Repeater Status- UPDATE

The K4ORE 146.925- repeater is back on the air.  The power problem is resolved for the time being.  The equipment suffered no apparent damage.

The K4ORE 146.925- and the co-located AA4TA 442.625+ MTEARS repeater are available now for normal amateur use.

Howard- K2CEM

MTEARS 442.625 repeater on the air in Clarksville.

The MTEARS 442.625  (PL 107.2) repeater is on the air in Clarksville.  This repeater has Jack’s callsign, AA4TA, as the repeater callsign.  It is permanently  linked to the MTEARS system, which means that what is said on the repeater is heard everywhere on the MTEARS system, so don’t act like a lid and embarrass yourself statewide.  MTEARS covers all of Middle TN and parts of East and West TN, with plans for future expansion in both directions.  It is now easy for a mobile in Clarksville to have a conversation with a mobile in Cookeville, for example.
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  Everyday use of the repeater is encouraged, however, there are some situations where use is restricted.  The MTEARS system is designed primarily as a weather liaison network.  During weather or other disasters, only designated liaison stations are permitted on the  repeater.  Local weatherspotters will check in and report observations on their local nets.  One person from  that net will be specifically designated to take that info to the MTEARS net.  The National Weather Service monitors the net and uses the information  provided.  In addition, NWS HAMS provide storm warnings, bulletins and status updates via the MTEARS system for the liaisons to relay to their local Skywarn nets.  This area of TN, Montgomery, Stewart and Houston counties, have long been missing from the MTEARS system, and we finally are part of it.  One of the things that will, hopefully, be a result of this is an increased awareness and participation in Skywarn.  Our reports will  make a difference.  There is also a general  MTEARS ARES net on Monday nights at 8:00 p.m. Central time.  Check in is by  repeater as designated by the Net Control.  You  do not have to be a designated liaison to check into this net, all are welcome.
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If you have any questions, suggestions or problems with this repeater, please contact one of the designated control operators:  Hank Koebler/N3ORX, Howard Thompson/K2CEM, Frank Metcalfe/AA4AE, Tom Delker/K1KY, David Wolfe/WA4VVX.
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Thanks,
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Hank

BREAKING NEWS! FCC Amends Part 97 regarding employee participation in emeregency drills

The FCC has just announced that it is changing the Part 97 rules to
allow unlimited paid employee participation in government sponsored
drills and exercises, and will also allow limited paid employee
participation in non-government exercises and drills.  This is truly a
great breakthrough for EmComm.
Here is the actual NPRM http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2010/db0714/FCC-10-124A1.pdf

ARES-NIMS Training

Storm Prediction Center

Spring is here and in Tennessee that means strong storms and other severe weather.  Jim, WU5E sends us this link to the Storm Prediction center where you can check out the current and upcoming weather patterns. 

Check out the storm prediction center at http://www.spc.noaa.gov/