Skywarn net announced for Jan. 24, 2024

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On Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 19:00 local time we will conduct a Skywarn net on the W3GA repeater.  Frequency is 146.760 mHz, -600 kHz shift, 146.2 Tone.  Net control will be operating from the National Weather Service Office in State College using the callsign WX3CTP.
Net control will call for stations to check in from Centre and surrounding counties.  Stations checking in are asked to give their callsign, name, and a brief report of weather observations at their location.
This will give us a test of coverage into the areas west, south, and north of Centre County from the repeater’s location on Rattlesnake Mountain.
Any amateur radio operator is welcome to check in, not just Skywarn spotters.

Public Service Events For 2023

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Opportunities for public service yet this year.  If you want to volunteer for any of the events not coordinated by Nittany Amateur Radio Club contact Carmine at k3cwp@arrl.net.

  • December 2, Skywarn Recognition Day
    • Coordinated by Carmine Prestia, K3CWP, carmine.prestia@gmail.com

Watch this space for more information, especially how to sign up to help.

Amateur Radio Assists Multiple Sclerosis Glimcher Keystone Country Ride

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The Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter of The National Multiple Sclerosis Society completed another Glimcher Keystone Country Ride on July 15th and 16th through Centre, Clinton, Huntingdon, and Blair Counties in Central Pennsylvania.  The ride is composed of two seventy five mile loops on each day.  It starts at the Penn Stater Hotel in State College and goes south then back.  On day two it goes north then back to the Penn Stater.  About 100 riders participated in the event to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research and support for victims of the disease.  The ride has been conducted for 20+ years and one rider and his team, Rob Glimcher, has raised more than $2 million for the event during that time.

Continue reading →

Amateur Radio Operator Visibility and Safety

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Centre County and the counties around us are well into the public service season.  Though much of our service will place us on trails in unimproved areas we are often on roads where runners, bicyclists, and/or motor vehicles are operating.  This places us at a risk of being struck by one or more of the above.  As a First Responder I monitor a Facebook Group related to Traffic Incident Management. The number of first responders struck and killed on our highways is simply appalling. Continue reading →

Unleashing the Power of Amateur Radio in Times of Emergency – Domestic Preparedness

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Very good article from domesticpreparedness.com.

https://domesticpreparedness.com/articles/unleashing-the-power-of-amateur-radio-in-times-of-emergency

As advocates for amateur radio and firm believers in the importance of emergency preparedness, it is critical to raise public awareness and promote active engagement in emergency preparedness through the lens of amateur radio. In today’s unpredictable world, individuals must have the knowledge and tools to handle emergencies effectively. Amateur radio is vital in connecting communities and providing essential communication during crises. By sharing practical tips, resources, and success stories, individuals can explore amateur radio as a rewarding and empowering avenue to contribute to national safety. Embracing amateur radio as a tool for communication and community support fosters a culture of resilience and preparedness to overcome future challenges.

Amateur Radio Operators Provide Communications for Rothrock Grit Bicycle Race

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Eight amateur radio operators provided communications assistance for the annual Rothrock Grit Gravel Grinder (what a name) bicycle race through the Rothrock State Forest on June 3, 2023.  The race courses cover sixty-five miles over gravel roads and unimproved trails.  Between 250 and 300 riders participated.  Operations continued from 07:00 through 16:30 hours.  Though most of these races are uneventful but this year’s was different, with one very serious crash requiring a lot of radio traffic between headquarters and the crash sites. Continue reading →