Likely, you’ve seen us posting that we are maintaining a “listening watch.” What does that mean?
Often, we have severe weather in the state but we do not have weather severe enough to dictate the need for a SKYWARN net.
Recently, we decided to start a “listening watch” on the Auxcomm SKYWARN system when there is a lower-level severe weather threat ongoing. This means that we have a volunteer monitoring the system for any severe weather reports that need to be related to NWS. We are not conducting a net and the repeaters are in normal use, but we have someone listening just in case. Generally, we are watching the weather anyhow, so it’s no big deal to listen to the radio while doing other tasks.
How can you tell we are conducting a “listening watch?” The best way to know is that our “banner” atop the webpage is YELLOW.
The thing about “listening watch” is that it is subject to volunteer availability and willingness first and foremost. Our volunteer net controls put in hundreds of hours a year manning the system when severe weather threatens. We have to give them a break so when the worst weather happens, they are ready.
As such, listening watch probably won’t be available late at night or early in the morning, either, as most volunteers will be sleeping, just like most of you. We are willing to put in long hours, we just save our maximum efforts for when the weather is the most threatening to lives and property.
There will be no warning statements read or other net activities going on. We want our volunteers to be able to listen while doing other activities they need to do.
If you have a report when we are in “listening watch” key up, ask for Auxcomm and say you have something to report. Our volunteer will take your report and send it to NWS.
We have listened and are doing our best to expand service as best we can considering our large responsibility and our cadre of net controls.
As always, the best way to expand our service is by volunteering as a net control. If you would like to volunteer, fill out the form here on the website and we will be in touch.
Thank you to all our spotter volunteers and repeater operators without which we would not be able to be such a success!
Part of our website is our network map and list. Firstly, thanks to all the repeater owners and trustees for linking to the Auxcomm network. We have had a very successful spring and summer and its thanks to you for the use of your expensive equipment.
The network map you see on our website is all manually entered data that is to the best of our knowledge. In fact, most of the information is from memory, so we very well could have accidentally left you off. Repeater locations are also approximate. If you would like your repeater location changed please send us accurate GPS decimal coordinates. In fact, if any of the data for your repeater is incorrect, please use our "Contact" page to drop us a note. As soon as we see it, we'll get the correction made.
We are making a further improved network map that is in the test phases that will either replace or compliment the current one, but for now, we would be grateful for your help in improving our accuracy on this one.
