SKyWarn Repeater ?

[teamasg]

My firm has a UHF radio system in the downtown Richmond area, of which we have around 25 radios posted around the City, and were interested in implementing the SkyWarn repeater system into our network. Does anyone know if this can be done? If so, how do I get more information regarding this.


Thanks!

J Hall
Richmond, VA.

jhall@teamasg.com (best email to reply too - thanks! )

[VCOL023]

Sorry it took so long to get to your question.

Short answer is "no."

The "SKYWARN repeaters" in the Richmond area operate on Amateur Radio (HAM), frequencies. You would have to either add a frequency chip to all your radios, or already have the frequency range "in there." The repeaters are not the property of SKYWARN, but are utilized, maintained and financed by several organized ham radio groups in the tri-cties area. However...

FCC regulations prohibit HAM radio frequencies to be used for business or commercial use.

The BEST thing to do, IF you just want to just LISTEN, is to get a scanner with the 2 meter ham frequencies and a weather alert function, and report conditions by cell phone to Wakefield WO.

IF you want to PARTICIPATE in the SKYWARN Radio Net, you (and any radio operators that wish to report), should get a HAM "Technicians" license and a Basic SKYWARN training class. That's what I did. If you are interested in that, then the first place to start is the ARRL.org site. It just creates a whole new level of being a spotter! My test was $14.00 and I missed one question out of 35. Tests are held monthly within a 30 mile radius of Richmond.

Cheers!
Carl