ARRL SET LU-17

1. ARRL SET (LU-17) Goals of the SET Discover strengths, weaknesses of ARES, NTS, RACES, other groups (METERS) providing Amateur Radio communications by testing planning and operational skills Test full range of systems realistically Show Amateur Radio�s value to served agencies (e.g., Red Cross, Knox Cty EMA)

2. ARRL SET (LU-17) Help operators gain fuller experience using standard procedures, many modes, in simulated emergency conditions Compare performance using scoring systems Each group should set own SET goals In addition to overall goals, set group-specific goals

3. ARRL SET (LU-17) Don�t set too many small goals for one SET SET National Scoring Format -- p. 108 Local goals are basis for corrective group feedback Developing local scores entails: 1. Identi-fying specifics to measure; 2. Standard of performance (80% participation, accuracy); 3. Assign each standard a numerical score

4. ARRL SET (LU-17) You can �weight� importance; e.g., scoring 80% is worth 20 points; bag lunch is 1 point NTS in the SET SET should test main emergency function of NTS -- from local nets to affected areas Liaison stations, particularly Section level, interface NTS and ARES. Testing interface is key objective of SET

5. ARRL SET (LU-17) Preparing for the SET After plan development, call all group members and prospective members to out-line general SET instructions and give general instructions ECs should contact served agencies and explain general purpose of the SET PIO should arrange publicity

6. ARRL SET (LU-17) During the SET Announce �disaster� (say, �This is a drill�) and activate emergency net Dispatch operators to activate stations at served agencies. Designated stations origi-nate messages on behalf of served agencies Simulated emergency messages should be signed by agency officials if they participate

7. ARRL SET (LU-17) Important: All messages must begin and end with �This is a drill.� Otherwise casual lis-teners may confuse with real emergency After the SET ASAP after SET, participants should meet in person or on the air to discuss test results Review that which worked well; make spe-cific recommendations for any plan changes

8. ARRL SET (LU-17) Complete set of reporting forms automati-cally sent to appropriate ARRL field people Reporting forms sent to others on request

9. Special events as training (LU-18) Please review �Similarities to� and �Differ-ences from;� pp. 112-113 Groups (such as METERS) must first meet served agency�s (ies�) needs before integrat-ing training objectives Demo newer technology: METERS� mem-bers can experiment with ATV and APRS

10. Special events as training (LU-18) Volunteer Identification Communicators should be readily identified Customized hats, T-shirts, traffic vests used Vehicles can have magnetic signs, even cardboard signs inside windows Special Training Sessions Volunteers to be recruited for large events

11. Special events as training (LU-18) Sponsoring group may hold one or more training sessions for volunteers (e.g., train-ing for Boston Marathon) Please review pp. 114-115 (Parades, Mara-thons, Fun Runs, Bike-a-Thons, Car Rallies, Endurance Races, Sporting Events, Block Parties, Community Gatherings) Study: Operations, Messages, Logistics

12. HF Propagation Considerations (LU-19) HF Propagation Most short-range HF operation takes place on 40 or 80 meters 40 meters better during daylight; 80 meters best from dusk to dawn; long-range opera-tion may use 10, 15, 20 meters When Good Signals Go Bad

13. HF Propagation Considerations (LU-19) Daytime 80 meters operation unpredictable - sunspots, QSB, noise levels Good NCS knows what to do One option: ask a distant station to be NCS; stations close to that NCS can relay msgs. Another option: move to lower frequency; e.g., move from 40 to 80 meters

14. HF Propagation Considerations (LU-19) Predetermined alternate frequency is good option for any net 160 meters good option for stations with good antennas Operator�s Skill Becomes Critical NCS skills, courtesy, discipline become critical when band conditions deteriorate

15. HF Propagation Considerations (LU-19) Effective operators understand propagation, have ability to hear weak signals, fine tuning antennas, and use equipment to its fullest potential (DSP, CW filters, knowing antenna characteristics) Antennas for Wide Area Nets Many NCS operators use both vertical (non-directional) and directional antennas

16. HF Propagation Considerations (LU-19) Net member stations can do the same, or use one directional antenna and rotate NVIS Low-angle DX antennas not designed for close-in contacts; some groundwave works Vertical mobile antennas can work Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS)

17. HF Propagation Considerations (LU-19) NVIS antenna radiates most signal nearly straight up (�cloud-warmer�); back down Technique: hang dipole at lower than 1/4 wavelength at operating frequency (80 meters up 30�; 40 meters up 15�) NVIS antennas have been laid on bushes with usable results. Buried antennas have worked, but with lowered efficiency

18. HF Propagation Considerations (LU-19) Antenna tuner a help to lower SWR at off-resonance frequencies Unbalanced antennas work best with balun at feedpoint to prevent coax from radiating NVIS works best at 40, 60, 80, 160 meters Use highest frequency possible below MUF �Groundwave interference� NVIS problem

19. HF Propagation Considerations (LU-19) Reduce interference by keeping antennas as low as possible; point ends at each other Consult �solar flux index� for guide to MUF FCC has granted five channels in 60-meter band, promising stable NVIS operation Close coordination will help use 60-meter band effectibely

20. HF Propagation Considerations (LU-19) NVIS Antennas that Work Horizontal dipole, inverted V, V antennas work. At NVIS heights, V or inverted V works as well as dipole at slightly lower height Random wires or inverted Ls work, but re-quire counterpoise under radiating element Avoid long-wires with any vertical radiation

21. HF Propagation Considerations (LU-19) Shirley dipole and Patterson Loop also work (see reference links) Hamstick, Iron Horse, Valor sticks work in pairs as dipoles, but with less efficiency than full-sized dipoles End of lesson -- whee!