[PHX-Skywarn] Under-licensed HF ops (was: New SKYWARN Radio)

Tue, 17 Jun 2003 10:34:27 -0700

At 07:25 PM 6/16/2003, [email protected] wrote:
>I would expect that operation of this new radio will be in compliance
>with FCC rules regarding Amateur Radio Operations.  My question
>was more about what do we do during an emergency and what level
>of storm/SkyWarn Activation constitutes such an emergency that the
>net control at the office need not worry about license details.
>(Important as they are during normal operations.)
>
>I'm also curious as to why we have/need HF capabilities.
>I assume it's in case of worst case scenarios where we don't have any
>normal
>communications with the rest of the world as does happen in other
>places.
>
>As for upgrading *MY* license, I'm afraid that is out of the question.
>After trying for many years (and failing) to learn morse code at even
>five words per minute, I have given up. If having a General Class
>license
>is to be a requirement for Net Control, then I won't be net control.
>But the loss will be SkyWarn's and not mine.
>--
>Lee Levine KD7ETH

I have a guess as to why we have HF, but I don't know for sure. We use HF 
during the annual NWS "field day." This is a commemorative event, not an 
actual weather emergency.

You do not need a general to operate the radio unless you operate on the HF 
bands. I cannot imagine a requirement for a general class operator in order 
to be a net control on our VHF/UHF frequencies. I think you have nothing to 
worry about.

I also have a great problem imagining ANY emergency where PHX NWS would 
need HF. Even in the event of some sort of major catastrophe knocking out 
other communications, there are plenty of other organizations (such as 
AZDES, RACES, CAP, FEMA) which have alternative communications capabilities 
including HF. In such an emergency, HF *might* come in handy

I am a net controller for the HF (14.325) Hurricane Watch Net, and I don't 
believe I have ever had an NWS come up on frequency - even when they are in 
the eye of the Hurricane! We do routinely get EOC's on frequency, and the 
hurricane hunter aircraft, and some other official stations, and of course 
our mission is to relay for NHC's HF station.

John

John Moore NJ7E

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