I’ve been working with Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar, N3LLR, to make these programs available to members of the Pacific Division. Please note that all times are given in EDT. Pacific Division members live in several different time zones, so I will not attempt to convert the times to your local times.

The first invitation is for the “Update on Red Cross Background Checks” webinar, to be held Tuesday, July 1, 2008 9:00PM - 10:00PM EDT

This webinar will permit participants to listen to the webinar over their computer speakers without the need to dial into a long distance teleconferencing center. Please go to the following URL for registration and operational instructions:

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/839406365

The second invitation is to take advantage of an opportunity to learn about APRS from Bob Bruninga WB4APR, the developer of APRS, Automated Packet Reporting System, who has graciously offered to do a series of four webinars on various aspects of APRS.

The topics, dates and times are as follows:

APRS, it’s not what you think — Tuesday, July 8th from 8pm to 9pm EDT

APRS for your mobile — Tuesday, July 15th from 8pm to 9pm EDT

APRS for special events — Tuesday, July 22nd from 8pm to 9pm EDT

APRS for Satellites — Tuesday, July 29th from 8pm to 9pm EDT

These webinars will be available by VOIP and telephone. The VOIP should be audible over your computer speakers.

To sign up for any or all of these APRS webinars, go to: http://www.atldiv.org/training and click on the register button for each one you are interested in. Once you have registered, you should receive an email with the information to connect up with the webinar(s) for which you have registered.

It is anticipated that registration will fill up very quickly for these sessions and if you are interested, please sign up as soon as you are able to.

Robert Vallio, W6RGG
Director
ARRL Pacific Division
w6rgg@arrl.org

This drill covers a basic disaster scenario, establishment of a neighborhood command center staging area, building size-up and damage assessment, radio communication and protocols, Disaster form reporting.

submitted by Art, AB6HB

Hosted by:

• East Bay Amateur Radio Club (EBARC)
• Oakland Radio Communication Association (ORCA)
  
• Amateur Radio Club of Alameda (ARCA)
  

EBARC, ORCA and ARCA are pleased to inform you of our upcoming Technician level class scheduled to begin Tuesday April 8th, 2008.

This class is not your typical “Ham Cram” style class, but instead will provide the opportunity to learn about Amateur Radio as well as preparing you for the entry level technician License.

Start Date: Tuesday, April 8th, 2008

Time: 1900 to 2130 local time

Frequency: Weekly

Duration: 5 weeks

Location: Alvarado School - 5625 Sutter Ave., Richmond, CA 94804 (map)

Phone: 510-559-2660

Text: The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual (Technician) (Available from the American Radio Relay League, Ham Radio Outlet - Oakland,  or at the first class)

Cost: Class is free, ARRL manual is $25

Registration: On site at the first session

Test Session: 7pm (PDT), Tuesday May 13th, 2008 at Alvarado School, 5625 Sutter Ave., Richmond CA 94804 (map)

Test Fee: $14

Contact: Randy Jenkins, KA6BQF (ka6bqf@arrl.net) 510 526-4089

The Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology (TI) is a week long, in-residence learning opportunity designed for motivated teachers and other school staff who want to learn more about wireless technology and bring that knowledge to their students. A variety of topics are covered during the 4 days of the TI including basic wireless technology literacy, electronics, and the science of radio; bringing space into the classroom; ham radio operation; introduction to micro controllers; and basic robotics.

The Teachers Institute is only the beginning of a participant’s exploration with wireless technology. The goal of the TI program is to equip each teacher with necessary foundational knowledge, and through hands-on learning, generate the inspiration for teachers to continue to explore wireless technology and adapt relevant content into their classroom instruction.

Teachers Institute opportunities are virtually free for the participants. The grant to attend a TI covers transportation, hotel, a modest per-deem to cover meals, instructional resources for the electronics, microcontroller, and robotics segments of the course, and a resource library of relevant ARRL publications.

The application to attend a Teachers Institute is very simple. Download and complete the application, indicating the dates you would like to attend, in order of preference. Send a cover letter on school letterhead, signed by you and a school administrator, along with the application, stating that you would like to attend.  Be sure to include contact information that is good during school and summer (phone number, address, e-mail).  Make sure the e-mail address(es) you provide (at school and/or at home) will accept e-mails from the ETP coordinator (mspencer@arrl.org). Mail the letter and application to Mark Spencer, Education & Technology Program Coordinator, at the address below.

The applications are reviewed, and as accepted, applicants are assigned to session preferences on a first-come, first-served basis.  With a class limit of 12 for each session of the Teachers Institute, don’t delay.  A $100 deposit is required to hold your place when you are accepted.

The Teachers Institute is only a part of the ARRL’s Education &Technology Program (ETP) and the resources that are made available to teachers. The ETP is based on 5 pillars:

1. development and free access to curriculum materials to help teachers teach wireless technology literacy,
2. grants of ham radio station equipment for establishing ham radio operations in schools,
3. grants of supplemental equipment to support and improve on-going school programs,
4. free activity board kits and resources that teachers can use to assist in teaching wireless technology, and finally,
5. teachers institutes.

The ETP was developed to address the ARRL education vision and mission to advance the art and science of radio through education. The ETP is totally supported by philanthropic donors who share that vision.

Additional information about this year’s Teachers Institute opportunities is provided here:

• 2008 Teachers Institute brochure (PDF)
• (http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/SpencerBrochureSummer2008%20HORIZONTAL.pdf)
• 2008 Teachers Institute flyer (PDF)
• (http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/SpencerBrochureSummer2008FULL.pdf)

More information about the Education & Technology Program can be found on the ETP web page.

If you have questions, please contact:

Mark Spencer, WA8SME
ETP Coordinator
774 Eastside Rd. , Coleville , CA 96107
mspencer@arrl.org
or by phone at 530-495-9150 (PST)

A meeting has been scheduled for those interested in participating in, or becoming more active in, a local Emergency Preparedness program. The meeting will be held on Saturday March 15, 2008 at the San Ramon Fire District headquarters, 1500 Bollinger Canyon Road (corner of Bollinger canyon Road and Crow Canyon Road) at 0930 hours local.

Come meet some of your local hams, become proactive and participate in the re-establishment of the South Contra Costa County communications program

Contact Ed Ritchie at K6SFD@comcast.net for more details.

The District’s service area encompasses approximately 155 square miles, covering the communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, the Town of Danville, Diablo, the City of San Ramon, the southern boundary of Morgan Territory and the Tassajara Valley, all located in Contra Costa County.