Area of Responsibility

1. GYX SKYWARN 2019Net Control Operator Workshop What to expect when operating the WX1GYX stationSKYWARN Activation Process Resources and FormsNet Control Operator Training

2. Area of Responsibility As of December 2nd, 2014 NWS Gray assumed responsibility for providing forecast services to Southwestern New Hampshire. Hillsborough and Cheshire Counties Changes in technology made this possible. NWS Gray now routinely receives data from Norton’s radar as well as other area radars. Despite technical and logistical challenges, the transition from NWS Taunton to NWS Gray has gone very well.

3. Amateur Radio Challenges: It was necessary to make updates and improvements to the WX1GYX station. We worked on streamlining the notification process to reach a greater number of radio spotters. We worked to find better ways to facilitate the collection of reports from counties that are not easily accessible via VHF, which is the traditional mode of choice of SKYWARN Amateur Radio spotters. Interesting Fact: With the addition of Hillsborough and Cheshire Counties, NWS Gray now serves an area of about 21,000 square miles and a population of 2.3 million residents. Manchester and Nashua are now the two largest cities in the forecast area in terms of population.

4. Station Updates • Organizational supplies • Headphones • VHF/UHF Scanner • CW Key, base, and slip pad • SKYWARN Mousepad • UTC / Local Time clocks • Radio Quick Reference Guides • New Power Supply • New Amplified speaker for both radios • Installed Anderson Powerpole connectors and an adaptor for USB phone charging • Installed a Connect Systems CS801 DMR Radio • Added Signalink USB interfaces to both the HF and VHF/UHF radios to support digital modes.

5. Updated Frequency List The Frequencies programmed in the FT8900 at WX1GYX are updated twice a year. A copy of the updates is at the operating position for reference, and is also available online. It’s a good idea to become familiar with as many of the repeaters and frequencies on the list as possible, since you will often be asked to get information and reports from specific areas.

6. Operations Manual • Also updated twice a year. Copies are available electronically and in print at the WX1GYX operating position. • Since 2014 we’ve worked on fine tuning the activation process, as well as the process of alerting those who need to know about activations the soonest. • We created an email list which includes Net Control Operators, Coordinators, and a number of amateur radio spotters who frequently participate. • An area that we’ve concentrated on recently is to better utilize social media to send out announcements and alerts, and also to exchange photos, and other information.

7. SKYWARN Activation Process

8. Types of Notifications Hazardous Weather Outlook Email Announcement

9. Resources & Forms Severe Weather Report Form To better improve the flow of information, we’ve developed a simple report form that can be filled out and handed off to a forecaster or specified recipient during an activation. These forms are available at the operating location and also available online.

10. Log Sheet While collecting and handling reports and traffic is the most pressing role of the NCS, maintaining an accurate log is also important. The updated log sheets are available at the operating location and are also available online. Interesting note: The logs at WX1GYX go back as far as 1986, predating the existing Forecast Office.

11. GYX SKYWARNAmateur Radio NetworkThis list is a guide of suggested repeaters and frequencies. You may find that other repeaters in your area work better or are more effective. The most important thing is to maintain a simple and efficient exchange of information between the net and NWS Gray.

12. Net Control Scripts Using scripts help in many ways. Firstly they help hams who may not be familiar with SKYWARN reporting criteria to learn what information is needed most. They also help the Net Control Operator to remember what to ask for and what to say in scenarios that are unfamiliar. We all get nervous and a bit overwhelmed during events, and scripts help you to stay the course and maintain effective command over the net.

13. Intro to Net Control Training Some Starting Points: It is essential that all Net Control Operators be aware of and fully familiar with SKYWARN Activation and reporting processes. SKYWARN Net Control Operators must also be fully familiar with winter and summer weather reporting criteria (It is recommended that you attend SKYWARN Spotter Training and refresher training every 2 years). Weather reports on severe weather nets are limited to critical severe weather observations unless specifically requested by the Net Control Operator. SKYWARN Nets are nearly always directed nets with varying degrees of discipline, held on local repeaters, FM Simplex, HF, and DMR. Its recommended that Net Control Operators be familiar with ARES/RACES procedures for purposes of interoperability, and also the Incident Command Structure (ICS).

14. Duties and Responsibilities • The Net Control Station (NCS) runs the net. • The NCS controls the flow of messages according to priority and keeps track of where they come from and where they go. • The NCS also keeps a current list of where stations are located, their assignments (if given), and what capabilities they have. • In a busy situation, the NCS may have one or more assistants to help with collecting reports and record keeping.

15. Characteristics • According to Bruce Winchell N8UT, some characteristics that are desirable in a net control operator are: • Good voice quality – with an air of authority, without sarcastic overtones or being overbearing • Knowledge of band characteristics • Knowledge of common equipment • Ability to absorb new terminology quickly • A strong team player and organizer • Have a professional appearance • Willingness to take and carry out direct orders • Has a spouse who doesn’t mind you spending time “playing radio” • Consistently demonstrates above average operating technique

16. Basic Communication Skills Communication is affected by numerous factors, including personal operating skills, method of communication, noise or interference, skills of net participants and adequate resources. The most important skills of communication are those possessed by the Net Control Station. Listening! Listening is at least 50% of communication. Listening means avoiding unnecessary transmission. A wise ham once said, “A ham has two ears and one mouth. Therefore he should listen twice as much as he talks.” Phonetics Professional communicators always use standardized phonetics to avoid confusion. Don’t use your own brand of phonetics, or even worse – none at all! What you do on a daily basis is what you will do unconsciously during an emergency when the adrenaline is surging. To do it right in an emergency you have to do it right on a daily basis.

17. Microphone Technique Talk across, rather than into, the microphone. This will reduce breath noises and “popping” sounds that can mask your speech. Speak in a normal clear calm voice. When using a repeater, be sure to leave a little extra time between pressing the push to talk (PTT) and speaking. Pause a little longer than usual between transmission any time there is a possibility that other stations may need to check in or have emergency traffic. Brevity and Clarity Unnecessary chatter on the part of the NCS wastes time, slows the effectiveness of the net and defeats the purpose of the net. Each communication should consist of only the information necessary to get the message across clearly and accurately.

18. Basic Techniques When asking for reports or soliciting traffic, listen carefully. It is easy to miss critical information when operating under stress. For efficiency, note on your net worksheet as many calls as you can before you acknowledge any. Acknowledge all stations heard by call and then yield the frequency to any station reporting in with severe weather observations. Be as concise as possible. Use the fewest words that will completely say what you mean. This will minimize the need for repeating instructions and messages. Take frequent breaks. Turn over the net to your backup at least every two hours and rest. Do not listen to the net – rest! Control your voice. Be as calm as possible. Remember to speak with confidence and authority. A weak or indecisive demeanor undermines your effectiveness as NCS and consequently the productivity of the net.

19. Use a script (preamble, net instructions, standby instructions), when possible. This promotes efficient operation. • Ask specific questions and give specific instructions. • Have pen and paper ready and write down calls, notes, etc. • Have the SKYWARN Severe Weather Report forms ready. • Be familiar with the radio that you are operating. • During check-ins, recognize participants by name when possible to boost morale. • Frequently identify the name and purpose of the net. • Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance if you need it. • Transmit only facts, and avoid becoming the source for general information about the event.

20. If the net has been quiet for more than 10 minutes, check on operator status. This keeps the net running more smoothly and insures that you know about equipment failures and missing operators as soon as possible. • This also allows the NCS to get a feel for who is still monitoring the net and from what locations in case you need to get an updated report from the area. • If you are chasing a fast moving storm and need to QSY to a different repeater, announce where you will be going to and whether or not you intend to return to the current repeater. This is more common in thunderstorm situations, but may also be necessary for winter weather events, especially if the storm track changes or progresses over time.

21. FAQs How do I know when to start the net? Does being a Net Control Operator mean I have to go to NWS Gray? What frequencies do I use? What if I’m not getting any reports? If I’m activating from home, how do I get the information to NWS Gray?

22. FAQs • “How do I know when to start the net?” • When you are aware of an activation and hear no other SKYWARN activity on the air, you may start the net. If you hear a net taking place, check in and ask how you can be of help. • Even if there is no activation and you are aware of the possibility of severe weather, get on the air and start talking about it. You’d be amazed at what may be happening out there. As soon as observations are being made that meet SKYWARN criteria, start taking notes and begin the net. • If you are in a region that is outside of the range of the primary SKYWARN net on VHF, you may at any time start a subnet, collect reports, and relay them to NWS by any means available.

23. FAQs “Does being a Net Control Operator mean I have to go to NWS Gray?” No. Although it may be helpful in some events, it is not always necessary to be present at NWS Gray. You may at any time operate a SKYWARN net from home, or wherever is convenient to you. As long as you have a reliable way to relay the reports to the Forecast Office, you can run the net. Exceptions may be when there is the chance of widespread power outages and there is a likelihood that you may lose power, internet, or the use of radio equipment. Always make an assessment as to whether the conditions are safe enough to travel to and from the weather office.

24. FAQs • “What frequencies do I use?” • Always consider the primary frequencies to establish the net, unless there is a good reason not to. For example, if the serious weather is effecting a small area in northern Coos County, or southern York County, you should focus attention on these areas. This means being familiar with the repeaters in those areas, your station capabilities, etc. The goal is to establish the net where you are most likely to get effective reports – not to start the net for the sake of taking check-ins alone. • Make use of the SKYWARN Network diagram as a guide, and utilize DMR and Echolink when needed.

25. “What if I’m not getting any reports?” • This happens more often during thunderstorm events, where localized areas are effected. Its possible that the repeater you chose doesn’t cover the effected area, or is simply not popular. • Another possibility is that the time of day isn’t ideal. If the severe weather is passing through at 2 am, there’s a good chance there’s no one on the air. • If you received reports from a few stations, but its been a while since you’ve got anything new, don’t be afraid to ask for updates as to their location, or changes in the conditions. • Use the scripts and be as specific as possible as to what type of information you need. Sometimes different requests are passed on by the forecasters. Asking for something different is a good way of engaging with net check-ins.

26. FAQs • “If I’m activating from home, how do I get the information to Gray?” • Relay to the primary net via radio • Email: gyx.skywarn@noaa.gov • Phone: (800) 482-0913 • Twitter: @NWSGray

27. In What Format Should I Send Reports by Email or Twitter? • Include the following: • Source(ham operator, public service, other radio service, etc.) • Time (in UTC) • Location (use cross streets, or street numbers if possible) • Report (be specific and ask questions to clarify report) • Examples: • Eric KC1HJK reported from Gray, ME at 0105 UTC: Flooding in roadway, 6” deep across Rt. 26, near Dunkin Donuts. Road is currently closed in both directions. • Thom W1WMG reported from Gorham, ME at 0215 UTC: Wind gusts near 40 mph, multiple tree limbs down in roadway near intersection of Rt. 202 and Queen Street. Branches are up to 5” in diameter.

28. Some tips… • Keep up to date with the hazardous weather outlook and the potential for any storms. • Keep your eyes on the skies and be conscious of the possibility of severe weather in your location. • Monitor the activity on primary SKYWARN frequencies, and popular local repeaters for any chatter about severe weather. • Monitor your emails and social media for any requests for spotter activation. • If you are aware of any of these, and there is no SKYWARN net taking place, don’t be afraid to get on the air and ask for reports.

29. Goals for 2020 Look into the possibility of adding PACKET capability to the WX1GYX station. Discuss the possibility of formalizing a SKYWARN Club with its own leadership.Encourage more SKYWARN Spotter Training in counties that are underserved.Continue to improve workflow and evolve in ways that best achieve the goals of NWS Gray and the SKYWARN mission. Don’t take things too seriously and remember to enjoy what we do.