipped.com/earthqk.htm

http://www.ARPSE.ORG
For earthquake preparedness, this equipment and these supplies should be stored in waterproof, or at the least, water resistant containers in a SECURE location on the property AWAY FROM THE HOUSE or any likely damage or loss from falling structures, if possible. Use combination locks (all with the same combination) to secure supplies, keys can be lost. Make sure all household members have the combination memorized.

Keep the existence of these supplies a secret from all others. Loose lips can result in stolen or pilfered supplies. When you need them, they may not be there.

If you have a scanner and a CD burner, another strategy is to scan all critical papers and records and place them on a CD. This CD can also be sent to another responsible party for safekeeping.
===================================
Great Handouts and Ideas at these two locations.
http://www.ke7hlr.com/emcomm/ecw08/personal_go-kit_handout.pdf

http://www.fabulousrocketeers.com/WA4DQS_Go_Kit_Ideas.htm
===================================

Excellent way to store water at home.

www.waterbob.com - Food Grade Plastic - Funnel On Top - Ciphon On Bottom -
Holds 100 Gal Buy 4 - Get One Free. Search On Google - Some Sites
Resell These For 1/2 The Listed Price.
======================================

N7OZH

John Dinkelman + various Ham Radio Topics

John Dinkelman, KC7AW passed away on October 9th. His obit in the Deseret News can be viewed here.

John, or "Dink" as we knew him, was one of the first MARA members and was very active on MARA and other nets. He built many of his own Ham Radio accessories and was unbeatable at tying knots.

He will be missed. You can leave a comment on the obit page in the legacy section. I have placed a comment there in behalf of MARA, but you are welcome to leave your own best wishes and fond memories.
----
There was much discussion on tonight's net about headsets. On eBay, search for the seller named "kawamall". He sells more than anyone else and has throat mikes and other accessories.
---
You can get some other great deals from the eBay seller "W2ENY". I have purchased several items from him and have always been impressed with the quality. One of his cables (with the right software) will allow you to place the audio from your radio on the internet and monitor it at the office or the beach. More details here.

Scroll to the end of the listing to see the info about listening to your rig at home from your office at work.
---
Halloween Info for the Adventuresome.
Those little plastic pumpkin carving tools you see at the grocery store are for little kids. Adults (aka "Real Manly Men")use POWER TOOLS!

A sawzall will take the top (or bottom) off a pumpkin in under 15 seconds. A scroll saw will make short work of cutting out the design. Need to just cut part way through? Grab the Router!

Last year I only did one pumpkin, but it was done in less than 2 minutes. I used a cordless drill fitted with hole saw attachments. Two quick plunges for the eyes, change blades, one quick plunge for the nose, change blades, three overlapping plunges for the mouth. Finished! It took me longer to clean the power tools than it did to "carve" the pumpkin.

You can see some amazing samples and pick up tool tips by Googling "Extreme Pumpkin Carving". There are LOTS of people who do this stuff. It's been shown on television many times and books have been written about it.

One of the best sites for Extreme Pumpkin info is here. There is an entire section on Pumpkin PyroTechnics. Imagine a gruesome pumpkin with 3 foot flames shooting upward from his head. Easy to do and it burns for up to 45 minutes.

After you have been doing this for a few years and get really good at it, you might want to graduate into Psycho Pumpkin Carving. At the Psycho level you are only allowed to use ONE tool to carve the entire pumpkin. The tool? A 22 caliber rifle! Look on the bright side, you will be carving two sides at once! Rifle "carved" pumpkins have the added benefit of being bidirectional which means that when lit they show a face in front and project one in back on the wall of your house!

So, if you have lots of spare time, use the rinky dinky little plastic tools. If you are pressed for time, GRAB THE POWER TOOLS!
---
Happy Halloween from N7OZH.

Preparedness Expo and Ham Radio Info

KE7ORB - slcfoothillnet.blogspot.com
Take a look at Dave's blog. Lots and Lots of useful information on there!
=====
There is a Preparedness Expo coming to the Salt Lake Expo Center October 7 and 8. The following link gives info and gets a $2.00 discount on all tickets. Adults $9, Seniors $7, 12 & under FREE. With the discount, Adults are $7 and Seniors are $5. http://www.selfrelianceexpo.com/
=====
Fantastic ham radio and emergency prep pages. These are FASCINATING!

http://www.ke7hlr.com/emcomm/ecw08/personal_go-kit_handout.pdf

http://www.fabulousrocketeers.com/WA4DQS_Go_Kit_Ideas.htm
=====
RESCUE TAPE - Can be used to repair leaks in car radiator hoses. Withstands temps to 1500 degrees and pressures up to 750 PSI. Where to get it - RV SHOW - SPORTSMANS
SHOW - STATE TRAILER SUPPLY - TRUCK STOPS, etc.
=====
KJ7ABC - 9PM Thursdays - SE Div Comm Net - 147.50 Simplex
OCT 15 SLC Emerg Exercise - Sgrhse Park
NOV 12 Incident Command Seminar KM7TMS
For more info, contact KJ7ABC - ssmithrph@aol.com
=====
N7OVT - Ham Radio Tech Class October 21,22,28,29 - 4 DAYS $45 which covers manual+registration+door prizes.
contact N70VT@ARRL.NET
=====
The following abilities will be VERY handy during an actual wide spread emergency. On the Wednesday night MARA net (9PM on 146.74 and 448.10 each with a tone of 114.8) we will be practicing these sometime during October. The date of the test will not be given in advance - it's like a pop quiz. These three actions need to be on a "cheat sheet" that you have in your grab and go kit AND at your home operating position so that you can do them instantly.

Radio Features for disaster Prep.
1. Ability to punch in a VFO simplex frequency
2. Ability to punch in a VFO repeater frequency with offset and tone.
3.Ability to enable/disable Squelch Codes.

(CTCSS & DCS = Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System & Digital Coded Squelch) CTCSS is a sub-audible tone of a particular frequency. 42 freqs from 67.0 to 254.1. numbered 1 to 42.
DCS is a sub-audible tone that represents a 3 digit octal number (0 thru 7). There are 104 predefined sets from 023 to 754

The three features listed above and MANY more are on cheat sheets that various places have for sale. There are pocket sized cheat sheets for all radios made in the last 10 years. Search eBay or aesham.com for Mini Manuals.
=====
Small & Medium Sized Businesses often do not recover from a major disaster. Families can also lose valuable information or items that cannot be replaced. Most college campuses now have cell phone emergency notification procedures in place. REVERSE-911 CALLS ALL CELL & LAND LINE PHONE

To get on a Reverse 911 system for Salt Lake City, contact Beth Todd fire mgr btodd@vecc9-1-1.com

KJ7ABC says that if you want to be registered for alert systems - u of u & u hosp - visit www.slcgov.com/em There you can sign up for SLC alerts.
=====
The following info can be VERY handy after an emergency when some cell towers may be damaged or destroyed. There will also be portable emergency cell towers placed in service after a disaster.

How to Update Cell Tower Codes.
Verizon and Sprint use what is called a CDMA network. While using a CDMA network, there are times when a user has to manually update their PRL, or preferred Roaming List. This is usually when your cell phone provider is building new towers or you find yourself getting poor service in places you use to get good service.

Dial *228 and then press option 2 on your Verizon cell phone. You will hear music to confirm that the new PRL is downloading.

Call customer service and get approved for a PRL update if you are using Sprint. After being approved, dial *2 and follow the prompts. Once complete, your PRL will be up-to-date.

Use the "Update PRL" option in your settings if you are using an Android device. This can be found by going to your home screen, pressing the "Menu"
button then "Settings," "System Updates" and "Update PRL." Your device will automatically download the new PRL.

The PRL Update info needs to be in your Grab and Go kit and also in your travel luggage.
=====
More info from KJ7ABC - WATER BOB - WWW.WATERBOB.COM - Emergency water storage device made from food grade plastic - funnel on top - siphon on bottom - holds 100 gal buy 4 - get one free. search on google - some sites resell these for 1/2 the listed price.

Water Bob is not for storing water long term. Normally, the Water Bob is just stored deflated in a closet. Once disaster hits, place Water Bob in the tub and fill it from the tub spigot. Now you have 100 gallons of water to use during the emergency. Discard after the emergency is over.
=====
The MOST incredible antenna I have ever used. Covers 2 Meters and 70 CentiMeters with a single feed line. Just $39.00.
Arrow Antenna - http://www.arrowantennas.com/osj/j-pole.html
=====
Harbor Freight
Trickle Battery Chargers - $4.99, regularly $12.99 Magnesium Fire
Starters - $ 1.99 in flyer or $2.99 off the shelf - $8.00 and up elsewhere. I saw them in Ace Hardware today for $8.99. The exact same ones that are at Harbor Freight for $1.99 to $2.99.
=====
The ham radio term for this post is SWAMPING. Swamping is a more powerful signal that is close by and overloads your receiver front end so that you cannot receive weaker signals on the frequency that you are tuned to. For example, if a 100 Watt police car radio is transmitting within about 50 feet of your handy talky, it will "swamp" your radio and you will not hear the frequency you are tuned to.
=====
I have received several excellent Ham Radio links and info from AD7LO and W7OXZ which I will be adding soon.

That is it for today, more soon. Hope to see you at the Emergency Preparedness Expo.

N7OZH

Simplex Frequencies

There are a number of simplex frequencies that we should have programmed into our VHF and UHF radios in the event of an emergency. More on those in a minute, here are some misc. items first.

There is a new Ham Radio Blog on the scene. You can check it out here.

There is a SE Division CERT net net at 9PM on Thursday's on 147.50 Simplex. I recommend listning in and this frequency should be in your radio in the event of an emergency because this is where Salt Lake County will be.

GOAL ZERO SOLAR PANELS & LED FLASHLIGHTS
You can find them using Google. They have a flashlight that can be used as a lantern or flashlight. It has a very long cord with a cigarette lighter plug on it so that it can be run from a car or an emergency gel cell. Goal Zero gets about $50 for it, but KE7ORB reports that they are at Emergency Essentials for about $35.

Speaking of flashlights, at Fresh Market Stores they have a red plastic flashlight that (at first glance) seems to be one of those big heavy flashlights that uses so called "lantern batteries" that are large and bulky and heavy and expensive. Not this one. It uses 4 AA cells and is the brightest flashlight I have EVER seen. The multi-function switch turns on the bright white light. Click it again and a RED light in the base turns on (white light goes off). Click again and the red light starts flashing as a warning beacon or emergency locator. Click again and all lights go off. There are two small metal contacts on the outside of the case. If the light is dropped in water, those two metal contacts sense the water and start the red emergency locator red light blinking automatically. About $15 and worth a lot more.






The above banner is for a phone service reseller called Kitty Wireless. They resell Verizon access. You can buy any amount of access that you want or need. Do you have an emergency phone that you never use but keep around for emergencies? How much per year does it cost you? How does $30/Year sound? With this service you have to put money in every 4 months (120 days) to keep your account active. Minimum amount you can put in is $10. That's just $30 a year for Verizon service. You can also put in $25 or $50 every 4 months. Or you can buy Talk-And-Text 1200 for just $29.95 per month. Now you get talk, text and data for a fraction of the Verizon cost. There is also an unlimited plan.

Here is the best part. You can bring your own phone. Any phone that works on Verizon you can activate through Kitty Wireless. Don't have an old Verizon Phone? go to eBay - you can pick them up for cheap. Want a brand new phone? Kitty sells new and refurbished phones. Go to Amazon and you can buy a brand new Palm Pixi Plus Smartphone for $39 and it is Verizon branded.

Sue and I dropped Verizon, went with Kitty Wireless and cut our cell phone bill to ONE FOURTH of what we were paying Verizon and we are STILL with Verizon (through Kitty Wireless)! Oh, you can port your existing cell phone number from Verizon or you can request a new cell phone number. And, best of all, for a limited time new cell phone activations are FREE and Kitty puts $2 on your phone to get you started.

We have been with Kitty Wireless for over 8 months and we love it. I'm big on saving money and this deal was a no brainer. Now I tell everyone I know about it and now I am telling you.

Here is a listing of simplex frequencies that will be crucial to have in your radio in the event of an emergency.

Lets start with SL/Tooele County MARA. Our simplex frequencies are 145.69, 145.31, 145.67 and 145.61. (NOTE: 145.31 is a repeater frequency in Cache and Carbon Counties and its simplex use is on a non-intererence basis only.

ERC simplex frequencies in our area are 145.49, 147.48, 147.44 and 146.60.

Salt Lake County ARES uses 147.54, 145.53, 146.42, 146.50 and 147.46.

The National Simplex Frequency is 146.52.

Code practice can be done on 146.58.

Council of Utah Amateur Radio Clubs uses 146.44 and 147.58.

I'll have more later, that's enough for now.

73 from N7OZH

AGM versus Gel Cell Batteries

If you have a Harbor Freight store in your area, there are presently some good deals on items for ham radio.

Trickle Battery Chargers - $4.99, regularly $12.99
Magnesium Fire Starters - $2.99 (They are $8.00 and up elsewhere)

There are many types of batteries on the market and three of them find heavy usage in ham radio EmComm applications.

Battery types
Car Battery
Gel Cells
NiCad (Nickel Cadmium)
Lithium Ion
NiMh (Nickle Metal Hydride)
AGM

Main difference is the charging rate. Lithium Ion batteries originally could not be recharged. Actually they could be, there just were not any commercially available chargers. Once those showed up, LiOn could be charged.

MAHA smart charger has a switch for Nicad, LiOn, NiMh. Only difference is charging rate.

For the longest time, AGMs could only be charged with special chargers.

All newer battery chargers CAN do Car Batteries, Gel Cells, and AGM. Newer UPS units for computers can also use AGM.

Batteries Plus is phasing out Gel Cells in favor of AGM batteries. Gel Cells have many advantage over "flooded cell" type car batteries. For one thing, they operate in any position. (Upside down they are a little less efficient). If the case is damaged, they will not leak and can be used (and sometimes even charged) with a broken case.

AGM has advantages over Gel Cells. Higher power ratings in smaller cases. For example, the 9 Amp Hour AGM battery is the same size as the 7 Amp Hour Gel Cell. The newer 4 Ah to 15 Ah AGM batteries use a smaller connector than the Gel Cells. If you are replacing the batteries, check the connectors carefully so you do not wind up with the small connectors on your cable (inside the UPS) and large connectors on the battery. You can plug the small battery connectors into the larger cable connectors, but not vice versa.

Soon Batteries Plus will also carry lightbulbs for anything that runs on batteries and possibly other types of lights.

Batteries Plus and Standard Supply can build battery packs for older radios, computers and devices for which batteries are no longer manufatured. For ham radios there is also the "battery lady" on the web located at http://www.nicdladyonline.com/

For some very interesting info on all types of Lead-Acid batteries including AGM, check the following web sites.

Battery Types: Flooded versus AGM and Gel
www.vonwentzel.net/Battery/01.Type/index.html

Battery Tutorial GEL vs. AGM
http://www.batterystuff.com/tutorial_battery_gel_agm.html

Deep Cycle Battery FAQ
http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm

VRLA battery - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRLA_battery

What is an AGM Battery and how do I charge it?
http://www.associatedequip.com/pdf/rightbattery.pdf

Some excellent Emergency Prep info regarding grab and go kits at the following two locations.

http://www.freewebs.com/wh7lh/emergencypreparedness.htm

http://www.chelseagreen.com - Grab and Run Survival Kits (72 Hours) By Matthew Stei

Ham Radio and Joplin Storms + DStar

Thanks to Scott, W7OXZ, for the following info:

Some thoughts on the outcome of the Joplin Tornado and Amateur Radio, having read reports form local newspapers, ham radio blogs and the ARRL newsletter

1) Amateur Radio played a useful role in helping with communications in coordination the evacuation of hospital patients from Joplin to hospitals in Springfield and Arkansas. Amateur Radio also was used by the Red Cross in shelter communications. These efforts are winding down and maybe terminated by now as more normal communications have been reestablished which has happened very quickly.

2) More importantly and I had never contemplated this, Many Amateurs were ready and able to help but did not self deploy into the area. If in our zeal to help we rush into a disaster but are not needed we only make matters worse for the incident command.

3) It is ironic that Congressman Billy Long, who is an out spoken opponent of attempts to develop tornado worming systems and a cosponsor for HR07 ,is from Joplin. The blogs have been having fun with him!!!

Aside from that there is an ARRL sponsored Webinar on DStar this evening.

______________

05/23/2011

Periodically, the ARRL’s Atlantic Division hosts a “webinar” -- an interactive Web-based seminar, designed to facilitate communication between a small number of presenters and a large remote audience using the Internet. Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR, and the National Capital Region D-STAR Association will present a two-part webinar discussion on D-STAR technology and its application to emergency communications. Anyone can register for these informative, interactive Internet meetings; you do not need to reside in the Atlantic Division to join in.

Part 1 will be presented on Wednesday, May 25 at 9 PM (EDT). This 90 minute webinar -- entitled D-STAR Basics -- will provide a general introduction to the topic of D-STAR and compares the technology to existing Amateur Radio systems. Examples of D-STAR innovation will also be presented. Click here to sign up for Part 1.

On Wednesday, June 8 at 9 PM (EDT), join in for Part 2 -- D-STAR and EmComm. This 90 minute webinar will provide a discussion on how D-STAR technology can benefit Amateur Radio EmComm scenarios. Examples of D-STAR applications to EMCOMM will also be presented, as well as future growth ideas. Click here to sign up for Part 2.
Scott
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There is also some interesting info about hams and the storms on the QRZ website located here.

That's it for now.

73 de N7OZH