THE SPARK GAP

A monthly publication of the Meridian Amateur Radio Club January 2013

 

 Bible Verse

Isaiah 51:12-13 / "I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor? (New International Version)

 

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President’s Report

As we begin this New Year I would like to thank everyone for giving me another term as your president. I would also like to say this year might just be one of our most exciting ones yet. I know you are wondering what this might hold for you as both a club and as members. Let me first say that each month we should be looking for ideas of new ways to improve our carbon footprint. Each member should try to attend at least one monthly meeting this year to provide a photo of how they reduced the carbon footprint that they make.

Hope you can make the meetings and if you know someone that hasn't been in a while "bring them along".

"73's” Charles Grisham, KB5SZJ

 

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Next Business Meeting

The next business meeting will be held at the Checker Board Restaurant on Saturday, January 12, 2013 beginning at 9:30 A.M. Come join us for breakfast, coffee and fellowship.

Elections were held during the December meeting. New officers are listed below.
President: Charles Grisham, KB5SZJ
Vice President: Frank Buckley, KE5ETN
Secretary: Bill Robinson, KB5ASR
Treasurer: Debbie, KD5JYJ

 

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Treasurer Report

It's that time again; Please bring your dues to the Checker Board Restaurant on Saturday mornings or mail them to the address below. Thank you for your support. Dues are:

  • $23.00 per Year per Member
  • $25.00 per Year for Family
  • $15.00 per year if 65 or older

MARC
c/o Debbie Hover
11785 Nancy Drive
Collinsville, MS 39325

73, Debbie, KD5JYJ

 

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Lauderdale Repeater Group w5LRG
146.970 - ki5fw/R (pl 100hz)
444.500 + w5LRG/R

GE to all: As some of you already know that it is the time of year for both the Lauderdale Repeater Group and Meridian Amateur Radio Club to jointly pay for Liability Insurance to cover both groups and repeater sites. This year’s premium remains the same price or $325.00 for a one year policy. Both groups will pay half of the premium ($162.50 each). I urge everyone to help pay for this expense. If you use any one of / or both repeaters just remember these things do not stay on the air all by themselves. All donations will be greatly appreciated. Dennis NO5C

Contributions can be mailed to:
Lauderdale Repeater Group w5LRG
c/o: Dennis Carpenter
7760 Vanzyverden Road
Meridian, MS 39305

 

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32nd Annual Hammond Hamfest

The Hammond, Louisiana Hamfest will be Saturday, January 19, 2013 @ QUALITY INN & CONFERENCE CENTER, 2000 SOUTH MORRISON BLVD HAMMOND, LA 70403, Call (985) 345-0556 for more information.

 

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Jackson Capital City Hamfest 2013

Date: January 25 & 26, 2013

Location: Mississippi Trade Mart on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, 1200 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS.

Talk-in: 146.16/76 (77Hz tone) Primary, 146.34/94 (100 Hz tone) Back-up

Hamfest Times: Friday 5:00PM - 8:00PM, Saturday 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Admission: $6.00/person one admission is good for both days.

Website: http://www.hamfest.msham.org/

Special Guest: Mike Corey, KI1U

 

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15 Helpful Apps

Here are 15 of the best iPhone and iPad and iPod apps that will interest crisis management and disaster response professionals. Many will also be of interest to the average user.

These are practical apps that you might find useful as you do your job. This list does not include apps that are solely focused on personal preparedness or general weather apps such as AccuWeather.

Most apps are free, and some are available in paid and free versions. The geographic scope of the app—global or USA—is listed next to the name. Most links will take you to the app’s page in the iTunes app store.

1. Disaster Alert (Global)

Disaster Alert keeps users aware of hazardous incidents anywhere in the world. With both listings and an interactive real-time map, this app will keep you alerted to all types of natural disasters as well as breaking man-made crises while you’re on the go. Free.

2. Disaster Radar (Global)

According to its makers, this is the first and only real-time world-wide natural disaster and emergency monitoring app. Disasters can be viewed on a world map or selected individually to see complete event details including cause and areas affected. Free.

3. NIMS ICS Guide (USA)

This was the first NIMS/ICS pocket reference for first responders, and today it is used by more than 150,000 public safety and health professionals. This app allows users to customize contact lists for individual incidents, provides detailed emergency checklists, and includes resources for both training and in-field action. $14.99.

4. NFPA 2010 (USA)

The NFPA app provides a fully searchable version of what the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has declared as the National Preparedness Standard. The app includes comprehensive information on disaster/emergency management, as well as business continuity planning. $4.99.

5. Hurricane Tracker (USA)

This app was reviewed by CNN as the best Hurricane Tracking app available for the iPhone. This app includes LIVE video briefings on hurricanes, real time condition updates, push alerts, dozens of maps, and minute by minute updates. With access to the NOAA weather radio and over 65 animated apps, this map could be the most comprehensive mobile hurricane resource out there. $2.99.

6. Hurricane Express (Global)

Hurricane Express is focused on bringing users data on storms in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern and Central Pacific. Push alerts, detailed forecasts, video updates, animated satellite maps and storm info straight from the National Hurricane Center keep users safe and alert. 99 cents.

7. EarShot (Global)

The EarShot system combines a unique mobile app, online control center and emergency notification system in one integrated application. The EarShot app sends and receives messages consisting of unlimited text, completed forms, photos and GPS location. It's used for gathering eyewitness reports from the scene of a crisis, submitting field service reports, security check-ins, and much more. Contact company for system pricing.

8. FloodWatch (USA)

Using data from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Weather Service, displays both recent and historical river heights, precipitation totals and flood stage info. The app’s graphs, maps, and listings will assist users when rivers threaten to overflow their banks. Free.

9. Shelter View (USA)

This app from the Red Cross focuses on getting people in need to shelters when disaster strikes. It draws on the Red Cross’ National Shelter System for details on 60,000 potential disaster facilities along with easy access to the Disaster Online Newsroom. Free.

10. Emergency Radio (USA)

This radio scanner app works with thousands of frequencies and has an extensive database of live broadcasts—police, fire, EMS, railroad, air traffic, train, NOAA weather, coast guard, HAM radio, and others. 99 cents.

11. FEMA (USA)

This is the official app of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It contains preparedness information for all types of disasters including emergency kit checklists, details on how to stay safe, maps to assistance, even a section to plan meeting locations. Free.

12. Outbreaks Near Me (USA)

HealthMap’s Outbreaks Near Me app tracks real-time disease outbreaks and gives users access to reports, as well as the ability to submit their own. If you spy an outbreak and report it using the app you will be featured as a disease detective on the HealthMap website. Free.

13. First Aid – The Red Cross (Global)

The Red Cross has provided yet another tool that’s filled with advice, instructions and videos covering everything from everyday emergencies to major injuries, it’s a complete first aid resource on your iDevice. Free.

14. WISER (USA)

When hazardous substances are involved, delays can place lives in danger. Aimed at first responders and HAZMAT units, , Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders is designed to assist with identification of hazardous substances, provide guidance on removal or disposal, and place crisis maps at user’s fingertips. Free.

15. RadarScope (USA)

RadarScope is a real storm hunter’s tool. Specialized to display NEXRAD Level 3 and super-high resolution radar data and supplying a host of detailed information including reflectivity, velocity, and more, RadarScope gives you real live data from 155 different radar sites right in your hand. $9.99.

 

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Have a great month

 

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