Posted on: Monday, 7 April 2025 at 08:21:39 PM

The OPCON level for the Pickens County Communications Group has been returned to level 3.

Posted on: Wednesday, 26 March 2025 at 07:21:39 PM

Due to the ongoing Table Rock fire, the Pickens County Communications Group will conduct nightly welfare check nets on the linked 147.195 MHz and 443.450 MHz repeaters at 8:00 pm nightly through at least Sunday, 30 March 2025. Please check-in if you have any needs, or know of any needs, related to the fire.

Posted on: Wednesday, 26 March 2025 at 07:20:15 PM

The Tuesday, 1 April 2025 in-person meeting of the Pickens County Communications Group has been cancelled. A Tuesday evening net will be conducted at 8:00 pm local time on 1 April instead.
We will meet as scheduled on Tuesday, 6 May. The topic for this meeting will be an after-action review of the 15 March Statewide Exercise.

Posted on: Wednesday, 26 March 2025 at 07:18:47 PM

The Tuesday, 1 April 2025 in-person meeting of the Pickens County Communications Group has been cancelled. A Tuesday evening net will be conducted at 8:00 pm local time on 1 April instead.
We will meet as scheduled on Tuesday, 6 May. The topic for this meeting will be an after-action review of the 15 March Statewide Exercise.

Posted on: Sunday, 23 March 2025 at 05:54:18 PM

The Tuesday, 1 April 2025 in-person meeting of the Pickens County Communications Group has been cancelled. A Tuesday evening net will be conducted at 8:00 pm local time on 1 April instead.
We will meet as scheduled on Tuesday, 6 May. The topic for this meeting will be an after-action review of the 15 March Statewide Exercise.

Posted on: Monday, 13 January 2025 at 04:42:21 PM

The OPCON level has been reduced to 3. Please monitor weather forecasts for the potential of additional winter weather over the next several weeks.

Posted on: Saturday, 11 January 2025 at 11:22:45 AM

Temperatures are forecast to remain above freezing throughout the day today. This, combined with clear skies, should allow much of the snow and ice to melt throughout the day today.
Temperatures after sunset are expected to fall below freezing rapidly with forecast lows around 20 overnight. This will result in patchy black ice tomorrow morning. As a result, exercise extreme caution if you must drive tonight or tomorrow morning.
Given the improving conditions throughout the day today and the reduced risks of power outages as a result of the winter storm, we WILL NOT conduct a health and welfare net on the Pickens County Communications Group repeaters this evening.
The 147.195 MHz, 442.125 MHz, and 443.450 MHz repeaters will be monitored throughout the day and this evening in case anyone wants to report on road conditions.
We will remain at OPCON 2 until Pickens County Emergency Management returns to OPCON 3.

Posted on: Friday, 10 January 2025 at 10:45:13 AM

According to the latest forecast, Pickens County could experience 2 to 4 inches of combined sleet and snow as well as a small amount of freezing rain over the next 24 hours. Based on the forecast amounts of ice and the expected calm winds today and overnight tonight, I do not anticipate widespread power outages over the next 20 hours. Winds may pick up a bit on the back side of the storm on Saturday, therefore the highest risk for power outages and communication disruptions is likely to be on Saturday. As previously announced, the Pickens County Communications Group will conduct a health and welfare net on the linked 147.195 MHZ and 443.450 MHz repeaters at 7:00 pm this evening. The 147.195 MHz (Glassy Mountain VHF) and 442.125 MHz (Six Mile Mountain UHF) repeaters will be monitored throughout the day today for any emergency traffic.
The OPCON level has been increased to 2 to align with Pickens County Emergency Management's OPCON level.

Posted on: Friday, 10 January 2025 at 10:42:49 AM

According to the latest forecast, Pickens County could experience 2 to 4 inches of combined sleet and snow as well as a small amount of freezing rain over the next 24 hours. Based on the forecast amounts of ice and the expected calm winds today and overnight tonight, I do not anticipate widespread power outages over the next 20 hours. Winds may pick up a bit on the back side of the storm on Saturday, therefore the highest risk for power outages and communication disruptions is likely to be on Saturday. As previously announced, the Pickens County Communications Group will conduct a health and welfare net on the linked 147.195 MHZ and 443.450 MHz repeaters at 7:00 pm this evening. The 147.195 MHz (Glassy Mountain VHF) and 442.125 MHz (Six Mile Mountain UHF) repeaters will be monitored throughout the day today for any emergency traffic.
The OPCON level has been increased to 2 to aligh with Pickens County Emergency Management's OPCON level.

Posted on: Friday, 10 January 2025 at 10:36:18 AM

According to the latest forecast, Pickens County could experience 2 to 4 inches of combined sleet and snow as well as a small amount of freezing rain over the nexxt 24 hours. Based on the forecast amounts of ice and the expected calm winds today and overnight tonight, I do not anticipate widespread power outages over the next 20 hours. Winds may pick up a bit on the back side of the storm on Saturday, therefore the highest risk for power outages and communication disruptions is likely to be on Saturday. As previously announced, the Pickens County Communications Group will conduct a health and welfare net on the linked 147.195 MHZ and 443.450 MHz repeaters at 7:00 pm this evening. The 147.195 MHz (Glassy Mountain VHF) and 442.125 MHz (Six Mile Mountain UHF) repeaters will be monitored throughout the day today for any emergency traffic.
The OPCON level has been increased to 2 to aligh with Pickens County Emergency Management's OPCON level.

Posted on: Tuesday, 29 October 2024 at 01:42:54 PM

ECHOLINK and ALLSTAR
Echolink and Allstar is back online on 224.400 Repeater. Echolink node is WX4PG-L or 578595. Allstar node is 406430. When the repeaters are linked durning the net, 147.195 repeater as the 443.450 is connected. Echolink and Allstar node on 443.450 is still not in operation.

Posted on: Monday, 28 October 2024 at 08:18:54 PM

THE NOVEMBER 2024 MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 7:00 PM ON TUESDAY, 12 NOVEMBER.
Due to Election Day, our November meeting will not be held on the first Tuesday of the month. Instead, we will meet on the second Tuesday, 12 November at our regularly scheduled time of 7:00 pm.
Also, please remember to set your clocks BACK one hour on Saturday night, 2 November.

Posted on: Sunday, 6 October 2024 at 08:55:01 PM

HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE - 20:50 6 October 2024
Based on the current situation and OPCON levels at the Pickens County EOC and at SCEMD in Columbia, the need for significant assistance from PCCG members for Hurricane Helene response has reduced. As a result, the OPCON level for the Pickens County Communications Group has been returned to OPCON 3.
Tom Poole W4ATP Pickens County ARES Emergency Coordinator

Posted on: Sunday, 29 September 2024 at 08:49:37 AM

HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY UPDATE - 0845 29 SEP 24
SCEMD is are asking all operators to send in field status reports via winlink, radio or email to races1@emd.sc.gov. The report should list the following information: power status, internet status, & landline/cellular status.
Also, please send SCEMD informaitoin regarding grocery stores and service stores which are open in your area and have supplies.
We will conduct the PCCG Welfare net of 147.195 MHz agan tonight at 20:00 local time.
Tom Poole W4ATP Pickens County ARES Emergency Coordinator

Posted on: Saturday, 28 September 2024 at 07:43:58 PM

PICKENS COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS GROUP OCTOBER IN-PERSON MEETING
Due to ongoing recovery efforts in the county, a decision has been made to postpone the monthly meeting until 19:00 (7:00 pm) on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.
Tom Poole W4ATP Pickens County ARES Emergency Coordinator

Posted on: Saturday, 28 September 2024 at 05:30:07 PM

HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE - 17:30 28 SEP 24
Although the weather threat from Hurricane Helene has passed, Pickens County is still experiencing severe aftereffects of the storm. Until further notice, the Pickens County Communications Group will be conducting daily welfare check nets at 20:00 local (8:00 pm) using the 147.195 MHz repeater. These welfare check nets are open to all licensed amateur radio operators regardless of whether or not they are members of the Pickens County Communications Group.
Tom Poole W4ATP Pickens County ARES Emergency Coordinator

Posted on: Friday, 27 September 2024 at 06:18:45 PM

HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE - 18:00 27 SEP 24
The major threat of severe weather from Hurricane Helene has passed in our area. Lingering hazards include the risks of river and stream flooding, mudslides, etc., as well as widespread power outages.
Based on discussions with Andy Child at Pickens County Emergency Management, we will stand down ARES Emeregency Communications in the county from midnightt onight through 07:00 Saturday morning. We will provide radio monitoring support as needed Saturday, with a decision regarding further coverage to be announced late Saturday afternoon.
Please be prepared to report any severe weather conditions through the Skywarn net. Please report any hazardous conditions inside Pickens Count such as flooding, road conditions, downed trees or power lines, etc. using the 442.400MHz repeater on Caesar's Head Mountain to report these conditions to the Pickens County EOC.
Local weather forecast information may be obtained from the National Weather Serive at: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.881214&lon=-82.706178
Tom Poole W4ATP Pickens County ARES Emergency Coordinator

Posted on: Friday, 27 September 2024 at 08:27:12 AM

HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE - 08:10 27 SEP 24
Our 442.125 MHz repeater on Six Mile Mountain seems to have gone offline during the overnight hours. PLEASE USE OUR 442.400 MHz REPEATER ON CAESARS HEAD FOR INTER-COUNTY TRAFFIC.
Due to the frequently updated forecasts from the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, I will not re-state the forecast here. Please consult the National Weather Service forecast at weather.gov.
Please be prepared to report any severe weather conditions through the Skywarn net. If there are any conditions, such as flooding, road conditions, downed trees or power lines, etc. please use the 442.125MHz repeater on Six Mile Mountain to report these conditoins to the Pickens County EOC. DO NOT jeopardize your safety to make any observations during this storm.
An updated announcement will be posted on the Pickens County Communications Group website around mid-day on Friday, 27 September.

Posted on: Friday, 27 September 2024 at 08:24:51 AM

HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE - 08:10 27 SEP 24
Our 442.125 MHz repeater on Six Mile Mountain seems to have gone offline during the overnight hours. PLEASE USE OUR 442.400 MHz REPEATER ON CAESARS HEAD FOR INTER-COUNTY TRAFFIC.
Due to the frequently updated forecasts from the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, I will not re-state the forecast here. Please consult the National Weather Service forecast at weather.gov.
Please be prepared to report any severe weather conditions through the Skywarn net. If there are any conditions, such as flooding, road conditions, downed trees or power lines, etc. please use the 442.125MHz repeater on Six Mile Mountain to report these conditoins to the Pickens County EOC. DO NOT jeopardize your safety to make any observations during this storm.
An updated announcement will be posted on the Pickens County Communications Group website around mid-day on Friday, 27 September.

Posted on: Thursday, 26 September 2024 at 10:04:17 AM

HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE - 10:00 26 SEP 24 Due to the frequently updated forecasts from the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, I will not re-state the forecast here. Please use the following links for the latest storm information: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.881214&lon=-82.706178 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Helene Please be prepared to report any severe weather conditions through the Skywarn net. If there are any conditions, such as flooding, road conditions, downed trees or power lines, etc. please use the 442.125MHz repeater on Six Mile Mountain to report these conditoins to the Pickens County EOC. DO NOT jeopardize your safety to make any observations during this storm. An updated announcement will be posted on the Pickens County Communications Group website on Thursday evening, 26 September.

Posted on: Wednesday, 25 September 2024 at 07:48:01 PM

HURRICANE HELENE MESSAGE #2 Please email me your availability to operate either from your home station or an assigned location between the times stated in the subject line of this email.  Please send me this availability in two hour time blocks, if possible.
I will use this information to develop a staffing schedule during this severe weather event, in case we are asked to provide support to Pickens County.
Tom Poole W4ATP Pickens County ARES Emergency Coordinator SC ARES Area 1 Assistant District Emergency Coordinator
W4ATP@outlook.com

Posted on: Wednesday, 25 September 2024 at 07:25:07 PM

HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE - 19:30 25 SEP 24 Due to the frequently updated forecasts from the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, I will not re-state the forecast here. Please use the following links for the latest storm information: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.881214&lon=-82.706178 https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Helene Please be prepared to report any severe weather conditions through the Skywarn net. If there are any conditions, such as flooding, road conditions, downed trees or power lines, etc. please use the 442.125MHz repeater on Six Mile Mountain to report these conditoins to the Pickens County EOC. DO NOT jeopardize your safety to make any observations during this storm. An updated announcement will be posted on the Pickens County Communications Group website on Thursday morning, 26 September.

Posted on: Tuesday, 24 September 2024 at 03:30:39 PM

MEET and GREET
The Pickens County Communications Group is parting with the Upstatescgmrs for a meet and greet at the Six Mile County Park Saturday October 12,2024. All Amateurs and GMRS operators are invited to attend.Bring a cover dish. There will be a talk in on Six Mile 550 PL 127.3 GMRS Repeater and on Six Mile 2 meter 146.700 PL 141.3 Repeater We all have one thing in common is that we all have radios and talk on them. Their will be a Ham radio HF and VHF station set up to demonstrate Ham radio to the GMRS operators. (like a small field day).

Posted on: Monday, 23 September 2024 at 03:11:03 PM

POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE 9
This is a message from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Due to the potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 please inspect all gear, check your go bag, and ensure you are ready in the event of any possible response actions that are warranted. Currently the storm is forecast to remain west of South Carolina with the main impacts being wind and heavy rain, however tracks can change and any shift of the track east would mean higher impacts for the State. Please stay tuned for updates from S C E M D to include possible coordination calls and or radio room activation. Thank you for your service.

Posted on: Thursday, 12 September 2024 at 05:12:38 PM

BROADCASTIFY
147.195 WX4PG Repeater is back on the air on Broadcastify.

You can find it under WX4PG Skywarn Linked Repeater. You can get it on the Broadcastify app or on your computer.

Posted on: Friday, 6 September 2024 at 05:18:00 PM

GMRS MEET & GREET
The Upstate SC GMRS has been set for Saturday October 12, 2024 at Six Mile County Park. All GMRS operators with Ham Radio operators is invited.For more details, go to www.upstatescgmrs.com.

Posted on: Saturday, 31 August 2024 at 06:13:40 PM

POOLE OBITUARY
Tom Poole W4ATP mother passed away Friday morning. Here is the arangments

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 1:30pm until 2:45pm at Robinson Funeral Home -Powdersville Road. The funeral service will follow 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel.A private entombment will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Please attend if you can go

Posted on: Friday, 14 June 2024 at 12:58:32 PM

Posted on: Monday, 13 May 2024 at 12:05:33 PM

Posted on: Monday, 13 May 2024 at 11:54:33 AM

The frequency was changed Saturday.

Posted on: Monday, 13 May 2024 at 11:30:18 AM

SKYWARN FREQUENCY CHANGE New frequency is 147.135 receive, 147.735 Transmit WITH A DCS PL TONE 311. The frequency was changed Saturday. The packet digipeater on Caesars Head is back on the air on 145.050

Posted on: Friday, 10 May 2024 at 08:57:54 AM

The threat of severe weather has passed. Please regularly check the forecast for any changes. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.887479051219344&lon=-82.72526377722761

Posted on: Wednesday, 8 May 2024 at 11:54:27 AM

South Carolina ARES has raised the statewide ARES OPCON to 2 due to the risk of severe storms today through Thursday night, 9 May.
Please be alert to severe weather at your location and report any severe weather events, such as tornadoes, very strong winds, hail, or flash flooding through the K9OH Skywarn net, through the WX4PG UHF repeater on 443.450 MHz, or by texting WR4XM or W4ATP.
Please check the national weather service website frequently for updates regarding the risk for severe weather in our area. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.881214&lon=-82.706178

Posted on: Wednesday, 8 May 2024 at 11:52:11 AM

South Carolina ARES has raised the statewide ARES OPCON to 2 due to the risk of severe storms today through Thursday night, 9 May.
Please be alert to severe weather at your location and report any severe weather events, such as tornadoes, very strong winds, hail, or flash flooding through the K9OH Skywarn net, through the WX4PG UHF repeater on 443.450 MHz, or by texting WR4XM or W4ATP.
Please check the national weather service website frequently for updates regarding the risk for severe weather in our area.
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.881214&lon=-82.706178

Posted on: Wednesday, 1 May 2024 at 11:07:05 AM

SKYWARN FREQUENCY CHANGE

New frequency is 147.135 receive, 147.835 Transmit
WITH A DCS PL TONE 311.

(Most Amateur Radios have both the analog and digital pl's installed.)

Please program your radio ASAP.

The change will be within the next 2 weeks when time permits.

Keep the 145.470 in your radio for temporary use.

Anyone has problems in programming the frequency,
please let me know, be glad to help.

Mandell Rigdon, WR4XM

Posted on: Wednesday, 10 April 2024 at 09:09:16 AM

Website page changes

If you have visted the https://wx4pg.org website recently, you might (or might not) have noticed that the page displayed after you have signed-in has changed slightly.

Two new items have been added to the "Members Only" page, and about 4 others that were on that page have have been moved to a new page,


Membership Tools is where you can find options to display a membership roster (that you can print), or to verify your information on the Membership Database. Other lookup tools are also available there. A few new Online forms have been developed, and others are planned for the future, all of which will be accessible via the Membership Tools page. New administration options for generating reports have been added to the system administration pages (which are only visible to the Admin staff).


A new option where downloadable files can be selected is undergoing development. Currently planned are several reference documents and a section where handouts passed out during the monthly meeting can also be downloaded. Currently plans are being made to support ".txt", ".pdf", and ".doc" file types along some of the standard picture types.


Some Members have not registered yet for "MembersOnly" access to the website - If this is applies to you, please follow the "Not Registered yet?" instuctions at the bottom of the signin page...

...There have been problems in the past, getting some administrative "notification" email messages delivered to the support staff, so if you have completed the "paperwork" steps to gain access to the Members Only areas, but have not yet received access, please create an email describing your issue and send it to support@wxpg.org

You should receive an automatic acknowledgement from the HelpDesk system within 3 to 5 minutes and someone will contact you as soon as possible afterwards.


Changes to the website are usually documented in the
"Notes on Website Changes" item in the MembersOnly
portion of the "Additional Resources" page.

/s/ Bill Turner, wb4alm
Webmaster, wx4pg.org

Posted on: Monday, 1 April 2024 at 08:35:08 PM

This is a test of the the annoucement page Please do not respond to the accouncement

Posted on: Sunday, 11 February 2024 at 07:05:46 PM

Website Main Menu change

If you have visted the https://wx4pg.org website recently, you
might (or might not) have noticed that the main menu is slightly shorter.

Some Main Menu items have been moved to
the "Additional Resources" page.


The contents of the "Additional Resources" page has also been updated, and in particular, a special "Members Only" category has been added to the top of the "resources.php" page. This special category of items for "MembersOnly" can only be seen if you are signed into the website.


Some Members have not registered yet for "MembersOnly" access to the website - If this is applies to you, please follow the "Not Registered yet?" instuctions at the bottom of the signin page...


Changes to the website are usually documented in the
"Notes on Website Changes" item in the MembersOnly
portion of the "Additional Resources" page.

/s/ Bill Turner, wb4alm
Webmaster, wx4pg.org

Posted on: Thursday, 25 January 2024 at 10:50:53 AM

WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT

Information from the National Weather Service website

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Georgia, western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina.
.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Periods of moderate to occasionally heavy rain are expected to continue through tonight. Storm total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches through early Friday morning could result in localized flooding of some streams and low lying areas. In addition, isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon into the evening. Some of these could produce occasional cloud to ground lightning and gusty winds.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Another passing storm system over the weekend could bring another round of heavy rainfall Saturday through Saturday night. The threat for isolated flash flooding may be higher with this later system, particularly with heavy rain falling on saturated soils from the earlier rainfall.

Be prepared to report any severe weather or hazardous road conditions using the Skywarn repeater (145.470 MHz), the WX4PG repeaters 147.195 MHZ, or 443.450 MHz), or by texting WR4XM or W4ATP.

Additional updates will be provided as necessary.

Posted on: Tuesday, 23 January 2024 at 08:10:32 PM

Tuesday night through Friday morning expect 3-4 inches of rain, there will be isolated flooding of streams.

Brief drying is expected on Friday through early Saturday; however Saturday afternoon into Saturday night heavy rainfall.

Sunday we will see temps in 60s and drying up from rain.

Please be prepared to report any severe weather or hazardous road conditions.

Posted on: Sunday, 14 January 2024 at 02:21:17 PM

New Announcement Option

In the future, PCCG members may see some emailed messages from "PCCGAnnounce@wx4pg.org". These will be legitimate messages and are an exact copy of any important messages that were posted as an announcement to the wx4pg.org website.

Whenever you access the wx4pg.org home page, The very first sentence you see will identify how many announcement messages are currently posted. This sentence is "color coded"...

The message will either be colored black and say
"There are no new announcements.",
or it will be colored RED and will say how many messages are posted,
along with the date range of when the messages were first posted.

Whomever creates any WX4PG.ORG announcements will also have the option of having the same message sent as an email to the entire PCCGmembers Email list.

All such emails will be from "PCCGannounce@wx4pg.org"

Posted on: Sunday, 14 January 2024 at 11:38:27 AM

HAMSHACK HOTLINE CHECK-IN ON 16 JANUARY

As previously announced, we will be conducting a Hamshack Hotline check-in at the conclusion of our net this Tuesday, 16 January.

Please call bridge number 351, then enter the conference PIN 147195 to enter the conference call.

At the voice prompt, please say your callsign and wait for the net control station to recognize you. You may leave the call, if you wish, after net control has recognized you.

Posted on: Sunday, 14 January 2024 at 10:57:06 AM

Repeater PL change
The Glassy Mtn Repeater 443.450 PL 110.9 will change to 127.3 PL tone. The change will take place on Thursday Febuary 8, 2024.

This change in PL tones will become the standard for all or most of the WX4PG UHF Repeaters.

Please program the change in an another channel space in your radio, then after the change, you can delete the old channel.

Posted on: Thursday, 11 January 2024 at 07:19:45 PM

Posted on: Thursday, 11 January 2024 at 07:17:13 PM

There is a risk of thunderstorms and gusty winds in Pickens County during the day and into the evening hours on Friday, 12 January.

Although only 1/2 to 1 inch of rain are forecast, there could be some localized flooding due to the ground being saturated from the heavy rains earlier this week.

During the daylight hours tomorrow, winds will be from the east at 7 to 14 mph with gusts as high as 21 mph. Later in the evening tomorrow west southwest winds are expected to be 13 to 18 mph, increasing to 20 to 25 mph after midnight, with some gusts approaching 40 mph. On Saturday, west southwest winds 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph are expected. Due to the wet soil conditions in the area, the gusty winds may cause some downed trees and power lines on Friday into Saturday.

Be prepared to report any severe weather or hazardous road conditions using the Skywarn repeater (145.470 MHz), the WX4PG repeaters (147.195 MHZ, or 443.450 MHz), or by texting WR4XM or W4ATP.

Additional updates will be provided as necessary.

Posted on: Monday, 8 January 2024 at 07:42:38 PM

According to the most recent information from the National Weather Service, a low pressure system will move into the area on Monday night into Tuesday morning, causing significant rainfall and gusty winds.

The highest risks expected for Pickens County as a result of this system are excessive rainfall (3" - 4" expected, with the possibility of locally higher amounts) and high wind.

Locally heavy rains may cause flash flooding to occur in some areas. Some minor river flooding may also be observed beginning late on Tuesday and into Wednesday.

A wind advisory has been issued for our area. Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour may occur in some areas, which may cause downed trees and power lines.

Based on estimated timing from the National Weather service, we should expect the gusty wind between sunrise on Tuesday morning until the late evening on Tuesday. The highest risk of strong wind gusts will likely be between early afternoon through Tuesday evening.

There is a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms and/or tornadoes in our area, however you should remain alert in case a severe storm develops.

Be prepared to report any severe weather or hazardous road conditions using the Skywarn repeater (145.470 MHz), the WX4PG repeaters 147.195 MHZ, or 443.450 MHz), or by texting WR4XM or W4ATP.

Additional updates will be provided as necessary.

Posted on: Monday, 8 January 2024 at 04:54:44 PM

According to the most recent information from the National Weather Service, a low pressure system will move into the area on Monday night into Tuesday morning, causing significant rainfall and gusty winds.
The highest risks expected for Pickens County as a result of this system are excessive rainfall (3" - 4" expected, with the possibility of locally higher amounts) and high wind.
Locally heavy rains may cause flash flooding to occur in some areas. Some minor river flooding may also be observed beginning late on Tuesday and into Wednesday morning.
A wind advisory has been issued for our area. Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour may occur in some areas, which may cause downed trees and power lines. Based on estimated timing from the National Weather service, we should expect the gusty wind between sunrise on Tuesday morning until the late evening on Tuesday. The highest risk of strong wind gusts will likely be between early afternoon until early evening Tuesday.
There is a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms and/or tornadoes in our area, however you should remain alert in case a severe storm develops.
Be prepared to report any severe weather or hazardous road conditions using the Skywarn repeater (145.470 MHz), the WX4PG repeaters 147.195 MHZ, or 443.450 MHz), or by texting WR4XM or W4ATP.
Additional updates will be provided as necessary.

Posted on: Monday, 8 January 2024 at 12:58:17 PM

According to the most recent information from the National Weather Service, a low pressure system will move into the area on Monday night into Tuesday morning, causing significant rainfall and gusty winds.
The highest risks expected for Pickens County as a result of this system are excessive rainfall (3" - 4" expected, with the possisbility of locally higher amounts) and high wind.
Locally heavy rains may cause flash flooding to occur in some areas. Some minor river flooding may also be observed beginning late on Tuesday and into Wednesday morning.
A wind advisory has been issued for our area. Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour may occur in some areas, which may cause downed trees and power lines. Based on estimated timing from the National Weather service, we should expect the gusty wind between sunrise on Tuesday morning until the late evening on Tuesday. The highest risk of strong wind gusts will likely be between early afternoon until early evening Tuesday.
There is a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms and/or tornadoes in our area, however you should remain alert in case a severe storm develops.
Be prepared to report any severe weather or hazardous road conditions using the Skywarn repeater(145.470 MHz), the WX4PG repaters (147.195 MHZ, or 443.450 MHz), or by texting WR4XM or W4ATP.
Additional updates will be provided as necessary.

Posted on: Sunday, 7 January 2024 at 06:17:20 PM

According to the most recent information from the National Weather Service, a low pressure system will likely move into the area on Monday night into Tuesday morning. This system is expected to produce heavy rainfall in the area, which could lead to flooding in some locations. There is also a risk of high winds associated with this system, which could result in downed trees and power lines. Please be on the lookout for severe weather on Monday night through Tuesday evening and be prepared to report any severe weather to the National Weather Service through the normal Skywarn channels. Additionally, please avise the County of hazardous conditons by texting W4ATP or WR4XM, or by reporting these condtions using the 147.195 MHz or 443.450 MHz repeaters.
This announcement will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Posted on: Sunday, 7 January 2024 at 06:15:47 PM

According to the most recent information from the National Weather Service, a low pressure system will likely move into the area on Monday night into Tuesday morning. This system is expected to produce heavy rainfall in the area, which could lead to flooding in soome locations. There is also a risk of high winds associated with this system, which could result in downed trees and power lines. Please be on the lookout for severe weather on Monday night through Tuesday evening and be prepared to report any severe weather to the National Weather Service through the normal Skywarn channels. Additionally, please avise the County of hazardous conditons by texting W4ATP or WR4XM, or by reporting these condtions using the 147.195 MHz or 443.450 MHz repeaters.
This announcement will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Posted on: Sunday, 7 January 2024 at 05:16:13 PM

2017-1025_0805-38_Duke_Energy_illumination_Magazine_article_about_Amateur_Radio

An email was forwarded to me this morning that was originally from Denise Kwiatek, Director of the Pickens County Emergency Management (EOC). She provided a link to an article that was published in the Duke Energy illumination Magazine about Amateur Radio. The article also highlight\'s some of what we do for the Pickens County EOC and also with Duke Energy and the Oconee County EOC in the every two year graded exercise that is required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the Duke Energy Oconee Nuclear Station.


The article why ham radio maintains its essential appeal can be read by clicking on the link, while I figure out a way to post articles like this directly on our website.

I'm open to any suggestions...such as a new category that provides links to the original stories and/or to pages stored on our website. Lots of things to consider, such as copyrights, etc.

/s/ Bill Turner, WB4ALM
wx4pg.org Webmaster

Posted on: Sunday, 7 January 2024 at 02:50:35 PM

According to the most recent information from the National Weather Service, a low pressure system will likely move into the area on Monday night into Tuesday morning. This system is expected to produce heavy rainfall in the area, which could lead to flooding in soome locations. There is also a risk of high winds associated with this system, which could result in downed trees and power lines.
Please be on the lookout for severe weather on Monday night through Tuesday and be prepared to report any severe weather to the National Weather Service through the normal Skywarn channels. Additionally, please avise the County of hazardous conditons by texting W4ATP or WR4XM, or by reporting these condtions using the 147.195 MHz or 443.450 MHz repeaters.

Posted on: Saturday, 6 January 2024 at 06:45:18 AM

Good morning. According to the National Weather Service there is a chance that we may see a small amount of frozen precipitation overnight tonight. Please be on the lookout for icy roads and bridges, downed trees and powerlines, etc. overnight and early tomorrow. If any icy conditions, downed trees, etc. are observed, please report these to the National Weather Service using the Skywarn net on the K9OH repeater, or to Tom (W4ATP) and/or Mandell (WR4XM) by text or over the WX4PG repeaters noted below.

 
|    Repeater   |Your Receive Frequency|Your Transmit Frequency|  Tone  | 
|===============|======================|=======================|========| 
| K9OH (Skywarn)|    145.470 Mhz       |     144.870 Mhz       |  91.5  | 
| WX4PG         |    147.195 Mhz       |     147.795 Mhz       | 141.3  | 
| WX4PG         |    443.450 Mhz       |     448.450 Mhz       | 110.9  | 

We may also have a slight chance of frozen precipitation overnight Monday evening into early Tuesday morning of next week, followed by possibly heavy rain later in the day on Tuesday. Please be prepared to report any weather-related issues on Tuesday as well.

Thank you for your participation in the Pickens County Communications Group.

Tom Poole
W4ATP

Posted on: Thursday, 4 January 2024 at 10:46:26 AM

Posted on: Monday, 1 January 2024 at 09:26:40 PM

Testing of the revised announcement system has been completed.

Public viewable Announcements can now be created and/or archived by any member of the Announcements team.

Sorry for any inconveniences, while the software was being redesigned and tested.

/s/ Bill Turner, wb4alm
Webmaster

Posted on: Wednesday, 30 September 2020 at 11:37:21 AM

On Saturday morning, September 26, the new 220 mhz Spectra repeater on Caesars Head (224.140) was put on an Arcom RC210 controller. It now has the capability of linking to the 442.400 repeater when needed and the WARNS system for SKYWARN WX warnings. The repeater has been on the internal controller for a while since the repeater was installed.

New antennas were also installed on Echolink node 4031, Allstar node 40642, and Radio Reference Saturday evening.

The 224.400Mhz repeater on Glassy Mountain has changed callsigns, the new call sign is WX4PG. We will get the Repeater voice announcement updated ASAP.

/s/ Mandell, WR4XM