National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

During the 2008 special event, operations from NWS Melbourne included two High Frequency (HF) stations, two Very High Frequency (VHF) stations, a digital station (radio teletype) and a PC-based EchoLink (VoIP) station. HF operations utilized the 20, 40, 80 and 160-meter bands with both SSB (voice) and CW (morse code) modes. Antennas used were two rotatable beams at 35 feet (primarily 20-meters), a GAP Voyager (40, 80, 160-meters),  a GAP Titan (digital modes) and three rotatable beams at 35 feet for VHF (2-6-meters). Amateur Radio operators from the Treasure Coast Weather Net (TCWN) and Martin County ARES/RACES participated as well as operators from several groups in Brevard County (Platinum Coast Amateur Radio Society, Indian River Amateur Radio Club and the Florida Contest Group). Several licensed NWS Melbourne meteorologists (East Central Florida SKYWARN^TM Group) also operated during the event. The NWS Melbourne East Central Florida SKYWARN^TM Group special call-sign WX4MLB was used.

NWS Melbourne thanks the individuals who supported the event, including those assisting with antenna and station set-up, those who loaned equipment, and of course the dedicated operators. We also appreciate the work of the many individuals who provide valuable SKYWARN^TM communications services and severe weather reports throughout the year - and we thank the hundreds of radio operators who took the time and effort to 'work' us during the event. Finally, GAP Antenna Products, Inc. is recognized for providing use of the GAP Voyager.

The 2008 preliminary results:

Radio Operators & Assistance Provided by:

For questions, comments, feedback, please email Scott Spratt.  To receive a QSL card from WX4MLB, please send an your card along with an SASE to: NWS Melbourne, 421 Croton Road, Melbourne, FL  32935. Electronic QSLs can be exchanged via .  For certificate information, click here.

Annual Statistics from WFO Melbourne (local records)