Well, well, well.  We have been busy early this season.  Already 4 confirmed Tornadoes and that was before Winter was even over!!  We have had 3 nets already and have had some issues with radio signals.  Most are the fault of the recent antenna issues we have been suffering, and that is understandable.  However, I wish to give a few reminders to everyone on your station set-up and check-in and net procedures so things are orderly and check-ins are as fast as possible and needless air time is avoided.

First, and most of you have heard me say this before, with the antenna issues we are having PLEASE refrain from HT use to check-in, relay reports or participate in the net.  Most areas have a hard time hitting the repeater with a base or mobile rig well above the power level that HT's have and the low power the HT's use is not sufficient to access the repeater consistantly and understandably.  Signals fall out and the conversation gets broken up and un-readable/non-understandable.  If you MUST use an HT, use it in conjunction with a rig that is cross-band repeat capable.  This way, you can use the HT and the cross-band radio will provide the power needed to communicate with net control efficiently and with a readable and understandable signal.  I have uploaded several sound clips from last net to show what some of you sound like that either use an HT or low power on your mobile/base rig and appear at the end of this article.

With that in mind, let me explain it this way - First, we all know that water and RF do not mix.  Take a spotter using an HT who is, say, 12 miles out from the repeater.  His signal is weak and scratchy to start with and net control has difficulty hearing him, but gets the jist of what he was trying to say - he was checking into the net - and net control, from prior nets, knows where this spotter is located and makes the appropriate log notation.  There are no storms or rain anywhere in the county or his area at this time, but severe weather is not far off.  Now, 45 minutes later the storms arrive - it is lightning like crazy, rain is close to torrential in his area and he also has 3/4 inch hail.  He keys up the HT to relay the report and what happens?  He may only, briefly get enough signal to trip the repeater and then the signal is lost in the rain, hail and lightning, so all that net control heard is "CRRC - (courtesy tones) ".  That's it.  Nothing else comes through until the storm moves away enough for his HT to get a "clear" path to the repeater - which could be 30 minutes or so later.

Have your radio set for HIGH power during nets to ensure you reach the repeater with a good, clear, understandable signal.  I know the FCC says to "use only the amount of power necessary to make the contact", however, the nature of our contacts, being considered "EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS", allows that high power can be used at all times.

We assist the NWS with these reports to provide "ground truths" to supplement their equipment and confirm what they may or may not see on radar.  The other function of these reports are to provide pertinent and critical information that is used to determine if other warnings may be needed that could save lives/property as the storm(s) move on to other communities or counties.  The in-ability to get that report in serves no-one.

Second, when checking in to the net, all that is needed is your callsign, location and if you are mobile or based or if you will be chasing the storm.  Names are not necessary.  If you are mobile, please state so to net control and try to give an ETA as to when you may reach your destination.  When you get there, advise net control so the log notation can be made and give the MAJOR cross-streets where you are located.  Approximations on location are ok, such as if you are 1/4 mile from Van Dyke and 19 Mile Road in the subdivision, "19 & Van Dyke" is acceptable.

Third, we use the "T.E.L. - Time - Effect - Location" format for reports.  Please try to remember this when submitting a report.

Fourth, During Green, Yellow or Red net status, please heed the criteria for reports.  Each net status has different reporting criteria for different reasons. At times, the NWS may request something a little different for a particular storm, so please pay attention to the criteria.  Also, NON-SEVERE WEATHER RELATED REPORTS ARE NOT WELCOME OR WANTED - which means do not report "the sun is shining here" or " it is not raining here" unless you are specifically asked by net control for conditions where you are.  Watching the storm pass to the north or south of you and reporting "lots of lightning, both ground to cloud and cloud to cloud" is not a valid storm report.  What we are looking for is what is happening AT YOUR LOCATION, not 40 miles away from you.

As far as damage and power outage reports, PLEASE save those until after a Yellow or Red net or when the net status return to either Green or Stand-by.  Traffic Lights out will be considered the same as Power Outage reports.  Reports that the sirens have been activated should only be reported if there is NOT a Tornado Warning for your area at the time the sirens go off.  This indicates a Gust Front with 70 MPH winds or higher. 

When necessary to give a report during a Yellow or Red status, please start your transmission with "(Call sign) - priority traffic" so net control knows you have vital information to relay. 

DAMAGE REPORTS ARE NOT PRIORITY REPORTS

Keeping all the above in mind during our weather nets will help improve the organization abilities of the net controller and make for a smoother operating net and keep needless air time to a minimum.  I thank everyone in advance for your cooperation and will talk with all of you soon, again on the net.  As always, I can be emailed or called if you have questions or input.

Thanks for being a spotter!

Dennis Fleischer - N8BMB - Macomb County SkyWarn Coordinator