Paul Smith

KNW-157AMATEUR RADIO’S ROLE in the AMBER ALERT SYSTEM Updated and adapted from an original articleby Pat Spencer, KD4PWL, www.kyham.netRevised 11/2016 By now, almost everyone has heard of the AMBER alert system. There are, however, a few things about the system that we need to look at to make sure it is properly understood and that … Read more

KNW-155Disaster or Major Emergency – What Can Be Expected? Adapted from a Sacramento Valley Section ARES training articleRevised 11/2016 The following list of seventy “things to expect” is not offered as a prediction of doom. Although most of the items are negative, this is a realistic list of problem areas that we can expect to … Read more

KNW-153Major Emergency Event Preparedness Extracted material from the article “The Big One” By Jim A. Wades, WB8SIWRevised 11/2016 Many EMCOMM events seem to place Amateur Radio in the background. Often, amateur radio operators take (or are given) the position of emergency management volunteer with access to radio communications as an added benefit. Hopefully, disasters where … Read more

KNW-152Gasoline Storage and Generator Maintenance Written by Kerry Mallory, KE5JYRevised 11/2016 In an emergency situation, having a supply of gasoline will be most helpful for your generator or automobile. This may prompt you to think about storing gasoline. Safe Storage Use a UL listed and FM approved gasoline safety can. Don’t use those cheap plastic … Read more

KNW-151Third Party Communication Written by Earl Pack, AE5PA andcompiled from FCC rules and ARRL articles.Revised 11/2016 What is a “third-party communication”?Section 97.3 defines the term “third-party communication” as a message from the control operator (first party) of an amateur station to another amateur station control operator (second party) on behalf of another person (third party). … Read more

KNW-150Water storage and purification Modified for Houston from originalMecklenburg County ARES© ArticleRevised 11/2016 In 2014, a chemical plant near Charleston, West Virginia spilled chemicals into the Elk River and contaminated the municipal water for 300,000 people. Citizens were advised not to drink, bathe with or use this water for anything except flushing toilets. The water … Read more

KNW-149Communicating Effectively Lesson 2 Modified from original Waller County ARES training articleWritten by Christine Smith, N5CAS (sk)Revised 11/2016 Types of CommunicationCommunication media range in complexity from handwritten notices to international satellite broadcasts. The communication tools most frequently used in emergencies and the advantages of each type will be presented. Emergency Alert System (EAS)The EAS is … Read more

KNW-148Communicating Effectively Lesson 1 From a Waller County ARES training article written by Christine Smith, N5CAS (sk)Revised 11/2016 During an emergency, it is especially challenging and important to communicate accurate information clearly to the target audience. Disaster victims generally look for someone who can communicate valuable guidance, provide leadership and lead them in problem solving. … Read more

KNW-146NVIS Antenna Test Written by Earl Pack AE5PA. Permission granted for use in ARES training. A Near Vertical Incident Skywave (NVIS) antenna test activity was conducted on November 10, 2013 by ten members from various units of the Harris County ARES organization. The group got together at the George Bush Park – Equestrian Area (Grid … Read more

KNW-145Basic Operating Principles Waller County ARES training articlewritten by Christine Smith, N5CAS (sk)Updated 1 Jan 2020Edited 09/2022 by Paul Smith, K5PRS General observations: Use minimum power or you may run the risk of keying more than one repeater, causing unnecessary QRM. Low power also conserves batteries. Use simplex for direct conversations whenever possible but not … Read more