🚀 go-pugleaf

Comments on Packet, RTTY, SKYWARN and Related Topics
------------------------------------------------------------

The amateur radio packet system is fantastic for relaying
reports that are not time-critical.  Packet, RTTY, AMTOR,
PACTOR or any other digital mode is not acceptable for
communicating time critical information, such as spotter
reports or warnings.

RTTY is old technology.  RTTY may be considered cheap, but it
would be a shame to duplicate a RTTY alerting system system,
especially if equipment must be purchased.  (Packet TNCs are
inexpensive, common and work much better.)  The most serious
problem with a RTTY system is that once the transmission is
completed and you missed it for some reason, the information is lost.
And, there is no good way to automatically relay messages to areas
beyond that covered by the transmitter.

Packet, AMTOR and PACTOR modes on the other hand use
error correcting protocols and in the case of packet, store and
forward techniques to ensure that messages may be
transmitted and relayed accurately to distant stations
without error.

Information that could be relayed through packet include
damage reports/survey results, official communication where
accuracy is essential (but time is not), weather watches,
weather advisories and training bulletins.

Voice networks are the best and fastest way to relay spotter
reports to NWS and public safety officials and in return
weather information to spotters.  And, the public can monitor
the exchanges without the need for special equipment other
than a scanner.

Packet Networks - TEXNET
----------------------------

There is an amateur radio packet network in Texas called
TEXNET.  It is funded and supported primarily by amateur radio
operators.  TEXNET is run by the Texas Packet Radio Society
(TPRS), which is a registered non-profit organization.

The TEXNET system includes two bulletin boards, one for
messages between hams and one for weather forecasts,
conditions and bulletins.  It may also be used like a huge
digipeater to make connections to other stations who could be
located hundreds of miles away on the other side of the state.

During unsettled weather, I check into the TEXNET weather
bulletin board to read the convective outlook and to check
hourly surface observations.  During severe weather events,
weather warnings are posted, but it is much faster to get
warnings via NOAA Weather Radio.  If you miss the
warning or you want to read the exact text, it is on the
bulletin board waiting for you to read !

For more information on packet radio and the TEXNET system,
write to:

TPRS
P.O. Box 50238
Denton, TX  75206-0238

Mobile Packet?
----------------

I have considered mobile packet several times over the
years, but have never found adequate justification for
the expense and effort.  Packet is too cumbersome to use
mobile, too expensive and would rarely offer any benefit
over voice communication.  Maybe later.

Voice Networks
----------------

There are networks through which voice communications are
relayed over large geographic areas.  The biggest in Texas is
called the "West Texas Connection" (WTC).  The WTC is used
for SKYWARN and allows NWS offices in Midland, Lubbock and
Amarillo to effectively service large areas.  Networks of this
type are fairly common across the western half of the U.S.,
especially in the inter-mountain region where population
densities are relatively low.

The West Texas Connection uses 220 and 440 MHz relay
stations to connect between local area 144 MHz (2 meter)
repeaters.  It is a dynamic system and may not be fully active
at any one time.  Control operators are responsible for
establishing connections.  I believe that the Texas VHF FM
Society is involved in this effort.  Unfortunately, I don't have
their address.  If anyone is interested, let me know and I will
post their address.

SKYWARN Net Operation
-------------------------

Several comments have been made concerning the type of
reports that should be allowed on a net.  The NWS Spotter's
Field Guide lists the "minimum reporting criteria".  This criteria
is sufficient in most cases.  However, the net control should be
encouraged to specify the type of report that is needed and
when possible, direct inquiries to specific spotters who are
known to be in a good location to make the desired
observation.  The most successful nets have fairly lax
discipline until events require stringent control.  When
continuous and severe net discipline is attempted, nets often
suffer from either lack of activity or outright malicious
interference from disgruntled individuals.  (I assume that the
"disgruntled" interferers were at one time scolded by net
control and the interference is a sort of retribution for the
public embarrassment.)

SKYWARN operators must be thoroughly trained on proper net
operation and procedure at times other than during real
events.

Most amateur radio SKYWARN nets use net control stations
(NCS) who are not located at the NWS.  These net control
stations are concerned with maintaining the required level of
net discipline and extracting as much relevant information
from spotters as possible.  It is a tough job and requires a
respected operator who can maintain discipline and who also
has good knowledge of storm structure.

The NCS should also function as a spotter from time to time
in order to maintain an understanding of both ends of the
operation. Knowledge of storm structure and spotting allows
the NCS to direct the spotter's attention to the most dangerous
part of the storm.

In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, net control is a team effort.  It is
common for NCS operators use two radios, one for
communicating with the net and a second for communicating
with the team.  Supporting operators may assist by locating
mobile stations on a grided map, helping to keep track of multiple
storms or other tasks the NCS may need help with.

A group of volunteer amateur radio operators are also
stationed at the Fort Worth National Weather Service Forecast
Office (FTW NWSFO).  Their collective responsibility is to
extract important information from the various SKYWARN nets
within the FTW NWSFO area of responsibility and then relay
that info to the NWS meteorologists.  They also log reports for
future reference and they relay radar information to the spotters
directly from the NWS radar operator who sits only a few feet
away. Up to six amateur radio stations are manned by
individual operators at the FTW NWSFO during severe weather
events.

In addition, area communities who have established Emergency
Operating Centers (EOC) have amateur radio stations that are
manned during nets.  The responsibility of the EOC operator is
to relay information to city officials who then decide when to
sound warning sirens or act on other public safety issues reported
through the net.  By monitoring the net, the city official does not
have to wait for a warning to be issued via the weather radio,
via the weather wire or by some other slower means.  Public
officials receive real time reports on which to base their
important and sometimes life-saving decisions.

TRAINING
-----------

I am a member of the Garland Radio Amateur Civil Emergency
Service (RACES).  Garland RACES can provide emergency
communications for city officials during almost any emergency
situation.  However, SKYWARN is our primary activity.

Garland RACES cooperates fully with Dallas County RACES
and with other RACES and ARES organizations in the area.  A
county-wide RACES Council was formed years ago.  The Council
is made up of of representatives from all RACES organizations
in the county.  The Council handles various issues ranging
from net protocols to picnics.

Garland RACES has membership requirements that must be
satisfied each year.  Members must attend an NWS SKYWARN
training session, check into a minimum of 18 on-the-air training
nets, and contribute at least four hours to "event training", such
as a marathon, parade or some other activity.

The on the air training covers various topics including spotting,
net discipline, first aid, chemical spills, damage assessment
equipment maintenance, radio direction finding, general
operating habits and how to respond to various emergency
situations.

Amateur Radio Television (ATV) and Weather Radar
-------------------------------------------------------

ATV is the best mode for transmitting radar imagery to
spotters.  Many cable ready TV sets can receive ATV signals,
provided the signal is strong and a good antenna is used with
low loss feed line.  Be aware that TV sets are not very sensitive.
Better results can be achieved with an ATV convertor.
Convertors can be purchased for about $60.

Obtaining a radar feed can be a challenge.  Often, a local T.V.
station or cable provider will allow Hams access to their
radar system as a public service.  Access to WSR-88D imagery
can be difficult because of restrictive agreements between the
government and companies who have contracts to sell this tax
payer financed "product".

ATV transmitting equipment requires operators with good
technical expertise, funds to purchase and maintain the
equipment and a tall tower, high hill or mountain on which to
place the transmitter and antenna.

My mobile ATV setup consists of a small portable AC/DC
color TV, a $60 ATV downconverter that converts the ATV
signal to  TV channel 3 and a 440 MHz magnetic-mount
co-linear vertical antenna.

These items are available from Ham Radio dealers all over the U.S.,
such as Texas Towers, 214-422-7306 in Plano, Texas or Tucker
Electronics, 214-388-8800 in Garland, Texas.

Summary
----------

This may be a bit overwhelming for a SKYWARN group in a
small community to handle.  If so, you may want to expand
your organization to a county or a larger area if required.  If
you're worried about politics, don't.   Politics happen, you
can't change that.  Don't give up, you may have to do a little
"politicing" of your own.   Stay focused on your objective.

Sam Barricklow K5KJ

NNNN