Good evening all. For those who may not be aware, the K3CAL system had it’s first Skywarn Net activation today. Here is a quick report:

Net was called at 1:40pm local time

Net Control- Andy, KC3WRX

Net Liaison- Erik, KC3QQD

The following stations checked in:

KP2SKP Chris Lexington Park

KB3WFV Brian Chesapeake Beach

N3AE Shawn Huntingtown

KC3TIA (didn’t catch the name, sorry) Lusby

KC3RBJ Joe Lower Marlboro

N3JTN Larry Leonardtown

N3BPM Steve Owings

W3PQS Dave Owings

KC3RWE Brad California

KN3D Norn North Beach

N3HNA Dan Mobile Upper Marlboro

We had no reports that were within the established reportable criteria to forward

Net secured at 5:37pm local time

As this was the first net for the K3CAL system, the first net for a lot of us, and the first So. Maryland net in some time, I welcome any constructive criticism and ideas that will help make future nets go more smoothly and efficiently. We have a lot of talent and experience to learn from so please don’t hold back any ideas.

One thing we do know is not too many(If any)of us can get in to the 147.300 repeater in Bluemont so Net Liaison Stations may have to forward reports to NWS by way of phone or email. That is acceptable as long as they are made aware the report is coming from the So. Md. Subnet and the Liaison Station has a Skywarn I.D. number and follows established criteria and format. I will inquire about relay stations in the event phone and internet were to go down. We’re also looking into the possibility of cross banding in to the ARES/RACES radio at the Barstow location and using that to get into Bluemont but the programing and testing have to get done first.

There was also talk of splitting P.G. County. That happened. All of P.G. north of Rt. 4 is now part of the A.A. Co. subnet and the part south of Rt. 4 is part of the So. Md. subnet. This way northern P.G. has a repeater they can access.

Brian, KB3WFV, is continuing his quest to nail down the repeater modes and notifications. No doubt he will get it right. Thanks Brian!

Also, we are actively working to get Skywarn classes in both Calvert and St. Mary’s. Once I know of firm dates, I will post the link where folks can sign up. There are some scheduled in P.G. County if anyone is willing to venture up there. If so, you can sign up at www.weather.gov/lwx/skywarn

Thank you to all who checked in to be part of the net today. I hope your interest in Skywarn and the So. Md. Subnet continues and you will take part in future nets as needed.

Andy, KC3WRX

So. Md. Subnet Mgr.