One of the popular digital modes is VARA. It comes in many variations, VARA HF , VARA FM, VARA chat, and more. This isn’t a tutorial on how to use VARA, but rather a note on how to get some practice using VARA. If you are new to VARA, you can start at https:/ /winlink.org where you can find a link to download the VARA program. And then there is Youtube!

I have been using VARA HF usually on 40 meters with Winlink. I have found Winlink RMS (Remote Message Server) stations both in Livermore, and Strawberry. Connections are propagation dependent, and VARA includes a menu item that lists predicted propagation quality for RMS stations near you.

To get started try the California Coastal Winlink Net. Each month they have a simple check in. You compose and send a brief message, as shown below, and send it via VARA. You can send the message on multiple bands, and via multiple modes. It is also possible to send it via TELNET , if you can’t send it via VARA. The send window lasts for a week. Check back, using VARA, Winlink, and a RMS station after the net is over to see a message with the net results.

Here is the format.
CHECK IN FORMAT:
T o: CAL-COASTAL
Subject: California Coastal Winlink Net check-in
YOUR CALL
In the message body enter callsign, first name, city,
state, mode, and RMS. See examples below.
K6SDR, Steve, San Rafael, CA, VARA FM, K6SDR-10
N6NKT , George, San Jose, CA, Telnet
KB6VTU, Josh, Truckee, CA, VARA, HF Node AJ7C

WINLINK THURSDAY

The EmComm Training Organization (ETO) continues the popular Winlink Thursday exercises to foster Winlink-knowledgeable operators across the country. See https:/ /emcomm-training.org/. Join EmComm-Training@groups.io for exercise and training announcements. People who would like to join the net can send Jay, (W2AFE), a Winlink message, or email him at jayhking@yahoo.com. I like to have their name, city/state, and email.

73, Sparkie
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Links to every FEMA NIMS & ARRL on-line course of interest to ARES.

If you get into this do the ARRL EC-016 last – or you might get discouraged & miss all of the good ones.

As many of us are working from home or are spending more time at home here are a number of online courses you may take to expand your skills as emergency radio operators.

Basic (read: must have)
FEMA
IS-100.c Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100
IS-200.c Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
IS-700.b An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
IS-800.c National Response Framework, an Introduction

ARRL
EC-001 Introduction to Emergency Communication (guided and self-study options available)

Advanced (read: nice to have)

FEMA

IS-120.c An Introduction to Exercises

IS-230.d Fundamentals of Emergency Management

IS-235.c Emergency Planning

IS-240.b Leadership & Influence

IS-241.b Decision Making & Problem Solving

IS-242.b Effective Communications

IS-244.b Developing & Managing Volunteers

IS-288.a Role of Voluntary Organizations in Emergency Mgt. 

IS-2200 Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions

ARRL

EC-016 Public Service and Emergency Communication Management for Radio Amateurs

PR-101 Public Relations 101 for Radio Amateurs

Another good course might be: 

IS-520: Introduction to Continuity of Operations Planning for Pandemic Influenzas

They also recommend that you obtain a copy of the national ARES Task Book. 
Obviously, that task book was not developed with the needs and requirements of West Coast ARES groups in mind. But nevertheless it can serve as an approximate basis for your personal skills development.

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Every try to stay safe and follow the shelter in place guidelines.

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STEPS TO GET YOUR IS-100.C Certificate

1. Get your Free student ID:  https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid
2. Take the Free course: https://emilms.fema.gov/IS100c/curriculum/1.html 
3. Take the Free exam: Take Final Exam Online

(Note, if you previously earned an old version, you may elect to scan this document and take the test when you are ready: DOWNLOAD COURSE MATERIAL)

Course Date 6/25/2018

Course Overview

ICS 100, Introduction to the Incident Command System, introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The Emergency Management Institute developed its ICS courses collaboratively with:

• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• United States Fire Administration’s National Fire Programs Branch

Course Objectives:

At the completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Explain the principles and basic structure of the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Describe the NIMS management characteristics that are the foundation of the ICS.
• Describe the ICS functional areas and the roles of the Incident Commander and Command Staff.
• Describe the General Staff roles within ICS.
• Identify how NIMS management characteristics apply to ICS for a variety of roles and discipline areas.
  Primary Audience

The target audience includes persons involved with emergency planning, and response or recovery efforts.

Prerequisites

None

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