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National Weather Service (Norman, Oklahoma) Radio Operations Primer
We've had several questions recently about amateur radio operations from NWS
Norman. So I've put together a short primer on our amateur radio operations for
your reference.
LIAISON NETWORK
The amateur radio network used by NWS Norman is intended to be a liaison
network. That is, it's intended to be used to relay traffic between the NWS and
emergency management, storm spotter groups and the media throughout our county
warning area. Local spotter groups use their local frequencies and procedures to
gather information about severe storms threatening them. Reports are then
relayed to NWS Norman using the liaison network. NWS Norman also uses the system
to relay important weather information to spotter groups and emergency managers,
including radar updates, warnings and statements, etc. The information that is
disseminated by the NWS is sent on the appropriate repeater/link system.
NWS really appreciates the time, hard work and money it takes to set up and
maintain the amateur radio repeaters in the system. It would not happen without
the dedication of the public service minded people who keep the repeaters on the
air. Thanks to all of you!!
Anyone - whether you're a licensed amateur radio operator or not - can monitor
the network.
We use three basic systems for amateur radio communications. Visit this
site for a map showing the
approximate coverage areas for each system:
SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA/WESTERN NORTH TEXAS
Southwest Oklahoma and western north Texas are served by the SWIRA (Southwest
Independent Repeater Association) linked repeater system (visit
www.swiralink.com for details). This repeater system allows us to talk to
emergency management officials basically from I-40 south and from roughly
Highway 81 west, including the Wichita Falls, Vernon and Quanah Texas areas. The
repeaters and their frequencies are:
Cyril - 147.045 - + offset - no tone
Grandfield 147.255 - + offset - no tone
Granite 146.715 - -offset - no tone
The repeaters are usually linked, so if you talk on one you're talking on all of
them, and if you monitor one you are monitoring all of them.
Occasionally the Southwest Link is linked together with the Oklahoma City
145.410 repeater and/or the 146.745 Ardmore repeater.
CENTRAL and SOUTH CENTRAL OKLAHOMA/ I-35 CORRIDOR
Much of the I-35 Corridor is served by the WX5OKC repeater located near
Crossroads Mall in Oklahoma City. This repeater is linked as needed to a new
repeater near Ardmore to provide coverage to south central Oklahoma. The
repeaters and their frequencies are:
Oklahoma City - 145.410 - - offset - 141.3 tone
Ardmore - 146.745 - - offset - 141.3 tone
At times this system will be linked to a repeater in Perry (444.925), which
provides coverage into north central Oklahoma.
NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA
A series of repeaters usually provides coverage for much of northwest Oklahoma.
NWS Norman uses a UHF repeater in Edmond, which is usually linked to another
repeater in Watonga, then linked to a repeater near Woodward. Pieces of this
link system have been down for a while, but we hope to be using it again soon.
The frequencies are:
Edmond - 443.425
Watonga - 146.745
Sharon - 147.360/444.950
When the system is not fully operational
DAILY TESTS
To test the system, NWS reads the Hazardous Weather Outlook every day from March
15 through June 15 at 730 AM and 1230 PM. The Outlook is also read any time of
year when there is a risk of severe weather.
GETTING AN AMATEUR RADIO LICENSE
While you do not need a license to monitor what goes on on the amateur radio
links, it's easier than ever to get your amateur radio license. For more
information on how to get your amateur radio license, visit...
http://www.hello-radio.org/doityourself.html
If you have any questions or comments about the amateur radio network, let me
know.
Rick
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