[NevadaARES] Debut of new 2 meter nets

[Matthew Parker]

Greetings - 
I am very pleased to announce the debut of two new nets sponsored by NNARS
that are to be held on 2 meters FM. 

The "Western Nevada Noon Net" will be called daily at noon, concurrent with
the Jefferson Noon Net on 40m, 7232 khz HF.  The JNN is operated by the
SOJOURNERS and Sacramento Valley, CA Section ARES - it is also affiliated
with the National Traffic System as well as the National Weather Service. 
I have been checking into this net regularly during the month of September,
and this very active group of amateur radio emergency communicators is very
pleased to have regular liaison with the Nevada Section.  The idea of
operating a net on 2 meters concurrent with the HF net is to increase the
number of participating stations from Nevada and to give those interested
who do not have HF equipment or privileges the opportunity to participate. 
Additionally, this will further interface between our local ARES activities
and those of neighboring sections as well as to provide a local channel
through which to handle formal NT$ traffic.  All amateurs available around
the noon hour are encouraged to check in and participate in this new net. 

Please note that instituting a daily net is an ambitious project that will
require the assistance of others willing to act as net control station in
order to meet the goal of every day operation.  During the start-up phase,
I will be the only one handling this duty unless/until others volunteer. 
Although I will be available most days to perform this duty, there will
inevitably be some days that I am not and the net therefore will not be
called (again, unless I have some additional volunteers to serve as net
control stations immediately).  Your patience during this time is
appreciated.  For anyone contemplating being a net control station, here is
your chance - the script and protocols for this net are quite simple and
straightforward, which should make this a fun experience for all. 

The second net will be a weekly SKYWARN net taking place Wednesday evenings
at 1905 hours local.   The "Reno Area SKYWARN Net" will interface with a
SKYWARN net operated on 75m, 3987 khz. HF by SKYWARN hams from the Medford,
OR forecast office.  It will provide an opportunity to exchange information
about local and regional SKYWARN activities, again interfacing with active
SKYWARN hams in neighboring areas.  The net is open to all amateurs; those
who are registered as SKYWARN spotters or who are interested in becoming
spotters are particularly encouraged to participate.  Additional net
control stations will be needed to assist in running this net as well, and
again the procedures for net control will be relatively simple. 

Both of these nets will be conducted on the 2 meter repeater located at the
V.A. Medical Center in Reno, 147.120 mhz, + offset, CTCSS tone 123.0, and
will be called for the first time starting Wednesday, September 25.  The
use of this low level machine will somewhat localize the net, although for
a low level machine it does have some pretty good coverage including into
certain portions of Carson City.  Use of this repeater will help increase
utilization of a repeater that at present is terribly under-utilized; also,
as we are kicking this off on very short notice, we must use the facilities
immediately available to us.  Should these nets be successful in growing
and there be sufficient interest expressed by hams outside the immediate
area, we will explore the possibility of obtaining permission to use a
higher level repeater with greater coverage area for these nets. 

I am excited about the start-up of these nets and hope that others will
feel likewise.  The scripts/procedures for these nets will be posted on the
NNARS web site soon for all interested to review and become familiar with. 
Please join with me in making these ventures successful, and let's have
some fun on the air along with our fellow hams in other areas of the
region! 

73,

Matthew B. Parker, N7TOD
Chairman, Northern Nevada Amateur Radio Services
http://www.qsl.net/nnars
ARES Emergency Coordinator - Washoe County