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The ARES(R) Letter
[https://www.arrl.org/ares]


Editor: Rick Palm, K1CE [ mailto:k1ce@arrl.net ] - February 19, 2025

ARRL Home Page
http://www.arrl.org/

ARES(R) Home
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[https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/amateur/]


In This Issue:
Γ-óARES(R) Briefs
Γ-óCall for QST Articles for the July 2025 Special Issue on EmComm
Γ-óAmateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act Re-Introduced
Γ-óSouthern California Fire Responses
Γ-óPioneering Amateur Television ARES Group Holds Annual Meeting
Γ-óDiet and Exercise Make for an Effective Communicator
Γ-óK1CE For a Final
Γ-óARES(R) Resources
Γ-óSupport ARES(R): Join ARRL

ARES(R) Briefs

The purpose of the ARRL Board of Directors' Emergency Communications and Field Services Committee (EC-FSC) is to develop and recommend policy and programs for emergency communications through the Amateur Radio Emergency Service(R) (ARES(R)) and National
Traffic System(R) (NTS(R)) entities. Committee chair and Great Lakes Division Director Scott Yonally, N8SY, recently reported to the Board that work is progressing with the NTS 2.0 project with the recent release of the "Radiogram Portal" that gives
anyone access to send a radiogram [ https://nts2.arrl.org/radiogram-portal-quick-start/ ] anywhere in the world. "We are working on a number of other projects for ARES, clubs and NTS 2.0 that are still in the development stages," Yonally said.

The Dayton Hamvention(R) [ https://hamvention.org/ ] is May 16-18 this year. Chairman Brian Markland, N8UDQ, unveiled the convention theme: "Radio Independence." He announced, "Our theme this year highlights the freedom, resilience, and endless
possibilities within amateur radio. As our world grows more connected through POTA, SOTA, YouTube, and international communications, radio is breaking through traditional boundaries like never before. Historically, radio has been regulated Γ-" even
banned in some places Γ-" but today, we have the freedom to explore, communicate, and innovate without limits. At Hamvention, we're proud to champion this Radio Independence."

ARES(R) Bootcamp to be held at California's Big Bear HAMESCAPEΓ(tm)ó Γ-" Plan to attend the Big Bear HamEscapeΓ(tm)ó [ https://bigbearhamescape.com/ ] on April 25-27, 2025, in Big Bear Lake, California. The ARRL Orange Section convention is sponsored by
Visit Big Bear and Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), the California-based foundation with roots in amateur radio and the technology of internet communication. An estimated 700 participants are expected to visit Big Bear Lake for the weekend.
Approximately 30 seminars and workshops will be held. A full-day introductory ARES Bootcamp and a full-day of POTA/SOTA training will be held on Friday.

The Hurricane Watch Net [ https://hwn.org/ ] (HWN), founded on Labor Day weekend 1965, is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. The net, known for relaying surface observations into the National Hurricane Center, is also seeking volunteers to serve
as net control operators. Net Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, reports HWN is preparing for what could be, yet again, an above-average hurricane season and that the net needs more amateur radio operators to help.

"We are starting early this year in preparations and looking to add more net control stations to our roster," said Graves. "We are looking for dedicated new members willing to train to become net control operators (NCOs). While being bilingual is not a
requirement, being fluent in Spanish and English or French/Creole and English is a plus." If you are interested in training to become a net control operator for the Hurricane Watch Net, please visit the net control information page [ https://hwn.org/
about-us/ncs_info.html ] .

"Kent ham radio club tests emergency communications skills [ https://www.myeasternshoremd.com/kent_county_news/news/kent-ham-radio-club-tests-emergency-communications-skills/article_f4313d30-ddc5-11ef-9542-53054ffaa0f2.html ] "--Kent County News (
Maryland) January 30, 2025--The Kent Amateur Radio Society is an ARRL Affiliated Club.

On February 1, Connecticut ARES volunteers [ https://ctares.org/ ] held a training session that drew dozens of radio amateurs from around the state to a packed room inside the Newington Volunteer Fire Department. The half-day course, led by ARRL
Connecticut Section Manager Douglas Sharafanowich, WA1SFH, was dynamic and participatory. Georg Papp, K1YBO, a net controller and Assistant Net Manager for the Western Connecticut Traffic Net (WESCONN), said he was excited to see the high number of
attendees. "We always encourage new people to step up to volunteer for the net, and this helps provide a pathway for them," he said. In the training, Sharafanowich highlighted examples of needing a robust group of trained Net Control Station (NCS)
operators. "When a Γ-ÿBlack Sky' event takes place, it is rarely limited to an 8-hour shift. We will need trained NCS operators not only to provide for initial shift coverage, but also, we will need relief NCS operators to cover following shifts,Γ
" he said.

The American Red Cross Puerto Rico Region and the ARRL Puerto Rico section ARES(R) have signed a renewal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement establishes a framework of cooperation and a close working relationship with ARRL ARES volunteers.
Both ARES and the Red Cross agree that, with the resources of both organizations, the public will be best served during disasters, emergencies, and other public service-related situations. Read the memorandum of understanding [ https://www.arrl.org/news/
view/amateur-radio-emergency-service-renews-relationship-with-red-cross-in-puerto-rico?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ] .

[https://www.cometantenna.com]


Call for QST Articles for the July 2025 Special Issue on EmComm

Every July, QST, the membership journal of ARRL, publishes a special issue with an EmComm focus. This issue is a perfect opportunity for your ARES group to share your experiences doing exercises and drills, as well as participating in responses, so other
groups will benefit from your experience. Here's what QST is looking for: Γ-ó1,200 to 1,800 words Γ-" Tell the story of your participation in an exercise or response with a "how-to" angle. For example, if your club designed an exercise, talk about the rationale that led to the choice of the exercise scenario and parameters.
Γ-ó2-5 high-resolution images Γ-" Include captions that explain what's happening in the photos, the names and call signs of any hams pictured, and the name (and call sign, if applicable) of the person who took each photo.
Γ-óSend the manuscript and photos to qst@arrl.org [ mailto:qst@arrl.org ] by May 1.

ARES(R) Amateur Radio and Public Service
[https://tinyurl.com/2p8d5br2]


Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act Re-Introduced

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Representatives August Pfluger, R-Tex., and Joe Courtney, D-Conn., announced their joint re-introduction of legislation in the Senate and House to restore the right of amateur
radio operators to install the antennas necessary to serve their communities.

Homeowner association rules often prevent amateur radio operators from installing antennas at their homes even though amateur radio has proven to be essential in emergencies and natural disasters such as hurricanes when other means of communication fail.

"Mississippians should have access to every possible means of warning for natural disasters, including amateur radio operators. In an emergency, those warnings can mean the difference between life and death," Senator Wicker said. "The Amateur Radio
Emergency Preparedness Act would remove unnecessary roadblocks that could help keep communities safe during emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires."

"When disaster strikes, amateur radio operators provide vital, often life-saving, information, which shouldn't be hindered by prohibitive rules or confusing approval processes. The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act eliminates obstacles for ham
radio enthusiasts, allowing them to continue their communications and serve their communities in the face of emergencies," said Senator Blumenthal.

"Natural disasters and other emergency situations that hinder our regular lines of communication are unfortunately unavoidable, which is why we must bolster our emergency preparedness by removing the barriers amateur radio operators often run into when
installing antennas. Amateur radio plays a vital role in public safety by delivering critical information to people at all times. My district is home to dozens of amateur radio operators ready to volunteer in the event of an emergency, and I am proud to
lead this legislation," said Congressman August Pfluger.

"As we know from recent natural disasters, amateur radio operators in Connecticut can be a critical component of disaster response and emergency management. It is in our communities' best interest that we give them the capabilities to operate at the
highest level, and with the re-introduction of this bill, we've taken a strong step in that direction," said Congressman Courtney.

Background

The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025 (H.R. 1094 and S. 459) would require homeowner associations to accommodate the needs of FCC-licensed amateur radio operators by prohibiting the enforcement of private land use restrictions that ban,
prevent, or require the approval of the installation or use of amateur radio station antennas. Homeowner associations have often prevented installation and use of such antennas through private land use restrictions. This has hindered voluntary training
for emergency situations and blocked access to necessary communications when disaster strikes.

Among other provisions, this legislation would prohibit homeowner association rules that would prevent or ban amateur radio antennas; specify an approval process for installing amateur radio antennas; provide a federal private right of action to amateur
radio operators in disputed cases.

On behalf of America's amateur radio licensees, Rick Roderick, K5UR, the President of The American Radio Relay League, re-confirmed the ARRL's full support for the passage of the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2025 and extended his thanks
and appreciation to Senators Wicker and Blumenthal and Congressmen Pfluger and Courtney for their unflagging leadership of the bi-partisan effort to support and protect the rights of all amateur radio operators.

Read the text of the House version [ https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Advocacy/HR1094%20House%20Private%20Land%20Use%20Bill.pdf?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ] .

Southern California Fire Responses

As firestorms across Southern California continued to threaten millions of residents, trained amateur radio operators served critical volunteer roles to help officials spot fires before they get out of control. Dry conditions and wind gusts of up to 100
miles per hour have fueled days of devastating wildfires. Entire neighborhoods have been leveled by infernos.

The Eaton fire burned to the top of Mount Wilson, a critical logistical post for broadcast radio and television stations, as well as communications across the Southland. Federal agencies, air traffic control, local emergency responders, radio amateurs,
and others all share tower space on the mountain.

While the main fires burned north and northwest of the central section of Los Angeles, just to the south, hams stood watch. Orange County Fire Watch (OCFW) [ https://ocparks.com/about-us/volunteer/orange-county-fire-watch ] is a program locally organized
by the Orange County Parks Department and the Irvine Conservancy.

During severe fire weather, volunteers go to preassigned locations within parks and open spaces to report conditions. Many of them are hams, using the amateur radio bands to fill in mobile network weak zones.

ARRL National Instructor Gordon West, WB6NOA [ https://www.arrl.org/gordon-west?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ] , was among the deployed volunteers. He said hams were stepping up. "We were all over the ARRL Orange Section [ https:/
/www.arrl.org/Groups/view/orange?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ] on hilltops, reporting the wind and humidity, ash seen coming down, scanning for spot fires, smoke from the LA fires, guest activity at the parks, and being a
presence at trailheads with reflective vests and vehicle signs indicating Fire Watch," he said.

Ray Hutchinson, AE6H, is a retired firefighter who serves as the chief radio officer for Fire Watch. He says local clubs are key to providing the needed RF infrastructure. "Our local club, the South Orange Amateur Radio Association [ https://www.soara.
org/ ] (SOARA), an ARRL Special Service Club, provides linked 2-meter and 70-centimeter repeaters: one high level and one coastal, for use by OCFW hams during deployments. There is a formal OCFW Net Control Station (NCS) for the entirety of these events,"
he said. Radio amateurs were also ready and able to serve at evacuation centers, providing support as needed.

Members of ARRL Headquarters staff were in touch with ARRL volunteers and other ham radio groups around the affected area, offering material support for any activations. "It has been a busy start to the year for ham volunteers," said ARRL Public
Relations and Outreach Manager Sierra Harrop, W5DX. "Whether it's firestorms or ice storms or any other need, ARRL volunteers selflessly serve their communities. We're mindful that large-scale events like this impact the hams who are actively serving,"
she said.

ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, was on calls with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other served agencies, offering ARRL resources. Efforts are being coordinated locally by Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA)
[ https://enla.org/ ] , the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) group in Southern California.

Johnston urged hams in the affected regions to be ready to take care of themselves and their families before needing to deploy. He pointed to resources shared by ARES during National Preparedness Month. "These are stressful events for everyone, and being
a ham volunteer is really second to keeping yourself and your family safe," said Johnston.

Pioneering Amateur Television ARES Group Holds Annual Meeting

The Boulder County, Colorado, ARES (BCARES) group held its annual meeting on January 27, 2025, in the county Sheriff's office meeting room. Fifteen members were present, plus a representative from the Sheriff's department, along with three others from
the Office of Disaster Management (ODM).

Chairman and Emergency Coordinator Allen Bishop, K0ARK, introduced the meeting, talking about the major operations that BCARES has been involved with in the past, including the big flood of 2013 and the Marshall Fire of 2021. "We did not have any
callouts in 2024, but that's actually a good thing from a community perspective," he said. "There were demos of our 70-centimeter ATV equipment with conventional camera and drone camera inputs and our portable 70-centimeter DATV repeater was on display
as well." A useful addition that was on display was a microwave HDMI extender. This can extend an HDMI connection over 10 miles.

Bishop talked about the training events that were held in 2024, including for ATV, Winlink, WebEOC, and a session on how to operate the BCARES station at the EOC. He also talked about the grant that BCARES received from the county to help improve
operations. Bishop discussed future cross-band ATV repeaters that could expand ATV coverage throughout the county.

Bill Eberle, AB0MY, gave the treasurer's report: The club's balance at year-end was $33,460.75, the bulk from the large grant BCARES recently received from Boulder County. Doshia Kretke, KB0NAS, the group's hospital liaison, discussed upcoming mass
casualty exercises that could simulate large events caused by terrorism, accidents or natural disasters.

Peter Goldman, WB2DVS, talked about the microwave IP network project that has a goal of connecting several EOCs in the area using microwave links via the Rocky Mountain Ham microwave backbone network that stretches the length of Colorado along the Front
Range. Each EOC would have a digital Voice over IP (VOIP) phone and a laptop to provide basic telephone and email connections between those EOCs.

Eric Richards, KB0YDN, of Loveland, talked about how his rural community near Pinewood Reservoir west of Carter Lake is working on emergency preparedness by connecting non-ham community members with hams using GMRS radios. Then, hams can connect to the
local ARES group through ham radio for wider communications.

Bob Smith, N0ZFV, urged hams to contact local congressmen to push for legislation that would require HOA exemptions for reasonable amateur radio antennas to allow hams to provide communication during disasters including "black sky events" in which all
commercial communications infrastructure would be out of commission. - adapted from an article in the Boulder ATV Journal, February 7, 2025 issue, Jim Andrews, KH6HTV, editor

Diet and Exercise Make for an Effective Communicator

As emergency communicators, our radio operating is usually done sitting down. However, getting to and from deployment sites, setting up and breaking down equipment and operating over long periods of time require some level of fitness, strength and
endurance.

At LAXNORTHEAST [ https://www.laxnortheast.org/ ] , we want our operators to be well. We therefore recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before engaging in any exercise regime. The suggestions below are intended for you to become better
informed about fitness for the 50+ community and to get the conversation started. Start light and slow and build from there. And if you are thinking, "I am too weak (or old) to start working out," then check out these 6 Golden Rules for Exercise 55+ [
https://youtu.be/TVfjxh51T9Y?si=OdB9uRw3IKo7D224 ] to become inspired. Then read on. There are three main areas to consider: strength, cardio, and diet.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity
activity.

The good news is that research indicates that the effects are similar regardless of whether you are a weekend warrior or spread out your activity during the week. As you consider any workout regime, please learn to engage your core first (Squat
University shows you how to brace your core here [ https://youtube.com/shorts/28wXfE5GEuc?si=p5OEgcIr-KthkDTm ] ).

Building strength improves your ability to do daily tasks. It also improves your cardiovascular health and helps strengthen your bones.
Γ-óCurrent research indicates that two 20-minute strength sessions a week are a great place to start.
Γ-óOnly use weights or resistance bands that you are comfortable with. Γ-óWhether you do many repeats with light resistance or few repeats with heavier resistance is a matter of personal preference.
Γ-óIt is perfectly okay to start without any weights and resistance bands and just do the exercises!
Γ-óIt is a good idea to alternate between lower and upper body exercises during a set
Γ-óWork until your muscles develop a working ache, i.e. they begin to feel fatigued. For most people that means three sets of 8 - 15 repetitions for a given exercise. If that begins to feel easy, increase the resistance with weights or resistance bands.
Γ-óThree sets of 4 - 6 exercises are a good place to start.

Cardio
Developing good cardio habits can improve both your heart health and your mental health. Many of us are lucky to live in areas where we can take a walk around the neighborhood. Zone 2 walks are great for fat loss. For most people, Zone 2 corresponds to
60-70% of their maximum heart rate. Alternate Zone 2 walks with brisk walks for a balanced cardio workout.

Diet
Eating a balanced diet is important for our mood, health, and muscle growth. Ideally, discuss your goals with a licensed dietician and/or your medical care provider. Here are a couple of points to get the conversations started: focus on the quality of
your food; prioritize protein for muscle growth; add more plants and fiber to your diet. Pulses (dried edible seeds of plants in the legume family) are a great source of protein and fiber; oats make for a satisfying breakfast, for example. Monitor your
sugar intake; consider adding one or two fasting days to your week. During fast days, replace either breakfast or lunch with water, tea or soup. Consider replacing a meal with a half hour or hour walk. Drink more water and decaffeinated tea than you
think you need and match your energy needs with your consumption, especially when working out. Focus on how you feel. If you need to measure, then measure your waistline rather than your weight. Get your annual medical checkup.

Goals
Remember that the goals are to be "fit to fight" and to lead a self-determined life for as long as possible. That way you can stay active in and for the community!Γ-"Oliver Dully, K6OLI [ mailto:k6oli@arrl.net ] , District Emergency Coordinator, ARES LAX
Northeast District [ https://www.laxnortheast.org/ ] .

K1CE For a Final

A recent POTA(R) expedition across the Florida panhandle educated me on how to efficiently deploy my radio and antenna in the field, as an operator might do at an incident command post or disaster area outpost. Think of Parks on the Air (POTA) as a
critical training tool for ARES operators who may be tasked with deployment. (Plus, it's a barrel of fun!) You can read about my journey and lessons learned in the upcoming May issue of QST's "Public Service" column.

ARES(R) Resources

Γ-óDownload the ARES Manual [PDF] [ http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Public Service/ARES/ARESmanual2015.pdf ]
Γ-óARES Field Resources Manual [PDF] [ http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ARES_FR_Manual.pdf?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ]
Γ-óARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book [Fillable PDF] [ https://arrl.informz.net/arrl/data/images/ARES Letter/ARES Taskbook July 2024.pdf ]
Γ-óARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book [Word] [ https://arrl.informz.net/arrl/data/images/ARES Letter/ARES Taskbook July 2024.doc ]
Γ-óARES Plan [ https://arrl.informz.net/arrl/data/images/ARES Letter/ARES PLAN 24(2).pdf ]
Γ-óARES Group Registration [ http://www.arrl.org/ares-group-id-request-form?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ]
Γ-óEmergency Communications Training [ http://www.arrl.org/emergency-communications-training?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ]

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service(R) (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every
licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible to apply for membership in ARES. Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES. Please inquire at the local level for specific
information. Because ARES is an amateur radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.

How to Get Involved in ARES: Fill out the ARES Registration form [ http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Public Service/fsd98.pdf ] and submit it to your local Emergency Coordinator.

Support ARES(R): Join ARRL

ARES(R) is a program of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio(R) [ https://www.arrl.org/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ] . No other organization works harder than ARRL to promote and protect amateur radio! ARRL members
enjoy many benefits and services including digital magazines, e-newsletters, online learning (learn.arrl.org [ https://learn.arrl.org/ ] ), and technical support. Membership also supports programs for radio clubs, on-air contests, Logbook of The World(R),
ARRL Field Day, and the all-volunteer ARRL Field Organization.

Join ARRL or renew today! www.arrl.org/join [ http://www.arrl.org/join?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ]

The ARES Letter is free of charge to ARRL members. Subscribe: www.arrl.org/subscribe [ https://www.arrl.org/opt-in-out?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ]

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www.arrl.org/ares-el?issue=2024-04-17&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ]

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Copyright ┬(c) 2025 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other purposes require written permission.

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