Cushcraft AR-270B 144/440 MHZ Vertical Antenna
B. Procedure
As mentioned earlier, the PBBS provides two functions. First, it allows Amateur Radio
operators access to a variety of NWS weather products. Special directories were set up
on the LAN to hold copies of selected products. When a new product is issued or
generated, AcommPM copies the product to selected packet directories.
There are various configuration files used by W0RLI's PBBS software. One, known as
"dirs.mb", is used to create "upload" and "download" directories for files on the PBBS (see
Fig. 1). Several download directories on the PBBS each point to a corresponding network
path created on the LAN where products are kept. When the PBBS PC first "boots-up",
it establishes a LAN connection using a special login with restricted rights to prevent users
from accessing files in directories other than those set up for the PBBS. Once connected
to the LAN, users can access these files through the PBBS. When a new product is
created, AcommPM copies it to the specified location on the LAN, which corresponds with
the PBBS download directory setup in the "dirs.mb" file. In addition, the PBBS software
prevents uploading into a directory that has been designated as download only in
"dirs.mb". Furthermore, W0RLI's software is designed to provide full mailbox services, in
other words, storing and forwarding messages of all types. However, since these features
are not needed, they have been disabled, (refer to *.doc files with the PBBS software for
further details). Any non-weather related messages received are forwarded to a
designated full-service mailbox for dissemination. W0RLI's software is free to use and is
available over the Internet at various addresses including the following:
http://www.tapr.org
Note: WSR-88D Radar Coded Message Display software developed by Larry J. Hinson
(NWSFO Tulsa) is also available from this site, file name "RCM.ZIP".
The second function of the PBBS is to allow Amateur Radio operators to send spotter
reports using packet. Users either connect directly to the PBBS or through a minimal
number of nodes to reach the PBBS. Once connected, they can send reports into a
special directory designated as a upload only in the "dirs.mb" file (see Fig. 1). Procedures
have been provided to spotters on how to send reports. Spotter reports are transmitted
using a unique filename and are in the form of an AFOS work (WRK) product (Fig. 2), (see Fig. 2).
Since reports are received as work products, they can be edited, if necessary, and
distributed as an administrative message (ADM) or local storm report (LSR).
Incoming reports are uploaded to a local directory on the packet computer. A simple
BASIC program (see Fig. 3) , running on the PBBS, checks the received file to ensure it
has the proper AFOS header and trailer. If the file is valid, the program copies it to the
LAN with a special file name. When AcommPM sees this unique file on the LAN, it
immediately sends it to AFOS. The BASIC program also copies the spotter report to an
archive directory on the packet computer. It then deletes the file from the upload directory
to prevent the PBBS from not accepting another report with the same file name. If the file
is not in the correct format, the BASIC program copies it to a directory on the packet
computer for review and deletes it from the upload directory. The BASIC program ensures
that the file has the correct name and is in the proper format prior to sending it to the LAN.
Conclusion
During severe weather, phone lines quickly become saturated with incoming spotter
reports. The PBBS at NWSFO Portland provides an alternative for receiving spotter
reports. Since the system is fully automated, it does not require staff or outside volunteers
to gather reports. For those interested in developing a similar system, here are some
recommendations and guidelines: First, offices that do not have knowledge of packet
radio should seek help from local Amateur Radio clubs. They usually are quite interested
in assisting, and have the technical background to develop a system. They will, often
times, provide the necessary hardware and software. This, in conjunction with the staff's
knowledge of how their LAN system works, will allow the PBBS to be developed.
The following are guidelines to operating a PBBS at a NWS office, based on FCC rules.
Operation of an PBBS requires a licensed Amateur Radio operator to act as the system
operator (SYSOP) or control operator. This person is responsible for the operation of the
PBBS, but does not have to be present (i.e., at the station) continuously. NWS employees
who are licensed Amateur Radio operators should not use their call sign to operate a
PBBS. Since they are paid employees of the NWS, this situation could be interpreted as
being compensated to operate an Amateur Radio station, which is illegal (refer to FCC
Rules and Regulations, Part 97). Also, a PBBS should not be used by the NWS to gather
reports on a regular basis. The FCC realizes the NWS has other means of receiving data
(e.g., phone lines and modems) and should not rely on Amateur Radio to gather data on
a routine basis. However, during severe weather, when life and property may be in
jeopardy, receiving spotter reports using packet is acceptable.
Security should always be a concern with such a system, since users have access to the
LAN. First of all, the PBBS will only accept uploaded text or ASCII files. At this time, there
are no known viruses that are contained within a text file. However, for safety, spotter
reports should be uploaded to the local computer running the PBBS, and then checked
using a security program (similar to the one in Fig. 3) before being copied to the LAN. The
program should verify the contents of the file to ensure it has the correct AFOS header.
Using a WRK product will keep the report "in house". By designating directories where
NWS products are available for viewing as download only in the "dirs.mb" file, the PBBS
software will prevent any upload attempts. In addition, a special login with restricted rights
should be used for the PBBS to prevent writing or viewing other files or directories on the
LAN. Furthermore, special directories should be created on the LAN that contain only the
products meant for public viewing. Finally, a disclaimer should be mentioned on the PBBS
stating that the NWS is not responsible for the timeliness of products on the PBBS, and
that these products should not be altered in anyway and presented as "official NWS
products". By keeping weather information solely on the PBBS and not transferring it to
other PBBSs, the likelihood of third party modification and dissemination is reduced.
As a final note, the Amateur Radio community primarily consists of people whose intent
is to assist the public and provide emergency communication for local, state, and federal
agencies during disasters. Those who maliciously use the airwaves are often times
unlicensed "pirate" operators and represent a small percentage.
NWSFO at Portland, Oregon is looking forward to utilizing their PBBS during severe
weather events. We are actively providing weather spotter training to Amateur Radio
clubs within our county warning area to increase the number of packet capable weather
spotters. Once trained, they are provided instructions on how to send packet spotter
reports. It is believed that these trained Amateur Radio spotters will utilize the PBBS to
provide weather information vital for the protection of life and property.
Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank Ken Gies, call sign K7IQI, for his many hours of help in
installing and configuring the PBBS software and also to Hank Oredson, W0RLI, for his
technical expertise. In addition, thanks to Russ Willis, Lead Forecaster at NWSFO
Portland for assistance in technical issues and BASIC programming. Also, special thanks
to Steve Todd, MIC NWSFO Portland, for approval of this project.
References
Ford, S., 1991: The ARRL Operating Manual, Fourth Edition. The American Radio
Relay League, Chap 10.
Wolfgang et al., 1991: The ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs. The American Radio
Relay League, Chap 19.