EC Column

Once again, the end of the month has taken me by surprise, prompting me to wonder what worthwhile information I might relay to you in this column.

We’ve made it through yet another month in the repeaterless condition. A hearty, ‘thank you’, to everyone who has participated in both the Tuesday night nets and especially the Skywarn nets, all held on 146.55 simplex. As I was telling the State ARPSC Net yesterday, we’re happy to have the experience of working without a repeater and coming to know our shortcomings and helping us put together systems which work successfully in this circumstance. But really now, lets get that repeater back on line! We are expecting to hear from the technician this week that the repeater is complete and ready to be installed, but I’m not holding my breath.

Recently, you may have received this link:  http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lmk/sguide.htm#I   from Don, KC8PRM. I had this link in my favorites list, but had never taken the time to read through it. Wish I had, as it really explains the thunderstorm, it’s construction and processes in a way that’s understandable and will help you to grasp more of what you’re seeing on radar. Take the time to read through it and I think you’ll agree. Thanks, Don!

As most of you know, the new ARES cards have been laminated and some were distributed at the last club meeting. I’ve just received the results of the background checks for the RACES cards and they will be ready for issue at the next meeting.  I’ll also have applications at the September meeting for those of you who haven’t filled them out. If you can’t make the meeting please call or email me and I’ll get them to you via mail or email. In a related matter, it was announced on the ARPSC net yesterday that the first of the RACES video courses would be available sometime in October. I’ll probably schedule a Saturday screening of the Introduction to Emergency Telecommunicat-ions course as soon as I can get my hands on it.

Finally, thanks to Arnie, NS8T, for picking up the Net Manager’s position. What we need now, are more volunteers for running the Tuesday night net. If you haven’t tried it, now’s the time. Just give Arnie a call and he’ll put you on the schedule.

‘Till next time.

Jim Voss, W8SST - E. C. Branch County