Last night just before midnight, one of the buildings at the Woods Apartments on Hodgson Memorial Blvd. caught fire:
http://www.wtoc.com/Global/story.asp?S=9901073&nav=menu89_2
http://www.wtoc.com/Global/story.asp?S=9902442&nav=menu89_2
Savannah Fire and Emergency Services, Southside EMS, MedStar EMS, and the Savannah Chatham Municipal PD responded to the scene. ENGINEs 1, 2, 7, and 11; TRUCKs 1 and 2, RESCUE 2, BATTALION 2, COMMAND AID, and a Safety Officer from Savannah Fire responded. EMS units from Southside EMS and from MedStar responded, with some staging at the BB&T bank on Hodgson Memorial Blvd. SCMPD responded to the scene as well (for awhile there was a stuck mic on one SCMPD TG and you could hear an officer banging on doors looking for residents).
On arrival, there was smoke and flames visible from the second floor. The fire eventually moved to the third floor as well and flames broke through the roof. Residents were rescued from the above ground level floors via ladder.
Talkgroups in use:
36880 - Savannah Fire Dispatch
36976 - Savannah Fire Fireground 1
2352 - Metro EMS Dispatch
4112 - Southside EMS Medic 1
4144 - Southside EMS Medic 2
7920 - MedStar Dispatch
53408 - SCMPD A4
53424 - SCMPD B4
Just before I finally turned in last night, LifeStar was getting a mission on 462.975 for a patient transfer from Memorial to the Augusta Burn Center that may have been related to the fire.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
25 February 2009
24 February 2009
New Computer Speakers
Today, I bought a new set of computer speakers in my quest to find some that would both sound good and be RFI resistant. I've found some that sound good, but RFI from transmissions on the ham gear (particularly 2 Meters and 6 Meters) gets into them. I've also had a pair of speakers that didn't suffer from RFI as much but the audio quality was left a lot to be desired. My health insurance company sent me a Best Buy gift card for taking part in a survey, so I used it toward a pair of Bose Companion 2 speakers.
These speakers sound amazing! It's hard to believe the quality of audio that comes out of these small speakers. I played the Allman Brothers' "Soulshine" and Eric Clapton's "Superman Inside" and was really impressed with how clear and full they sounded. Another positive to the Bose speakers is their lack of those silly LED indicator lights (I don't need a LED to tell me my speakers are on...) that most computer speakers have now.
These speakers are also hefty, which would seem to indicate that they are well shielded. The audio and power cables also appear to be well shielded. So far I have made test transmissions on both 2 meters and 6 meters and have noticed no RFI problems. The next time I'm on HF, I'll find out if I have any problems there. I hope not, because as I describe next, they are now the speakers for the FT-897D as well.
The Companion 2's have two sets of RCA audio input jacks, so you can use them with your computer and with another audio device simultaneously. I had a spare 1/8'' to RCA cable in the shack, so I used it to connect the FT-897D's audio output to the speakers. I hope that the speakers don't have RFI problems when I transmit on HF because I really like the way this setup sounds.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
These speakers sound amazing! It's hard to believe the quality of audio that comes out of these small speakers. I played the Allman Brothers' "Soulshine" and Eric Clapton's "Superman Inside" and was really impressed with how clear and full they sounded. Another positive to the Bose speakers is their lack of those silly LED indicator lights (I don't need a LED to tell me my speakers are on...) that most computer speakers have now.
These speakers are also hefty, which would seem to indicate that they are well shielded. The audio and power cables also appear to be well shielded. So far I have made test transmissions on both 2 meters and 6 meters and have noticed no RFI problems. The next time I'm on HF, I'll find out if I have any problems there. I hope not, because as I describe next, they are now the speakers for the FT-897D as well.
The Companion 2's have two sets of RCA audio input jacks, so you can use them with your computer and with another audio device simultaneously. I had a spare 1/8'' to RCA cable in the shack, so I used it to connect the FT-897D's audio output to the speakers. I hope that the speakers don't have RFI problems when I transmit on HF because I really like the way this setup sounds.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
19 February 2009
Military Monitoring Recap; 01-15 February 2009
Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
51.050 - Helicopter Common
44.475 - FARP/Hot Refuel
70.575 - 1-3 AVN "VIPER OPS"
43.625 - 1-3 AVN
229.200 - 1-3 AVN air-to-air
54.600 - 2-3 AVN "KNIGHTHAKW OPS"
54.375 - B/2-3 AVN
51.375 - 3-17 CAV Internal
51.500 - 3-17 CAV air-to-air
245.175 - 3-17 CAV air-to-air
49.700 - 4-3 AVN "ASSAULT OPS"
38.925 - 4-3 AVN air-to-air
77.725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
157.175 - Marine VHF Ch. 83, Savannah Air MX Control
323.125 - Hunter AAF ATIS
127.525 - Hunter AAF ATIS
ARMY 25287 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25289 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25291 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25293 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25295 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25296 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25330 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25306 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35354 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35359 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35360 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35364 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35370 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35377 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35391 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26478 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26594 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 70081 (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 70082 (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
RIVER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24427 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24456 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24618 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24636 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 00371 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 30958 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 40185 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 50015 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 50016 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 50074 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY ??181 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 26501 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26503 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26510 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26512 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26521 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26546 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26629 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26633 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26795 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27065 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27075 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26286 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26490 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03747 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03748 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03752 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03755 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03756 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03757 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03761 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
HURRICANE ## (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
TESTHAWK ## (H-60, OLR)
COAST GUARD 6510 (MH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6542 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6545 (HH-65C, Savannah)
ARMY 1863 (C-37)
COAST GUARD 6604 (H-65)
KING 15 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
KING 74 (HC-130)
NAVY JV 832 (C-40, VR-58)
NAVY LL ## (P-3C, VP-30)
PELICAN ## (P-3C, VP-45)
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165th AW CP
225.050 - 165th AW
128.925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG ## (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test Flights)
NAVY HQ 476 (SH-60, HSL-46)
VENUS 42
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
51.050 - Helicopter Common
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
313.800 - VMFA(AW)-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18C, VMFA-312)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
GYPSY 61 (F/A-18F, VFA-32)
Charleston AFB
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT
GRITS ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
Shaw AFB
273.700 - 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS"
139.975 - 77th FS air-to-air
140.375 - 77th FS air-to-air
143.800 - 77th FS air-to-air
320.525 - 79th FS OPS
138.150 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.700 - 79th FS air-to-air
142.400 - 79th FS air-to-air
BOOKIE ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
DIAMOND ## F-16CM, 77th FS)
FLUSH ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
SLOT ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
VENOM ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
CLAW ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
STORMY ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
TOPCAT ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
140.125 - 169th FW V19
MACE ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
STALK ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
125th Fighter Wing, Jacksonville IAP
351.800 - Jacksonville App/Dep
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
273.900 - 125th FW SOF
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FW Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG (F-15C, 125th FW)
SNAKE (F-15C, 125th FW)
COIL (F-15C, 125th FW)
RATTLER (F-15C, 125th FW)
VENOM (F-15C, 125th FW)
MAGIC 52 (E-3, NATO)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
349.850 - Robins PMSV
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
276.075 - JSTARS Discrete
328.025 - JSTARS Discrete
355.250 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
381.000 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 3# (E-8C, 330th CTS)
STARGATE (E-8C backend, 330th CTS)
PEACH 6# (E-8C, 16th ACCS)
STRIKESTAR (E-8C, 16th ACCS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
354.300 - BEEFEATER ECM Range
236.075 - Grand Bay Range (Moody AFB)
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
133.950 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
301.000 - South TACTS Range
350.000 - South TACTS Range
311.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
DARLKSTAR (E-3, 965th ACCS)
GOLIATH (E-3, 960 ACCS)
GRUMMAN 87 (E-2, Grumman Test)
HUNTRESS (NORAD EADS)
KING 16 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
LIGHTNING 1# (MV-22?, USMC?)
MAGIC 52 (E-3, NATO)
NATO 02 (E-3, NATO, MAGIC 52's front end)
OPEC 76 (KC-10, McGuire)
OTIS ## (KC-130, VMGR-252)
PELICAN ## (P-3C, VP-45)
RAGIN ## (F/A-18, VFA-37)
SPARTA 0# (A-10, 23 FG)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
270.200 - NORAD Discrete
316.300 - NORAD Discrete
341.200 - MAGIC Discrete
255.450 - 71st RQS)
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
275.500 - VFA-37 air-to-air
275.200 - Grumman St. Augustine
364.000 - Grumman Test
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
51.050 - Helicopter Common
44.475 - FARP/Hot Refuel
70.575 - 1-3 AVN "VIPER OPS"
43.625 - 1-3 AVN
229.200 - 1-3 AVN air-to-air
54.600 - 2-3 AVN "KNIGHTHAKW OPS"
54.375 - B/2-3 AVN
51.375 - 3-17 CAV Internal
51.500 - 3-17 CAV air-to-air
245.175 - 3-17 CAV air-to-air
49.700 - 4-3 AVN "ASSAULT OPS"
38.925 - 4-3 AVN air-to-air
77.725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
157.175 - Marine VHF Ch. 83, Savannah Air MX Control
323.125 - Hunter AAF ATIS
127.525 - Hunter AAF ATIS
ARMY 25287 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25289 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25291 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25293 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25295 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25296 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25330 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25306 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35354 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35359 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35360 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35364 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35370 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35377 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35391 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26478 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26594 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 70081 (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 70082 (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
RIVER ## (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24427 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24456 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24618 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24636 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 00371 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 30958 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 40185 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 50015 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 50016 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 50074 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY ??181 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 26501 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26503 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26510 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26512 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26521 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26546 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26629 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26633 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26795 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27065 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27075 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26286 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26490 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03747 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03748 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03752 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03755 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03756 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03757 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03761 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
HURRICANE ## (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
TESTHAWK ## (H-60, OLR)
COAST GUARD 6510 (MH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6542 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6545 (HH-65C, Savannah)
ARMY 1863 (C-37)
COAST GUARD 6604 (H-65)
KING 15 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
KING 74 (HC-130)
NAVY JV 832 (C-40, VR-58)
NAVY LL ## (P-3C, VP-30)
PELICAN ## (P-3C, VP-45)
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165th AW CP
225.050 - 165th AW
128.925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG ## (C-130H, 165 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test Flights)
NAVY HQ 476 (SH-60, HSL-46)
VENUS 42
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
51.050 - Helicopter Common
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
313.800 - VMFA(AW)-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18C, VMFA-312)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
GYPSY 61 (F/A-18F, VFA-32)
Charleston AFB
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT
GRITS ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
Shaw AFB
273.700 - 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS"
139.975 - 77th FS air-to-air
140.375 - 77th FS air-to-air
143.800 - 77th FS air-to-air
320.525 - 79th FS OPS
138.150 - 79th FS air-to-air
141.700 - 79th FS air-to-air
142.400 - 79th FS air-to-air
BOOKIE ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
DIAMOND ## F-16CM, 77th FS)
FLUSH ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
SLOT ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
VENOM ## (F-16CM, 77th FS)
CLAW ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
STORMY ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
TOPCAT ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
140.125 - 169th FW V19
MACE ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
STALK ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
125th Fighter Wing, Jacksonville IAP
351.800 - Jacksonville App/Dep
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
273.900 - 125th FW SOF
234.800 - 125th FW Aux 6
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FW Aux 8
343.000 - 125th FW Aux 9
FANG (F-15C, 125th FW)
SNAKE (F-15C, 125th FW)
COIL (F-15C, 125th FW)
RATTLER (F-15C, 125th FW)
VENOM (F-15C, 125th FW)
MAGIC 52 (E-3, NATO)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
349.850 - Robins PMSV
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
276.075 - JSTARS Discrete
328.025 - JSTARS Discrete
355.250 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
381.000 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 3# (E-8C, 330th CTS)
STARGATE (E-8C backend, 330th CTS)
PEACH 6# (E-8C, 16th ACCS)
STRIKESTAR (E-8C, 16th ACCS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
354.300 - BEEFEATER ECM Range
236.075 - Grand Bay Range (Moody AFB)
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
133.950 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
301.000 - South TACTS Range
350.000 - South TACTS Range
311.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
320.500 - BRISTOL Discrete
DOUBLESHOT (W-161/177)
127.725 - Primary
279.725 - Primary
258.400 - Discrete
381.350 - Discrete
Miscellaneous
DARLKSTAR (E-3, 965th ACCS)
GOLIATH (E-3, 960 ACCS)
GRUMMAN 87 (E-2, Grumman Test)
HUNTRESS (NORAD EADS)
KING 16 (HC-130, 71 RQS)
LIGHTNING 1# (MV-22?, USMC?)
MAGIC 52 (E-3, NATO)
NATO 02 (E-3, NATO, MAGIC 52's front end)
OPEC 76 (KC-10, McGuire)
OTIS ## (KC-130, VMGR-252)
PELICAN ## (P-3C, VP-45)
RAGIN ## (F/A-18, VFA-37)
SPARTA 0# (A-10, 23 FG)
364.200 - NORAD AICC
270.200 - NORAD Discrete
316.300 - NORAD Discrete
341.200 - MAGIC Discrete
255.450 - 71st RQS)
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
275.500 - VFA-37 air-to-air
275.200 - Grumman St. Augustine
364.000 - Grumman Test
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
17 February 2009
Is it Time to Change How Amateur Radio Operators Handle Traffic?
John Kasupski, KC2HMZ wrote an interesting column in the March 2009 issue of Popular Communications. In "NIMS and EmComm Message Handling" (pg. 54) he takes a look at Amateur Radio traffic handling in regards to the National Incident Management System. I strongly suggest taking a look at John's thought provoking column, as he brings up some good points.
Prime among John's suggestions is that we as Hams switch from using the ARRL Radiogram to the standard NIMS ICS-213 form.
I do not claim to be an expert on the National Traffic System nor do I claim to be an expert on amateur radio message handling. To be honest, I am far from it. On the other hand, I do work in emergency communications. In my opinion this is something we as Hams need to look at and perhaps reconsider how we do things so that we better fit into the broader framework of emergency communications.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Prime among John's suggestions is that we as Hams switch from using the ARRL Radiogram to the standard NIMS ICS-213 form.
I do not claim to be an expert on the National Traffic System nor do I claim to be an expert on amateur radio message handling. To be honest, I am far from it. On the other hand, I do work in emergency communications. In my opinion this is something we as Hams need to look at and perhaps reconsider how we do things so that we better fit into the broader framework of emergency communications.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
MilCom Recap
I hope to have a MilCom recap up within the next couple of days. It's been a pretty busy work week (I'm on day 6 in a row today) and I just haven't had the chance to get things together.
Mac
KF4LMT
Mac
KF4LMT
11 February 2009
Hunter AAF Changes and Discoveries
Over the last week or so, there have been some frequency and callsign changes at Hunter AAF:
- 1-3 AVN has changed their Ops frequency from 54.500 to 70.575. Along with the frequency change comes a shift to almost entirely encrypted traffic.
- B/2-3 AVN's CH-47Ds have changed their callsign from HOOKER to RIVER
- 3-17 CAV's OH-58Ds have begun using some of the old 3-3 AVN (the unit they replaced) frequencies. They have been using 238.375 and 245.175 as air-to-air frequencies.
- 3-17 CAV has also been using 51.500 for air-to-air; it seems that almost everyone at Hunter AAF has used this frequency at some point!
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Brush Fires
The Coastal Georgia area has a moderate to high fire danger rating as shown in Georgia Forestry's Fire Danger Rating Map. It is therefore no surprise that I've heard a good bit of brush fire activity on our area's Fire Department talkgroups. This week I've heard fires in the Pooler, Bloomingdale, and Effingham County areas.
Chatham County Fire Tac 1 (TG 3632) has been used for fires in Bloomingdale and Pooler, with units from Bloomingdale, Garden City, Pooler, Port Wentworth, Southside Fire, and Georgia Forestry invovled.
Effingham Incident Channels have been used for fires in various parts of the county with units from Effingham County Fire-Rescue, Rincon FD, Guyton FD, and Georgia Forestry involved.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Chatham County Fire Tac 1 (TG 3632) has been used for fires in Bloomingdale and Pooler, with units from Bloomingdale, Garden City, Pooler, Port Wentworth, Southside Fire, and Georgia Forestry invovled.
Effingham Incident Channels have been used for fires in various parts of the county with units from Effingham County Fire-Rescue, Rincon FD, Guyton FD, and Georgia Forestry involved.
Mac McCormick, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
08 February 2009
Floods, Flash Floods Can Happen Anytime, Anywhere
Savannah, GA – February 6, 2009, 9:00 AM
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release
Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters, except fire. In Georgia, most communities experience some kind of flooding after spring rains or heavy thunderstorms. Floods can be slow or fast rising but generally develop over a period of days. Dam failures are potentially the worst flood events. When a dam fails, a gigantic quantity of water is suddenly let loose downstream, destroying anything in its path.
Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. They occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes. “Communities particularly at risk are those located in low-lying areas, near water, or downstream from a dam," says Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.
Here is some information to help you develop a plan and be ready to act before the possibility of a flood or flash flood threatens you or your family:
Know What to Expect
· Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call the CEMA office, planning and zoning department or Savannah Chapter of American Red Cross.
· If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
· Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage By
· Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
· Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
· A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
· A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
· A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
· A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
· Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
· Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing
· First aid kit and essential medications.
· Canned food and can opener.
· At least three gallons of water per person.
· Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
· Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
· Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
· Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
· Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places -- a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued
· Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
· Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued
· Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television for the latest weather forecasts.
· If told to evacuate, do so immediately!
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued
· Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued
· Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
· Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
· If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500, Georgia Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-TRY-GEMA or visit these Web sites: www.gema.ga.gov , http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/ or www.redcross.org .
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release
Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters, except fire. In Georgia, most communities experience some kind of flooding after spring rains or heavy thunderstorms. Floods can be slow or fast rising but generally develop over a period of days. Dam failures are potentially the worst flood events. When a dam fails, a gigantic quantity of water is suddenly let loose downstream, destroying anything in its path.
Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. They occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes. “Communities particularly at risk are those located in low-lying areas, near water, or downstream from a dam," says Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.
Here is some information to help you develop a plan and be ready to act before the possibility of a flood or flash flood threatens you or your family:
Know What to Expect
· Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call the CEMA office, planning and zoning department or Savannah Chapter of American Red Cross.
· If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
· Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage By
· Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
· Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
· A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
· A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
· A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
· A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
· Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
· Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing
· First aid kit and essential medications.
· Canned food and can opener.
· At least three gallons of water per person.
· Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
· Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
· Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
· Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
· Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places -- a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued
· Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
· Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued
· Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television for the latest weather forecasts.
· If told to evacuate, do so immediately!
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued
· Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued
· Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
· Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
· If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500, Georgia Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-TRY-GEMA or visit these Web sites: www.gema.ga.gov , http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/ or www.redcross.org .
Beware Lightning – A Deadly Threat in Thunderstorms
Savannah, GA – February 5, 2009, 9:00 AM
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release
Severe Weather Awareness Week has been observed in Georgia for 31 years. During that time, at least 49 people were killed and more than two dozen were injured by lightning in Georgia, says Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.
“Fortunately, no one died as a result of lightning strikes in the state last year but at least 16 people were injured,” Director Scott said.
Lightning is a deadly "by-product" of thunderstorms which are very common in Georgia, particularly in the spring and summer. Lightning kills an average of 100 people a year throughout the United States. Statistics show that on the average, lightning kills more people in the United States every year than tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes. It occurs mostly during the warmer months of June through September.
"Learn the basic safety rules and precautions about thunderstorms and the embedded killer called lightning. Share this knowledge with your family and friends. Don’t be caught off-guard by these storms. When outdoors, be aware of the most current local weather forecasts. Always stay alert for signs of approaching thunderstorms. Lightning is nature’s warning signal that a thunderstorm is in its most violent state and that you should seek shelter immediately," urges Director Scott.
Before Lightning Strikes
1. Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
2. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
3. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.
When a Storm Approaches
1. Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
2. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
3. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any purpose.
4. Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.
5. Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will help prevent glass from shattering into your home.
If Caught Outside
1. If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
2. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
Protecting Yourself Outside
1. Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
2. Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
3. Do not lie flat on the ground. This will make you a larger target!
After the Storm Passes
1. Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
2. Listen to the radio or television for information and instructions.
If Someone is Struck by Lightning
1. People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
2. Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.
3. The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
4. Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and CPR by taking an American Red Cross first-aid and CPR course; call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/or www.ready.ga.gov
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release
Severe Weather Awareness Week has been observed in Georgia for 31 years. During that time, at least 49 people were killed and more than two dozen were injured by lightning in Georgia, says Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.
“Fortunately, no one died as a result of lightning strikes in the state last year but at least 16 people were injured,” Director Scott said.
Lightning is a deadly "by-product" of thunderstorms which are very common in Georgia, particularly in the spring and summer. Lightning kills an average of 100 people a year throughout the United States. Statistics show that on the average, lightning kills more people in the United States every year than tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes. It occurs mostly during the warmer months of June through September.
"Learn the basic safety rules and precautions about thunderstorms and the embedded killer called lightning. Share this knowledge with your family and friends. Don’t be caught off-guard by these storms. When outdoors, be aware of the most current local weather forecasts. Always stay alert for signs of approaching thunderstorms. Lightning is nature’s warning signal that a thunderstorm is in its most violent state and that you should seek shelter immediately," urges Director Scott.
Before Lightning Strikes
1. Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
2. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
3. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.
When a Storm Approaches
1. Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
2. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
3. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any purpose.
4. Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.
5. Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will help prevent glass from shattering into your home.
If Caught Outside
1. If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
2. If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
Protecting Yourself Outside
1. Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
2. Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
3. Do not lie flat on the ground. This will make you a larger target!
After the Storm Passes
1. Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
2. Listen to the radio or television for information and instructions.
If Someone is Struck by Lightning
1. People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
2. Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.
3. The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places. Being struck by lightning can also cause nervous system damage, broken bones, and loss of hearing or eyesight.
4. Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR. If the person has a pulse and is breathing, look and care for other possible injuries. Learn first aid and CPR by taking an American Red Cross first-aid and CPR course; call your local Red Cross chapter for class schedules and fees.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, http://www.erh.noaa.gov/chs/or www.ready.ga.gov
04 February 2009
Echolink Announcement from Jerry, W4SGA
There is now an Echolink node running via the 146.700 repeater. Look for W4SGA-R in the Echolink listings. Jerry Pearlman, W4SGA sent the following along in an email yesterday:
I am delighted to announce after weeks or work, experimenting and troubleshooting a working Echolink repeater link (w4sga-R) is up and running.
It all began just after Christmas when Dan KF4MND, Ryan AJ4MY and Guy K4GTM and I got together and hooked up an Echolink station at my house on Cape Harwicke in Bryam County establishing a repeater link using Dan's interface and my Yaesu 857D to the 146.700 repeater. It worked great. But it tied up my radio I use for HF and literally took me off the air except for the Echolink repeater link. 2 days later I couldn't stand being off HF so I disconnected everything and put may station back together.
Since I already had a Yaesu FT2800M, a computer with high-speed internet that I could dedicate to Echolink and a Tigertronics Signlaink UBS unit I decided to get the proper interface cables and make this my Echolink station. Shortly after new years I got the connecting cables and started to work hooking it up. According to Tigertronics and the Yahoo Group for Echolink hundreds of system were running this setup or something very similar.
It took weeks of working about a hour at a time only a few days a week to exhaust every possible solution I could think of and a few things Tigertronics told me to do before I had to admit I had reached an impasse. I was able to get audio from the receiver into the Echolink software but I could not transmit. Using the PSK program Digipan and putting it into the tune mode I was able to confirm the software was activating the PPT circuitry but every time I tried to pass audio it would only made the Signalink box click. It would not transmit a continuous carrier.
Finally just Monday after another short call to Tigertronics I had it working. By the way - these folks are great. They don't care where or how you got their product, they are more than happy to help you and they really know their stuff.
On the front of the Signalink USB device are 3 knobs. One for receive, one for transmit, and on for delay. They told me to turn the delay knob from the 9 o'clock position, which was where it worked just fine for PSK on another radio, to 3 o'clock.
Well that did it.
A few more tweaks in the audio software and everything works fine now.
Granted, I have a lot more to learn and probably a lot more tweaks to make but we are on the air with w4sga-R link to the CARS 146.700 repeater in an experimental mode.
Quite a few people have used the link over the last 24 hours including about 6 stations that I logged from 2 land, California, Alabama, Canada, Australia, and a number of Georgia stations as well as several members of our club. I have talked to Guy k4gtm, Lyndy nd4xe, Dave KI4ROL, Ralph w4req and a few other people but haven't done much more than make sure it seems to work, sound good and is set up right.
It does sound good. Computer originated audio sounds as good as RF originated audio.
I do have complete remote computer access to the station so I plan to leave it up and running as long as I can monitor it and control it.
Please monitor it as well as much as you can and welcome people that connect by the internet. Also please let me know what you think of it and any problems you discover so I can look into them right away.
And above all, please use and enjoy this great new capability the Coastal Amateur Radio Club now has available to it's members and the HAM community at large.
I look forward to your feedback.
I am delighted to announce after weeks or work, experimenting and troubleshooting a working Echolink repeater link (w4sga-R) is up and running.
It all began just after Christmas when Dan KF4MND, Ryan AJ4MY and Guy K4GTM and I got together and hooked up an Echolink station at my house on Cape Harwicke in Bryam County establishing a repeater link using Dan's interface and my Yaesu 857D to the 146.700 repeater. It worked great. But it tied up my radio I use for HF and literally took me off the air except for the Echolink repeater link. 2 days later I couldn't stand being off HF so I disconnected everything and put may station back together.
Since I already had a Yaesu FT2800M, a computer with high-speed internet that I could dedicate to Echolink and a Tigertronics Signlaink UBS unit I decided to get the proper interface cables and make this my Echolink station. Shortly after new years I got the connecting cables and started to work hooking it up. According to Tigertronics and the Yahoo Group for Echolink hundreds of system were running this setup or something very similar.
It took weeks of working about a hour at a time only a few days a week to exhaust every possible solution I could think of and a few things Tigertronics told me to do before I had to admit I had reached an impasse. I was able to get audio from the receiver into the Echolink software but I could not transmit. Using the PSK program Digipan and putting it into the tune mode I was able to confirm the software was activating the PPT circuitry but every time I tried to pass audio it would only made the Signalink box click. It would not transmit a continuous carrier.
Finally just Monday after another short call to Tigertronics I had it working. By the way - these folks are great. They don't care where or how you got their product, they are more than happy to help you and they really know their stuff.
On the front of the Signalink USB device are 3 knobs. One for receive, one for transmit, and on for delay. They told me to turn the delay knob from the 9 o'clock position, which was where it worked just fine for PSK on another radio, to 3 o'clock.
Well that did it.
A few more tweaks in the audio software and everything works fine now.
Granted, I have a lot more to learn and probably a lot more tweaks to make but we are on the air with w4sga-R link to the CARS 146.700 repeater in an experimental mode.
Quite a few people have used the link over the last 24 hours including about 6 stations that I logged from 2 land, California, Alabama, Canada, Australia, and a number of Georgia stations as well as several members of our club. I have talked to Guy k4gtm, Lyndy nd4xe, Dave KI4ROL, Ralph w4req and a few other people but haven't done much more than make sure it seems to work, sound good and is set up right.
It does sound good. Computer originated audio sounds as good as RF originated audio.
I do have complete remote computer access to the station so I plan to leave it up and running as long as I can monitor it and control it.
Please monitor it as well as much as you can and welcome people that connect by the internet. Also please let me know what you think of it and any problems you discover so I can look into them right away.
And above all, please use and enjoy this great new capability the Coastal Amateur Radio Club now has available to it's members and the HAM community at large.
I look forward to your feedback.
Digital TV Transition Delay
Today, the US House of Representatives voted delay the Digital TV Transition from 17 February 2009 to 12 June 2009. CNN has story about the vote here.
According to the article, one of the reasons Republicans voted against the delay is that it "would prevent some emergency agencies from using their new communications systems." Call me a cynic, but I don't think that has anything to do with it. These agencies already have communications systems that they are using now. The real reason the Republicans don't like the delay, in my opinion, comes a few lines earlier in the story: "The Federal government raked in $20 billion by selling licenses for the frequencies being vacated by local television stations for other commercial uses."
A more valid argument that was mentioned in the article is completing the transition prior to Hurricane Season. With the transition in June, you have the transition and the beginning of Hurricane Season happening near simultaneously.
Another valid argument against the delay that I've heard is in regards to what it is costing the TV stations. Many TV stations are operating both analog and digital transmitters, which is increasing their operating costs in bad economic times.
Personally I wasn't unhappy with my analog TV, but then again I don't watch all that much TV.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
According to the article, one of the reasons Republicans voted against the delay is that it "would prevent some emergency agencies from using their new communications systems." Call me a cynic, but I don't think that has anything to do with it. These agencies already have communications systems that they are using now. The real reason the Republicans don't like the delay, in my opinion, comes a few lines earlier in the story: "The Federal government raked in $20 billion by selling licenses for the frequencies being vacated by local television stations for other commercial uses."
A more valid argument that was mentioned in the article is completing the transition prior to Hurricane Season. With the transition in June, you have the transition and the beginning of Hurricane Season happening near simultaneously.
Another valid argument against the delay that I've heard is in regards to what it is costing the TV stations. Many TV stations are operating both analog and digital transmitters, which is increasing their operating costs in bad economic times.
Personally I wasn't unhappy with my analog TV, but then again I don't watch all that much TV.
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
03 February 2009
Thunderstorm Safety Is Up To You!
Savannah, GA – February 3, 2009, 9:00 AM
Chatham Emergency Management Agency News Release
Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms. Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes.
“Last year, at least 655 thunderstorms occurred in Georgia on about 70 separate days, killing one person and injuring nine others. The biggest threat in Georgia from severe thunderstorms is damaging straight line winds and large hail,” said Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.
Straight line winds can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado. These winds occur, on average, 19 days per year in Georgia. These events have occurred in every month of the year, but are most common in the spring and summer months, peaking in July.
Here is some information to help you recognize severe weather, develop a plan, and be ready to act when threatening weather approaches:
To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
What you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:
Postpone outdoor activities.
Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
Avoid the following:
Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.
Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
Anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: http://www.chathamemergency.org/, http://www.gema.ga.gov/ , www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ , or http://www.ready.ga.gov/.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency News Release
Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms. Despite their small size, all thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes.
“Last year, at least 655 thunderstorms occurred in Georgia on about 70 separate days, killing one person and injuring nine others. The biggest threat in Georgia from severe thunderstorms is damaging straight line winds and large hail,” said Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) Director Clayton Scott.
Straight line winds can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph and produce damage similar to a tornado. These winds occur, on average, 19 days per year in Georgia. These events have occurred in every month of the year, but are most common in the spring and summer months, peaking in July.
Here is some information to help you recognize severe weather, develop a plan, and be ready to act when threatening weather approaches:
To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
What you should do if a thunderstorm is likely in your area:
Postpone outdoor activities.
Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
Avoid the following:
Natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water.
Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
Anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: http://www.chathamemergency.org/, http://www.gema.ga.gov/ , www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ , or http://www.ready.ga.gov/.
02 February 2009
Statewide Tornado Drill Set for Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
Savannah, GA – February 2, 2009, 2:30 PM
Chatham Emergency Management Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), in conjunction with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS), encourages Georgians to join them in observing the week of February 1-7 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.
“The main event of the annual week-long campaign is the Statewide Tornado Drill, scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, February 4,” said CEMA Director Clayton Scott. “The NWS will issue a test weather warning message to initiate the drill. Local warning systems, NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio, and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be activated upon receipt of this warning message, to signal the start of the drill.”
Residents should treat the drill as if it were an actual severe weather emergency. The purpose of the annual drill is to test everyone’s readiness for life-threatening severe weather events such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
Director Scott urges families, schools, businesses, government agencies and other institutions to participate in the drill and to use Severe Weather Awareness Week as their catalyst into preparing for the 2009 severe weather season. In the event of bad weather on February 4, the Statewide Tornado Drill will be rescheduled for Friday, February 6. Schools not in session February 4 may conduct their severe weather drill on another Wednesday when the NWS initiates its weekly NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio test.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.ready.ga.gov.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), in conjunction with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS), encourages Georgians to join them in observing the week of February 1-7 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.
“The main event of the annual week-long campaign is the Statewide Tornado Drill, scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, February 4,” said CEMA Director Clayton Scott. “The NWS will issue a test weather warning message to initiate the drill. Local warning systems, NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio, and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be activated upon receipt of this warning message, to signal the start of the drill.”
Residents should treat the drill as if it were an actual severe weather emergency. The purpose of the annual drill is to test everyone’s readiness for life-threatening severe weather events such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
Director Scott urges families, schools, businesses, government agencies and other institutions to participate in the drill and to use Severe Weather Awareness Week as their catalyst into preparing for the 2009 severe weather season. In the event of bad weather on February 4, the Statewide Tornado Drill will be rescheduled for Friday, February 6. Schools not in session February 4 may conduct their severe weather drill on another Wednesday when the NWS initiates its weekly NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio test.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.ready.ga.gov.
Military Monitoring Recap; 16-31 January 2009
Hunter AAF
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
51.050 - Helicopter Common
44.475 - FARP/Hot Refuel
54.500 - 1-3 AVN "VIPER OPS"
229.200 - 1-3 AVN air-to-air
54.600 - 2-3 AVN "KNIGHTHAKW OPS"
51.375 - 3-17 CAV Internal
49.700 - 4-3 AVN "ASSAULT OPS"
30.300 - 4-3 AVN air-to-air
38.925 - 4-3 AVN air-to-air
77.725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
242.400 - B-169 AVN air-to-air
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
157.175 - Marine VHF Ch. 83, Savannah Air MX Control
323.125 - Hunter AAF ATIS
127.525 - Hunter AAF ATIS
ARMY 25291 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25296 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25306 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35354 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35359 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35364 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35369 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35370 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35391 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26260 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26587 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26596 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 70082 (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24427 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24456 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26417 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24635 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24749 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 30958 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 30979 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 26503 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26510 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26528 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26629 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26633 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26800 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27041 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27065 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27068 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26286 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26413 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26490 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26961 (MH-60L, 160 SOAR)
ARMY 03755 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03757 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03761 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 249 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
GUARD 296 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
HURRICANE ## (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
COAST GUARD 6510 (MH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6545 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6581 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COBB 30 (C-130, 94 AW)
HUSTLER ## (CH-53E, HMH-772)
NAVY 4E 055 (TH-57)
NAVY 8E 075 (TH-57)
NAVY LL ## (P-3C, VP-30)
PAT 144
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165th AW CP
128.925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG ## (C-130H, 165 AW)
NAVY 376
RHODY 31 (C-130, 143 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test Flights)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
51.050 - Helicopter Common
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
225.675 - VMFA-115 Tac 2
313.800 - VMFA(AW)-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18C, VMFA-312)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
FOX 515 (C-12, MCAS Beaufort)
Charleston AFB
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT
LIFTR ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW
MOOSE ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
HOIST 81 (KC-10,305 AMW)
SLAYER 06 (unknown)
VAIN 62 (unknown)
Shaw AFB
273.700 - 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS"
139.975 - 77th FS air-to-air
HELLCAT ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
125.125 - 169th FW "SWAMPV FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
MACE ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
STALK ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
125th Fighter Wing, Jacksonville IAP
351.800 - Jacksonville App/Dep
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FW Aux 8
SNAKE (F-15C, 125th FW)
COIL (F-15C, 125th FW)
RATTLER (F-15C, 125th FW)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
349.850 - Robins PMSV
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
276.075 - JSTARS Discrete
318.300 - JSTARS Discrete
328.025 - JSTARS Discrete
355.250 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
381.000 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 3# (E-8C, 330th CTS)
STARGATE (E-8C backend, 330th CTS)
PEACH 6# (E-8C, 16th ACCS)
STRIKESTAR (E-8C, 16th ACCS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
301.000 - South TACTS Range
350.000 - South TACTS Range
Miscellaneous
AUTO ## (KC-135, 6 AMW/927 ARW)
GRUMMAN 84 (E-2C?, Grumman Test)
JAKE 21 (KC-135, 186 ARW)
MAGIC (E-3, NATO)
NAVY EH 463 (P-3?)
NAVY LL ## (P-3C, VP-30)
NAVY LR 754 (P-3?)
NAVY QO 775 (P-3?)
ROMAN (F/A-18, VFA-106)
SCOUT 01 (E-3)
THUMPER (E-3, SCOUT 01 backend)
TIGER 01 (P-3C, VP-8)
293.600 - NORAD Discrete
316.300 - NORAD Discrete
310.200 - NAS Jacksonville Base Ops
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
327.600 - AR-202
348.900 - AR-600
364.000 - Grumman Test
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
124.975 - Tower
279.575 - Tower
285.425 - Tower
121.800 - Ground
291.675 - Ground
126.200 - Base Ops
309.000 - PMSV
406.1625 - Tower/Base Ops
406.7625 - POL
415.1625 - Trans Alert
51.050 - Helicopter Common
44.475 - FARP/Hot Refuel
54.500 - 1-3 AVN "VIPER OPS"
229.200 - 1-3 AVN air-to-air
54.600 - 2-3 AVN "KNIGHTHAKW OPS"
51.375 - 3-17 CAV Internal
49.700 - 4-3 AVN "ASSAULT OPS"
30.300 - 4-3 AVN air-to-air
38.925 - 4-3 AVN air-to-air
77.725 - 224 MI Bn "SUNNY OPS"
38.150 - B-169 AVN "HURRICANE OPS"
242.400 - B-169 AVN air-to-air
345.000 - USCG Air Station Savanah Ops
157.175 - Marine VHF Ch. 83, Savannah Air MX Control
323.125 - Hunter AAF ATIS
127.525 - Hunter AAF ATIS
ARMY 25291 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25296 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 25306 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35354 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35359 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35364 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35369 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35370 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 35391 (AH-64D, 1-3 AVN)
ARMY 26260 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26587 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26596 (UH-60L, A/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 70082 (CH-47D, B/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24427 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24456 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 26417 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24635 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 24749 (UH-60A, C/2-3 AVN)
ARMY 30958 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 30979 (OH-58D, 3-17 CAV)
ARMY 26503 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26510 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26528 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26629 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26633 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26800 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27040 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27041 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27065 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 27068 (UH-60L, 4-3 AVN)
ARMY 26286 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26413 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26490 (MH-60L, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 26961 (MH-60L, 160 SOAR)
ARMY 03755 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03757 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
ARMY 03761 (MH-47G, 3-160 SOAR)
SUNNY ## (RC-12N, 224 MI Bn)
GUARD 249 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
GUARD 296 (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
HURRICANE ## (CH-47D, B-169 AVN)
COAST GUARD 6510 (MH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6545 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COAST GUARD 6581 (HH-65C, Savannah)
COBB 30 (C-130, 94 AW)
HUSTLER ## (CH-53E, HMH-772)
NAVY 4E 055 (TH-57)
NAVY 8E 075 (TH-57)
NAVY LL ## (P-3C, VP-30)
PAT 144
Savannah IAP/CRTC
119.100 - Tower
257.800 - Tower
121.900 - Ground
348.600 - Ground
120.400 - Approach/Departure
353.775 - Approach/Departure
125.300 - Approach/Departure
371.875 - Approach/Departure
118.400 - Approach/Departure
307.225 - Approach/Departure
225.750 - 165th AW CP
128.925 - Gulfstream Service Center
DAWG ## (C-130H, 165 AW)
NAVY 376
RHODY 31 (C-130, 143 AW)
GULF TEST ## (Gulfstream Test Flights)
Fort Stewart/Wright AAF
127.350 - Marne Radio
279.626 - Marne Radio
126.250 - Wright AAF Tower
269.275 - Wright AAF Tower
51.050 - Helicopter Common
MCAS Beaufort
328.425 - Approach/Departure
292.125 - Approach/Departure
281.800 - Base Ops
264.500 - PMSV
361.800 - VMFA-115 Base
339.500 - VMFA-115 Tac 1
225.675 - VMFA-115 Tac 2
313.800 - VMFA(AW)-251 Base
290.000 - VMFA-251 Tac 1
327.475 - VMFA-251 Tac 2
228.200 - VMFA-312 Base
354.400 - VFA-86 Base
308.925 - VFA-86 Tac 1
363.825 - VFA-86 Tac 2
BLADE 2# (F/A-18C, VMFA-115)
TBOLT 5# (F/A-18C, VMFA-251)
CHECK 6# (F/A-18C, VMFA-312)
WINDER ## (F/A-18C, VFA-86)
FOX 515 (C-12, MCAS Beaufort)
Charleston AFB
349.400 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
134.100 - Charleston AFB "PALMETTO OPS"
118.150 - North Field CCT
235.775 - North Field CCT
LIFTR ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW
MOOSE ## (C-17, 437th/315th AW)
HOIST 81 (KC-10,305 AMW)
SLAYER 06 (unknown)
VAIN 62 (unknown)
Shaw AFB
273.700 - 77th FS "GAMBLER OPS"
139.975 - 77th FS air-to-air
HELLCAT ## (F-16CM, 79th FS)
McIntire JNGB
298.300 - 169th FW "SWAMP FOX OPS"
125.125 - 169th FW "SWAMPV FOX OPS"
141.825 - 169th FW V14
143.625 - 169th FW V15
143.250 - 169th FW V16
MACE ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
VIPER ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
DEMON ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
STALK ## (F-16CM, 169th FW)
125th Fighter Wing, Jacksonville IAP
351.800 - Jacksonville App/Dep
251.250 - 125th FW Maintenance/Ops
253.700 - 125th FW Aux 7
314.200 - 125th FW Aux 8
SNAKE (F-15C, 125th FW)
COIL (F-15C, 125th FW)
RATTLER (F-15C, 125th FW)
Robins AFB/JSTARS
293.525 - 116th ACW "PEACHTREE OPS"
349.850 - Robins PMSV
225.725 - JSTARS Discrete
276.075 - JSTARS Discrete
318.300 - JSTARS Discrete
328.025 - JSTARS Discrete
355.250 - JSTARS Discrete
372.150 - JSTARS Discrete
381.000 - JSTARS Discrete
395.150 - JSTARS Discrete
PEACH 3# (E-8C, 330th CTS)
STARGATE (E-8C backend, 330th CTS)
PEACH 6# (E-8C, 16th ACCS)
STRIKESTAR (E-8C, 16th ACCS)
Ranges/Military Operating Areas
119.225 - Townsend Range
228.400 - Townsend Range
343.750 - Bulldog MOA
SEALORD (USN FACSFAC Jax)
120.950 - North Primary
284.500 - North Primary
267.500 - South Primary
313.700 - North Secondary
385.300 - W-157 Discrete
376.900 - W-157 Discrete
301.000 - South TACTS Range
350.000 - South TACTS Range
Miscellaneous
AUTO ## (KC-135, 6 AMW/927 ARW)
GRUMMAN 84 (E-2C?, Grumman Test)
JAKE 21 (KC-135, 186 ARW)
MAGIC (E-3, NATO)
NAVY EH 463 (P-3?)
NAVY LL ## (P-3C, VP-30)
NAVY LR 754 (P-3?)
NAVY QO 775 (P-3?)
ROMAN (F/A-18, VFA-106)
SCOUT 01 (E-3)
THUMPER (E-3, SCOUT 01 backend)
TIGER 01 (P-3C, VP-8)
293.600 - NORAD Discrete
316.300 - NORAD Discrete
310.200 - NAS Jacksonville Base Ops
285.000 - USN TSC Jacksonville "FIDDLE"
327.600 - AR-202
348.900 - AR-600
364.000 - Grumman Test
ARTCC
256.900 - Jax Center
269.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
277.400 - Jax Center Brunswick Low
281.550 - Jax Center Columbia Low
282.200 - Jax Center Jekyll Low
282.300 - Jax Center Alma High
285.650 - Jax Center Statesboro High
290.400 - Jax Center Waycross Low
319.200 - Jax Center Aiken High
322.500 - Jax Center Savannah Low
346.250 - Jax Center St. Augustine
351.700 - Jax Center Summerville High
363.200 - Jax Center Allendale Low
370.950 - Jax Center Georgetown High
379.100 - Jax Center Charleston Low
323.000 - Atlanta Center Macon
Mac McCormick III, KF4LMT
kf4lmt@comcast.net
Chatham County ARES Tornado Drill
Georgia ARES will be having a statewide tornado drill this week on Wed, Feb 4th at 9:00am. Net Control will begin taking checkins at 9:00am on 3.975Mhz. All are encouraged to check in.
In conjunction with this statewide drill, we will be having a local 2 meter net on our primary ARES frequency of 146.970. This net will begin at 8:00am. I'll be the Net Control Operator and KF4LMT will be the backup. This net will be our local "resource net" and everyone will check into this net and provide some information about location, capabilities, availability, etc. Based on this info I may move you over to a local "tactical net". We will have a tactical net operating on the 147.330 repeater. This net will primarily provide support for portables and mobiles. Mac, KF4LMT, will be the net control operator. We will exercise several methods of comm between the two net control stations including Echolink, UHF Repeater, and 2 meter simplex. We plan to run some scenarios simulating losing Internet connectivity, losing commercial power, and losing certain repeaters.
I'd welcome any of you that can participate to do so, even if it's only to check in and out. If you can be available to "deploy" to certain locations around town mobile or portable let me know. That will help the scenario as well.
Guy McDonald, K4GTM
ARES Emergency Coordinator
Chatham County GA
www.k4gtm.blogspot.com/
In conjunction with this statewide drill, we will be having a local 2 meter net on our primary ARES frequency of 146.970. This net will begin at 8:00am. I'll be the Net Control Operator and KF4LMT will be the backup. This net will be our local "resource net" and everyone will check into this net and provide some information about location, capabilities, availability, etc. Based on this info I may move you over to a local "tactical net". We will have a tactical net operating on the 147.330 repeater. This net will primarily provide support for portables and mobiles. Mac, KF4LMT, will be the net control operator. We will exercise several methods of comm between the two net control stations including Echolink, UHF Repeater, and 2 meter simplex. We plan to run some scenarios simulating losing Internet connectivity, losing commercial power, and losing certain repeaters.
I'd welcome any of you that can participate to do so, even if it's only to check in and out. If you can be available to "deploy" to certain locations around town mobile or portable let me know. That will help the scenario as well.
Guy McDonald, K4GTM
ARES Emergency Coordinator
Chatham County GA
www.k4gtm.blogspot.com/
Severe Weather Awareness Week Reminder: NOAA Weather Radios Save Lives
Savannah, GA – February 2, 2009, 2:00 PM
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) supports the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) in observing February 1-7, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia.
"Encouraging local residents to install a NOAA weather radio in their home is our focus for Monday, February 2, day two of the week-long observance," said CEMA Director Clayton Scott.
Director Scott recommends the placement of these life-saving devices in every structure where people gather. "Every building needs a NOAA weather radio so the people inside can receive immediate severe weather or emergency information, when minutes or even seconds count, day or night. This early warning can be the difference between life and death," said the director.
NOAA weather radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information direct from a nearby National Weather Service office. NOAA weather radio broadcasts National Weather Service watches, warnings, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day.
Some weather radios are equipped with a special tone feature, which can sound an alert and give you immediate information about a life threatening situation. During an emergency, the National Weather Service will interrupt routine weather radio programming and send out a special tone that activates weather radios in the warning area.
Recently, a radio that can handle the Emergency Alert Signal was introduced. The Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME) tone alert can be set up to only sound for a single county. This cuts down on the number of unwanted tones you receive, and, for example, alerts you only when a life threatening situation exists in Chatham County.
In Georgia, there are 23 transmitters broadcasting throughout the state. Seven frequencies are reserved for NOAA weather radio on the public service band. These frequencies range between 162.400 megahertz and 162.550 megahertz. Broadcast range is approximately 40 miles, but the effective range depends on terrain, quality of the receiver, and indoor/outdoor antennas.
Today, approximately 98 percent Georgia's population lives within range of a NOAA weather radio transmitter. This figure represents a 58 percent increase from ten years ago.
"Signal reception is almost 100 percent statewide, so if you don't have a weather radio in your home, please buy one immediately. It could save your family," Director Scott urges.
To make sure your area is covered, check this listing of all NOAA weather radio transmitters and corresponding frequencies in Georgia:
Ashburn_162.450 MHz
Americus_162.425 MHz
Athens_162.400 MHz
Atlanta_162.550 MHz
Augusta_162.550 MHz
Baxley_162.525 MHz
Blakely_162.525 MHz
Blue Ridge_162.475 MHz
Brasstown Bald_162.500 MHz
Brunswick_162.425 MHz
Buchanan_162.425 MHz
Chatsworth_162.400 MHz
Clayton_162.450 MHz
Cleveland_162.525 MHz
Columbus_162.400 MHz
Eastman_162.400 MHz
Eatonton_162.525 MHz
Jesup_162.450 MHz
La Grange_162.450 MHz
Macon_162.475 MHz
Metter_162.425 MHz
Pelham_162.550 MHz
Sandersville_162.450 MHz
Savannah_162.400 MHz
Summerville_162.450 MHz
Thomaston_162.500 MHz
Toccoa_162.425 MHz
Valdosta_162.500 MHz
Washington_162.500 MHz
Waycross_162.475 MHz
Waynesboro_162.425 MHz
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.redcross.org.
Chatham County Emergency Management Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) supports the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) in observing February 1-7, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia.
"Encouraging local residents to install a NOAA weather radio in their home is our focus for Monday, February 2, day two of the week-long observance," said CEMA Director Clayton Scott.
Director Scott recommends the placement of these life-saving devices in every structure where people gather. "Every building needs a NOAA weather radio so the people inside can receive immediate severe weather or emergency information, when minutes or even seconds count, day or night. This early warning can be the difference between life and death," said the director.
NOAA weather radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information direct from a nearby National Weather Service office. NOAA weather radio broadcasts National Weather Service watches, warnings, forecasts, and other hazard information 24 hours a day.
Some weather radios are equipped with a special tone feature, which can sound an alert and give you immediate information about a life threatening situation. During an emergency, the National Weather Service will interrupt routine weather radio programming and send out a special tone that activates weather radios in the warning area.
Recently, a radio that can handle the Emergency Alert Signal was introduced. The Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME) tone alert can be set up to only sound for a single county. This cuts down on the number of unwanted tones you receive, and, for example, alerts you only when a life threatening situation exists in Chatham County.
In Georgia, there are 23 transmitters broadcasting throughout the state. Seven frequencies are reserved for NOAA weather radio on the public service band. These frequencies range between 162.400 megahertz and 162.550 megahertz. Broadcast range is approximately 40 miles, but the effective range depends on terrain, quality of the receiver, and indoor/outdoor antennas.
Today, approximately 98 percent Georgia's population lives within range of a NOAA weather radio transmitter. This figure represents a 58 percent increase from ten years ago.
"Signal reception is almost 100 percent statewide, so if you don't have a weather radio in your home, please buy one immediately. It could save your family," Director Scott urges.
To make sure your area is covered, check this listing of all NOAA weather radio transmitters and corresponding frequencies in Georgia:
Ashburn_162.450 MHz
Americus_162.425 MHz
Athens_162.400 MHz
Atlanta_162.550 MHz
Augusta_162.550 MHz
Baxley_162.525 MHz
Blakely_162.525 MHz
Blue Ridge_162.475 MHz
Brasstown Bald_162.500 MHz
Brunswick_162.425 MHz
Buchanan_162.425 MHz
Chatsworth_162.400 MHz
Clayton_162.450 MHz
Cleveland_162.525 MHz
Columbus_162.400 MHz
Eastman_162.400 MHz
Eatonton_162.525 MHz
Jesup_162.450 MHz
La Grange_162.450 MHz
Macon_162.475 MHz
Metter_162.425 MHz
Pelham_162.550 MHz
Sandersville_162.450 MHz
Savannah_162.400 MHz
Summerville_162.450 MHz
Thomaston_162.500 MHz
Toccoa_162.425 MHz
Valdosta_162.500 MHz
Washington_162.500 MHz
Waycross_162.475 MHz
Waynesboro_162.425 MHz
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.redcross.org.
Preparing for the Unexpected Now Can Save You Later
Savannah, GA – February 2, 2009, 2:30 PM
Chatham County Emergency Managment Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (EMA) supports the National Weather Service in observing February 1-7, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia. Encouraging Georgians to practice emergency preparedness and response procedures for all types of severe weather events that occur in the state is the goal of the week-long observance with a daily focus on these topics:
February 1 - Family Preparedness Day
February 2 - NOAA Weather Radio
February 3 - Thunderstorm Safety
February 4 - Tornado Safety (Statewide Drill)
February 5 - Lightning Safety
February 6 - Flooding (Alternate Drill Day)
February 7 - Volunteers/Weather Spotters
"Severe Weather Awareness Week is the perfect time for every family in Chatham County to plan and rehearse what they should do during the first 72-hours of any severe weather-related event or disaster," stated CEMA Director Clayton Scott.
To help people get started, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's Ready Georgia - a statewide emergency preparedness campaign - offers the necessary tools that residents need to make an emergency supply kit, develop a communications plan and stay informed about potential threats. Ready Georgia's interactive Web site, www.ready.ga.gov, provides detailed information on Georgia-specific emergency preparedness and allows users to create a personal profile and receive a customized checklist and a family communications plan.
During winter storms, floods, tornadoes or hurricanes, it may take emergency workers 72-hours or more to reach certain areas in order to open roadways and restore utilities. The benefit of being self-sufficient for 72-hours, or longer, is that you and your family can survive circumstances that might otherwise be tragic, if you were not prepared. "With a little time and effort, families can prepare for severe weather hazards affecting our area. Developing a family disaster plan is the first step," said Director Scott.
Where will you and other family members be when severe weather or disaster strikes? Whether you are at work, at school, in the car or out-of-town, how will you find or contact each other? How will you know if your children are safe?
Severe weather or a disaster may force an evacuation of your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What will you do if your basic utilities - water, gas, electricity, or telephones -- are cut off? These are the types of questions your family disaster plan must address in order to help protect your family.
Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan . . . .
Gather information about hazards
In addition to your local emergency management agency (CEMA), you may contact the nearest National Weather Service office, Ready Georgia or the American Red Cross. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn the community's warning signals and evacuation plans.
Meet with your family to create a plan
Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot right outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.
Implement your plan
1. Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
2. Install safety features in your house, such as a NOAA Weather Radio, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
3. Inspect your home for potential hazards: such as items that can move, fall, break or catch fire; and, correct them.
4. Have family members learn basic safety measures: such as CPR and first-aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and, how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
5. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number.
6. Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your family's needs for at least three days.
7. Assemble an emergency preparedness kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffel bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car. A disaster supplies kit should include a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food which will not spoil; one change of clothing and footwear per person; one blanket or sleeping bag per person; a first-aid kit (including prescription medicines); emergency tools (including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries); an extra set of car keys and cash; and, special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
Practice and maintain your plan
Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your weather radio and smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to the manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food every six months.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.ready.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/, or www.ready.ga.gov.
About Ready Georgia
Ready Georgia is a statewide campaign designed to educate and empower Georgians to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, potential terrorist attacks and other large-scale emergencies. The campaign is a project of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and provides a local dimension to Ready America, a broader national campaign. Ready Georgia aims to prepare citizens for maintaining self-sufficiency for at least 72 hours following an emergency, and uses an interactive Web site, online community toolkit, television and radio advertising and public awareness media messaging to reach its audiences.
Chatham County Emergency Managment Agency News Release
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (EMA) supports the National Weather Service in observing February 1-7, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia. Encouraging Georgians to practice emergency preparedness and response procedures for all types of severe weather events that occur in the state is the goal of the week-long observance with a daily focus on these topics:
February 1 - Family Preparedness Day
February 2 - NOAA Weather Radio
February 3 - Thunderstorm Safety
February 4 - Tornado Safety (Statewide Drill)
February 5 - Lightning Safety
February 6 - Flooding (Alternate Drill Day)
February 7 - Volunteers/Weather Spotters
"Severe Weather Awareness Week is the perfect time for every family in Chatham County to plan and rehearse what they should do during the first 72-hours of any severe weather-related event or disaster," stated CEMA Director Clayton Scott.
To help people get started, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's Ready Georgia - a statewide emergency preparedness campaign - offers the necessary tools that residents need to make an emergency supply kit, develop a communications plan and stay informed about potential threats. Ready Georgia's interactive Web site, www.ready.ga.gov, provides detailed information on Georgia-specific emergency preparedness and allows users to create a personal profile and receive a customized checklist and a family communications plan.
During winter storms, floods, tornadoes or hurricanes, it may take emergency workers 72-hours or more to reach certain areas in order to open roadways and restore utilities. The benefit of being self-sufficient for 72-hours, or longer, is that you and your family can survive circumstances that might otherwise be tragic, if you were not prepared. "With a little time and effort, families can prepare for severe weather hazards affecting our area. Developing a family disaster plan is the first step," said Director Scott.
Where will you and other family members be when severe weather or disaster strikes? Whether you are at work, at school, in the car or out-of-town, how will you find or contact each other? How will you know if your children are safe?
Severe weather or a disaster may force an evacuation of your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What will you do if your basic utilities - water, gas, electricity, or telephones -- are cut off? These are the types of questions your family disaster plan must address in order to help protect your family.
Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan . . . .
Gather information about hazards
In addition to your local emergency management agency (CEMA), you may contact the nearest National Weather Service office, Ready Georgia or the American Red Cross. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn the community's warning signals and evacuation plans.
Meet with your family to create a plan
Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot right outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.
Implement your plan
1. Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
2. Install safety features in your house, such as a NOAA Weather Radio, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
3. Inspect your home for potential hazards: such as items that can move, fall, break or catch fire; and, correct them.
4. Have family members learn basic safety measures: such as CPR and first-aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and, how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
5. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number.
6. Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your family's needs for at least three days.
7. Assemble an emergency preparedness kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffel bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car. A disaster supplies kit should include a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food which will not spoil; one change of clothing and footwear per person; one blanket or sleeping bag per person; a first-aid kit (including prescription medicines); emergency tools (including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries); an extra set of car keys and cash; and, special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
Practice and maintain your plan
Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your weather radio and smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to the manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food every six months.
For more information, contact CEMA at (912) 201-4500 or visit these Web sites: www.ChathamEmergency.org, www.gema.ga.gov, www.ready.ga.gov, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/, or www.ready.ga.gov.
About Ready Georgia
Ready Georgia is a statewide campaign designed to educate and empower Georgians to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, potential terrorist attacks and other large-scale emergencies. The campaign is a project of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and provides a local dimension to Ready America, a broader national campaign. Ready Georgia aims to prepare citizens for maintaining self-sufficiency for at least 72 hours following an emergency, and uses an interactive Web site, online community toolkit, television and radio advertising and public awareness media messaging to reach its audiences.
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