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Echolink Procedures

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Category: FAQ's
Published on Saturday, 06 February 2010 16:05
Written by N0TRQ
Hits: 683

The Echolink node on the 147.280 repeater can be accessed from a 2 meter radio tuned to the repeater frequency. The station identification code for the N0TRQ-R node is 419465. (To find the identification codes for other stations, see the site http://www.echolinkmap.org. The site provides the ability to locate Echolink nodes using a clickable map.

The Echolink gateway will respond to the following commands using DTMF tones from the radio. The following is a list of the basic commands and functions necessary to use a Echolink node. For a complete list of all commands, seeEcholink Help

 

Command Description DTMF Code
Connect

Connects to a station on the internet, based on its node number. The node numbers can be 4, 5 or 6 digits.

 

 nnnnnn
Random Node

Selects an available node (of any type) at random, tries to connect to it.

 

 00
Random Link

Selects an available link or repeater (-L or -R) at random and tries to connect to it.

 

 01
Random Conf

Selects a conference server at random and tried to connect to it..

 

 02
Random User

Selects an available single-user station at random and tries to connect to it. 

 

 03
Status

Announces the callsign of each station currently connected.

 

 08
Reconnect

Reconnects to the station that was most recently disconnected.

 

 09
Disconnect

Disconnects the station that is currently connected. If more than one station is connected, disconnects only the most-recently-connected station.

 

 #
Play Information

Plays a brief ID message.

*

 

 

 

To establish a Echolink connection, perform the following steps:

  1. It is recommended that you first identify your station on the repeater and that you are attempting Echolink operation.
  2. Optionally, you can determine if the Echolink gateway is operational by keying a "*" DTMF tone. The gateway node will respond with status information.
  3. Key the four or five digit station code for the station or repeater that you wish to link to.
  4. After a few seconds delay, the Echolink node will respond with a "Connected" message if the link was successful. If the link was not successful, key a "#" to disconnect the gateway node.
  5. Following a successful connection, announce your presence on the linked repeater by calling CQ, etc.
  6. During a QSO using linked repeaters, let the 147.280 repeater tail completely drop before transmitting to avoid any timeout problems.
  7. At the end of the QSO, disconnect the link by keying a "#" DTMF tone. The Echolink gateway will respond with confirmation that the link has been disconnected.

 

Accessing Echolink From Your Computer

Perform the following the access a Echolink station or repeater from your computer.

  1. Download and install the iLink user program from the Echolink web site..
  2. Verify that you have a microphone properly connected to your computer and the the microphone input volume level is properly adjusted.
  3. Connect to the internet and run the Echolink user program.
  4. Select a station or repeater to link to from the displayed Echolink station link.
  5. Once connected, use the Enter key or spacebar to toggle between transmit and receive.

 

Emergency Management Training NIMs

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Category: FAQ's
Published on Wednesday, 18 November 2009 02:27
Written by N0TRQ
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Here are links to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) NIMS courses required for ARES certification.

ICS-100a

ICS-700a

Additionally the following NIMS courses are recommended.

ICS-200

ICS-800

Net Premable

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Category: FAQ's
Published on Wednesday, 18 November 2009 00:16
Written by N0TRS
Hits: 460

 

Weekly ARCS Net  -  PREAMBLE

 Good evening this is the Amateur Radio Club of Sabine's weekly net. This is (Your Call Sign) and my name is (Your Name), and I will be your net control station for this net.

The purpose of the weekly net is to provide a meeting place via the radio for questions regarding Amateur Radio operations and information that needs to be passed on to those concerned. The Amateur Radio Club of Sabine meets on the air each Tuesday at 7:00pm.  Our normal business meeting is held at the EOC located next door to the Fire Dept in Many, on the 2nd Friday of each month at 7:00pm.  The nets are held on the 147.28 repeater, with a PL tone of 173.8. This net is open to any and all amateur operators with sufficient privileges to operate on 2 meters. You need not be a club member to check in or pass traffic.

If there are any stations with emergency or priority traffic during this net, you may break-in at any time. (no need to pause)

This will be a directed net so please pass all traffic through net control.  Any stations with or without traffic wishing to check-in, please call now with your callsign, first name, location, and ARES info. If you have traffic please indicate the type of traffic you have. We''ll start with our first check in via Echo link, and then continue on with the rest.

(Check-in’s and traffic)

I would like to thank everyone for checking into our net.
This is (Call Sign) closing the Amateur Radio Club of Sabine weekly net, and am now returning the repeater back to normal amateur radio use.

Operating Procedures

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Category: FAQ's
Published on Sunday, 12 July 2009 01:27
Written by KK5ZY
Hits: 306
Operating Procedures
Points to Consider
 
Amateur Radio is a Hobby.
 
Every Ham should develop his own style of operating, whether he be new to the hobby, or "Old Timer". The following are some of the basic points that must be critically looked at when developing ones style.
  1. Listen carefully
  2. Operating considerations
  3. Contact procedures
  4. Constants
Under the first point should be TuneUP and Power Usage procedures. All Tune Up procedures should follow done using "off The Air" steps into a dummy load. After "Off Air" steps are completed, listen carefully on the frequency that you are planning on using to see if it''s already in use. This prevents operational interference to other operators who may already be in contact with other stations that you may not receive. The actual on air tuning should require only a few seconds to make final adjustments. It should only last for approximately 3 to 5 or so seconds. Only after all the above have been performed correctly should actual operation be initiated.
 
Again go back and listen carefully on the frequency that you''re going to use. If Phone operation is planned for use, the ask "Is the Frequency in Use?" Repeat this several times - listening carefully for any response. If none heard the call CQ . Remember to use Phonetics to identify your station . While there are, now and have been, many phonetic list used in the past, Table 1. should be used consistently.
 
 Alpha  November 
 Bravo

 Oscar
 Charlie  Papa 
 Delta    Quebec 
 Echo  Romeo 
 Foxtrot  Sierra 
 Golf  Tango 
 Hotel  Uniform 
 India  Victor 
 Juliet  Whiskey 
 Kilo  X-Ray
 Lima  Yankee 
 Mike  Zulu 
  
Table 1. Internationally recognized "Phonetic" alphabet.  
 
If your operation is CW, the Call CQ CQ CQ de (Call Sign) repeated about three times, listening carefully between call. NEVER call in the Blind. If you receive a reply, then listen carefully for any special requirements for conducting the QSO. This could entail the use of "Split" operation where the calling and receiving frequency is separated by a few Kilohertz. Most DX stations use split operation as a norm. Normally, listening carefully to the calling stations instructions will let you know his frequency for listening or range of frequencies that he is listening over. If your running low power tune slightly off from the frequency where most of the activity seems to be, and or, vary the timing of your call. 
 
Normally, operators will use all the things I have mentioned, plus being courteous. However, If the Station is Rare, courtesy may go by the wayside. Now "Confusion Reigns" Wait, don''t fall in the trap. Conditions will change. It may require only a small adjustment in power is needed to make the contact.. But remember use only enough power to make contact then reduce back down to normal.
 
All the points I have mentioned, Listening, Special instructions or power adjustments are only a few of the techniques used by amateur radio operators daily. Above all " Be Courteous" it''s a Hobby.

Fox Hunt Rules

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Category: FAQ's
Published on Thursday, 24 September 2009 22:34
Written by N0TRQ
Hits: 380

Fox Hunt General Rules (Prior to the Hunt) (Repeater Input Fox)

 

  1. A designated assembly area will be established for the hunters/hounds, from here forward called the start point.
  2. Hunters may be individual or teams, and must check in accordingly with the Leader of the Hunt.
  3. Hunters will be allowed to travel to another starting location of their choosing,
    (note: Fox Specific Rule 2 the fox is not required to be able to reach this unknown location)  
  4.  
  5. A designated ''end time'' will be set.
  6.  

 

  1. Maps of the area will be the responsibility of the hunters/hounds.
  2. A local repeater will be designated for primary contact between the Hunt''s Leader and participants.If possible all hunters (or at least one member per team) should have a second rig to monitor the Leader for instructions.
  3. Communications between teams or team members may be though whatever means they deem appropriate (just not the same frequency the Fox is using).  
  4.  
  1.  


Leader of the hunt Responsibilities,

Check in each participant prior to the hunt.

 

Ensures all hounds have the transmitting frequency for the Fox.


  1. Need not know the exact location of the Fox, but have a means to communicate the following;

  2. 10 minutes prior to the designated start time the leader of the hunt ''calls the fox'' and relays the following of the Hounds; Names, Callsigns,Vehicle descriptions, license plates etc. This should be conducted via cell phone or another so that the fox can not be heard at the designated starting point.
  3. Account for each participant at the end of the hunt to ensure all have safely returned from their hunting or otherwise checked out.


Hunters/Hounds General rules:

May be comprised of only an individual or a group, (designated at the the starting check-in).

 

If they must leave the hunt prior to conclusion they MUST check out with the Leader of the Hunt so they are fully accounted for. 

  1. Hunters are encouraged to use any and all available resources to locate the Fox (that does not detract from the spirit of the hunt)
  2. Hunters are solely responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles, and proper operation operation of all equipment in accordance with FCC rules and regulations.

  3. Under penalty of forfeiture of rewards/title/etc... upon discovery of the Fox, make no reference to the location, or the discovery itself.


Fox Specific Rules: (During the Hunt)

Must be a live person or team, no robots or unattended transmitters and use a predetermined frequency that will not interfere with normal traffic.

 

Must be in a location that is considered open to the ''PUBLIC'', with at least one public access route to their location.  Common sense must prevail, ie.. the average car is not equipped for very rough terrain or forging 2 feet of water.

Must transmit for a minimum of 60 seconds (but not longer than 90 seconds) every 5 minutes.  This transmission schedule must be strictly adhered to.   The Fox must ID with each transmissions, and followed by whatever they wish.  A preamble of sorts identifying the activity as a Fox Hunt is suggested.

  1. Must be able to be heard from the designated starting area from average mobile equipment.

  2. Must stay on the designated frequency (unless it is found to cause interference with other traffic)

  3. May use any means to obscure, attenuate, or otherwise distort patterning of the source signal (in accordance with Rule #2 above), once the hunt has begun no changes are permitted to the transmitting station, this includes output power levels.  Upon Hunter request may reduce power for brief transmissions provided such transmissions are announced the the Hunters.  After said transmissions are made original output power must be restored.

  4. May not use any crossband repeat or remote base mechanisms to further obscure their location.

  5. If/when found, the fox will not disclose their location or the fact they have been found.
  6. May give hints to their location within the closing 30 mins of the designated hunting hours, subtly is key here so as not to detract from other hunters... (Clues such as "I see you Fred" is appropriate if Fred can in fact be seen by the Fox)

  7. Other common sense stuff, turn off any APRS transmitters prior to heading to your hole, however leaving a receive only tracker on could be entertaining.  Avoid operating other bands during the hunt (ie.. rag chewing on 20 meters in between transmissions would not be advisable).

After the Hunt! 


  1. The current Fox this event will be the Leader of the hounds at the next hunt.

  2. Whoever finds the fox first on this hunt will be the Fox for the next one.  

  3. When a team finds the fox,  the fox will instruct the team where the after hunt meeting / eating establishment like pizza hut will be held for results and after hunt festivities.
  4. And whoever found the fox first, their teams TAB will be paid by all the rest of the hunters and the fox.  (If applicable)

  5. If the winning team/hound was the previous hunt''s fox he has the option to bow out to the next hound/team to be the fox for the next hunt. But retains all bragging rights for the hunt!

  6. A Fox Tail has been purchased for the club to designate the Present and Subsequent Foxes.  This tail will be carried by the Fox during the Hunt and awarded to the winner after the Hunt, the new Fox may display the tail as he/she sees fit until the next hunt, where it will be surrendered to the next winner and so on.  Awarding of the tail (and any additional prizes) will take place AFTER the hunt is concluded.  Please bear in mind the Foxtail is to be considered property on loan from ARCS and should be treated as such and MUST be surrendered at the next Hunt.

The goal here is to have some fun and if you learn something along the way that can be applied to other missions such as Search and Rescue etc, then the better off you and the group are.

 

VE Testing/Examination FAQs

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Category: FAQ's
Published on Saturday, 10 October 2009 01:52
Written by N0TRQ
Hits: 348

Examination Testing FAQ''s

 
What do I need to bring?
FCC guidelines require that two identification documents be inspected on all applicants. If at all possible, at least one of them should be a state driver''s license with a photograph on it, in the case of a minor a school identification card will serve.  These documents are needed to positively identify each person.
 
A clear unaltered copy of your latest existing FCC Issued Amateur License Grant and copies of any CSCE''s not reflected on the most current license. These copies will not be returned to you.  Reproduction facilities will not be available at the test location.
 
A non-erasable ball point pen, supplies will be available at the test location but may be in limited supply depending on the number of examinees present.  Scratch paper will be limited to that supplied at the testing facility and must be returned with all testing materials (used or not).
 
What about Cell phones, pagers, PDA''s, iPods or HT''s etc.?
All electronic equipment including cell phones, pagers, PDA''s, HT''s, etc. must be powered off while inside the testing facility.  Electronic calculators (with no stored memory or with memory erased) will be the only exception.   Equipment that can not be turned off must be left outside of the testing facility.
 
How many exams can I take and for how much? 
The examination fee is $14, examinees may take as many exam elements in a single session as they feel they can successfully complete for a single session fee.  Retesting of a failed element will be treated as an additional session and require payment of an additional session fee.  The retaking of failed elements will be at the Volunteer Examiners'' discretion.
 
Small children and noise?
Arrangements should be made for the care of children (other than those being examined) outside of the testing location.  Every effort will be made by the Examiners to keep noise level to an absolute minimum, examinees will be asked to return to a future session if distracting behavior is observed.  In effort to reduce distractions for those taking exams, only examinees and examiners for the session will be allowed in the immediate testing area, all others will be asked to leave.
 
What if I need help due to a physical handicap or impairment? 
Special arrangements can and will be made that resources allow for special circumstances, these will be handled on a case by case basis.  Contact Dave Cochran (N0TRQ) via telephone 936.201.0696 or email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ), the serving Contact Volunteer Examiner to make arrangements..