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NWS offices around the country utilize various spotter networks for severe and other inclement weather verification and reporting. The various spotter networks are comprised of emergency management officials, law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS personnel, and road crews. We also utilize the general public with training taking place during the late winter and early spring as NWS personnel travel to various counties to provide training. A final group of spotters utilized by our NWS office are amateur radio operators.
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| Amateur Radio Operators (HAMS) are a vital link in the spotter and communication network used by the NWS during severe or otherwise inclement weather. Not only do they report what they see with their own eyes, but they can report what others see, and also provide communications to other NWS offices should normal communication modes fail. The following graphics depict single repeaters, linked repeater systems, or a combination thereof which we utilize often. New repeaters continue to be installed by dedicated and hard-working hams to expand their networks. We also continue to learn of and put into use these new systems as soon as possible.
For now, we will not list 2 meter and 70 cm repeaters outside of our 51 county warning area (depicted by the purple outline), unless they also serve some of our counties. If you notice errors or omissions, know of new repeaters that need to be added, need to change your spotter address or phone number, or just have a SKYWARN/spotting question, drop us a line at DMX.Spotter@noaa.gov and we take care of your request ASAP. Note: This email address is not for sending severe weather reports, but instead is for administrative tasks. For severe weather reporting via the internet, please see the eSpotter link to the left.
Keep in mind the maps depict approximate signal coverage with radio propagation characteristics, geography, equipment reliability, etc. all affecting coverage of a given repeater.
Here's a two page pdf file of the same information in a format that will print nicely on two pages or on the front and back of the same sheet of paper.
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| Location |
Freq. |
PL |
| Bedford |
147.135+ |
203.5 |
| Des Moines |
146.820- |
203.5 |
| Pella |
145.170- |
203.5 |
| Waterloo |
444.900+ |
203.5 |
| Davenport |
146.940- |
203.5 |
| Mason City |
147.315+ |
203.5 |
| Note #1: For local use only (no ICN access) on the Waterloo repeater, use a PL tone of 136.5.
Note #2: For local use only of the Des Moines Hub, use a PL tone of 114.8.
Note #3: For local use only of the Bedford repeater, use a PL tone of 127.3..
Note #4: For local use only of the Davenport repeater, there is no PL tone.
Note #5: For local use only of the Mason City repeater, use a PL tone of 103.5.
These repeaters are linked to the main Des Moines Hub via the Iowa Communications Network fiber optic system. You must have the PL tone turned on to access the ICN Hub and the remote repeaters.
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