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.