Paul Smith

NET-109WIDE AREA COMMUNICATION OUTAGE When a local disaster occurs for whatever reason, we have the potential of suffering a significant disruption to our local communications infrastructure. When all of the other communication circuits may be out of service, it’s likely that some of our local repeater systems that we use on a regular basis may … Read more

KNW-107 Cross Band Repeating Crossband Repeating is the process where a Ham transmits a low power signal using one band (UHF), to another radio with a better antenna and higher power output. The other radio then re-transmits (VHF) to a repeater or other far away radio system. This is very handy when you need to … Read more

PSV-105MARATHON BEST PRACTICESWritten by Earl Pack – AE5PA Some amateur radio operators argue that working public service events is not worth it and that these events do not prepare you for helping out in real emergency service situations. On the contrary, working public service events the size of a major city marathon is excellent practice … Read more

PSV-102The Amateur Radio Communications Coordinator for Public Service Events Revised 09/2025 by Paul Smith, K5PRS A public service event coordinator is an amateur radio operator who organizes and manages the amateur radio communications for and at a public service event. CONCEPT:Each and every public service event requesting communications support from the amateur radio community needs … Read more

WEA-104LIGHTNING PROTECTION Extracted from ARRL’s QST Magazine“Light Protection For The Amateur Radio Station”June, July, August 2002 articlesby Ron Block KB2UYT The ChallengeThe amateur is challenged to assemble the best radio station possible, to enjoy the benefits of the hobby and have the station operable during times of need. This can be a significant challenge especially … Read more

MSG-107NTS STATION ACTIVITY REPORTS AND PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR ROLL Adapted and condensed from National Traffic Service Methods and Practices Guidelines by Wayne Johnson, K5OB Note that this training requires a basic understanding of training modules MSG-101 through MSG-106. Please review those lessons for context. Section ARRL leadership is always interested in activity reports from stations … Read more

KNW-154IS AMATEUR RADIO BECOMING OBSOLETE FOREMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS? Article by David W. Thorne – K6SOJSacramento Valley ARESRevised 12/2021 An article in the January 19, 2001 edition of “Amateur Radio Newsline” said, “One of the reasons that hams are called out in emergencies could begin to disappear in 2006.” The article referred to an FCC directive that … Read more

NET-119LOGGING AND RECORD KEEPING Modified from a Waller County ARES training articlewritten by Christine Smith, N5CAS (sk).Revised 09/2022 What if you are the Net Control Station in charge of the net? How about a SAG wagon or Rest Stop communicator? We need to have logs for these positions just like you would keep a log … Read more

Basic Communication Skills Objective:This lesson introduces communication skills that are specific to emcomm operations, and helps you understand differences from normal Amateur Radio operations. Information:An emergency communicator must do his part to get every message to its intended recipient, quickly, accurately, and with a minimum of fuss. A number of factors can affect your ability … Read more

ARE YOU READY? Training: KNW-102Originally written by Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, ARRL Alabama Section Managerupdated: 01 Aug 2025 by Paul Smith (K5PRS) Anyone who has lived in District 14, Harris County for an appreciable length of time knows about disasters and is, hopefully, prepared for them. Some of our most recent events were: As bad as … Read more