WX1GYX SKYWARN

Spotter Access & Reporting Instructions

Amateur Radio Communications Supporting the National Weather Service, Gray, Maine

1

Accessing the Observation Strip

Permanent Link

You can access the reporting interface anytime via the Observation Strip page. Even when Net Control is off the air and reporting is closed, the link remains accessible so you can bookmark it and check system status prior to severe weather events.

Mandatory Identification Rule

Proper identification is required when submitting a report:

  • Amateur Radio Operators: Enter your official FCC Amateur Radio callsign in the designated callsign field.
2

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Each Field

Section 1: Location Conversion to MGRS

  • Convert Street Address to MGRS: Enter your specific street address (e.g., 314 Pope Rd, Windham, ME) and click Convert Address to automatically populate your grid coordinates.
  • Latitude & Longitude (Decimal): Alternatively, enter your decimal coordinates manually, then click Convert Lat/Lon to MGRS.

Section 2: Observation Details

RI Strip Name Select or verify your reporting strip identifier (e.g., GYX Weather).
State Select your reporting region (ME, NH, OA for Out of Area, ME GYX, or ME CAR).
Call Sign * Enter your FCC Amateur Radio callsign.
Spotter ID Enter your official agency or tracking identifier if assigned (e.g., ME-012).
Source Select classification (Trained Spotter, Amateur Radio, Media, Public Service Radio, Other 3rd Party, or Direct Message).
Location (MGRS) * Ensure your Military Grid Reference System coordinate is accurate (e.g., 19TEG3012345678).
Mode Select transmission/logging mode (Personal Observation, Winlink, Winlink (VARA FM), Winlink (VARA HF), FM Repeater, DMR, C4FM, or Personal WS).
Nets Enter active net name if applicable (e.g., 2M Spotter Net).
Current Weather Concise description of ongoing conditions (e.g., Heavy snowfall, high winds).
Snow / Sleet Current measurements (note with an * if reporting a storm total; put NA if not applicable).
Ice Accretion Record ice thickness measurements (NA if not applicable).
Hail Size Maximum hail diameter observed in inches (e.g., 1.25 inches or NA).
Rainfall Rainfall totals (note with an * if reporting a storm total; put NA if not applicable).
Direction & Wind Speed Sustained winds, direction, and peak gusts (e.g., NW @ 25 mph, gusts to 40).
Storm Damage Detail significant impacts observed (e.g., Multiple trees down on wires, local flooding).
3

Using "Use My Location" on Mobile Devices

The 📍 Use My Location button automatically grabs your phone's GPS coordinates to pinpoint your location. Depending on your operating system, follow these steps to ensure location permissions are enabled:

For Apple iPhones (iOS)

  1. Open the Settings app on your device.
  2. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security, then select Location Services. Make sure it is turned ON.
  3. Scroll down the list of apps and tap on your mobile web browser (e.g., Safari or Chrome).
  4. Under Allow Location Access, select While Using the App. Ensure Precise Location is toggled ON.
  5. Return to the Observation Strip page and tap Use My Location. When prompted by your browser, tap Allow.

For Android Cellphones

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Location and make sure it is turned ON.
  3. Tap App permission (or Permissions), locate your web browser (e.g., Chrome), and ensure it is set to Allow only while using the app.
  4. Tap into the browser permission settings and verify that Use precise location is enabled.
  5. Return to the Observation Strip page and tap Use My Location. When your browser displays the prompt, tap Allow or While using the app.