February 17, 2010

Present: Ed, AC2CN; Judy, KC2SUM; Bob, WA2AFF; Jeff, KB2ZTX; Fred, KA2HPG;  John, N2MKH; Redd, AI2N; Mark, KC2JNI; Tim, KC2SKG; Jim, N2MGU and John, K2QQY. 

Agenda:  Review of coming events, over view of NBEMS, distribution of new Field Guide.

Tim, KC2SKG, went over the events that we had shown on the calendar and as there were no questions let the schedule stand until later in the meeting.

Next, Tim led us through a tutorial of a digital mode that is being used in Western Pennsylvania for passing emergency traffic.  The program is named Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System.  This is a self checking mode to insure that the data entered at the sending station is completed before displaying to the receiver, similar to packet.  This System is comprised of different modes that excel under different conditions.  There is a mode for clear signal conditions that is relatively fast in its transmission, a mode for something less than great conditions and a mode for lousy conditions that would hamper other forms of communications. NBEM is primarily a point to point, simplex, system as is typical in HF traffic work, although anyone on frequency that has the same operating version is capable of receiving the content of the message.  There was interest expressed and Tim will work with them to work out the software and interface.  The hardware consists of a computer with sound card, an interface to a radio and a radio.  We are looking for some HF portable operations for our farther out locations and this program may be a very good way to have error free communications back to Fulton.

Judy, KC2SUM, printed, copied, sized, punched and bound our Operators Field Guide which was passed out to those attending.  This was not an easy task and the booklets turned out very good.  Thank you Judy for all the time and frustration you expended.  Oh yes, Bob, WA2AFF helped also. 

Jeff, KB2ZTX, spoke on the proposed drill that West Monroe has in doing with us.  Jeff will meet with them and convey our interest in putting together a drill that will test their Emergency Plan.  This will probably be a short, couple of hours drill as it is their first attempt.  We suggested August or September as being good month to do this on a meeting night, which our meetings do take place on the same night. 

Jeff has also suggested that we do some remote testing from other locations to establish what will work best in an emergency.  Tim and Jeff will be working out some scheduling on this, which may take place during a Sunday net and/or a packet net.

Speaking of packet, Tim went to Camp Zerbe, out on Rte 104 East of Route 81, for operation during the packet net February 6.  Tim explained about the shortcomings of operating in the dark, cold bowels of Oswego County.  A lack of a few items made the adventure something that could be talked about as a learning experience.   No light to see the trees for shooting an antenna up into, clothing for the milder climates, missing jumpers, etc.  We should all try this to see what does not turn up that we could use.  At least Tim was not shooting an antenna with the DEC coming down the road.  His rendering of the event was very helpful and made the thinking part go to work as to what would we be needing in our "go box".

Changes to the calendar.  REPP drill date added, June 16.  It was decided that we would participate in the County Fair held at the fair grounds in Sandy Creek.  The Fair runs from June 30 to July 4.  As such, we will not attempt to participate in the Oswego 4th of July parade.

The Oswego County Highway Department has agreed to make signs for the RTTU-1.  We will probably look to the banner type and mount them on the sides of the box.

We are looking at many activities this year and we will be asking for your time on a number of occasions.  Please note our calendar and support our efforts to expand and refine our communications skills.