KNW-161Antenna Polarization Based on an article by Steve Decho – NE6FXModified and added to 12/2016 by Earl Pack This is a short refresher course on antenna polarization. A transmitted radio wave consists of an electric field and a magnetic field which are 90 degrees apart, or “orthogonal”, radiating outward from the antenna. Polarization refers to … Read more

KNW-160How To Sound Like An Experienced Operator Written 09 May 2021 by KJ5EMPFree for distribution for non-commercial use This article is intended to help new radio operators side-step many of the cringe worthy errors many new operators make and help demystify some of the practices heard but not explained that a new radio operator may … Read more

KNW-159Pandemic Influenza Adapted from a [simplyprepared.com] article.Revised 11/2016Edited 10/2022 by Paul Smith, K5PRS U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt helped clarify the effect of a pandemic when he stated “Pandemics are global in nature, but their impact is local. When the next pandemic strikes, as it surely will, it is likely … Read more

KNW-156Know Your ARES Organization Modified from a Waller County ARES training articleWritten by Christine Smith, N5CAS (sk)Edited 10/2022 by Paul Smith, K5PRS TRAINERS: GET CURRENT INFORMATION NECESSARY TO FILL IN THE BLANKS BELOW BEFORE THE NET! The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a group of licensed amateurs who have qualifications and equipment for communications … Read more

KNW-158Snow Storms, Ice Storms and Blizzards Adapted from a Mecklenburg County, North Carolina ARES training article.Revised 11/2016 Ice storms are a particular hazard when they occur in our area because we are totally unprepared for them. They have the potential to cause considerable property damage and disrupt of our daily lives. Tree branches heavily laden … Read more

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 EMCOM events seem to place Amateur Radio in the background. Often, amateur radio operators take the position of emergency management volunteer with access to radio communications as an added benefit. Hopefully, disasters where amateur radio fills … 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 hat 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