Operating Day at Fry's Electronics

Murphy Canyon-

Amateur radio organizations from all over San Diego County will be setting up their portable operations in the Fry's parking lot this November 7th. This is a great opportunity to meet local hams, and discuss emergency operations. Many will be displaying "go boxes", and other disaster preparedness.

The operation is set-up in the northeast corner of the Fry's parking lot in Murphy Canyon. Just look for the antennas.

Posted By: Mark Grow (Lakeside Fire Retired) KG6LI

Emergency Portable Antenna for 2 Meters

In times of emergencies the difference between communicating, and not communicating, can come down to the antenna. Now let's be honest, the antenna that is typically sold with most amateur handy talkies is far from an effective radiator. One of the first things most amateurs do when purchasing a new radio is to replace the antenna with an upgraded antenna from a number of manufacturers that specialize in antenna construction.

But even with these fancy upgraded antennas some area will continue to have difficulty communication due to surrounding terrain. Often the solution is to get the antenna outside, and higher, but most people envision a large antenna atop a steel mast, not so.

Communication plans built around disaster communications need to be highly portable, inexpensive, and effective. For ages many hams have been constructing effective two-meter antennas out of simple ladder line. This antenna is easy to construct, can be stored in a shoe box, and is easy to deploy in times of emergency. This antenna will help squeak out all the effective power out of that handie talkie.

Two-meter slim-jim antenna simply deployed on the interior wall.

The construction plan for this antenna can be located at this site: Two-Meter Ladder Line Antenna
The parts can be located at many local ham radio specialty stores and electronic supply stores. Keep in mind that you will need an adapter to connect the feedline to the radio. You might want to take your radio with you so they can select the appropriate adapter.

Remember, test the antenna before you need it in an emergency. Try it in different locations around the homestead to see where it's most effective.

Now while this might be an easy construction for some, others might be uncomfortable with antenna construction. If you have questions seek out assistance as an improperly constructed antenna can damage your radio. It's best to seek out assistance when needed.

Mark Grow (Lakeside Fire Retired) KG6LI

Lakeside Communications Volunteers and CERT at the San Diego Hamfest

Lakeside Rodeo Grounds-

On October 3rd, 2015 the Lakeside Amateur Radio Club invited amateur radio operators from all over to their San Diego Hamfest. This event provided a variety of activities for local hams including a swap meet, lectures, wares from local vendors, and attendance from local radio clubs. Part of the events included attendance by the Lakeside CERT Team, and presentations by the Communications Volunteer Group.

Lakeside CERT Team member Robert Kennett staffs the booth at the San Diego Ham Fest.

Lakeside Communications Volunteer Gordon Shackelford presented information to the group about recent progress made by the group in mapping out communications areas that may be problematic during a emergency. Other topics included the formation of the Communications Volunteer Group and their on-going relationship with the Lakeside Fire Protection District.

CVG Gordon Shackelford presents information to the group on current activities by the group to prepare for emergencies.

A number of vendors attended that had specific interest to amateur radio operators. The event was well attended.

Vendors fill the hall at the Lakeside Rodeo grounds.

Submitted By: Mark Grow (Lakeside Fire Retired) KG6LI

Hams to gather in Lakeside

Lakeside Rodeo Grounds- 

The Lakeside Amateur Radio Club will be sponsoring the San Diego Hamfest that will take place on October 3rd at the Lakeside Rodeo grounds. Vendors, and amateur radio operators, from all over San Diego County will gather for this one-day event.

Don't miss out.....!

Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Retired, KG6LI

Lakeside Amateur Radio Club Holds Field Day Event

Lakeside, Calif. -

On June 27-28, 2015, the Lakeside Amateur Radio Club, also known as the LARC, participated in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day Event at the Lakeside Fire Protection District Annex.

Field Day is a demonstration of emergency communication abilities using Amateur Radio. The LARC set up for this 24 hour event to practice their readiness to help out Lakeside in the time of need like the 2003 and 2007 Firestorms where the majority of lives were lost in Lakeside.  LARC members tested their skills by setting up a large Yagi Antenna and easy set up wire antennas to make their communications in the United States and Canada.  Most all of the equipment is owned by the individual members who brought out their gear for club members to use.  

Gordon Shackelford is also the Club's educator and
 provides classes throughout the year

LARC members connecting with other radio ham operators

They also practiced their communication skills using computer and voice communications. They trained brand new Amateur Radio Operators at this event and even conducted licensing people to become Amateur Radio Operators with 100% success. Lakeside now has a new Ham Radio Operator and another individual upgraded their license to the next level called “General Class.”  Some of the members who participated in this event are also Lakeside Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members, and they have found a useful tool called “Amateur Radio.”
If you would like to help out with communications in the time of need in your local community by using Amateur Radio, you can learn more about the local Amateur Radio Club by visiting www.lakesideARC.org. 

The LARC is sponsoring an Amateur Radio Event called a Hamfest on October 3, 2015, 7am - 3pm, at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds and additional information can be found by visiting www.SDhamfest.org.

Story by Paul Rios, LARC
Photos by M. Brown, Lakeside LVG

Communications Volunteer Group Announces Amateur Radio Classes and Testing

Lakeside-

The Lakeside Fire Protection District, in cooperation with the Communications Volunteer Group, is pleased to announce dates for the Technician Class radio classes and testing. This is an opportunity to obtain your FCC amateur radio license. This license allows amateurs to communicate on a number of frequencies, including those most commonly used during disaster communications.

The classes will be conducted over a series of four evenings followed by testing. These classes will be conducted at the Lakeside River Park Fire Complex on Lakeside Ave. The classes are two hours long and will prepare the student for passage of the Technician Class license.

Although the class is free, students will be required to obtain a copy of the ARRL "Ham Radio Technician License Manual (2nd edition). The text can be purchased locally at Ham Radio Outlet for $29.95. The store is located at 5375 Kearny Villa Road  #113.

To register for the class contact CERT Coordinator Lance Burford at cert@lakesidefire.com. You do not need to be a CERT Team member to attend.

Submitted: Fire Engineer-CERT Coordinator Lance Buford, Lakeside Fire District

Operating Day in San Diego

Murphy Canyon-

Amateur radio groups, and clubs, will gather in the Fry's Electronics parking-lot for the semi-annual "Operating Day." This is an opportunity to see amateur radio in action as there will be an array of operating stations bouncing their signals off the earth's outer atmosphere. So if you are thinking about getting licensed, or your a licensed amateur radio operator looking for a fun event, well head on down to Murphy Canyon this Saturday (April 26th, 2014) and meet the local radio operators.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the northeast corner of the Fry's parking-lot at 9825 Stonecrest Blvd. This event is held to spur interest in the amateur radio service. So come with your questions...!

For licensed radio operators the talk-in frequency is 146.550 (simplex). See you there.   

This event is ssponsored by the Six Shooters Amateur Radio Club. 

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Emergency Net Schedule to Change in April

Since the debut of the Lakeside Emergency Net in January we have been evaluating comments, and net traffic, to find a appropriate schedule based on community needs. From the feedback we have received the format of a monthly net overwhelmingly was the most popular pick from all other options.

So in April we will convert to the new monthly schedule. The Lakeside Emergency Net will be conducted on the first Sunday of each month at the same time as our current net. That schedule should remain in effect for the foreseeable future.

So the Lakeside Emergency Net will be conducted on the following dates in 2014:

March 2nd and 16th
April 6th
May 4th
June 1st
July 6th
August 3rd
September 7th
October 5th
November 2nd
December 7th

If you have any suggestions, or comments about the net, they can be sent to radionet@lakesidefire.com

Attention Lakeside CERT Team Members.....

All Lakeside CERT Members,

For the last 10 plus years, Lakeside Fire Protection District’s participation in the CERT program has been equivalent to a train and release program. We have talked about additional training and refresher training but have not been able to deliver these to you so far. We are now in the position to take the program to the next level. We will be having two meetings in March that will go over the new plans and topics below. Please make every effort to attend one of the March meeting dates to learn some new information and reconnect with us all.


March meeting Topics:
1) Understanding the future of the Lakeside CERT program
2) Registering with the County Office of Emergency Services (OES)
3) Completing a county Disaster Service Worker (DSW) form
4) Certification renewal
5) Neighborhood CERT organization
6) Disaster Communications plans
7) Checking backpacks
8) New CERT assignments

March CERT Meetings:
Dates: March 8th and 15th (choose one to attend)

Time: 1:00 – 3:00

Location: Lakeside Fire Station 2
122016 Lakeside Avenue
Lakeside, CA 92040

Attire: Casual, bring your backpack to check and share

CERT Program Manager
Lance Buford (Eng./FF)
(619) 390-2364

CERT Lead Instructor
Chuck Palmore (Captain)
(619) 390-2364

Lakeside CERT

Community Disaster Preparedness

Bob Robeson on the February 9th Net

On the Net Tonight.....!

Bob Robeson will be present at net control for the February 9th "Lakeside Emergency Net" to discuss the Fire Safe Council programs in the Lakeside area. Bob currently serves as the Liaison Officer to the Fire Safe Councils for the Lakeside Fire Protection District. Bob is a retired CalFire chief officer, and is extremely insightful when it comes to the defensive space program.

Bob Robeson

So if you have any questions about the Fire Safe Council activities, or defensible space, bring your questions to the net.

See you on the air.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, CVG Coordinator

Emergency Net Schedule and Format Change in March

Well after a successful launching of the Lakeside Emergency Net this month we have had an opportunity to better evaluate the format and schedule of the net. Starting in March the net will be conducted on the first and third Sunday of the month at 7:00 p.m. After receiving input from our net participants this schedule strikes a good compromise.

Also in March the format of the net will change to reduce the amount of time the net is in session. After the changes the net should be a more manageable 30 minutes or less. This should allow participants the ability to get important information, check-in, and get on with your Sunday evening.

We are always looking for input into the net at radionet@lakesidefire.com

Remember, these changes take effect in March. Till then we will see you on the weekly net....

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, CVG Coordinator

Disaster Power Management

One of the most fragile commodities in a regional disaster is the power grid. Power directly affects our ability to maintain communications as power drains away from our old reliable sources. Often overlooked as we prepare for disasters is our ability to stay on the air. With the grid down it’s very unlikely that you can recharge the batteries your hand-talkie came with. And even if you find a power source…..how long will it take to recharge the batteries?

Power, power, power will be the main concern during these emergencies. So how do we manage our communications to keep us on the air? Well the question has more than one answer, in fact our ability to stay on the air requires a number of actions.

AA Battery Inserts: So when you purchased that band new radio did you consider buying the AA battery insert? I guess the first question we should have asked, does your radio accept an AA battery insert?

These cheap little inserts replace the original battery that came with the radio and allows the use of ordinary AA batteries. But not all radios have this option, so it requires some research before you make that purchase.Check with your local amateur radio supplier and see if it's available.

Another point is the fact that these inserts are cheap compared to other accessories, so consider it your number one priority when buying a portable radio. Keep a stockpile of batteries at home, and rotate through that stock.

Cigarette Outlet Adapter: Another option to consider is the plug-in power cord for your vehicle. But one needs to remember that we are drawing power off your vehicles battery, which can leave you stranded if not recharged, so keep it in mind every time you plug in.

Output Wattage: So now were back to that owner’s manual we previously discussed. Do we know how to adjust the output power on our radio? As a general point of good operating procedures we should only be using enough power to maintain communications. But in a disaster this becomes imperative.

If we can access the repeater with one watt then why are we using 5 watts. The output power will directly affect the power drain on all of your energy sources, so be ready to turn it down to the lower wattage settings.

Conserve Usage: Your radio uses the least power when receiving. But keep in mind, it is still using power. So manage the time that you plan on monitoring. Many nets update situations at the top of the hour, thus allowing people to use their radios for shorter periods.

Report Those Things that need Reporting: Reporting that you have “no power” five hours into a blackout is probably un-necessary. Reporting the odor of natural gas in the area is probably a good use of that radio. Construct your transmissions in your mind before you hit the transmit button. The shorter the transmission the better. Don’t consume power on usage that has no direct benefit to you, or your community.

Solar: Many stores carry smaller, portable, solar panels that can be rolled out in an emergency. Most of the smaller ones can be used in the recharging of batteries. A solar panel large enough to directly power your radio is going to be much bigger. But hey, it’s a consideration.

If you have other ideas let us know in the comment section on our Facebook page.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, CVG Coordinator

Taking a Wrinkle Out of Net Operations with Phonetics

Net operations under emergency operations can be a place of collective chaos. The net controllers are tasked with the almost impossible job or organizing information being received from a number of independent sources. Mixed within this job is the formidable job of correctly identifying the call letters of the reporting stations.

Departing from the world of “words” call letters are a random mix of letters and numbers, each unique to the person checking into the net. But probably the most commonly mis-communicated piece of information during a net is the call letters. This can cause the net to come to a screeching halt as net operators try to decipher the mash of information. In emergency situations this can cause un-necessary delays and transmissions.

To defeat this problem most nets have adopted the amateur radio operators “phonetic  alphabet”. Using this known series of words to clearly convey your call letters can be the key to passing information correctly the first time. Every amateur should know their call letters phonetically, and use it when checking into the net.

Next time you check into the Emergency Net give it a shot, you will probably be surprised how well it works.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow CVG Coordinator, Kilo Golf Six Lima India

Emergency Preparation Starts with most Basic Step

Being prepared for an emergency can start with the most basic steps. In fact preparation can start the moment you open the box to that new radio you just purchased. How many of us really study the manual that is included with our radios? Really don’t we get to the point that we can program the repeaters that we want and then the booklet is tossed into the drawer with the manual from our Betamax we purchased in the 80’s?

On September 8th, 2011 at 3:38 p.m. the San Diego area was cast into an eleven hour blackout that originated in Arizona. During this time communication links were stressed to the max as public service agencies struggled to keep their radio systems functioning. In some situations amateur radio repeaters dropped off the map when emergency generators failed.

In the San Diego North County CERT Team scrambled to help with the few remaining repeaters. In all this mayhem would you be in a position to reconfigure the channels in your radio? Are you prepared to program simplex channels as amateur radio operator’s move to line-of-site communications?

Often hams have become reliant on software packages to program their complex radios, but in time have lost skills that might be needed in the darkness of a prolonged emergency situation.

In actuality our ability as amateur radio operators to function in “real world” situations is dependent our understanding of the radios we own. Don’t fall into a mindset that your radio won’t fail you if you don’t understand the complexities of these microchip driven radios.

Break out the owner’s manual on occasion and review the operation. At the very least know where that prized manual is located. Remember that “on-line” version you downloaded won’t be available.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow (KG6LI) CVG Coordinator

"Love Your Heart" on the February 2nd NET

River Park Fire Station Complex-

During the February 2nd NET Firefighter-Paramedic Jamie Hazlewood will be at Net Control to discuss the upcoming "Love Your Heart" program. I'll save the details for Jamie but the event will take place on February 14th, 2014.

See ya on the airwaves.....

AE6QW	Gordon	El Cajon
AI6O	Ed	San Diego
K5WFW	Len	Santee
K6MBA	Marc	Lakeside
KK6FXV	Bob	Lakeside
KR7AZY	Kyris	Santee
N6JOJ	Tom	Santee
W5COM	Tom	Spring Valley
W6SAN	Bill	Lakeside
W6VJT	Pat	Lakeside

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, CVG Coordinator

All Things CERT for the next NET

On January 26th Fire Captain Chuck Palmore will be present at net control to discuss the CERT program. If you have any questions related to training, time commitment, or the mission of CERT, have your questions ready for the net.

Chuck Palmore (W6CHK) currently serves as the lead CERT trainer for the Lakeside Fire Protection District.

Time: Sunday, January 26th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rattlesnake Repeater Site (147.765 (-) p/l: 79.7)

Take the time to check into our new net.

<<POST NET COMMENTS>>

If you have any questions related to the CERT program feel free to send an e-mail to radionet@lakesidefire.com  We will make certain they get forwarded to Chuck and Lance.

We would like to thank the following amateur radio operators for participating in the net.

AE6QW	Gordon	El Cajon
AI6O	Ed	San Diego
K5WFW	Len	Santee
KC6QLS	Paul	Lakeside
KC6STT	Stacy	Lakeside
KF7ITJ	Moose	San Diego
KI6TUC	Dennis	San Diego
KJ6NTI	Janis	El Cajon
KJ6VMP	Jim	Lakeside
KK6FXR	Rich	El Cajon
KK6FXY	Tom	Lakeside
KK6FYI	Marcy	El Cajon
KK6GFU	Susan	Lakeside
KR7AZY	Kyris	Santee
N6JOJ	Tom	Santee
N6QEK	Steve	El Cajon
N6SIX	Joe	El Cajon
W5COM	Tom	Spring Valley
W6CHK	Chuck	Pine Valley
W6SAN	Bill	Lakeside
W6VJT	Pat	Lakeside

Lakeside Emergency Net off to a Great Start

River Park Fire Station Complex-

With the words "QST,QST,QST, this is the Lakeside Emergency Net" we were off and running with the first amateur radio net. Given the fact that the San Francisco 49'ers and the Seattle Seahawks were in an epic battle, we were encouraged that 17 operators checked into the 7:00 p.m. net.

Pat Chambers (W6VJT) conducts the net from the River Park Fire Complex

Stations from Serra Mesa to Flinn Springs took the opportunity to check-in with the net. The net ran for about forty minutes, but much of that time was spent organizing the somewhat chaotic check-in process. With any first radio net we have no idea who is out there, only after stations are heard can the process of organization start. The one topic we discussed was the ability of amateur radio operators to use the phonetic alphabet. Well here they are at this <LINK>.

If you missed the net take an opportunity to listen to the first Lakeside Emergency Net below.



The net will be conducted every Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. on the East County Repeater Association's "Rattlesnake Mountain" site." The frequency is 147.765 (- offset) with a P/L tone 79.7. All amateurs are welcome to participate.

Members of the Communications Volunteer Group handle net traffic and document check-in's.

On January 26th Captain Chuck Palmore will be present during the net to discuss CERT team training and participation. So if you have any questions about CERT this is your opportunity to get answers.

The net is conducted by members of the Communications Volunteer Group. These dedicated amateur radio operators come from our local community, and are dedicated to the effort to provide a great net experience. If you have any questions or comments about the net please send them to radionet@lakesidefire.com

We would like to thank the following amateur radio operators for checking into the net:

AI6O	Ed	San Diego
K5WFW	Len	Santee
KC6QLS	Paul	Lakeside
KG6LI	Mark	Temecula
KI6TUC	Dennis	San Diego
KJ6DWX	Karen	El Cajon
KJ6IOB	Daniel	El Cajon
KK6FXR	Rich	El Cajon
KK6FXV	Bob	Lakeside
KK6FXY	Tom	Lakeside
KK6FYI	Marcy	El Cajon
KK6GFU	Susan	Lakeside
KR7AZY	Kyris	Santee
N6JOJ	Tom	Santee
N6SIX	Joe	El Cajon
W6CHK	Chuck	Pine Valley
W6SAN	Bill	Lakeside
W6VJT	Pat	Lakeside

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, CVG Coordinator