Net Control Hints
ATEN Net Control Hints
by Gary Hamman, K7GH, with small additions by Bob K7POF July 27, 2002
BEFORE BEING NET CONTROL:
· Become familiar with net stations (call, name, location) · Monitor off-frequencies actions directed by net control (frequency, who, why)
· Try to guess what the NCS will do next · Know the geography of the net coverage
CHARACTERISTICS OF NET CONTROL:
· Friendly
· NCS is the boss, but not bossy
· Punctual
· Reliable equipment
NET OPERATION:
1. Check net frequency before net time. Ask others to QSY (politely). If refused, move the net frequency, probably up since Columbine Net is on
3989.
2. List traffic on separate paper: Call Quantity Where to
Handled by Frequency
3. Before roll call, ask for volunteers to handle the traffic. For traffic outside of ATEN coverage: W7EP, W5ZZM, WA7JCK, W7ADZ, K7POF
4. Before roll call if at all possible, move stations off frequency to handle traffic.
- Check frequency before moving (try 3998, 3985)
- Send a relay station if needed
- It is OK to send more than one set of stations to same frequency
5. Roll Call – Acknowledge each station as they check in. If something for them, tell them when they check in. (Stations should list all contacts and traffic before roll call).
6. Closing – do not close before all formal traffic has been handled. Excuse all stations if not needed to finish traffic. -- For after-net contacts, announce them at closing and then turn the frequency over to them.
OTHER HINTS
1. Records – Send K7POF needed info (QNI number of check-ins, QTC traffic count).
2. Intentional interference and tune-upper's – IGNORE it and work around it.
3. Poor conditions -- if not sure all stations are hearing you, have another stations (or 2) open for additional check-ins and traffic at the beginning and end of net.
4. Book traffic
- It's ok to break it into separate messages
- Have all receiving stations copy the common parts at the same time.
5. Be friendly, always
6. Ask for assistance if needed.
HAVE FUN! THIS IS OUR HOBBY
Bob K7POF