[HCRA] Fwd: First Nationwide Skywarn IRLP net last night {01}

[Steve Rodowicz]

For those who may have not seen it:

Congratulations to Ray on the accomplishments.

73, Steve - N1SR

>From: "Ray Weber" <weather@ndws.com>
>Subject: First Nationwide Skywarn IRLP net last night {01}
>Date: Sun, 10 Nov 2002 10:12:13 -0500
>
>Last night at 00Z, the first IRLP nation (turned out world) wide net was held
>on IRLP via the Raleigh NC reflector.
>
>Checkins from skywarn groups from Hawaii to most of the US, as well as 
>Great Britain,
>and Australia. A Texas group will be putting up a web page for use for 
>Skywarn
>IRLP.
>
>Many constructive comments were brought up about using IRLP for skywarn.
>Many EMA directors commented on how IRLP has greatly enhanced, and will
>continue to greatly enhance their programs.
>
>One thing noted was that the majority of the country seems to be starting
>"advanced" skywarn programs, and spotters are being certified as "skywarn
>instructors". I think we already do this pretty much, but maybe need a
>label. Glenn Fields comment was that our program is already "advanced",
>and after reviewing one of their entry level ones, I'd agree.
>
>The Worcester IRLP node checked in as well as Monson,MA. (147.105),
>and he reiterated that his node is available for Central MA to use.
>We have unlimited use of a reflector channel (over 90 available now) for
>skywarn nets. They also now allow low bandwidth connections to these
>reflectors, which allow portable nodes on dialup connections to function.
>That has the capability to have a major impact on improving emergency
>communications. Dialup connections are slightly lower quality with a
>"cell phone" like audio quality. The point was brought up that this is
>far better than no communications.
>
>Our site here in West Springfield now has 3 internet connections. The 
>lowest speed
>is a 256k DSL which backed up the cable connection quite well when a storm 
>ripped
>through here this summer. We have added a high speed connection thanks to 
>an arrangement
>with a provider on a trade basis. This connection is wireless directly to 
>the ALTER.NET
>core router in Springfield. It never touches copper or cable TV. This was 
>provided
>in exchange for work testing routers and switches for use with this 
>technology, as
>well as router work.
>
>New radar and data connection has been working quite well, but there was 
>an outage
>yesterday at the NWS that affected their satellite uplink. This is supposed to
>be backed up, but somehow the backup didnt work. Work has been underway here
>to get all the winter maps we use back up on the new data feed.
>
>I discussed and did a quick review of our program here on the net, and it 
>would appear
>we have the lead as far as the work and quality of work we do in the 
>Northeast. The
>80% Plus figure for contributed storm info to Taunton speaks well of this.
>We should be proud of our highly community interactive program here.
>
>Ray KA1JJM