I’m frequently the person behind the microphone when the skies turn dark and a severe weather net is in order. While I enjoy being out in the field spotting, sometimes running the show and keeping everything in order can be even more challenging and exciting. I decided to kick off my first ‘behind the scenes’ video with a description of how we run our SKYWARN nets in Marathon County, WI. Hopefully you’ll find it interesting and take away some tips for your own weather nets.
Some of the technologies listed in the video include:
- Google Drive for document sharing and collaboration
- IRLP linked repeater systems
- Gibson Ridge GRLevel3
- APRS.fi for vehicle tracking (also running UIview on the desktop PC)
Not shown, but also very useful for net controls
- DeLorme Gazetteer for the State of Wisconsin
- Radarscope for the Macbook Pro (Their smartphone version rocks also)
- KB9VBR Slim Jim Antenna
Do you have a preferred tool or technology when running a SKYWARN severe weather net? I’d love to hear it, share your favorites in the comments below.
On the other side of the net are the operations that take place in the National Weather Service office. All of our spotter and storm reports are funneled to the NWS Green Bay Office. Recently the local Green Bay TV station did a excellent story on their severe weather operations and the ham radio operators that relay the information to the NWS meteorologists. (Click on the link below if the video doesn’t play).
Ham Radio Operators help NWS Track Storms
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