Winlink 2K, Emergency communication resource typing

Recently while hunting around on the web for configuration information for a Winlink 2000 station, I stumbled upon the Garland, TX RACES/ARES web site. I wanted to document the parts and pieces needed to use Winlink 2K. One would think that the Winlink 2K website might include such useful information, but I was greatly disappointed with that assumption.

Anyway, the Garland, TX folks have a nice two page article on what you need for VHF/UHF connections to Winlink 2000 (http://garlandr.s412.sureserver.com/graces/winlink-fyi.html). Basically, a portable Winlink station requires a computer, a Terminal Node Controller (TNC), a VHF or UHF radio, and an antenna. Simple. I have three of the four pieces, so when money becomes available, I plan to acquire the missing TNC. I'm affiliated with a group that needs reliable communications between several fixed points and sometimes portable sites. Expect traffic during emergencies could be voluminous, which precludes voice for such traffic. Voice works great for short messages, status information, and quick interaction. Logistics traffic during emergencies tends towards big and very detailed. Precision and accuracy matter when you want to order some sleeping cots but get cans of apricots instead. Funny after the fact, maybe, but not useful at the time.

When I visit a web site and find something useful, I try to look around if I have the time. Another document I found really intrigued me. John Galvin Jr., N5TIM, created a document that describes what he calls Communication Resource Functions. He defined ten functions: four voice and six digital communications. His document is at http://garlandr.s412.sureserver.com/graces/resourceTdata.html. The four voice functions are:

• Shadow (VHF/UHF) - follows an official (event, community, church, etc.) and provides communications for that individual. Operates afoot with handheld.
• Base (VHF/UHF) - operates from fixed location with a portable station. Assignments might include event net control or as the communicator at a fixed location such as a shelter or rest stop.
• Mobile (VHF/UHF) - uses a portable station mobile, usually in a vehicle not their own but sometimes in their own vehicle.
• Strategic (HF) - operates portable to stations beyond FM range, possibly using NVIS antennas

The six digital communication functions he defined are:

• APRS (VHF/UHF) - provides event officials or emergency personnel displays of resources in real time. Also provides short messaging ability.
• Digital messaging (VHF/UHF) - provides event/emergency personnel with messaging and radio email capability
• Digital tracker (VHF/UHF) - Sends position of mobile units in real time
• Digital networking (VHF/UHF) - provides 802.11 or similar capability at remote location
• Digital messaging (HF) - long distance messaging capability
• ATV (VHF/UHF) - television from remote site

Each of his descriptions list the items that comprise a fully complemented communication resource that fits the definition. Why do I like this? I've been struggling for the past several years to encourage new hams to equipment themselves so they can serve their community. All of them ask, "What kind of equipment should I buy to do 'X'?"

This resource typing provides a smile means to communicate what a ham needs to operate within a particular assignment area. With a list of items required to serve as a shadow, for example, the ham can acquire a handheld radio, a cigarette lighter adapter, spare battery pack for AA batteries, spare alkaline or rechargeable AA batteries, a speaker mike, and a mobile mag-mount antenna. Add a few office supplies like pen and paper, and the new ham is ready to try an assignment.

I sent a message to N5TIM asking how his work has been accepted, but have not heard back yet. I expect the folks around Dallas have tried the concept, and it looks easy to use. A new person can quickly identify areas where they do not have required equipment, and when able can acquire what they need to meet the standard. I hope to try out the concept locally, and will report back on how it goes.

2009 Clark County ham classes

So far this year, Phil and I taught two ham license classes: one regular and one short class that met twice. By year end, we may well have over 100 students go through our classes. In January we taught our regular four-session class. We had 42 appear on the first Friday, then 39 on Saturday, then 37 the following Friday, and 36 on Saturday before the test. Several folks did not feel ready to test that day, so departed after the review and before the test.

In January, we had 29 from the class plus two others test for technician that day, and all 31 passed. One student also passed the general test, plus a non-student passed the general test. One class member's husband tried to upgrade from general to extra, but fell slightly short of the bar. Next time.

Since we knew several folks were not quite ready to test, we decided to conduct a short class on two Thursdays in March. We offered the class for those who did not finish, but most students who actually attended had studied on their own and just needed a bit of help to prepare for the test. Seven from that class passed their tests on Mar 21.

Now we are preparing for a general upgrade class that starts Apr 24, followed a few weeks later with a technician class in Woodland that will start May 9. The general upgrade class appears popular. To date we have 24 enrolled, and I expect when I mail out more announcements on the class, more students will enroll. Typically I send emails to past students from our technician class, and we find students from that group and from folks they meet. We also tend to get several students for each class who learn about the class from the Classes listing at http://www.arrl.org/. The general class requires more preparation than the technician class because we only teach one per year. The general has more electronics than the technician which also requires us to adjust who teaches what. I learn something new every time we teach this class.

Several folks in the Longview area had asked us to consider doing a class in Woodland or Longview, and we finally decided to do one. Since the class was not on the meetinghouse calendar, we rearranged the class schedule. Normally we teach Friday/Saturday on two successive weekends. For this class we will teach on a Saturday, followed six days later on a Friday, then a week later with a Friday/Saturday pair. The CCARC Volunteer Examiner team will administer the test. So far we have 13 enrolled, and I expect quite a few more before the class begins.

I'm grateful for the number of good people we've met over the years in our classes. And it sure is fun to see the light in people's eyes when they grasp a principle or hear an idea that gets them thinking of ways to apply what they learn.

We also plan a technician class in the fall in Vancouver that could have 30 plus students enrolled once we start the publicity.

VHF emergency deployable antenna

In 2008 I ran across Bob Hejl's web site that included over 20 antennas that he designed. His site then existed on AOL.Hometown, but he moved the site to http://www.w2ik.com/ when AOL.Hometown closed down.

I like Bob's detailed instructions on how to build his antennas. He has a real gift for explaining things, and his carefully chosen photographs gave me enough confidence to try building his VHF emergency deployable antenna (http://www.w2ik.com/W2IK_ANTENNAS.html).

I had to shop at four different stores to find all the parts and pieces. I had trouble finding two items. The pool pole was not stored in an obvious place at Lowe's but armed with the item number, the store staff pointed me to the right place. Otherwise I might still be wandering the aisles. The second hard to find item was the sewer pipe. Neither Lowe's or Home Depot had the right item, but Grover's Plumbing Supply had an ample stock at a good price.

During construction I learned that my light duty soldering iron was insufficient to solder the coax to the barrel connector. I asked for help that was gladly offered. Once that solder joint was done, the rest went together smoothly.

One caution: make sure the pool pole is VERTICAL in the sewer cap. I got mine slightly out of plumb, and the pool pole is just long enough to rub the sides of the sewer pipe enclosure when screwing the unit together for storage. This adds some difficulty screwing the cap on tight.

Does it work well? Yes! The J-pole antenna goes up about 15 feet, and then extends up another four feet or so. I was able to work a station over 15 miles away on FM simplex that I could not hear with a rubber duckie. So, if you are looking for ways to improve the signal from your handheld, improve your antenna. Your horizons will broaden.

Bob designed other antennas that I have not tried. His IKStik intrigues me, but I have not yet found a good source for the fishing pole he used. Must live too far north....

First entry

This is my first attempt at creating and managing a blog, but the experience will likely be similar to extensive email correspondence I conduct with past, present, and future students, and with other hams. This blog will focus on some of my experiences and plans related to amateur (ham) radio. Phil, AC7NB, and I (N7QMT) have been teaching introductory ham radio license classes for over 15 years, and we've had nearly 600 students during that time.

Several of our former students became very active in ham radio, and two served in recent years as Vice President and President of the local ham radio club. One other former student is currently Vice President and will serve as President next year.

Many of the students keep us posted on what they are doing in ham radio, and it is fun watching folks grow in their abilities.

My intent with this blog is to capture some of the things I'm working on and share some of my experiences, including trips down blind alleys. The creative process, like building software or performing basic research, does not follow a straight path. My ham radio interests mainly focus on emergency communication, but other aspects of the hobby interest me as well.

Some recent and current projects include:

• Building an emergency dual band portable J-pole antenna designed by W2IK (www.w2ik.com). I built one that works well, and have material for one more when I find the time.
• Casually entering contests on HF. Due to some current technical issues, my highests QSO count was under 50 for a single contest
• Working towards Worked All States (WAS) and getting the contacts confirmed. So far I have 47 contacts with 46 confirmed. After I finish WAS basic I will work towards Five band WAS.
• Working towards DXCC. This requires contact with 100 or more foreign entities. To date I have 14 contacted with 9 confirmed.
• Training church communicators so they are able to help area church leaders during communication outages and emergencies. We are making progress, but still have a long ways to go.
• Planning and publicizing two upcoming har radio classes. We have a general upgrade class coming in a month, followed a few weeks later with a technician class in a nearby city.
• Installing a short crank-up tower in my back yard. After I dig a hole and fill same with concrete, my signal should improve quite a bit.
• Adding digital messaging capability to my station. Am at the planning stage only right now.
• Working with AC7NB to define and build a power system that will allow me to operate without the power grid.
• Creating a mini-grid contest for my county that will operate on 2-meter simplex, probably in the fall.

As you can see, I have lots of plans and dreams, and have some projects well underway.