Icon Display Changes Coming to Spotter Network!!
- Thread starter Tyler Allison
- Start date
Shawn Gossman
Supporter
I still need to join this network. I think it makes a very good service because the more warning the better!
Rejean Boudreau
EF0
- Joined
- May 26, 2009
- Messages
- 43
Is this the same training we took last year or another one (another certification of some sort) ?
In other words , is last year test still ok for this year ?
In other words , is last year test still ok for this year ?
Tim Shriver
EF4
Our group doesn't use SN for reporting but do use it, at times,
for seeing where folks are at.
But I guess we will be dropping SN from our group and systems...
Our WFO does not receive SN reports thus we have and never would
use the reporting function.
Can't see requiring members to do something to qualify for something
they would not use.
Unless SN would take our training certificates as proof.
To bad. It was a great tool.
Tim
rdale
EF5
Even if your local NWS doesn't use SN... 1) They probably will in the future and 2) every local media outlet and any proactive public safety agency (police / fire / EMA) does.
So you're still getting a BIG bang for your public safety buck by using SN. If you spotters can spend 2-3+ hours per year getting training, taking a 20 minute test and using the service for what it's intended (and what Tyler is paying for) shouldn't be too much to ask.
rdale
EF5
Wait - aren't you in MKX's CWA? They certainly do use SpotterNet, they are very active in NWSChat and I see them acknowledge the reports there!
Tim Shriver
EF4
We have radios at the county EMM offices, we have a ham backbone
repeater system that Sullivan Weather uses.
We have a business band radio system.
We have cell phones.
We have eSpotter.
Local fire EMS etc have our frequencies so they listen in anyways.
Most if not all the local media has monitor are frequencies anyways.
We spend a great deal more then 2 - 3 hours a year on training, more
like 2-3 hours per month, 12 months a year as we have meetings
every month.
It is not the idea of taking the test, its the idea of removing
the tracking if we do not take the test.
Why not just disable the reporting function for those that have not
passed the SN test instead of the whole program?
Seems like tossing the baby out with the bathwater.
Tim
rdale
EF5
I don't think Tyler spent all his money and time so that people could have a free GPS tracker. He did it for the public service, since there was (and is) no other reliable way of automatically getting spotter reports quickly to all users at the same time.
Just because "you" aren't paying for it, doesn't mean the service is "free". But again - MKX uses SpotterNet, so going so far as to install it for all of your spotters but then not use it for the purpose it was developed -- seems like starting the bath water, putting the baby's toe in the water and stopping (to use your analogy
)Very few (any?) media outlets are monitoring every Skywarn net in their DMA to hear absolutely every report. They however can do so with SpotterNet, and it's the only way to do so when are on the air doing a cut-in.
Tim Shriver
EF4
Last I knew MKX was not using SN.
It is not a tool that they (KMKX) have ever mentioned at spotter training classes or in one on one conversations. I just ate lunch with the Warning Met (Rusty) and attended two of the six classes I will attend with him. He has never mentioned SN at all.
The last time I asked him disrectly he said no. I will check with Rusty again.
I just looked at my account and it says this:
!! Training Not Taken !!
!! Reporting Disabled !!
So, is just reporting disabled? I still see SN spotters on my GRLevel3?
If so, thats cool. But to remove the tracking completly is a little over kill.
Tim
Tim Shriver
EF4
I don't think Tyler spent all his money and time so that people could have a free GPS tracker. He did it for the public service, since there was (and is) no other reliable way of automatically getting spotter reports quickly to all users at the same time.
Just because "you" aren't paying for it, doesn't mean the service is "free". But again - MKX uses SpotterNet, so going so far as to install it for all of your spotters but then not use it for the purpose it was developed -- seems like starting the bath water, putting the baby's toe in the water and stopping (to use your analogy
Very few (any?) media outlets are monitoring every Skywarn net in their DMA to hear absolutely every report. They however can do so with SpotterNet, and it's the only way to do so when are on the air doing a cut-in.
I have been a customer of Tylers from the start and promoted his business
to everyone I have met and still do. So please do not lecture me on what I do pay for or use for free.
As stated, the media here does have our freqs and do listen. We make sure of that.
If I find out that MKX does have it I will offer it to our members.. If not
I see no reason to use the storm report function.
Tim
Brett Adair
EF5
Uh, why don't you just take the exam? Pretty easy solution to a simple problem. I mean....it's not very hard.
Tim Shriver
EF4
Unless it is piped into NWSChat directly, the only other
use they use it for is in GrLevel3 on their PCs.
Thats what one of the mets just told me.
Plus the last time I went to choose my WFO in SN KMKX
was not listed as participating.
But again, if KMKX is online and using SN reports I will offer
it to our members. If not, then not. Except for the tracking which
right now looks like it is working.
Thanks,
Tim
rdale
EF5
It is. SpotterNet reports go into all NWSChat rooms. Even for offices that don't use NWSChat -- so that the EM/media/public safety/spotters in the room get it.
I'm sure they use GR2AE - and it's there too.
I know - I'm in the room too
I strongly support this move, Tyler and think it will make SN an even bigger asset to everyone involved.
The test truly is a 30-min maximum time commitment and anyone willing to put wheels to the road to spot or chase should pass it to better communicate their findings in the field.
To Tim: If you have a NWS certificate, the test will be easily taken and passed, and in less time than it took you to complain about it here.
The test truly is a 30-min maximum time commitment and anyone willing to put wheels to the road to spot or chase should pass it to better communicate their findings in the field.
To Tim: If you have a NWS certificate, the test will be easily taken and passed, and in less time than it took you to complain about it here.
Tim Shriver
EF4
I have no issue with the test itself, in fact its a good idea. But
if one does not use SN for submitting storm reports then why take the test?
We also have more direct lines of communication with our WFO
and with the county EMMs. The county EMM controls the sirens, we have a radio com. station in the EOC and they act on our reports as they are radioed in before the report is relayed to KMKX and warning is issued by the NWS.
Via the Sullivan Weather VHF backbone a report is into KMKX within 60 - 120 seconds after the initial report is radio'd in.
We vet all reports for accuracy as well.
In short, good idea, I support it but SN may not work for all spotter
groups that have more direct lines of communications.
The only thing that scares me a little is all the sources that folks now
have to put in reports. eSpotter, local WFO 800 numbers, national 800 spotter hotline, NWSChat, email, digital (yes we have that too), ham radio etc.
The number of false reports is bound to increase. Hell, GRB is testing Twitter
for storm reports. Then add to that the number local radio and TV stations
that are now taking reports and video/picture uploads.
It is great to have all these tools, but one must choose from the
list of tools those that work the best for them.
My concern was if we do not choose to take the test because we do not
use the storm report function of SN that we would loose the APRS tracking.
Now it appears that we will not loose the APRS tracking. Correct me if
that is incorrect.
Tim
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