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