An ARES net is activated when threatening situations warrant as determined by the National Weather Service in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, or by the Olmsted County or Rochester Emergency Operations Centers. Skywan nets are directed nets and all communications is controlled by the net control station (NCS) using net procedures. Contact Steve Wiebke (W0STV), for more information on becoming a ARES net control station operator.
The Olmsted county ARES net uses the Olmsted EOC 147.255 repeater, PL100.0 Hz, for skywarn and emergency event activation/information. The 146.820, PL100.0 Hz, repeater is the backup for the 147.255 repeater and is available to provide additional ARES communications. A third back up repeater is the 146.625 PL 100.0 for redundancy and over flow traffic that can not be handled by the previous two repeaters..
An ARES information and training net is held every Sunday evening at 9:00 PM local time. Please see the Nets and Meetings page for net and repeater information. All registered ARES members are required to check into this net. Any licensed amateur radio operator may check into the net. Please listen first and follow the NCS check in procedures.
ARES net information links:
- ARES Net Control Station Schedule ARES NCS Schedule.
- ARES Net Control Station Preamble/Postamble Text
- ARRL Message Format (FSD-218) PDF Format and ARRL Radiogram form in PDF Format
- MN-ARES-Specific ICS forms and documents
The Olmsted skywarn activity debriefing is held during the Sunday evening ARES nets, following any previous weeks activation. All amateur radio operators that were activated are requested to check into the net. Comments and constructive suggestions are welcomed.
