EMWIN
Emergency
Managers Weather Information Network
Click for
FAQ
(Frequently
Asked Questions)
The Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN) is a service
of the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA). It began operation in Washington DC in 1994, with the
mission of providing timely severe weather information to Emergency
Managers. It has grown to be a significant tool for Emergency Managers in
severe weather events across the United States.
Detailed EMWIN network information is available at http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/emwin/index.htm.
In north central Texas, EMWIN re-broadcast is a cooperative effort of
the National Weather Service, the Motorola Amateur Radio Club of North
Texas, and other
supporting organizations. EWMIN broadcasts operate 24
hours a day, delivering information on severe weather in
the area including forecasts, weather watches and warnings, and radar
updates.
Four transmitter sites are located throughout the service area of the
Fort Worth WFO. All sites transmit data at 1200 bits per second (1200, N,
8, 2). Coverage maps for the various sites are provided to assist in
selecting the best transmitter frequency to use based on your location.
Click the site names below for estimated coverage information.
Fig.1 Transmitter Coverage
For N. Texas |
Site Power Level Data format Frequency
Site |
Power Level |
Data Format |
Frequency |
Fort Worth |
100 watts |
1200,N,8,2 |
163.3250 MHz |
Mesquite |
100 watts |
1200,N,8,2 |
168.8125 MHz |
Denton |
100 watts |
1200,N,8,2 |
168.7125 MHz |
Paris |
100 watts |
1200,N,8,2 |
168.7125 MHz |
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Other EMWIN broadcast sites in Northern Texas
Temple 100 watts 9600,N,8,1 163.3250 MHz
Generally, each site can cover up to a 40 mile radius, but beyond 10
miles, an outdoor antenna will be needed.
To use this service, you will need a few components: a receiver, a
demodulator, a personal computer running Windows, specialized software and
an antenna. The following diagram shows a typical setup.
See the EMWIN link [http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/emwin/wintip.htm
] for more detailed technical requirements and a list of commercial
vendors.
This service has been designed to provide a source of timely severe
weather information for storm spotters, Emergency Operations Centers (EOC)
and public safety organizations as well as the general public.
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