9.NWS Gray WX1GYX Regs

9. WX1GYX Station Regulations

1. Call Sign Usage

2. Operating Privileges, Control Operators

3. WX1GYX License Trustee

4. Modification or Renewal of WX1GYX License

5. WX1GYX Station Equipment

6. WX1GYX Equipment Maintenance

7. Ownership of WX1GYX Equipment

8. Equipment Loans

9. Equipment Donations

9. WX1GYX Station Regulations

9.1. Call Sign Usage

The WX1GYX call sign is to be used for all SKYWARN operations taking place from the SKYWARN amateur radio station located inside NWS Gray. Net Control Stations operating the local nets from outside the NWS office should identify with their personal call sign.

The WX1GYX call sign may also be used for SKYWARN-related special events, such as ARRL Field Day, SKYWARN Appreciation Day, and other events as authorized by the license Trustee.

The WX1GYX call sign may also be used on any SKYWARN-owned and operated repeater or relay station, including APRS and packet nodes, as authorized by the Trustee.

The Responder physically located at the National Weather Service office, as well as Net Control Operators running the local nets, may use the tactical call sign “SKYWARN Net Control” to identify. FCC rules apply, so the operator must also identify himself using the WX1GYX call once every ten minutes and at the end of each contact.

9.2. Operating Privileges, Control Operators

The use of the WX1GYX club call sign does not provide any operating privileges. Operating privileges (frequencies, emissions, etc.) are determined by the privileges of the Responder's personal license class, or those of the station control operator(s).

As a matter of our policy, the Responder(s) holding the highest class of amateur license are considered the control operators for the station. For example, if one Technician and two General licensees are present, the two General licensees share the responsibility as control operator, and the General Class license privileges may be used by the Technician operator while under the direct supervision of one or both of the General operators. As an additional example, if one Technician, one General, and one Extra Class operator are present, the Extra Class operator is considered the control operator and is responsible for all station activities.

In accordance with FCC regulations, at no time may an amateur operate outside his or her license privileges without a control operator present, and at that point operation is limited to the privileges of the control operator, and all such transmissions shall be at the direction and under the supervision of the control operator.

9.3. WX1GYX License Trustee

The Amateur Radio Coordinator shall be listed as the Trustee on the WX1GYX station license. If there is a change in leadership, the incoming Amateur Radio Coordinator and Warning Coordination Meteorologist are responsible for updating the FCC records with the name and call sign of the new Trustee. An Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator may also be listed as the Trustee if agreed upon by the NWS Gray SKYWARN Amateur Radio Team.

9.4. Modification or Renewal of WX1GYX License

From time to time it will be necessary to make changes to the WX1GYX license, such as a Trustee change, address change, or renewal. Because WX1GYX is a vanity club call sign, a Club Station Call Sign Administrator (CSCSA) such as W5YI-VEC must be used to process these changes. While administrative changes are usually performed free of charge, standard vanity call sign renewal fees apply to license renewals.

In general, when making changes to a club call sign, supporting documents in the form of club constitutions or other similar material must be submitted. Because NW Gray SKYWARN is not organized as a club and is instead serving the National Weather Service as a support organization, a special procedure is in place to handle these changes.

The Trustee (or incoming Amateur Radio Coordinator if changing Trustees) must sign off on the modification paperwork. The Warning Coordination Meteorologist will prepare a brief statement on National Weather Service letterhead stating that the call sign is used for purposes of SKYWARN. The letter must also authorize you, by name and call sign, to become the Trustee or make the other administrative changes.

This letter must be submitted along with the application paperwork to the CSCSA, along with any required processing fee(s). Processing fee(s) are generally paid by the National Weather Service Forecast Office directly.

9.5. WX1GYX Station Equipment

The SKYWARN Amateur Radio Station consists of three radios. There are two VHF/UHF transceivers (one is analog FM and the other is capable of DMR). There is also a Kenwood TS570D HF transceiver for monitoring and communication with the National Hurricane Center and other HF nets. Instructions on the operation of all equipment in the SKYWARN amateur radio station can be found on the shelf above the radios.

Responders are encouraged to become familiar with the operation of these radios prior to responding to the NWS office for an activation. Where possible, electronic versions of the equipment manuals are kept on the SKYWARN computer and on the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Support Team web site.

9.6. WX1GYX Equipment Maintenance

All volunteers using the SKYWARN amateur radio station have a responsibility for assisting with maintenance of station equipment. This responsibility is best carried out by notifying the Amateur Radio Coordinator of any problems with the equipment. The Amateur Radio Coordinator will pursue repair or replacement of equipment as necessary.

The Amateur Radio Coordinator may designate a Tech Team consisting of qualified individuals willing to assist with the periodic maintenance of the station equipment, as needed.

9.7. Ownership of WX1GYX Equipment

All equipment permanently installed at National Weather Service is the property of the United States Department of Commerce, unless otherwise clearly and permanently marked otherwise. SKYWARN radio equipment shall not be removed from the WFO under any circumstances without prior authorization from both the Amateur Radio Coordinator and either the Warning Coordination Meteorologist or Meteorologist-in-Charge. Since this is United States Government property, serious consequences can result from tampering or unauthorized removal.

9.8. Equipment Loans

Occasionally it may be necessary for a Team member or other individual to supply radio equipment or related accessories on a temporary basis, for example, in the event of the failure of a radio, antenna, power supply, microphone, or feedline at the SKYWARN amateur radio station. Neither the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Support Team nor its leadership nor the National Weather Service shall bear any liability for loss or damages to such equipment or accessories.

9.9. Equipment Donations

From time to time a member, amateur, club, or organization may wish to donate equipment to the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Team. These donations shall be handled by the Amateur Radio Coordinator and a list of all donated equipment will be maintained by the Amateur Radio Coordinator. Updated copies of this list will be provided to the SKYWARN Program Manager on a regular basis and posted at the SKYWARN amateur radio station to account for the ownership of this equipment.