Daren News 1993 Jan-Jun
==============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV JAN 3, 1993
by Ken Harris WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY RACES, 1810 STAUNTON AVE., PARKERSBURG, WV 26101
D.A.R.E.N. News, are short articles about the D.A.R.E.N. Net-
work. We hope to have new articles and updates every week.
Anyone having information about the network may leave it to
WA8LLM @ N8HHU.#EOH.USA.NA, or on PKBGWV on 145.05, .09, .69
Mhz. D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV will be posted on the normal BBS
system @ ALLWV, and on the DAREN PBBS, PKBGES on 145.69 Mhz.
The DAREN NET is held every Saturday from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
on 145.69 Mhz. Watch for DAREN NET Announcements on Thursdays.
I've noticed there may be some Low Profile Terminal Stations
that may be using the ALIAS of High Profile NODEs and PBBSs.
If the time comes that a High Profile NODE is installed in
that county, it may not be able to use the ALIAS set aside
for it. Some of the ways to identify Low Profile NODEs and
PBBSs are in the DAREN Plan, and there are other ways to
identify them. Here are a few suggestions. For Low Profile,
and Personal NODEs, use the first four letter of the county
followed by two letters that may identify the user, such as
"WOODEC" or "WOODRO" for ARES Emergency Coordinator, or RACES
Radio Officer. In Wood County, some of the users use their
Emergency Services Unit Number as part of their ALIAS. For
example, for my NODE at the house, I use "WOOD25-1", for the
mobile it is "UNIT25-1", and my portable is "PORT25-1". We
need to keep the ALIASs for the High Profile Remote Stations
available, this keeps the main Backbone of DAREN uniform.
Two down, three to go. Alan, N8POB, made a side trip to
RANDWV, on his way to Snowshoe, and corrected the NTEXT.
While in Elkins, he also found the same problem with the NODE
RANDES, at the Office of Emergency Services. The word
"EMERGENCY" was left out when it was programed. The other
NODEs that need to be corrected are HANCWV, WETZWV, and
JACKWV. I know it's not an important item, but the closer we
the keep the NODEs uniform, the better chance of keeping Non-
DAREN, Non-Formal stations out of the network.
The question came up about keeping track of message traffic
on DAREN. It was suggested that we keep a record of the
formal type messages that are passed on DAREN. This may
justify the existence of the DAREN system. I talked to
George, K8QEW, about the reporting of traffic messages. He
suggested those operators Originating, Sending, Receiving, or
Delivering messages over the DAREN system, or any other
Amateur Network, report this information to the ARES EC
(Emergency Coordinator) of their county, so it can be
reported to the ARRL. As far as DAREN, there should be a way
of keeping track of messages that go over this system.
There was 26 check-ins to the January 2, 1993 DAREN NET, I did
miss one call that is always there, KJ4QQ. Where were you at
Mark?
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV JAN 10, 1993
A message left on MRTNWV by Mark, WB8ZLQ, says if the weather
is good, the Berkley County NODE/PBBS, BERKWV/MRTNV, will be
moved to the WYVN-TV tower on North Mountain January 9th.
The Berkley County NODE has been in operation for awhile, but
has no route to the rest of the network. This MAY have make
a path to the Randolph County NODE, RANDWV.
Buzz, K8CFT, sent me a message confirming the time of a
DAREN Forum, to be presented at the Fayetteville Hamfest to
be held February 21, 1993. The DAREN forum will be from 12:00
noon to 1:00 pm. He also said he has the Fayette County
NODE/PBBS, FAYEWV/OAKHWV, on the air temporarily at his home
location. Until he gets it moved to a hilltop location, the
only path into it is through RALEWV.
At long last the Preston County NODE/PBBS, PRESWV/KINGWV, is
in operation. The only path to it is through RANDWV. Greg
Groves, Emergency Services Director, said they had a few
problems, but they have most of them worked out. He is so
interested in getting the system in operation, he is going to
take his Amateur test, as soon as one comes available within
a reasonable distance. I think by having E/S Directors as
Amateur Radio Operators will influence other County E/S
Directors to start looking toward Amateur Radio more during
emergencies.
The paperwork for POSSIBLE funding is coming closer to being
completed. Letters were sent to 41 county E/S Directors in
counties that don't have any NODE, or have a Low Profile one.
Out of the 41 counties, I have been in contact with, and sent
additional information to, 26 Amateurs in as many counties.
So far, I have received the verification post cards back from
8. If you are one of the 26 that haven't sent your post card
back, do it as soon as possible. When I receive all the post
cards back, I will be submitting their information to the
organization that MAY fund a NODE in those counties. This
funding in NOT a sure thing, but you don't get anything if
you don't ask.
Richard, N8KGK, has the Radios and TNC's for the Upshur County
NODE in hand, but the power supplies and antennas are on back
order, but should be shipped within ten days.
There were 35 check-ins to the January 9, 1993 DAREN NET, the
Calls of those checking in will be posted on the Net announce-
ment by Thursday, January 14.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV JAN 17, 1993
Two more down and one to go. The NTEXT on the Jackson and
Wetzel Counties NODES have been corrected. The NTEXT of the
NODEs were corrected when the opportunity to visit the sites
became available. The only other NODE that I left the word
"EMERGENCY" out of now is HANCWV. It may be awhile before I
get it changed. I've had some ribbing because I changed the
system from DAREN, to "that DARN Network". Buzz, K8CFT, is
having trouble getting the NTEXT, PTEXT, and CTEXT on the
Fayette County NODE to look right. The program he is using
with his computer wont except a . He's waiting
for a couple of programs that should allow him to get the
TEXTs right. He is also waiting for the official go ahead,
from a Cellular Company, to install the NODE on their tower.
If the Fayette County NODE works anything like the PARC NODE
on 145.05 Mhz, FAYEWV, will be a BIG help to DAREN.
Mark, WB8ZLQ, wasn't able to get the Berkeley County NODE
moved to the WYVN-TV tower on North Mountain last weekend,
like he hoped, do to the snow that fell early Saturday
morning. He does have the coax ran through the building,
where the station will be located, and out to the tower.
With the help of Ted, W8KVK, as a proof reader of the DAREN
Plan, Bill, N8JXO is correcting little mistakes and making
some minor changes. When Bill gets the master copy printed,
we will start making copies and sending them to those who
have sent their registration cards in. If you would like to
have a new copy of the plan, send in the registration card, on
the back of an old copy, or just drop me a note.
A message from Ashby, Randolph County E/S Director, says
there will be a Statewide disaster drill some time in March,
and they want to "work the pants off of DAREN". He will not be
in the area for the drill and would like to have as much help
as possible.
There were only 26 check-ins to the January 16, DAREN Net.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV JAN 24, 1993
It finally came. Ashby, Emergency Services Director Randolph
County finally got his license. Since he passed his Novice
test, and has been waiting, he has upgraded to Advanced, and
has passed the written theory for Extra Class. His call is
KB8OPH.
Tim, KB8EHT, called to let me know that The Monongalia County
NODE, MONOWV, is on the air. For awhile there seemed to be
some kind of trouble. The station is located on the top of a
10 story building, but there was only a very marginal path to
Preston County. The problem seemed to be the closeness of a
couple of high power paging transmitters. They now have a fair
path to RANDWV, and a marginal path the PRESWV. When we put
the DAREN Plan together, we goofed on the "suggested" ALIAS for
the PBBS of Morgantown. We suggested the ALIAS of MORGWV,
which conflicts with Morgan County NODE, which is also MORGWV.
Tim caught the mistake, and made the ALIAS for the PBBS,
MGTNWV. This is only one of the minor changes being made in
the plan as was mentioned last week.
The paper work has been sent to the organization that MAY
provide funding for NODEs in some counties. Out of all of the
verification post cards that were sent out, some never made it
back. I can only hope the information is correct. I had to
get the information sent in as quick as possible, to have any
hopes of getting funding. After talking to Gary, WV8D, the
longer we wait the less chance of getting any funding. The
representative in Greenbrier County said most, or all, of the
money they had allotted for civic projects has already been
earmarked for the Ronceverte Fire Department. A list of 37
counties was submitted for possible funding.
If anyone would like to try their hand at the DAREN Net, let me
know. The only requirement is to be ability to set your TNC up
so that it answers to "DAREN". We want to keep this the same
all the time. Also after the DAREN Net is over, anyone wanting
to "KILL" the net announcement on your local PBBS is welcome to
do so. It is posted as Traffic, to allow anyone to delete
them.
There were 36 check-ins to the January 23 DAREN Net. The calls
will posted with the DAREN Net Announcement Thursday, January
28.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV JAN 31, 1993
A severe lightening storm that went through the state caused
havoc at the Preston County Emergency Operations Center.
The lightening knocked out a power transformer, going into
the EOC, causing all the power line surge protectors to
operate, and have to be replaced. The power surge scrambled
the memory of the PRESWV TNC, and radio. The station was off
the air for a few days before the system was given a Hard
Reset, and placed back in operation.
Good news for four counties that applied for funding for
Hilltop/Mountaintop NODEs. The Counties of Barbour, Mineral,
Monongalia, and Preston have been approved. Woodmen of the
World has passed the word on to Spence, KB8FIR, and he will
be ordering the equipment as soon as he has a complete list
of the needed equipment.
I've received messages from Mark, KJ4QQ, and Ken, WA8SAK,
saying they have heard, and have had conversations with a group
in the Meadows of Dan Area of Virginia that are putting a ROSE
system on the frequency of 145.69 Mhz. The ROSE system is
stretching from Tennessee into Virginia, and may be some kind
of Emergency Network. From what I've read about ROSE, it is
something like a Mailforwarding BBS system that uses a six
digit ZIP Code to address messages, and move them from one area
to another. I will writing a letter to the group to see if it
is an emergency network.
I want to apologize to Alan, N8POB, who was Net Control January
23rd. When I placed the DAREN Net Announcement on the PBBSs
last week, I had put my call down as NCS, and didn't even have
his on the list. I also want to thank all of the operators
that check into the Net each week. I know it sometimes takes
awhile to get through, with the limited amount of channels on
each NODE, and the small amount of NODEs. In a real emergency,
I don't think there would ever be as much traffic, in an hours'
time, as we have during the weekly DAREN Net. As the number of
NODEs increase in the system, it should be easier to check into
the net.
There were 38 check-ins to the Net this week, with two new
calls, KD4IYJ, and N8RIG. This bring the list to 82 different
stations that have checked into the net since it started just
three months ago.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV Feb 7, 1993
Mark, WB8ZLQ, sysop for the Berkley County NODE, BERKWV, sent
me a message stating they held their first Local Area DAREN
Net, February 2nd. A DAREN Local Area Net consists of five
or six counties surrounding the Net control station, and can
be held weekly. Mark said they he had a grand total of three
check-ins, but what the heck, you have to start some where.
Those packet operators that are within a couple of counties
of, and can connect to BERKWV, should try to check in and
show support of the DAREN System. After connecting to
BERKWV, connect to "DAREN". He also said he is still waiting
for good weather to move BERKWV to North Mountain. Good luck
on the next net Mark.
Don, N8NUS, and I met with officials of St. Joseph Hospital to
get approval to install permanent antennas on the roof, near
the command center area. One will be for packet, and one for
voice. Approval may come as early as February 18, when the
Hospital Safety Committee meets.
Spence, KB8FIR, has been sent a catalog, and a list of items
that need to be ordered, to get four more hilltop, or mountain
top NODEs on the air. At the present time the NODEs PRESWV and
MONOWV are located at Emergency Operations or Communications
Centers, and have limited paths to the rest of the system. As
soon as the equipment arrives and is assembled, it will be
placed at a better location. The ALIASs of the existing NODESs
will be changed. The other two NODEs, MINEWV, and BARBWV, will
be on the air for the first time.
Ashby, KB8OPH, Preston County E/S Director, indicated to Alan,
N8POB, that Elkins Hospital as approved the purchasing of two
Packet Stations, and two Voice Stations for use in the
Hospital.
I haven't heard anything from Richard, N8KGK, about the two
stations he has purchased a few weeks back, for Upshur County.
Check-ins were a little low for the State-Wide DAREN net
February 6, there were only 25 check-ins.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV FEB 14, 1993
Gary, WV8D, Lewisburg, says the TNC for Greenbrier/Summers
County NODE has been purchased, and should be on the air by
early Spring. The NODE will be located on Keenys Knob an
Elevation of 4000 feet.
Dick, N8KGK, Upshur County, still hasn't received the equipment
that was on back order. In a paper shuffle, the company he had
ordered the equipment from, hadn't received an order for the
missing items, but that has been straightened out, and the
equipment is on its way. In the mean time, Dick used some
existing equipment to set up a permanent Terminal Station at
his office. The call is N8KGK-4, the NODE is UPSHNG (National
Guard) and the PBBS is BUCKNG. The only path to it, at the
present time, is through RANDWV.
Last week in one paragraph, I said Ashby, KB8OPH, Preston
County E/S Director, that should have been Randolph County E/S
Director. I had been working with Greg, E/S Director Preston
County, so much last week, that it just came out that way.
The two stations for Camden Clark Hospital have arrived and are
being assembled. One station will be in operation at the
Hospital Command Center during drills and actual emergencies.
The NODE will be WOODCC, and the PBBS will be PKBGCC. The
other station will be mounted in the Hospital HAZMAT truck,
which will be dispatched to Hazardous Material incidents which
may have injuries, or when requested by any of the county
Emergency Services agencies. The NODE on it will be WOODHZ,
and the PBBS will be PKBGHZ.
Buzz, K8CFT, says the Fayette County NODE has been moved to
it's permanent location where, but the antenna is only
temporary at about 10 feet off the ground. There is now a good
path to the Jackson County NODE, JACKWV. Even with two other
computer programs he was sent, Buzz is still having trouble
getting the PTEXT, NTEXT, and CTEXT to come out right. He is
ordering a KPC-3, which he will trade out with the KPC-2 that
is being used now. The NODE is FAYEWV, and at the present
time, the PBBS is K8CFT-1, which will be changed to OAKHWV.
Bob, WB8OIF, says the Jefferson County NODE, JEFFWV, is in
operation at the EOC on a temporary antenna. The PBBS is
JEFFES, the call is WB8OIF-7. It's coverage is enough for the
county, and has a good path to the Berkley County NODE, BERKWV.
There was 33 check-ins on the February 13th, DAREN Net.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV FEB 21, 1993
With the lack of other news this week, this might be a good time to throw in
some operating hints that may help you operate in the DAREN system.
1. The use of an "S" (stay) after a connect command, example "C KANAWV S"
(connect KANAWV stay), will allow you to stay at the location you were
just at, after you disconnect, without being disconnected all the back
to your station. You can use an "S" at each NODE you go through. This
is good, if you are wanting to read or leave messages in several PBBSs
in a row. One thing you have to remember, when using the "C S",
you have to back out of each NODE when disconnecting.
2. You can type a series of Connect Commands for all the NODEs you wish to
go through, without waiting for the "LINK MADE" to return to you,
example: "C HANCWV C WETZWV C WOODWV C JACKWV S
C CHASWV, . This will speed getting to your final
destination. This can only be done after you have connected to your
first NODE.
3. The use of "S", "SP", "ST", and "SB".
"S" and "SP" mean the same thing, (send personal). If you send a
message "S" or "SP", only the originator, the addressee, or the SYSOP
will be able to see, read and/or kill the message.
"ST" (send traffic), will allow those checking the PBBS to read and
kill the message, after it has been picked up, and/or delivered.
"SB" (send bulletin), only the originator, or the SYSOP, can kill a
bulletin message.
4. It is not possible to connect to the PBBS of a NODE that you are
connected to. Example: if you are connected to "KANAWV", you CAN NOT
connect to "CHASWV".
5. At the first indication that you are connected to a PBBS, Example:
"LINK MADE", you can start leaving your message, Example: ST RACES
RACESBUL.123 , then start sending your message. You
don't have to wait for the complete introduction text, and Command Line
to return. After you are done with your message press followed
by a or /EX . The PBBS will catch up, and no there
should be no loss of traffic.
6. When connecting through several NODEs or DIGIs, you can speed up the
traffic by connecting to the NODEs, remember, NODEs verify and correct
errors, before passing the information on to the next NODE. DIGIs just
pass the information on to the next DIGI and so on, there is no error
checking. If there is an error, the receiving station must tell the
sending station of the error, and have it send the traffic again, this
could take several tries.
7. Another help when connecting through several NODEs and DIGIs, is to use
a combination of DIGIs and NODEs. This will not slow up the movement
of traffic that much, and may leave a NODE channel open for another
station.
==============================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV FEB 28, 1993
I want to thank the members of the Plateau Amateur Radio
Association for asking me to speak about DAREN at a forum held
at the Fayetteville Hamfest last Sunday. There was a good turn
out, even though we were a little late getting started. It
seemed there was a problem with the Fayette County NODE, and we
had to make a fast trip to the mountain to correct it, and to
set up the CTEXT, NTEXT, and PTEXT. After the forum was over,
and we were demonstrating the system, I noticed I had left the
amount of memory in the PBBS, OAKHWV as 5K. Buzz, K8CFT, said
he would get that fixed.
While at the Hamfest, I talked to Dick, N8KGK, for a few
minutes, and he said the rest of the equipment for the Upshur
County NODEs was in, and he indicated he may be moving the NODE
that is in his office to Webster County.
Gary, WV8D, has the TNC for the Greenbrier/Summers County NODE.
While at the Hamfest, we programed the TNC so it would be ready
to go as soon as they could get it installed on Keenys Knob.
This project is a joint venture between Greenbrier and Summers
County. At a later date, a NODE will also be placed in Summers
County.
A new KPC-3, with 128K memory has been purchased and will take
the place of the KPC-2 at the Randolph County NODE, RANDWV.
The new TNC has been programed with 5 NODE Channels, and 99K of
memory in the PBBS. While at the Fayetteville Hamfest, it was
decided a few large memory PBBSs should be placed in the DAREN
Network, to allow high memory messages, such as DAREN News,
RACES, and ARES Bulletins, and other such information to be
stored. This would allow users to read these messages without
having to tie up a large portion of the Network, getting to one
location.
Ashby, KB8OPH, says the County Commissioners of Randolph County
have approved the purchase of a Portable Packet Station to be
used with the DAREN system.
St Joseph Hospital in, Parkersburg, has approved the installing
of two permanent antennas on the hospital, near the command
center. One of the antennas will be used for packet, the other
will be used for voice.
For the second week in a row, there has been 48 check-ins to
the DAREN Net. There were 5 new stations that checked in.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV MAR 7, 1993
Last week we talked about a few high memory NODEs on the DAREN
system. The Kantronics KPC-2 and KPC-3 with 5.0 or higher
version firmware will only allow a maximum of 5 NODE Channels,
if there is "NO" PBBS. The purpose of the high memory NODEs
allows two things. (1) To provide the maximum of all 5 NODE
Channels, and a 100K of PBBS. The high memory NODEs will allow
more stations to connect through them, on their way to the rest
of system. (2) Information that is of interest to all DAREN
users, example: DAREN News, RACES and ARES Bulletins, NODE
Maps, NODE Lists, etc., can be placed on the larger PBBSs.
This will save the users from having to connect across the
state to get their information. We still want all users, of
the system, to connect through the various NODEs and PBBSs, to
stay familiar with the system. They need to try different
paths. Like all other systems, some NODEs may be inoperative
from time to time, and a different path may have to be chosen
to get to your destination. At present, there are now only 3
high memory NODE/PBBSs in operation, WOODES/PKBGES,
MERCES/PCTNES, and as of March 6th, RANDWV/ELKNWV. In the
future, when the weather gets better, KANAWV/CHASWV will be
moved to a better location, and upgraded to high memory.
Eugene Roy, N8ER, Tucker County, called and told me that money
has been allotted to purchase a Terminal Station for their EOC.
He is going to check on how well packet may work at their High
School, which is located at 3550 feet. If it is possible to
connect to the Berkeley County NODE, BERKWV, a remote station
may be located there at a later date.
I also received a message from Lynn, AI8I, stating that extra
memory can be acquired for the PBBS, by lowering the MAXUSERS.
Lowering the MAXUSERS would also enable an additional NODE
channel. If the MAXUSERS is reduced to 5, the NUMNODES (NUMber
of NODES) can be increased to 4. Increasing the number of NODE
Channels will allow an additional user to connect through the
NODE without getting a "busy". The NUMNODES of WETZWV, WOODWV,
and JACKWV have been increased to 4. On some TNC's, the
parameters can be changed via the REMOTE access. The MAXUSERS
must be reduced, before the NUMNODES can be increased. If the
change is made remotely, a soft reset will occur, and a
disconnect result, on each parameter change.
The Net Control Station for this week's Statewide DAREN Net was
Alan, N8POB, who was in Elkins visiting his parents. While
there he changed out the RANDWV/ELKNWV NODE. Some confusion
was encountered do to change of location, comments next week.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV MAR 14, 1993
HELPFUL TIPS FOR CHECKING INTO THE STATEWIDE DAREN NET
------------------------------------------------------
1. Read the DAREN Net announcements that are posted on most of
the DAREN PBBSs on Thursdays. This will give you the
location of the Net Control Station, and what the best
NODEs are for connecting. The NCS may be at different
locations from time to time, and the NODEs won't always be
the same.
2. If this is a new path to the NCS, try to connect to the
nearest NODE of the NCS before the Net, to make sure you
have a good path, try different paths.
3. DO NOT try to digipeat all the way to the NCS, especially
if there are several NODEs between you and the NCS. Either
connect to each NODE in the path, or use a combination
system. A combination system uses both DIGIs and NODEs.
In other words, you might CONNECT to the first NODE, and
DIGI through the next one, and so on.
4. If you don't think you are getting through the system,
DON'T force a disconnect, let the NODEs tell you they have
"###RETRIED OUT". If you don't get a "###RETRIED OUT",
there is a very good chance the NODE is still trying to
connect to the next NODE or NCS. If you force a
disconnect, the NODE Channel, you were on, will be tied up,
until it times out. This cuts down on the number of
available channels for other stations, and adds additional
traffic to the channel.
5. Be sure to know what path you are going to use to the Net
Control Station, and then be sure of the spelling of the
ALIASs. If the ALIAS is wrong, you will not get connected,
and the NODE will "###RETRIED OUT", and you will have to
try again. If you notice you have misspelled the ALIAS,
you can ABORT the connect, and try again, without waiting
for a "###RETRIED OUT".
The amount of traffic during the net is at least 200, and maybe
300 percent more than would ever be during a real emergency.
During the Net, Beacons are transmitted in three directions,
from three different stations. These BEACONS are used to let
monitoring stations know the Net is in progress, and the NODE
or NODEs nearest the Net Control Station. Don't get
discouraged if you don't get through as fast as you think you
should, there may be a lot of stations trying. The NCS print
out shows some stations are connected several times. When you
get checked-in, you should get a message back, stating your
check-in has been logged. Anyone having suggestions about the
net should leave me a message.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV MAR 21, 1993
I want to apologize to all the faithful operators, that check
into the DAREN Net each week, for not having the net last week.
We felt that with the Winter Storm, Blizzard, and State of
Emergency, it would be wise not to hold the net, and take a
chance of having emergency traffic delayed. Even though the
net only ties up the channel for about an hour or so, chances
of having an emergency during that hour is slim. But knowing
there is a State of Emergency in effect, it was best not to
take that chance. This brings up a suggestion, if some one
knows of an emergency an area, that the net might interfere
with, that station should BEACON through as many DIGIs as
possible, to let other stations know there is an emergency is
progress.
With the cold weather and snow, growth of the network has
slowed down. Some items on the back burner, till the weather
gets better are: The installation of the Upshur County NODEs,
and Greenbrier/Summers County NODE, moving and upgrading the
Kanawha County NODE, KANAWV, increasing the antenna height of
the Fayette County NODE, FAYEWV, and moving the Berkley County
NODE, BERKWV to North Mountain.
A message from Lynn, AI8I, says the BBS that he normally uses,
KN4KB is shutting down, and his new BBS is N4ZKF, any mail for
him can be left there, via the normal BBS system, and later at
the Greenbrier/Summers NODE, GREEWV, when in operation.
Mark, KJ4QQ, has another TNC, and can again operate as Net
Control of the DAREN Net. Mark will take Net Control March 27.
All stations need to check the Net Announcements that are
posted on several of the DAREN PBBSs, to be sure where the Net
Control will be located.
For those of you who have wondered how ARES/Data (FINDERS)
works, the one at the Wood County EOC has better access from
the outside world. Access from WOODWV, PLEAWV, and JACKWV on
145.69 Mhz is possible. The TNC shares the same transmitter as
WOODES. Before the TNC was connected to the WOODES radio, the
only path to the ARES/Data system was through WOODES. To use
ARES/Data, connect to "FINDER". Information on how to use
FINDER can be obtained by typing HELP.
There were 40 check-ins to this weeks net, 34 of them checked
in before 8:31PM. The net seemed to have ran quite smooth.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV MAR 28, 1993
There's not much to write about this week. A lot of what I
write about is from the users of the DAREN system. If you have
any activity in our area, that you would like to share, drop me
a message. In the past few months, I've noticed a lot more
messages being sent across the system. Don't forget, DAREN is
NOT restricted to EMERGENCY traffic only. Personal messages,
from one operator to another, is welcome. On the NTEXT and
PTEXT, it talks about NTS "TYPE" TRAFFIC, it doesn't mean it
has to be NTS TRAFFIC. Any messages sent over the network,
should have some type of format. The format can be NTS, MARS,
ARES/RACES Bulletins etc. If the bulletins are lengthy, they
should be posted on the high memory PBBSs. High memory PBBSs
at this time are: ELKNWV, PCTNES, and WOODWV. If bulletins are
short, and well only be posted for a short period of time, they
could be left on the main county PBBSs. Bulletins should be
left as long as the person posting them feels they are still of
use. When I post the DAREN NET ANNOUNCEMENTS, they are posted
as ST (Send Traffic). I post them in this manner so they can
be deleted or removed, by anyone, as soon as they are no longer
of any use, after the Statewide DAREN Net. After the net is
over, if you would like, connect to your local PBBS and delete
the DAREN NET announcement message.
I will be area for the next week, going to a school in Boston,
Mass., until April 2nd, and won't be able to keep an eye on the
system. If you have any DAREN NEWS, please go ahead and send
it, so I can get it ready for next week. 73
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV APRIL 4, 1993
Just a few hours before I left the area, I noticed I wasn't
able to connect to the South, via the Jackson County NODE,
JACKWV. I was also unable to post the DAREN NEWS on PCTNWV.
After a few tests I came to the conclusion the trouble may be
at JACKWV. I wasn't able to leave a message for Mark, KJ4QQ,
who was Net Control April 27, that the Net may be in jeopardy.
Duane, N8LDM, set his station up to take net check-ins from the
North and East, and he and Aaron, N8NVQ, sent out BEACONs to
let stations that were unable to connect south, to Mark, know
they could connect to the auxiliary Net Control. The next day,
Duane, and Alan, N8POB, went to the JACKWV site, and met with
Dick, N8PEK. When they arrived at the site, they found the
antenna laying flat on the ground. They figured the snow and
ice, that was on the roof, melted and slid off the roof pushing
and breaking the wire that held the antenna in place. There
was only minor damage to the antenna, but it was replaced, and
they had the station back on the air by about 3 pm.
Eugene, N8ER, had a few questions, and talked to Duane, N8LDM.
The questions were about some of the parameters on the TNC for
the Tucker County NODE. He is in the process of setting up the
NODE, which will be located on a hilltop at the High School.
We will try to contact Eugene, and see when it may go on line.
A message from Ashby, KB8OPH, says that Randolph County RACES,
now has 7 Packet Radio Operators, most with their own stations.
The operators are: Terry, KB8EIR, Walt, KF8SX, Bob, KB8EIQ,
Steve, KC4TMT, Sam, KB8NTV, Richard, KB8HTK, and Joe, N8VJS.
After the DAREN Net, I tried to delete the Net Announcement,
but was unable to connect to KANAWV/CHASWV. I'll have to stop
by the site on the way to the Charleston Hamfest tomorrow.
Don't forget to reset the time on your NODEs for Day Light
Savings Time.
There was a total of 35 check-ins to the DAREN Net April 3,
even though a couple of stations try to extend the NODE path a
little longer than Net Control could hit, and one tried to
connect to "DARREN".
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV APRIL 11, 1993
I talked to Dick, N8KGK, at the Charleston Hamfest April 4th,
and he said he has been spending a lot of time in Washington,
DC, and hasn't had time to work on the Upshur County NODEs.
I want to apologize for the "not so good" DAREN Forum at the
Hamfest April 4th. The club was very well prepared with the
room to be used for the Forum. I set my easel up, in the room,
and went to enjoy the Hamfest. While I was gone, the Civic
Center maintenance personal, took the easel out of the room,
thinking it was their's, tore all the papers off, and stored it
away. By not having my flip charts, I left out several bits of
information I usually talk about.
The Kanawha County NODE, KANAWV, had a problem that showed up
Saturday April 3rd, when I tried to remove the DAREN Net
Announcement. We stopped at the site on the way to the
Hamfest, and found a blown fuse in the power supply. A new
fuse didn't help the problem, so the power supply had to be
replaced. All the messages that were on the PBBS were lost.
I talked to Eugene, N8ER, and he is getting Tucker County NODE
set up. I forgot to ask him, but I think the NODE will be
TUCKWV, and PBBS will be PRSNWV (Parsons).
Gary, WV8D, was hoping to have the Greenbrier County NODE on
the air by Wednesday, April 7th, but was unable to get the
radio he needed. He managed to get the station in operation at
about 2:00 pm Saturday the 10th on Kennys Knob. He says there
is a little SWR problem and it's only putting about 15 watts,
but hopes to fix it on next trip to the site. The NODE/DIGI is
GREEWV, and the PBBS is LSBGWV. The NODE has good paths to
FAYEWV, MERCWV, RALEWV, and WYOMWV.
I talked to Jim, WA8HPD, the state IFOW's Coordinator, and he
has a site in Braxton County, that we can use for a NODE. A
NODE in that county should have a path between RANDWV and
KANAWV. All we have to do is write him a letter to make it
official.
There was only 33 check-ins to the Statewide DAREN Net last
night. This may have been because of the Easter Holiday. I've
had a few operators ask if we could start the net a little
earlier, and stop it a little later. All comments are welcome.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV APRIL 18, 1993
A couple more NODE/DIGI/PBBSs went on the air this week.
Eugene, N8ER, has the High Profile NODE, TUCKWV, and the
Emergency Services NODE, TUCKES, in operation in Tucker County.
The NODE/DIGI/PBBS, TUCKWV/TUCKWV/PRSNWV is located at the High
School, in Parsons, at an elevation of about 3500 feet, I
think. TUCKWV has good paths into Preston, Monongaila, Rand-
olph, Marshall, Wetzel, and Pleasants Counties. The ALIASs for
the Emergency Services NODE/DIGI/PBBS is TUCKES/TUCKES/PRSNES.
I have written a letter to Jim, WA8HPD, IFOWS, coordinator,
asking for permission to install a NODE on a tower in Braxton
County. A NODE in Braxton County should make a good alternate
path to tie the Northern and Southern halves of the state
together, in case of NODE failure at JACKWV.
There has been some discussion about lengthing the DAREN Net.
At the Charleston Hamfest, a few people ask if it could be made
to start a little earlier, and last a little longer. I
received a message from Ashby, KB8OPH, Emergency Services
Director Randolph County, saying he would like to see the net
start a little earlier. In the discussions, we have talked
about starting at 7:30 pm and running to 9:30 pm, but I would
like to hear from you. I have heard some people say they don't
get home until almost 10:00 pm, so we could start at 7:00 pm
and end at 10:00 pm. The net seems to be running a lot
smoother as the operators become more familial with the system.
Please leave me a message on "PKBGWV" on 145.69 Mhz, and tell
me what you think.
PATIENCE is the word. It's not often I'm on the other end of
the DAREN Net, especially when there is only one path between
the North and the South of West Virginia (JACKWV). Until there
are alternate paths to all, or at least most of the NODEs in
the DAREN system, you must have patients. During the Statewide
DAREN Net, it will take a lot longer to get to the NCS, and get
your LOGGED ON message back. While monitoring the net last
night, I noticed a few stations had not read the DAREN Net
Announcement that is posted every week on most of the DAREN
PBBSs. The announcement lets you know who the NCS is, and
which NODE he can hear direct, all you have to do is get to
one of the NODEs, and then connect to DAREN. If you're not
sure what paths are available, there is a least 2 ways to find
out, (1) download the DAREN PATH MAP, which is on ELKNWV,
PKBGES, or PCTNES, or (2) leave me a message at PKBGWV, and I
will mail you the latest version of the map. Mark, KJ4QQ, had
35 check-ins on the DAREN Net last night.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV APRIL 25, 1993
Woodmen of the World came through with the equipment to estab-
lish 4 new NODEs. Spence, KB8FIR, called to let me know the
equipment for the Barbour, Mineral, Preston, and Monongalia
County Hilltop/Mountain top NODEs were in. Alan, N8POB, was
going to go to visit his parents in Clarksburg, so he made a
side trip, and picked up the equipment from Spence. Most of
the interfacing, wiring, and programming have been completed,
and will be delivered back to Spence, for distribution. The
Mineral County NODE is needed to get a path to the Eastern
Panhandle.
I talked to Mark, WB8ZLQ, SYSOP for the Berkeley County NODE,
and he says this winter has been the worse they have had in
many years. It's not the snow, as much as the rain, that has
prevented them from moving BERKWV to North Mountain. He says
there has been 9 inches of rain in April alone. He is hoping
to make the move to North Mountain the first part of May, if
the weather dries up.
In case you hadn't noticed, the time is off on the PRESWV NODE.
I talked to the office of Emergency Services in Preston County,
and found out that Greg, Emergency Services Director, had been
in the hospital for about a week, but is now out, and will be
taking another week off to rest up. Greg has been wanting to
take his test and get his Amateur license. Get well soon Greg.
George, K8QEW, is trying to contact WJ8G, in Harrison County,
and have him look into getting a DAREN NODE installed there.
The last time I talked to Fred Smart, Emergency Services
Director Harrison County, he said the equipment for the EOC
NODE is setting on the floor in his office. We're also hoping
that someone will install a DAREN NODE in Cabell County.
It's a good thing we have Nets. The computer at the EOC, that
was being used for the DAREN net April 24th decided to crash
right after the net got started. This was the first time we
tried to use it this way. We picked this week to try the com-
puter since it was Dayton Hamfest Weekend, and figured there
would be less check-ins. Some of the stations that tried to
connect to DAREN got an immediate disconnect, no connect mess-
age. With help from Leo, WA8BMA, Duane, N8LDM, and Aaron,
N8NVQ, Judy was able to determine most or all of those checking
in. There was a total of 24 check-ins. The list will be
posted on the Thursday Net Announcement. Hope we didn't miss
anyone.
Next week I will write about the messages from Lynn, AI8I, Roy,
KD8VS, and Charlie, WB8CNN.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV May 2, 1993
I received a message from Lynn, AI8I, saying he has an extra
Kantronics KPC-2 controller and an antenna, that he would like
to use to establish a Remote NODE at Snowshoe, Pocahontas
County. But before I wrote this NEWS, he left me another
message saying his KAM bit the dust, and the KPC-2 wouldn't be
available till he gets the KAM fixed. He almost had the radio
to go with it, but someone one else bought it first. We all
might keep our eyes open for one. A NODE at Snowshoe would
make another path between the North and South.
I received messages from Roy, KD8VS, and Charlie, WB8CNN,
stating that a Terminal NODE/PBBS, at the National Weather
Service in Beckley, is now in operation. The ALIAS of the NODE
is RALEWX, and that of the PBBS is BECKWX.
When I went to Rockville, Maryland last week, I pasted by
Morgan County and checked out MORGWV/BKSPWV, (Berkeley
Springs). Even though Rob, N8RAS, is not using Kantronics
equipment, he does have it looking like it. It does allow
posting of messages, via the normal BBS System, but as long as
he can keep "non" DAREN/RACES/ARES/NTS type traffic from
getting onto the BBS, and stations from crossing over to the
normal BBS System, it may be a good asset to the DAREN network,
with lots of memory.
I have seen, and heard from a few operators, that stations not
normally using the DAREN System are connecting to BBSs and
NODEs outside of DAREN. If the operators are just looking to
see what other stations are on the air, this isn't a problem,
but if they start connecting to them for the purpose of finding
paths to "General Use" BBSs, this will degrade DAREN. We need
to make sure these operators know what the DAREN NODEs are
there for. This is especially true for those NODEs that are
able to see the BBSs in Pennsylvania.
With spring and summer here, and leaves coming on the trees,
the paths of the DAREN Network are going to be changing. Paths
that were good, may only be fair, and fair paths may be non-
existent. You might want to keep up on what paths are still
good.
Alan, N8POB had 34 check-ins the Statewide DAREN Net May 1st,
and I haven't heard from anyone about changing the hours of the
net.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV May 9, 1993
How long does it take to Digipeat from one point to another?
That depends on several factors. (1). How many digipeaters are
there? (2). How good are the paths between digipeaters? (3).
How many other stations are being heard by the digipeaters?
(4). How many times will a message have to be repeated by the
originator before it gets to the distant end "error free"?
(5). What is the FRACK time of the originating and distant
stations set at. The FRACK time is the amount of time a stat-
ion will wait for a "FRame ACKnowledgment" from the distant
station, before resending that frame of information again. Most
TNC's default to 4 seconds that it will wait for an answer from
the distant station, before it tries again. There is a formula
built into the TNC that allows additional time for a "FRame
ACKnowledgment" when going through digipeaters. Assuming the
FRACK is 4, the formula is "4 X ((2 X number of digipeaters)
plus 1)". In other words, if you were to digipeat through 8
digipeaters the formula would be "4 X (2 X 8 + 1) = 68 seconds"
before it would try again to send the same frame information,
if does not receive an acknowledgment back. This assumes also,
there are no other stations being heard by the digipeaters. As
you can see, digipeating can be a long process if the channel
is busy, and collisions occur, and a "RETRY OUT" may be except-
ed. Connecting to NODEs may take a little longer to set up,
but in a long run, it's much faster, and error checking and
correcting is done between NODEs, not from end to end.
Mark, KJ4QQ, said he had the opportunity to check, and set the
deviation of the radios on MERCWV and MERCES. After setting
the deviation, he noted that other NODEs, that he could hear,
may also be over modulated. If using an Alinco DR1200T and a
Kantronics KPC-3, the KPC-3 level needs to be reduced, as it is
shipped from the factory. It is best to set the deviation on
the transmitter between 3.5 to 4.0 Khz. Also the receive audio
should not be too high. A good rule of thumb for adjusting the
receive level is to open the squelch, adjust the volume, till
the "RCV" light just comes on, then turn it just a little bit
higher, then readjust the squelch till the "RCV" light goes
out. Be sure not to adjust the Squelch level too high or too
low. High level deviation and receive audio will cause dis-
tortion in DATA Signals and cause errors to be transmitted and
received.
The four NODEs purchased, by Woodmen of the World, are wired,
tested, programmed, and ready to be placed in operation in
Barbour, Mineral, Monongalia, and Preston Counties.
There was 32 check-ins to the DAREN NET May 8, 1993.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV May 16, 1993
If it wasn't for bad luck, Lynn, AI8I, wouldn't have any luck
at all. Not really, Lynn wanted to use an extra KPC-2, and an
antenna he has available, to install a NODE at Snowshoe, but
his Kantronics KAM, bit the dust again. We have talked it
over, and may try to get the equipment together to install a
NODE at Snowshoe anyway. There are a few things that have to
be worked out, and permission has to be acquired from the
Greenbank Observatory. Dave, KB4LCI, a telescope operator at
Greenbank, says he will work with us to get the permission.
Snowshoe should provide a good path between RANDWV and GREEWV.
Matt, KA8YEZ, in Ohio County, says that money has been approved
to purchase a NODE for Ohio County. They are hoping to have it
installed by the first of October.
I am working on a directory that will indicate the nearest PBBS
to each telephone exchange. The cross reference will let DAREN
users know the best PBBS to leave a message. As an example,
messages with telephone numbers that begin with 273, 275, 295,
375, 422, 424, 428, 464, 474, 485, 489, 643, 659, 679, 863, and
869 should be left a PKBGWV. This should make it easier to
find which PBBS to post messages, if there is a telephone
number on it. I will need the telephone exchange numbers for
each PBBS. Please leave me a message stating the telephone
exchanges that would be a local telephone call for those
checking into that PBBS.
I met with Spence, KB8FIR, and delivered back to him the
equipment purchased by Woodmen of the World, for the new
hilltop/mountaintop NODEs in Barbour, Mineral, Monongalia, and
Preston Counties. Two of the NODEs (MONOWV and PRESWV) will
use the ALIAS of the NODEs located at the EOC's, and EOC NODEs
will be changed to MONOES and PRESES. He says the lodge in
Marion County, has voted to sponsor a NODE, and will purchase
the equipment when money becomes available. He's also going to
contact a couple of lodges in the Southern part of the state,
about sponsoring the NODEs in Braxton and Pocahontas Counties.
I know a few operators feel Packet is not efficient, or there
is a problem with the DAREN NETWORK, because they have trouble
connecting to the STATEWIDE DAREN NET. I can't EMPHASIZE
enough, the importance of finding out where the Net Control
Station is, before trying to connect. The Net Announcements
are posted by Thursday, before the net, on almost all of the
PBBSs. This week the NCS was Ted, W8KVK, in Ripley. The only
NODE he can connect to, direct, is JACKWV. When all else
fails, read the instructions, Hi Hi.
There was 29 check-ins to the Statewide DAREN Net this week.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV May 23, 1993
Ted, W8KVK, enjoyed operating as Net Control of the Statewide
DAREN Net, May 15, and wants to be placed on the list, as the
NCS is rotated around the state. He feels rotating the NCS
might break the habit of operators assuming the NCS is always
located in Wood County.
Mark, WB8ZLQ, has moved the Berkeley County NODE, BERKWV, to
its permanent location, on North Mountain, elevation of
approximately 1800 feet. Before placing the NODE in operation,
the crew tested the site out by working through the 147.285 Mhz
repeater on Spruce Knob, the result was a full quieting signal.
With the NODE in place, he had no luck connecting to GARRMD,
RANDWV, and TUCKWV, but did hear stations that are not part of
the DAREN. Spruce Knob would be a good place for a NODE.
Lynn, AI8I, has placed a KPC-3 with 128K of Ram, on the air.
The NODE and DIGI are DROOWV and PBBS is HILLWV. The only path
is through GREEWV. He's got a large memory PBBS, but very
little in it. Lynn has also sent a list of telephone
exchanges, for the directory, I'm putting together. NTS Type
Messages with telephone numbers starting with: 456, 572, 653,
and 799 should be posted on HILLWV.
The question has been brought up about personal NODE/PBBSs.
There are several personal stations on the DAREN, and nothing
is wrong with that. DAREN is mostly a backbone system, and the
main NODEs, in any system, should be owned or operated by
groups or organizations that will most likely be around for
some time. A NODE, which is personally owned, and a vital
link, may be taken off the air, for any number of reasons, may
cause path problems.
It was suggested that DAREN have some kind of formal support.
With all the NODEs on the air, it would be nice to have a way
to get one back in operation in case it went inoperative for
some reason. Some of the operators have talked about having a
DAREN membership, where the dues could be used to maintain the
NODEs, in case of a failure. Drop me a message on any ideas
you have. I would like to hear from everyone interested.
Ashby, KB8OPH, said the local calling telephone exchanges in
his area are: 823, 472, 473, 866, 338, 636, 637, 642, 227, 335,
478, and 457. Messages to them should be placed on ELKNWV.
Starting June 5, the Statewide DAREN Net will begin at 7:30 pm
and end at 9:30 pm. Duane, N8LDM, had 42 check-ins to the May
22, DAREN Net.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV May 30, 1993
Alan, N8POB, and I made a trip to Snowshoe, and Spruce Knob on
Saturday, May 22, to make so path tests. With 5 watts and
less, we were able to make a path from Snowshoe to RANDWV,
GREEWV, and TUCKWV. From Spruce Knob and 5 watts, we had paths
to BECKWV, RANDWV, and TUCKWV. Dave, KA8ZXP has ordered
crystals to establish a NODE in Pendelton County. I am working
with the Emergency Services Director, Pendelton County, to
acquire the TNC. Whether or not Emergency Services provides
the TNC, PENDWV will be on the air in the next few weeks.
Mike, N8VXL, has sent a list of local calling telephone (AREA
CODE 304) exchanges. NTS Type messages having telephone
numbers starting with 445, 497, 832, 466, 645, 647, 484, 438,
392, 772, and 536 should be placed on LSBGWV. Messages with
AREA CODE 703, prefix 559, can also be posted on LSBGWV.
Mark, KJ4QQ, has also sent a list of telephone exchanges for
NTS Type messages having telephone numbers starting with: (AREA
CODE 304) 320, 324, 325, 327, 384, 425, 487, and (AREA CODE
703) 322, 326, 928, 945, 988. Messages with these exchanges
should be posted on BLFDWV.
I talked to Dick, N8KGK, while he was in Parkersburg, teaching
a class at the Airport. He has been everywhere, but Upshur
County. He said this should be the last class, and that he's
hoping to install the equipment for the NODEs in Upshur County,
that has been sitting around, gathering dust.
The Nicholas County NODE is on the air, with a few problems.
Skip, K8SOR, says there are some changes needed. The NODE/DIGI
are NICHWV, and the PBBS will be SMVLWV.
This note is mainly for the SYSOPs of the NODEs, but may be
useful for everyone. The Kantronics Manual under (FILTER)
tells about channel traffic which includes file transfer or
high level protocols. "Control characters which may be
embedded in those packets can have strange and unpredictable
effects on the monitoring TNC". A couple of problems, that may
be caused by this happens when connecting to a NODE, a "LINK
MADE" only, and the connections stops there, nothing else. A
connect to the PBBS will be a connect, followed by and
immediate disconnect. To prevent or correct this problem,
connect to the station REMOTE and give a "RESET". This will
cause a disconnect to anyone in the station (NODE/DIGI/PBBS),
and clean up the TNC.
There were 39 check-ins on this weeks Statewide DAREN Net.
Starting next week the net will run from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV Jun 6, 1993
With the help of several operators, the NNX-PBBS Directory is
coming along very well. There will be a lot of telephone
exchanges not listed in the directory when it first comes out.
One reason is that all telephone exchanges in Area Code 304
have not been assigned, and another, there is not a PBBS for
all of the telephone exchanges that are assigned. As more
NODE/PBBSs come on line, the directory will be updated.
I've received messages from Mark, N8HTR, and Gene, N8ER, with
"local calling" telephone exchanges. Mark says the local
calling exchanges for the BECKWV PBBS area are: 252, 253,
255, 256, 683, 763, 787, 854, 877, and 934. Gene says the
local calling exchanges for the PRSNWV PBBS area are: 227,
259, 463, 478, 735, 866, and 735. I've noticed that some
telephone exchanges are local to more than one PBBS. In the
cases of more than one PBBS, I'm going to list the PBBS in
the county the exchange is located, or the nearest PBBS. I'm
still looking for "local calling" telephone exchanges of each
of the existing PBBSs, please send me a list of your "local
calling" telephone exchanges.
If you hadn't noticed, we've started posting DAREN News, NODEs,
Nets, Maps and other items to make them easier to find. For
instance, if you wanted to look for a list of NODEs that are on
the DAREN, all you have to do is connect to one of the High
Memory PBBSs (ELKNWV, HILLWV, PCTNES, or PKBGES), and give
the command L> NODES and a NODEs list message will be
displayed.
Do you have trouble missing the first character on your Laptop
or Printer when reading a message? Leo, WA8BMA, has stumbled
onto a possible solution. Use the command NUCR, which is
described on your operations manual. The NUCR command will
delay any information going from the TNC to the Printer, or
Laptop, until the cursor or print head can return to the left
side of the page.
I talked to Skip, K8SOR, after the DAREN Net Saturday, and he
says that NICHWV is down, and doesn't know why.
Even though the DAREN Net was started 30 minutes earlier, and
ran 2 hours, there were only 37 check-ins. We'll run the net
for awhile, starting at 7:30 pm and ending at 9:30 pm, if it
doesn't pick up, we may go back to 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV Jun 13, 1993
I didn't pick up the message from Mark, KJ4QQ, until I had
already posted the DAREN News last week, but it seems the storm
that went through the Southern part of the state, June 4th,
disabled the Wyoming County NODE, WYOMWV, as well as NICHWV.
He said there was a lot of wind and lightening. Tim, KC8IT,
was able to have WYOMWV back in operation by late Thursday
morning (June 10th). Several operators, in the lower part of
the state, were able to check into the Net on June 5th by
picking another route. NICHWV is still off the air.
A message from Lynn, AI8I, confirms my suspicions, that some
areas, covered by the DAREN, are not used as much as others.
The DAREN system is in existence to handle Emergency and
Priority traffic when conditions warrant, BUT it is also here
to be used on a daily basis to pass "NTS Type" traffic. "NTS
Type" traffic doesn't mean "NTS" only. DAREN's definition of
"NTS Type" traffic, is any messages that are of a formal
nature. MARS, CAP, RACES, and ARES are formal type messages,
and should be transmitted over the DAREN. The DAREN should be
used to report monthly nets (RACES & ARES), and traffic to
George, K8QEW, State SEC for ARRL, and information about upcom-
ing exercises and events, (pertaining to Emergency Communicat-
ions). The biggest problem I see, with DAREN, is that some
PBBSs aren't checked often enough. It is suggested that NTS
messages not be allowed to take more than about 3 days to
arrive at their destination, yet I see some messages set, on
DAREN PBBSs, longer than that. I know from checking several
DAREN PBBSs, there is traffic being passed, so we need to have
every PBBS checked at least once a day, and deliver any messag-
es that may be there. A few months ago, I was in a meeting,
and someone suggested that DAREN be used like other BBS Net-
works, and allow all kinds of messages on the system. If we
were to allow all kinds of messages, the system would become so
over burdened with Buy, Sale, and Trade, and complaints about
everything, such as Radio Shack selling Ham Radio gear, etc.
etc., it would make the DAREN useless when it was needed, but
it does need to be used daily, to stay familiar with the
routes, and insure the all NODEs are still in operation.
Pepper, KA8ZOO, has the Monongalia County NODE, MONOWV, that
was purchased by Woodmen of World, in operation at a temporary
location. It's not as good as he would like it to be, and he
is looking for a better location in the Morgantown area. The
NODE/DIGI/PBBS at the MECCA Center has been changed to MONOES/-
MONOES/MGTNES.
There were 33 check-ins to this weeks DAREN Net.
===============================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV June 20, 1993
The West Virginia Emergency Services Council has appointed
Ashby, KB8OPH, E/S Director Randolph County, and Gail Hartshorn,
E/S Director of Wood County to head up a committee to make DAREN
a formal part of the West Virginia Emergency Services. They'll
also try to establish a fund, to help maintain the DAREN NODEs.
I've tried to connect to RALEWV, for a few days now, with no
success. At the Bluefield Hamfest Saturday, Charlie, WB8CNN,
told me it was disabled by the same lightening storm that took
WYOMWV and NICHWV off the air. The NODE/PBBS at the Weather
Service, in Beckley, RALEWX/BECKWX, is still in operation. Any
messages for the Beckley area should be on BECKWX.
Tim, KC8IT, is wanting to give the Boone County NODE, if it is
still in operation, access to the network again. The Boone
County NODE, BOONWV, has been very marginal to the rest of the
system since it was first installed. BOONWV is located at the
Emergency Operation Center, in Danville, with no high profile
county NODE, to work through. Tim says he may turn one element
of the four bay antenna, of WYOMWV, to favor BOONWV.
With any luck, Dave, KA8ZXP, and I will be going to Pendleton
County this coming week to install PENDWV. Dave is still
waiting for the crystals, which the manufacture said should be
arriving any day. With the installation of PENDWV, the two
NODEs in the Eastern Panhandle, BERKWV and JEFFWV, will have
access to the rest of the system. This will also give most of
the major cities, in West Virginia access to each other, with
the exception of Clarksburg, and Huntington areas. With the
installation of PENDWV, there will be a slight change in the
NTEXT. The word "EMERGENCY", on the first line, will have
quotation marks around it. It has been noted a few times, that
DAREN NODEs have been used to access Full Service type BBSs
outside the state. With the word EMERGENCY in quotes, it may
alert all users what the DAREN NODEs are there for.
Until Pepper, KA8ZOO, can get a better location for the new
NODE, MONOWV, access to it, will be limited. The only path to
MONOWV, at the present time is through MONOES, which is located
at the Emergency Operations Center, in Morgantown. If anyone
knows of a good location for a high profile NODE for Monongalia
County, you might let Pepper know.
There were 35 check-ins to this week's Statewide DAREN Net.
================================================================
D.A.R.E.N. NEWS of WV June 27, 1993
At the Emergency Services Directors meeting June 23rd, the state
Office of Emergency Services announced that "number one" priority for
the purchasing of new Communications and Warning equipment, with
Revenue Sharing money, is Packet Radio, that will be used on the DAREN
System. They suggested that counties not having the equipment, put it
in their 1994 Federal Fiscal Year Budget. Packet Operators in EMA
counties that don't have Packet Stations at their Emergency Operations
Center, and a Hill or Mountain Top NODE, should contact their Emerg-
ency Services Director, and get the equipment while Federal Funding is
available.
Bob, KC8KV, called to let me know that he has the equipment for the
Barbour County NODE, that was purchased by Woodmen of the World. He's
also been working with the Department of Highways, who have just ins-
talled a new tower, and all that is needed, is the lease agreement
signed.
I got a letter from Buzz, K8CFT. Buzz thinks there may be a
problem with FAYEWV, since he is unable to connect through it, to any
other NODE. The problem may have already been taken care of, since I
was able to post the DAREN Announcement on it Wednesday evening. They
also have the equipment to install the NODE, FAYEES, but are waiting
to move a tower. He sent me a list of Local Calling Telephone Exch-
anges to be placed in the NNX/PBBS Directory. Messages with telephone
numbers, as part of the address, starting with: 252, 253, 255, 465,
469, 574, 658, 683, 763, 779, and 877, should be placed on OAKHWV.
Friday, June 25th, Dave, KA8ZXP, Ed, N8OYY, Alan, N8POB, and I met
in Pendleton County, and placed the NODE/DIGI/PBBS of PENDWV/PENDWV/-
FKLNWV in operation. Dave had all the pre-installation work comp-
leted, and was just waiting for the TNC. The NODE has paths to
BERKWV, MARSWV, RANDWV, TUCKWV, WETZWV, and a marginal path to GREEWV.
The Eastern Panhandle county NODEs of BERKWV, and JEFFWV, now have a
path into the rest of the system. I hope there will be a second path
to them when the Mineral County NODE is placed in operation.
On the way back from Pendleton County we stopped at the Harrison
County OES, talked to Fred Smart, Emergency Services Director, and
picked up the Terminal Station for their EOC. As soon as we can get
the radio and TNC interfaced, it will be returned and installed. Fred
is also going to purchase the equipment for a Hill/ Mountain Top NODE.
Since the ARRL Field Day is an activity of testing emergency
communications, several operators asked if they would be allowed to
make contacts on it. I wasn't sure how to answer the questions, but
took a chance that it wouldn't be abused during and after Field Day.
There were 54 check-ins to the special 24 hour Field Day DAREN Net.
======================================================================