Howdy...

We are beginning to work out some third party written record 
traffic handling across the state via CW.  We feel that CW is 
a good mode to keep available as it has capabilities that make 
it very well suited for emergency communications work in case 
of disasters.  Simple equipment, low power and simple antennas 
are attributes that make CW a viable mode for this use. But it 
does require trained operators.

Also, the ARRL NTS (National Traffic System)frequently has 
message traffic destined for points in Alaska, and we hope this 
will assist in getting these delivered.Many are now being 
received in Fairbanks and being sent to final destination by 
U.S. mail.

If you are interested in this activity, here is what we are 
doing right now:

A "listening watch" is being made on the HF frequencies 
3535khz and 7042khz by a Fairbanks station (AL7N) and a couple 
of stations in Anchorage (KL5T and KL7HF) We are trying to get 
as many operators across the state as possible to put a receiver 
on these frequencies and listen as often as is possible 
throughout the day.

At present, during the evening hours from about 1930 to midnight, 
AL7N in Fairbanks is putting out a frequent "CQ" call on both 3535 
and 7042 that will serve to "mark" the frequency and allow others 
listening to tune to it. The initial idea is to get people 
listening to a common "calling" frequency, and get some idea as to 
what parts of the state we can reliably reach.

Here is what you can do....Put a receiver on one or the other (both 
if you can) of the frequencies 3535 khz or 7042 khz and listen 
whenever you can.  If you hear the "CQ" call, answer and pass a 
signal report.  Maintain the listening watch as much as you can 
throughout the day and evening. We hope we can get enough people 
listening around the state so that there is someone on frequency
listening 24/7.

Study up on CW traffic handling procedures (go to the web: 
www.ARRL.org) and get any information you need.  Or E-mail me and I 
can get you started.

Then pass us a message as soon as you can.  A simple weather report 
from your station will do nicely for starters.  Make it a daily one 
if you can.  Put it in proper form, address it to AL7N in Fairbanks 
and send it via one of the Anchorage stations, or Fairbanks, or 
whoever you can hear.  We will  work at any reasonable CW speed. 
Efficient work can be done without high code speed. Proficiency will 
come with practice, but we have to start somewhere.

If you have any questions, please email me and ask.  We look forward 
to any participation in our little project.  Please join us as soon 
as you can.

73

Ed  AL7N   Fairbanks

email:  [email protected]