Signal, Weather, and Support

Amateur (“ham”) radio is a licensed service regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). By law, only licensed amateur radio operators may transmit on amateur frequencies during normal circumstances. This ensures that communications remain orderly, interference is minimized, and trained operators are available to assist when needed.

⚠️ Emergency Exception: In a true emergency — where there is an immediate threat to human life or property and no other means of communication is available — any person may use amateur radio to call for help. FCC Part 97 rules allow this exception so that lifesaving communication is never blocked by licensing requirements.

For all non‑emergency situations, please do not attempt to transmit unless you hold a valid amateur radio license. Instead, you can follow LOTOC updates through the website, BlueSky, or other public channels. 

LOTOC’s operator, Deanna Seemann, operates under the FCC‑issued amateur radio call sign N5TDS. Think of a call sign as a radio “username,” but one that’s officially assigned by the FCC. Every licensed ham operator is given a unique call sign, which serves as their on‑air identity and ensures accountability, orderly communication, and recognition within the amateur radio community.

When LOTOC transmits on local repeaters or simplex frequencies, you’ll hear this call sign used to identify the station, as required by FCC Part 97 rules.

LOTOC actively monitors the Williamson County ARES repeater (Channel V708R):

• RX Frequency: 147.080 MHz (Tone: CSQ)

• TX Frequency: 147.680 MHz (Tone: 100.0 Hz, Offset +)

This repeater is the primary coordination channel for Williamson County ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service). Licensed amateur operators may make contact directly on this frequency.

For those without an amateur radio license, you can still listen in real time through the public Broadcastify feed: Williamson County ARES Repeater Live Audio.

During severe weather or emergencies, nets are activated on this repeater to support situational awareness and community response.

LOTOC monitors the national 2‑meter calling frequency on 146.520 MHz FM simplex. Licensed amateur operators may call us there to establish contact. Once communication is made, we can QSY (shift) to 146.400 MHz FM simplex for continued conversation, keeping the calling frequency clear for others.

This provides a direct, station‑to‑station path without using a repeater, useful for local coordination and emergency traffic.

LOTOC is reachable via Winlink for emergency communications, continuity updates, and field reports. This digital messaging system ensures resilient connectivity even when traditional internet services are disrupted.

Winlink Address: n5tds@winlink.org

Alternate LOTOC Mailbox: winlink@lotoc.org (for internal routing and continuity capsule logging)