[SkyHub] WestCO A.I. integration press release

[Keri]

The WestCO Repeater Network is now testing Astra, an automated radio
assistant built to support amateur radio operators across western Colorado.

Astra is designed for short, practical exchanges on the repeater. She does
not chat, hold long conversations, or interrupt normal repeater use. To use
her, begin your transmission with “Astra” and make a clear request.

Current Astra services include:

• Current weather and short local forecasts
• Current Mountain time and date
• WestCO net, meeting, club, and repeater information
• Wildfire and evacuation information for the WestCO coverage area
• Severe weather and fire bulletins when safety alerts are issued
• Relaying a message to the control operator
• Holding a message for another operator until that station is heard on the
air
• Submitting requested announcements for approval

Astra’s purpose is to support the ham radio community in practical ways:

• Health and safety: quick access to weather, fire, evacuation, and severe
weather information can help operators stay aware during changing
conditions.

• Community assistance: operators can leave short messages, request
approved announcements, and get schedule information without needing to
track down another person immediately.

• Public-service support: Astra can help keep routine information available
while human operators focus on net control, events, emergency
communications, and repeater operations.

• Accessibility: voice-based access means operators can request useful
information from the radio without needing a phone, computer, or web
browser in front of them.

Astra operates under the control of N2KNK and follows amateur radio
operating rules. She is intentionally limited: she does not provide
emergency dispatch, medical advice, private information, general internet
answers, directions, or casual conversation. If a request is unclear or
outside her allowed services, she will stay silent so the repeater remains
available for normal traffic.

Example uses:

• “Astra, weather.”
• “Astra, what time is it?”
• “Astra, fire report.”
• “Astra, is the Radioactive Net this Tuesday?”
• “Astra, I have a message for the control operator.”

Astra is an experiment in using modern AI tools to strengthen, not replace,
amateur radio. The goal is simple: more useful information, better
situational awareness, and stronger community support on the WestCO system.

-- 
Keri Varela
*N2KNK*
*WestCO Repeater System CEO*
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/skyhub/attachments/20260713/1d568945/attachment.html>