VoIP modes critical for Hurricane Centre support

Radio amateurs using voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) modes such as EchoLink and IRLP are doing an outstanding job of supporting forecasters tracking hurricanes.

So says WX4NHC Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R. The latest example was during WX4NHC activations - in cooperation with the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) - for Hurricane Emily. Ripoll, says VoIP-mode users have supported WX4NHC in collecting ground-level weather
data as well as relaying hurricane advisories to residents and agencies in affected areas.

"The EchoLink and IRLP partnership created for hurricanes and severe weather is unique," Ripoll told ARRL, adding that he's seen upward of 100 VoIP connections during storm emergencies, many of which represent repeaters and
conference rooms "with untold numbers listening." Ripoll said VoIP modes also have served to connect Red Cross headquarters stations, state emergency operations centers (EOCs), National Weather Service offices and other agencies.

"The VoIP-WX Net has also added a large number of Technician class operators who were not able to report on HF in the past," he noted. Although it has a defined and trained cadre of regular member-operators, the HWN operates on 14.325 MHz--beyond reach of operators lacking at least a General ticket. Ripoll said those connecting via VoIP modes often do so using low-power VHF/UHF radios running on battery power via an IRLP or EchoLink-equipped repeater.

Ripoll spotlighted WX-Talk Conference Net Manager Kevin Anderson, KD5WX, of Texas, IRLP Reflector 9219 Net Manager Danny Musten, KD4RAA, of North Carolina, and ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section Emergency Coordinator and SKYWARN Director Rob Macedo, KD1CY, for being "very supportive" of WX4NHC.

Ripoll reports that the VoIP Hurricane Net most recently generated "some of the most important surface reports" as Hurricane Emily tracked over Grenada, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago. He cited specific information during Emily that arrived via VoIP modes including a report from J73CI, relaying for J39JQ, of a roof being blown from a hospital and damage to homes on Grenada caused by strong winds.

Other VoIP reports came via Julien Dedier, 9Z4FZ, in
Trinidad, of power outages. Reports relayed by the Trinidad EOC from Tobago at one point indicated heavy rainfall and sustained winds of 60 MPH.

Reports such as these, Ripoll said, were "especially vital during the very late evening hours, when there was a lack of HF propagation into the affected area."

For additional information, visit the WX4NHC Web site.

Source: ARRL Letter - courtesy of The American Radio Relay League

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