November 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 11/22 recap
- Upcoming COML and AUXC training
- 2022 Stone Mountain Hamfest recap
- Georgia AUXCOMM YouTube interview
- Hello Kansas AUXCOMM!
- 2023 Winter Field Day with Georgia AUXCOMM
- Join Georgia AUXCOMM and get a cool patch
- Georgia AUXC Monthly D-Star Net on REF030B - 11/21/22, 8:30pm
- Georgia AUXC Monthly 60m Net - 12/11/22, 4pm
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AUXCOMM Class Recap
November 2-4, 2022
Gwinnett County EOC
Congratulations to all of the students who completed the AUXCOMM class the week of November 2-4, 2022! We're looking forward to working with you to get those Position Task Books (PTB) signed off. A special thanks to the lead class instructors Jeff Watson and Doug Lynch. They were assisted by several guest presenters from Georgia AuxComm. Thanks also to Georgia AUXCOMM Manager (ACM) and COML John Davis, WB4QDX, who helped secure the use of the Gwinnett County EOC for the class. Enjoy these pictures from the class.
AUXCOMM Class 11/22 with students, instructors, and guest presenters
AUXCOMM Class at the Gwinnett County EOC on 11/4/22
 Georgia AUXCOMM PIO Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK, speaks to the class
 AUXCOMM Instructor, Training Manager and COML Jeff Watson, K5JCW, teaches one of many class segments.
 AUXCOMM participant and GIS expert Brian Haren, W8BYH, gives an overview of the Georgia ARES Situational Awareness Map to the class.
Georgia AUXCOMM Manager John Davis, WB4QDX, says everything is good to go with AUXCOMM PIO Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK.
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Upcoming COML and AUXC Classes
Two down and several to go! We finally have AUXC and COML classes available! 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 COML class remaining for 2022:
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
AUXC-Auxiliary Communications (AUXC-HS)
We're also finalizing the schedule for one more AUXC class to be held early in 2023. Stay tuned to this newsletter for an announcement about the final date and location for the class.
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 Recap
November 5-6, 2022 - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Members of Georgia AuxComm manned an information table and presented a forum at the 2022 Stone Mountain Hamfest. This annual event was held immediately after our AUXCOMM class the preceding week and is the area's largest hamfest, expertly produced by the Alford Memorial Radio Club.
Here's some pictures from the hamfest and later in this newsletter we have a video interview that was recorded during the event as well.
AUXCOMM Manager John Davis, WB4QDX, and SHARES Liaison Jim Hadder, KE4ZX, talk to interested hams.
Getting ready for the Georgia AuxComm forum at the Stone Mountain hamfest.
Georgia AuxComm PIO Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK, getting setup to lead the AuxComm forum at the Stone Mountain hamfest
Nice attendance at the AuxComm forum during the 2022 Stone Mountain Hamfest
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Georgia AUXCOMM Interview
Hikin' and Hammin' YouTube Channel
November 5, 2022 - Stone Mountain Hamfest
Lou West, K4HNH, interviewed AUXCOMM Manager John Davis, WB4QDX, and PIO Joe Domaleski, KI4ASK, for the Hikin' and Hammin' YouTube Channel. Thanks for the interview Lou!
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Hello Kansas AUXCOMM!
Georgia AUXCOMM would like to congratulate Kansas AUXCOMM on the successful launch of their new program. You can read more about their program on their website. They recently shared with us some information about their nets and welcome people to check-in.
KANSAS AUXCOMM has started an Auxcomm Net. The AuxComm USA Net will be moving to 2000 CST/CDT starting on the first Thursday in December 2022.
Interoperability is a big part of this initiative. Any Amateur Radio Operators interested in emergency communications are welcome. Various EmComm groups such as ARES, RACES, REACT, CERT, AmRRON, and other groups including Amateur Radio Clubs who may be interested are also encouraged to participate.
We are promoting:
- Interoperability
- Good relationships between organizations
- Camaraderie between operators
- Expanding our knowledge base of emergency communications methods, modes, and alternatives
KANSAS AUXCOMM NET ACCESS
The Sunflower Linked System can be accessed through:
- Allstar 28848
- Echolink KC5FM-R 906281
- Hamshack Hotline 94032
- DMR TGIF 31207
- P25 31207
- DSTAR XLXOKL C
- Yaesu Fusion 31207
- M17-SUN module A
The Kan-Okla Intertie System can be accessed through the following repeaters:
- Derby- 146.850 156.7 103.5
- Hutchinson-145.820 103.5
- St John-146.700 103.5
- Great Bend 146.760 103.5
- Beamount-444.525 156.7
- Wichita-442.325 103.5
- Kingman-442.575
Echolink
- KC5FM-R Node 906281
- KF0M-L Node 721824
- WX0NET Node 592134
- *REACT* REACT International Conference Server Node 109779
Winlink Check-In Form
Winlink check-ins are also welcome if you are unable to connect with any of the above modes. Please use the Check In.txt form and have the form submitted before 2130CDT on Thursday.
All Emergency Communication Groups send Check Ins to: WX0NET@Winlink.org
(Please include your group affiliation.)
Unaffiliated Radio Operators send Check In to: WX0NET1@gmail.com
In all cases, start the subject line with: //WL2K
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2023 Winter Field Day with Georgia AUXCOMM
January 28-29, 2023
Save the date! On Saturday January 28th and Sunday January 29th, 2023 Georgia AuxComm will be participating in Winter Field Day. We will be having the event at GEMA/HS Training Facility in Forsyth, Georgia (near GPSTC).
Stay tuned for more details as they become available. You do NOT have to be a member of Georgia AuxComm to participate, but we do hope you'll consider joining.
Some of the activities we have planned:
- Position Task Book (PTB) sign-off opportunities
- Amateur radio contesting for Winter Field Day
- Portable radio operations
- MCV setup and deployment
- Fox hunting
- Fun and fellowship with the Georgia AuxComm team
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Join Georgia AUXCOMM and get a cool patch
It's been a long three years of COVID and other challenges, but we're finally ready to re-launch our membership program! We want you to become a member of Georgia AuxComm to help support auxiliary and emergency communications in the state. Here's why you should join:
- Assistance with PTB sign-offs
- Official deployment opportunities
- Listing in official Georgia AuxComm database roster
- Access to members-only training and special events
- Access to members-only newsletter (coming soon)
- Ability to order official AuxComm member apparel and badges
- Official AuxComm sticker
- Official AuxComm tactical patch (see below)
Members-only tactical patch with velcro backing to put on hats, go-bags, etc.
You can join online by filling out the membership application and submitting the $30 annual dues from our website using this link.
If you've already joined, your patches will be mailed out soon - we just got them. We've got big plans for Georgia AuxComm, but need your support to get things launched.
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REMINDER - Georgia AUXC Monthly D-Star Net on REF030B - November 21st, 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 Monday, November 21, 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 - December 11th, 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).
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, December 11th, 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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