NET-114
Net Control Tips
Adapted from Waller County Ares Training
Written by Christine Smith, N5CAS (sk)
If the net is a scheduled net, start on time! Tardiness indicates poor management and doesn’t inspire confidence in the Net Control Station (NCS).
Use a script when possible. This promotes efficient operation. If you have time, annotate your script with updates before you start the net.
Nets are for training purposes. Try not to be personal but don’t be afraid to correct errors. It’s best to lead by example but sometimes it is necessary to spell it out. Insist on the PROPER use of ITU phonetics including numerals. Insist that stations not speak without requesting and obtaining permission first. Insist that every station that speaks ends their transmission with their call sign…”n5cas”.
Key your microphone and count silently to two before you begin to speak. This gives the repeater(s) time to open the channel. Make sure participants do the same. Let them know when they’re clipping the first few letters of the first word.
Have the applicable preamble handy and an apphabetized roster to keep the net moving smoothly. A roster also assists in keeping names, calls and locations together. (This can be really important, especially in the wee morning hours.)
Be friendly, yet in control. Speak slowly and clearly with an even tone but not a monotone. Speak with confidence even if you are inwardly nervous.
Ask specific questions and give specific instructions. This reduces the need for “repeats” and prevents confusion.
Have pencil/paper ready and write down ALL calls. Practice writing down calls when you are not the NCS so that ITU phonetics come naturally.
Read your radio owners’ manual and know your radio before an emergency occurs. Random fumbling with the knobs wastes valuable time and is very unprofessional. Know how to quickly switch your receiver to the reverse frequency when using a repeater. Sometimes the other station is close enough that you or somebody else on the net can copy them even if they cannot reach the repeater effectively.
Know how to use your microphone. The worst NCS is one that cannot be heard or sounds like a train huffing and puffing and spitting and popping into the microphone. Articulate, don’t slur. Speak close to your mike but talk across it – not into it.
When there is a “double” (i.e., when two or more stations transmit on the same frequency at the same time), listen to see if you can identify either station by call sign, voice, or by text. Then ask all stations to “Stand By”, announce that there was a double and solicit clarification or repeats from each station involved as needed.
During check-ins, recognize participants by name whenever possible. It helps boost morale.
Frequently identify the name and purpose of the net as well as your callsign to keep both the FCC and repeater trustee happy.
Advise listeners of the sub-audible squelch tone (CTCSS or DCS) required to open the repeater’s transmitter, if applicable.
Net Control should be able to answer questions to assist participants or to try to find someone who can – it is part of their job. If necessary, take the question and the requester’s contact info and try to help them after the net closes.
If the net is a large scale emergency or Special Event operation, tell listeners where to go for other nets such as resource nets or course nets.
You will make mistakes. Acknowledging and correcting them will earn the respect and support of net members. It’s part of the training/learning inherent in our nets.
Don’t think on-the-air. If you need a moment to consider what is needed next, say “stand by” and un-key your microphone. This adds a professional touch.
Keep transmissions as short as possible but don’t chop the script. It’s fine to read for a minute before you stop to let the repeater rest. Finish the paragraph so your presentation flows smoothly.
Transmit only facts. If there is a real need to make an educated guess or to speculate, make it clear to others that it is only speculation and not fact.
For emergency or Special Event nets, avoid becoming the source for general information about the event. ALWAYS refer event status questions to the proper public information net or Public Information Officer (PIO).
Use standard ITU phonetics. There is no such thing as “common spelling.”
Send all numbers as individual numbers, e.g., 334 is “three three four” not “three hundred thirty four.”
For voice nets, use plain English. “Q” signals are for CW, 10 dash signals are for the cops and “good buddy” is just lame…another top-ten tip.
If the net has been quiet for more than ten minutes, check on operator status. This keeps the net running more smoothly and insures that you know about equipment failures and missing operators as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT:
One of the functions and duties of an NCS is to keep a current list of stations checking in, where they are, their individual assignments and what capabilities they have as well as when they are released. This goes along with logging or record keeping which is very important and causes many a good NCS to slip. This information is important during the operation or incident, and also is needed for after-action reports following the conclusion of the incident.
Links:
For more information on the information presented, please consult the following links:
- http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/pscm/index.html
- For more information on the net control function, please see the ARRL Operating Manual chapter on emergency communications.
- See also the ARRL ARES Field Manual.
- To learn more about local and section-wide ARES and NTS net operation, contact your Section Manager (SM), your Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) or District Emergency Coordinator (DEC).
- See http://www.arrl.org/field/org/smlist.html.
- For practice, see the ARRL Net Directory for a list of ARES and NTS nets operating in your area.
That concludes tonight’s training. Are there any questions, comments or suggested additions to this material?
Thanks, this is (callsign) clear to net control
Send corrections, modifications, updates or suggestions to k5prs@aol.com