The annual WX4NHC On-the-Air Station Test from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami will take place Saturday, May 29, 1300-2100 UTC. “The purpose of this annual station test is to test all of our radio equipment, computers and antennas using as many modes and frequencies as possible,” said WX4NHC Assistant Amateur Radio Volunteer Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R. “This is not a contest or simulated hurricane exercise.”

Ripoll said that WX4NHC also will be testing new computers and software, as well as conducting operator training. “NHC Director Bill Read, KB5FYA, will be at WX4NHC making contacts,” he said. WX4NHC will be on-the-air on HF, VHF and UHF, plus 2 and 30 meter APRS. Suggested SSB frequencies are 3.950, 7.268, 14.325, 21.325 and 28.525 MHz, +/-QRM; Ripoll said that they will mostly be on 14.325 MHz and will make announcements when WX4NHC will change frequencies. Stations looking to participate in the annual station test may be able WX4NHC on HF by using one of the DX spotting networks, such as the DX Summit Web Site.

WX4NHC also will be on the VoIP Hurricane Net 1700-1900 UTC (IRLP node 9219/EchoLink WX-TALK Conference 7203) and on South Florida area VHF/UHF repeaters and simplex; WX4NHC operators will also be monitoring APRS and e-mail.

Stations working WX4NHC should exchange their call sign, signal report, location and name, as well as a brief weather report, such as “sunny,” “rain” or “cloudy.” Non-hams may submit their actual weather using the On-Line Hurricane Report Form. QSL to WD4R and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Do not send cards to the NHC. Due to security measures, no visitors will be allowed at the NHC during the test.