Sylvia's Slant in Black and White

Disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are those of N8ZKA, Sylvia, the web page editor, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Mon Wireless Association.

I'd like to hear your comments or your response to my opinion. email me  If you have an article you'd like to share or an opinion you'd like to express, this is the place to do it.

Sylvia's Slant 
Indexed Table of Contents
Date Article Topic
June For ID QST, June issue
July ARRL Bandplans QST, July issue
July Less is More Skywarn Network

 

Less is More

WX3PIT uses the MWA repeater to pass traffic in the form of weather watches and warnings.  A Skywarn Alert Network does not need to be activated either formally or informally every time WX3PIT comes on the air.

If a Skywarn Alert Network is activated, make sure you call for pertinent information, i.e. WALL CLOUD, FUNNEL CLOUD or TORNADIC activities.  HAIL, WINDS in excess of 45 mph and any damage caused by high winds, RAINFALL amounts of 1"+/hour and flooding caused by they heavy rainfall.  NWS does NOT have any measurement for lightning so unless there is damaging (i.e. fire started) lightning, it probably doesn't need to be reported.

If you want to volunteer as a net control, make sure you are prepared.  I suggest taking a net control on the Wednesday night training net.

  1. This gets you familiar with calls you will hear on an emergency net, and
  2. it gets you familiar with the net protocol.
Get a copy of the net scripts that Jake, the Net Manager, has taken the time to prepare.  These are available
  • from Jake - request it on the net when you check in.
  • on the Mon Wireless Ass'n. Home Page http://www.qsl.net/W8MWA/NWSkywarn.html
  • (hopefully they will soon be published in Solid Copy)


    • Some other things to keep in mind can be found in the Public Service Commission manual which contains rules, regulations and suggestions for Amateur Radio operators.  Two of the most important "rules" to keep in mind, especially during an emergency are:

    1. Don't broadcast!.  Some amateur stations in an emergency situation have a tendency to emulate "broadcast" techniques.  While it is true that the general public may be listening, our transmissions are not and should not be made for that purpose.  Broadcast stations are well equipped to perform any such service.  Our job is to communicate for not with the general public.
    2. Listen much, transmit little.  It is always a good procedure to announce your presence on a repeater when you are certain of being able to assist in a given situation, and always a bad one to tie it up with idle or inane chatter.

      Thanks for reading and 73, de N8ZKA.

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    This page modified 3/6/99.