Ham Radio

Eyes on the Sky

This cubicle contains our Ham radio equipment. Ham radios are operated by long range radios operated by amateur enthusiats. When severe weather threatens, we have access to a network of ham volunteers, who are called upon to operate these radios, and contact spotters in the field to get severe weather reports. The cubicle is connected to the operations area, so that the forecasters can easily communicate with the ham operator to receive spotter reports, and alert the volunteers to where severe weather may be occurring. Close Up View of Ham Radios The images above shows a close-up of our ham radio equipment. Starting on the upper left is a VHF FM Marine Radio. With this we can monitor radio traffic between boaters and from the Coast Guard to listen for reports on the current conditions. We can also solicit reports on wind and wave conditions. Next to this is a Kenwood TM-241a 2-meter ham transceiver. This radio is our primary transceiver for packet communications on the 2-meter band. Bottom and far left, is an Icom IC-V8000 HF transceiver. This radio allows us to maintain medium and long-range communications. Additionally, this transceiver allows us to communicate with the National Hurricane Center in the event that all other forms of communication fail. Next to this is a older Icom IC-706MKII HF transceiver. This is used for shorter range communications as the transmitter cannot reach the repeater up in Columbia, NC. On the far bttom right is a Kenwood TM-733 FM Dualbander. It serves as our primary 2-meter/70-cm (440mhz) transceiver for voice communications. This is the radio that is primarily used by a Skywarn HAM operator during severe weather events and hurricanes. Not shown is a Uniden BC248CLT Bearcat Scanner. This receiver allows us to monitor local law enforcement. For more information on ham radio and Skywarn visit: Newport District Skywarn Program. Donnie King Demonstrates Ham Radio Operation