and the test is administered by other volunteer Ham operators.  It is no longer required to test on Morse Code for the Technician  license, although Morse Code is still required if you choose to seek a higher class license, such as General or Extra.   

For more information on the different exam options, fees, and forms, visit the FCC web site at:

http://www.fcc.gov/licenses.html

The NWS and HAM Operators

You may wonder why the National Weather Service is interested in Amateur Radio.  The best reason can be answered with the main reason that attracts many people into amateur radio to begin with.  Emergency Service.  Often severe weather events will lead to widespread power and telephone outages, leaving the Ham operator the only means of communicating emergency information to official agencies, and to the general public.  The National Weather Service has a long history in working with the local amateur radio clubs and helping set up emergency 'weather nets' to assist in collecting valuable, and often life-saving information.  The data collected is often used in the decision process when issuing severe weather warnings, and for local emergency management officials in reactive decision making.   
The NWS, in cooperation with the local amateur radio clubs helps to organize a "Skywarn Net".  These weather nets are primarily con

cerned with what we are observing "Right Now" and to remember that the first priority for reporting events is to furnish information.  The information is used to warn people so that they may seek safety and avoid injury or death.  The second priority is to safeguard property from as much damage as possible. Remember, being a spotter does not qualify a person to become a "Storm Chaser", nor does the NWS re

roof damage, broken windows, vinyl siding damage)

• Funnel Cloud or Tornado
  
• Rotating Wall Cloud
  
• Hail of any size
  
• Any Threatening Situation
  
• Rising Water (rivers or streams within a foot of bankfull or flooded roads)
  
• Ice Jam conditions
  
• Heavy Rain (1/2 inch or more)
  
• Any Freezing Rain
  
• Frequent Lightning
  
• Significant Snow (First 4 inches; when first reaching 7 inches;  every 6 inches thereafter; and the storm total)
  

cruit storm chasers.

The Skywarn Weather Net is operated and manned by trained observers and Net Control Station operators.   The spotters observe and report the requested weather information which is then relayed to the NWS office.   


Specific information that the National Weather Service is looking for includes:

• Wind of 40 MPH or greater
  
• Any Damage (such as trees, power lines down,