October 2022 Newsletter
The purpose of Georgia AUXCOMM is to promote, support, and lead emergency communications activities that support community needs. This is our monthly newsletter and here's what we have for you in this edition:
- AUXCOMM Class 10/22 recap
- Upcoming AUXC and COML training
- 2022 Stone Mountain Hamfest - 11/5-11/6/22
- WX4GMA talks to an astronaut on the ISS
- Georgia AUXC Monthly D-Star Net on REF030B - 10/17/22, 8:30pm
- Georgia AUXC Monthly 60m Net - 11/13/22, 4pm
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AUXCOMM Class Recap
October 7-9, 2022
Fannin County EOC
Congratulations to all of the students who completed the AUXCOMM class the weekend of October 7-9, 2022! We're looking forward to working with you to get those Position Task Books (PTB) signed off. A special thanks to the class instructors Edwin Whitworth, Alan Coody, and Randy Kerr. They were assisted by several guest presenters from Georgia AuxComm. Enjoy these pictures from the class.
AUXCOMM Class 10/22 with students, instructors, and guest presenters
AUXCOMM Class at the Fannin County EOC on 10/8/22
 Georgia AUXCOMM PIO Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK, speaks to the class
 AUXCOMM Instructor and COML Alan Coody, KJ4AOR, teaches one of many class segments.
 AUXCOMM Instructor and COML Randy Kerr, KD4KHO, instructing the class.
 Georgia AUXCOMM SHARES LNO Jim Hadder, KE4ZX, gives an overview of the SHARES program.
 GEMA/HS ESF2 Lead and Deputy SWIC Edwin Whitworth, KJ4KKB, was the primary instructor for the AUXCOMM class.
 Some of the Georgia AUXCOMM "Peanut Gallery" who supported the class - Mary Catherine Domaleski (KI4HHI), John Davis (WB4QDX), Anthony Brown (KJ4JJX), and Joe Martin (WB4S).
 A long time ago, these AUXC "professionals" went to college together - Joe Domaleski (KI4ASK) and Alan Coody (KJ4AOR).
 Why do classrooms always fill in from the back? The instructors don't bite. Anyway, congratulations AUXC Class 10/22!
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Georgia AUXC and COML Classes in 2022
One down and several to go! We finally have AUXC and COML classes available this year. Please note: if you register, you will automatically be placed on a waiting list - that's normal and how the state training system works. Each class has prerequisites, which are national standards and will be strictly enforced. HINT - yes, that means you'll probably have to update/retake a few ICS online classes at the latest version.
Picture from the AUXC class held on October 7-9, 2022 in Blue Ridge, GA.
Here's the official announcement about the upcoming classes remaining for 2022:
AUXC-Auxiliary Communications (AUXC-HS)
November 2, 2022 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, November 3, 2022 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, November 4, 2022 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Lawrenceville, GA
800 Hi Hope Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
To register directly for this offering, please click on the hyperlink below.
https://training.gema.ga.gov/TRS/broadcastInvite.do?biCofId=51756
All Hazards Communications Unit Leader (COML) L0969 (L 969-HS)
December 12, 2022 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, December 13, 2022 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, December 14, 2022 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, December 15, 2022 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Dallas, GA
Paulding County EOC, 1389 Industrial Blvd. North, Dallas, GA 30132
To register directly for this offering, please click on the hyperlink below.
https://training.gema.ga.gov/TRS/broadcastInvite.do?biCofId=51780
For more information:
Edwin Whitworth
Deputy SWIC
COML & COMT
Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security
PO Box 18055
Atlanta, Georgia 30316-0055
(404) 635-7223 (Office)
(470) 512-0727 (Cell)
(404) 344-3340 (Fax)
1-800-TRY-GEMA (24 Hour Contact)
Email edwin.whitworth@gema.ga.gov
Website www.gema.ga.gov
Information also on the Georgia AUXCOMM website.
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2022 Stone Mountain Hamfest
November 5-6, 2022 - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Members of Georgia AuxComm will have an information table and present a forum at the 2022 Stone Mountain Hamfest.
Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
2405 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
Nov. 5-6, 2022
Sat: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sun: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
At the time of publication, the final forum schedule has not been posted. We know the AUXCOMM forum will be sometime Saturday, 11/5. Check the official hamfest website for details as they become available. We will also try to promote it on our social media channels.
AUXCOMM Manager John Davis, WB4QDX, speaking at last year's Stone Mountain Hamfest in 2021.
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WX4GMA talks to an astronaut on the ISS!
October 9, 2022 - Atlanta, GA
Using the Georgia AUXCOMM callsign, WX4GMA, PIO Joe Domaleski made contact with Dr. Kjell Lindgren, Astronaut and Flight Surgeon aboard the International Space Station operating as NA1SS.
Equipment used here on Earth: Yaesu FT-3 TX on uplink of 145.990 MHz FM (67 Hz PL), Kenwood TH-D74 RX on downlink of 437.800 MHz FM; Doppler +-10KHz, and Arrow 2m/70cm dual band handheld Yagi antenna. The record function of the TH-D74 was used to capture the audio. GoSatWatch is an iOS satellite tracking app for the iPhone which was used to track the ISS.
Equipment used on the ISS: Specially modified Kenwood TM-D710. For more information about the radio status aboard the ISS, visit the ARISS website.
Click on the image below to see a YouTube video and listen to the contact between WX4GMA and NA1SS!
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WX4GMA makes contact with NA1SS
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REMINDER - Georgia AUXC Monthly D-Star Net on REF030B - October 17th, 2022 (Third Monday of each Month)
Georgia AuxComm recognizes the utility of leveraging the Georgia D-Star Network, which links repeaters and hotspots all across the state using REF030B. Georgia AuxComm also uses REF030A as a backup. During the Winter Storm Izzy incident, it became apparent that AuxComm and ARES could work together using the network for statewide coverage.
Want to know more about D-Star? Check out https://dstarinfo.com
We hope you'll join us for the next net, scheduled for TONIGHT Monday, October 17, 2022 at 8:30pm (local) on REF030B. In the event that reflector is not available, please use REF030A as a backup. If you have D-Star picture capability, be ready for a special image transmission at the conclusion of the net!
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REMINDER - Georgia AUXC Monthly 60m Net - November 13th, 2022 (always the second Sunday at 1600 Local)
Georgia AUXCOMM has been conducting a monthly net on 60m Channel 5 on the second Sunday of each month at 1600 local. Recognizing the growing importance of 60m as an interoperability band, we've been practicing our own skills and testing our gear to ensure we can effectively communicate on 60m. We'd like to invite each of you to participate in the net. Please ensure that you have the proper radio licensure to participate. Amateur radio operators that are General class or higher are authorized to use the band. Please note that amateur radio is a secondary service on the band and must not interfere with other services such as government agencies.
Our net takes check-ins via 60m Channel 5 Phone (5.403.5 MHz, USB).
Last month band conditions weren't great, so don't forget - you can use Winlink to check-in! Send Winlink check-ins to the tactical address GAAUXC using the standard Winlink check-in form. Winlink check-ins should include your location, power level, and equipment used.
The net starts with a preamble, roll call of AUXC leaders, and then open check-ins. If Channel 5 is not available, the backup is 60m Channel 4.
Want to know more about the 60m band?
We hope you'll join us for the next net, scheduled for Sunday, November 13th, 2022 at 4pm (local) on 5.403.5 MHz, USB (Channel 5).
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GaAUXCOMM needs your support!
We have established a non-profit membership organization to support our mission. Consider becoming an early bird member with a $30 donation. We need your support so we can continue serving the community. Here's a link you can use to apply for membership and make a donation.
https://gaauxcomm.org/membership
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FAQ and Social Media
Keep in touch with Georgia AUXCOMM! We've prepared a handy FAQ about the organization and will regularly communicate updates from this monthly newsletter and via social media outlets.
This newsletter is our primary official communication outlet. If you're getting this newsletter, then "you're on the list". Feel free to share this newsletter.
Other information sources include:
Website
https://gaauxcomm.org
FAQ
https://www.gaauxcomm.org/media/GaAUXCOMM-FAQ-Version12-2020-April.pdf
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/georgiaauxcomm
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwtgAs5ps7IZI-zSRPMZqiA
Twitter
https://twitter.com/gaauxcomm
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/georgiaauxcomm
Please direct all general questions and press inquiries to Georgia AUXCOMM PIO Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK, at joe.domaleski@gaauxcomm.org.
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