[W8MWA] Simplex Nets and Monday Net Test

[Jeffrey Fritz]

We are blessed with repeaters in our area that offer wonderful and reliable
coverage. We rely on these repeaters for our nets, for everyday
communications and, yes, for Skywarn. However, there are circumstances when
our repeaters may not be available. In the case of an emergency occurring
during a repeater outage there is a need for alternate methods of
communications--especially on two-meters. The North Central West Virginia
Skywarn Net recognized this and has built a simplex alternative into its
operational procedures.

A number of years ago Bob, N8HGL, organized several simplex nets that are
now held monthly. These nets give us the opportunity to test and understand
our capabilities to communicate without the use of the repeaters.

*You do not need to be a member of any of the local ham radio clubs to
check into these simplex nets as all are welcome.* These nets are held as
follows:

*Monongalia County ARES 2 Meter Simplex Net*
Monthly from 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm on the first Monday
146.550 MHz

*North Central WV 2 Meter SSB Net*
Monthly from 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm on the second Monday
144.210 MHz Upper Sideband Vertical Polarization

*70 cm Net*
Monthly from 8:30 pm-9:00 pm on the third Monday
446.500 MHz  Simplex FM

I have recently built a two-meter station designed specially for simplex
operation. Since I am not fortunate enough to have the great location of
our local repeaters, I have boosted the output power of this station to 170
watts. I also have installed a preamp used to improve received signals.

On Monday, July 7, I plan to test this station and would appreciate your
assistance in doing range checks.  If you are able, please check in to
Monday's two-meter FM simplex net on 146.550 MHz on July 7 at 8:30 PM and
give me a signal report. That would be tremendously helpful! And also
consider adding all the simplex nets to your calendar. They are fun and
they are important.

73,

Jeff, WB1AAL
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