West Central Minnesota Amateur Radio Club Skywarn Objectives and Net Procedures

Purpose:  The SKYWARN program is used to provide Amateur Radio Communications in support of the National Weather Service (NWS) prior to and during severe weather that will affect the surrounding area(s) of Lac qui Parle County.

Objectives of Skywarn:  The objective of SKWARN is to provide weather information for the NWS and local government agencies. Recruit training for amateur radio operators.

Frequencies:  The primary operating frequency is the 146.730 (-) MHz repeater Sponsored by the West Central Minnesota Amateur Radio Club.  Secondary frequency is 146.52 MHz simplex.

Membership:  Any amateur radio operator licensed by the FCC with a valid license may be a voluntary member of SKYWARN.

Training:  All SKYWARN spotters must attend training session every year. The training sessions, will be conducted by the National Weather Service by their appointed personnel.

Communications:  All communications with the SKYWARN program will be on 2 meters FM. All spotters in the program must have no less than a valid Technician Class License as issued by the FCC to operate on 2 meter FM.

Repeater use:  During activation of the SKYWARN Net, all normal radio traffic on the 146.730 (-) repeater shall cease. Only necessary information and or emergency traffic shall be passed during SKYWARN activation.

Activation:  When a severe weather warning has been posted for Lac qui Parle County and the surrounding area, the 146.730 (-) repeater will be put into SKYWARN MODE.  Once the Net Control Station activates SKYWARN, the 146.730 (-) repeater is in the total control of the NCS operator.  All station to station and mobile to mobile traffic will be cleared through the NCS operator.   Spotters checking into the SKYWARN Net will keep the NCS advised of their location.  Should a spotter wish to leave the net, they will advise the NCS they are doing so.  During and at the end of the SKYWARN Net the NCS will conduct roll call.

Net Control Station:  The Net Control Station (NCS) runs the weather net and controls the communications between the amateur radio spotters, NWS, and local government agencies. Once the SKYWARN Net is called into action the NCS will take check-ins, taking only call signs. NCS will log each station/mobile of its location.  Next NCS will inform those who have checked in what NCS knows about the storm, then recalls spotters to assess their reportable information.

Spotter Locations:  SKYWARN spotters can report their weather information to the NCS from any location. NO spotter is required to place themselves or their equipment in danger. SKYWARN spotters are only volunteers.  Safety First when operating mobile or a fixed station.

Reportable Information:  Spotters are to follow the NWS report info:  NO MORE.