Arizona ARES requests clear frequencies

[KC9ECI]

Quote[/b] ]Arizona ARES requests clear frequencies if needed for fire emergency (Jun 22, 2006) -- Given the heavy HF activity anticipated during Field Day weekend, Arizona Section Emergency Coordinator Rick Aldom, W7STS, has requested that radio amateurs steer clear of the ARES net frequencies of 7248 kHz (days) and 3992 kHz (night) and The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) frequency of 3977.7 kHz. These frequencies may be used for Arizona fire-related emergency traffic, if necessary. He notes that since the HF operation would employ NVIS (near-vertical incidence skywave) antennas, stations outside Arizona may not be able to hear any emergency nets. Aldom says he expects that most emergency communication will take place on VHF and UHF repeaters, however.

http://www.arrl.org/

[WA2ZDY]

Yeah, sure.

[ka0gkt]

I have the joy of traveling around Southern Arizona performing field strength readings for various public broadcasting transmitters and translators. #I was even surprised when I found places where I couldn't get in to a repeater.

Later I spoke with some of the Search and Rescue folks and they told me that there are quite a few places where the only way out of some valley or cañon was with HF and NVIS propagation. #They were experimenting with Hamsticks set up as dipoles and tripods as supports.

I am sure that Chris' "Yeah, Sure" attitude would change if ever there was a Natural disaster in the Garden State. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

73 DE KAØGKT/7

--Steve

[k9zmd]

I'm convinced that Chris only directed his comment at the likelihood that FD hams would steer clear of the requested frequencies.

[w4hwd]

Quote[/b] (ka0gkt @ June 24 2006,18:56)]I am sure that Chris' "Yeah, Sure" attitude would change if ever there was a Natural disaster in the Garden State. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

73 DE KAØGKT/7

--Steve
The Garden State is a man-made disaster...I was fortunate to get out when I was young.

I was trolling 40M this morning making calls for FD and had two bozos try to tell me the frequency was in use...well DUH! The WHOLE BAND was in use!

I wish those guys luck with this endeavor.

[WA2ZDY]

Quote[/b] (k9zmd @ June 25 2006,14:05)]I'm convinced that Chris only directed his comment at the likelihood that FD hams would steer clear of the requested frequencies.
Thank you. That was indeed my sentiment.

Now that FD is over, did the contesters avoid those frequencies as requested?

As far as NJ being a natural disaster area, yes, pretty much. That's why when qrz.com next updates from the ULS, you'll see I've escaped.

[ka0gkt]

Wow! Florida! When you said you got out of 'Jersey you REALLY got outta 'Jersey. The Sunshine State; just like AZ, but it isn't a "Dry" heat.

Sorry about the misunderstanding.

73 DE KAØGKT/7

--Steve

[WA2ZDY]

Quote[/b] (ka0gkt @ June 25 2006,23:37)]Sorry about the misunderstanding.
S'ok, one of the hazards of the internet and lack of face to face feedback for interpretation.

As for dry heat, yes, I'd prefer central Texas where my retirement plans were originally, but oh well. I'm used to humid heat after 24 long hot summers working in the state prison. I hate the cold. Despise it. Give me warm anyday and hot is ok too! If I never see another snowflake as long as I live it'll be too soon.

If I don't live life right now, they say I'll be going south with a coal shovel. What makes that such a bad thing?!

[kj5t]

I wish I would have seen this before, because while tuning across 40 I am pretty sure we made contacts on 7248 or very close to it. I am not certain on this though, and most of my time was spent on 15 and 20. I hope that we (or any number of hams on 40 because there were a bunch) didn't interfere with any emergency nets. Certainly wasn't my intention, and if I had heard any emergency traffic I would have A) helped pass the traffic or B) QSYed.

As they said, it would have been hard to hear though for stations across the country, so I REALLY hope we didn't interfere. I am not certain if we were on 7248 or not, but I recall being up on that part of the band some.