Amateurs in China are asking that 7.050MHz 7.060MHz and 14.270MHz be kept clear as an emergency frequency in the wake of the devastating May 12th earthquake there. Please remember that even if you cannot hear a station on the frequency, you might interfere with reception of transmissions by a station within range of both your signals and theirs.

Michael Chen, BD5RV, reports in a post on qrz.com:

“that a group of radio amateurs is now transmitting from Wenchuan, the center of quake. Its signal is reported to be very weak. They tried to keep communication with BY8AA in Chengdu, seeking for all resources needed. During a contact finished a few minutes ago, they were asking for raincoats, water, tents, and outdoor living facilities.”

Michael also asked that this request be forwarded as widely as possible.

Thanks to Ed Richie for again coordinating ham radio support for the Devil Mountain Run on Sunday May 4, 2008.

Here are some photos from that event:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11636522@N06/sets/72157604898725177
After going to the link, click on “Slide show” in upper right of screen. Then click on large arrows on right or left of photo to navigate.

Pete Harris
KE6ZIW

John Stuart, KM6QX continues to be a treasure to MDARC, and to ham radio. Among the many ham-related things that John does is to organize and coordinate ham radio support for several great community service events each year. He has coordinated such things as world-class bike race events up Mt. Diablo, marathon running events out of Castle Rock in Walnut Creek, Police Olympics in Briones Park, various thrilling Trail Adventure Triathalon events in local regional parks, and various horse trailride events that require hams to go off road with 4-wheel vehicles to reach checkpoints. When you do an event that John has organized, it’s alway exciting, challenging, and you usually experience something you remember for a long time. There have been several incidents in which John has coordinated rescue services to injured or lost event participants. He has been intimately involved in setting up state-of-the-art radio equipment in the San Ramon Valley Emergency Services Communications Command Vehicle, for the San Ramon Fire District. He continues to provide great service to the community, and great learning experiences for hams. Best of all, the events he organizes are just plain fun!

This past weekend John coordinated the 50-mile Concord Mt. Diablo Trailride event that he has helped organize for close to 20 years. This included hams driving 4-wheel drive vehicles over beautiful back country trails on Mt. Diablo, trails that are usually closed to public auto access. It was a fantastic day on the mountain, the hills were bright green, the wild flowers were blooming and the views were spectacular. Hams traveled from one P&R station to another (horse pulse and respiration check stations), bringing race judges, vets and event organizers to the stations before the horses arrived there. Hams provided coordination of information to help assure the safety of horse riding participants.

Here are a few photos of this weekend’s Concord Mt. Diablo Trailride event:

Photos of trailride event:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11636522@N06/sets/72157604898029367
After going to the link, click on “Slideshow” in upper right of screen. Then click on large arrows on right or left of photo to navigate.

Pete Harris
KE6ZIW

The ARRL East Bay Section is in need of Amateur Radio operators to grow the Field Services organization (including NTS) andto fill one section leadership position within the EB Section. The open positions, with links to the official ARRL position description, are listed below. If you are interested please contact the Section Manager or the section leadership official responsible for the position you are interested in. Current ARRL membership is required for all appointments.

SECTION LEADERSHIP

• Affiliated Club Coordinator - Must be willing to travel through out the East Bay Section to visit all Amateur Radio clubs and organizations in fulfillment of the roles and responsibilities of this position. Reports directly to the Section Manager and also works with other section leadership officials.

FIELD SERVICES POSITIONS

• District Emergency Coordinator - Must be interested and active in emergency communications in your area. Need one representative each for Alameda and Napa counties. Reports directly to the Section Emergency Coordinator and manages Emergency Coordinators (EC) within your geographic area.
• Local Government Liaison – Must be willing to monitor proposals and actions of town/city councils, zoning boards, zoning appeals boards, and any other legislative or regulatory agencies or officials below the state level whose actions can directly or indirectly affect Amateur Radio. Reports directly to the Section Manager. Also works with the Sacramento Valley Section Government Liaison.
• Net Manager – Must have an interest in participating in and supporting the National Traffic System (NTS). Requires regular activity and reporting. Reports directly to the Section Traffic Manager.
• Public Information Officer – If you are interested in Public Relations, or are the Newsletter/Bulletin editor for your Amateur Radio group, then you may be interested in this position. You will be responsible for gathering and disseminating amateur radio related information. Reports directly to the Public Information Coordinator.
• Technical Specialist – Reports directly to and supports the Technical Coordinator in two main areas of responsibility: Radio Frequency Interference, and Technical Information. TS’s can specialize in certain specific technical areas, or can be generalists

The Grizzly Peak Century bicycle ride occurs on Sunday, May 4, 2008. Amateur Radio volunteers are needed to provide communications at aid stations, or as SAG vehicle communicators or drivers. This event runs right through ORCA’s backyard. Assignments from three hours up are available throughout the day. Please contact Rich Parker, KD6JCT ( kd6jct@yahoo.com ), or Randy Jenkins, KA6BQF ( ka6bqf@arrl.net ) for further information or to volunteer.