[PPRAANet] NWS Skywarn Recognition Day

[Wes Wilson]

All --

Below is an invitation from Bill Fortune, Meteorologist in Charge on behalf
of the NWS Pueblo Skywarn Group.  I hope everyone will consider coming down
and helping operate the stations during this fun special event.

This is going to several reflectors, my apologies for duplications (I'll get
at least four back myself!).

73  Wes K�HBZ

NWS Skywarn Appreciation Day, Dec. 6-7

All amateur radio operators in southern and southeastern Colorado are
invited and encouraged to participate in the fourth annual NWS Skywarn
Appreciation Day special event being hosted by the NWS Pueblo Skywarn Group
at the NWS Pueblo Forecast Office conference room starting at 5 pm MST on
Friday, December 6th, and running continuous through 5 pm on Saturday,
December 7th.   The Pueblo Forecast Office is located at 3 Eaton Way,
Pueblo, CO -- just a few blocks SW of the Pueblo Municipal Airport terminal
building.

NWS Skywarn Appreciation Day has been growing rapidly in popularity and
participation since it�s inception just four years ago.  This is a truly
unique event, part special event and part contest, where operators from all
around the country/world try to work as many of the NWS Forecast Offices as
possible and exchange weather observations during a 24-hour period.  It�s
really fun being a station everyone is trying to work, and finding yourself
on the receiving end of a big pileup.  Last year, 80 NWS Forecast Offices
participated.

The Pueblo Forecast Office will have two HF SSB stations, a HF Digital
station (CW, RTTY, Amtor, Pactor, HF Packet, PSK-31), a VHF/UHF/Packet
station, and possibly even a surprise like APRS and/or Amateur Television
(ATV).  The NWS Pueblo Skywarn Group is providing all of the stations,
antennas, computers and equipment, so all operators need to do is show up,
roll up your sleeves and help keep the stations on the air.  Nighttime is
especially fun, and the contest runs ALL night, so if you�re a night owl . .
. we especially need your help (we�ll provide the coffee)!

We�re hoping our new club call, WX�PUB, is issued in time so we can
celebrate using it during this special event.  Henceforth, Pueblo Weather
will use it for Skywarn operations and special events.

If you don�t have HF privileges under your current license class, just ask
and control operators will be provided so you can explore the fun and
excitement of HF operation.  This also is an excellent opportunity to learn
about HF Digital, APRS and other modes with the help of experienced
operators.
Additional information is available in the November 2002 QST Magazine, pp.
83-84, or you can visit the NOAA website at http://hamradio.noaa.gov/.

Wes Wilson, K�HBZ, is the Skywarn Recognition Day station coordinator for
the NWS Pueblo Skywarn Group, feel free to contact him at (719) 687-8758 or
k0hbz@arrl.net if you have any questions about the event.

NWS Pueblo Skywarn Group is the name of our Skywarn spotter network, made up
of Skywarn-trained weather spotters, both hams and non-hams.  NWS Pueblo
appreciates the contributions of all our Skywarn spotters, and especially
those made by amateur radio; we hope you will come join us for this special
event.

�73�  Bill Fortune, KB�RPD
Meteorologist In Charge
NWS Pueblo Forecast Office