chapter 6 communicating with other hams. chapter 6 amateur radio equipment today’s agenda common...

Chapter 6

Communicating With Other Hams

Chapter 6Amateur Radio Equipment

Today’s agenda

• Common parts of ham contacts

• Where contacts are made

• How to start & conduct a contact

• How to make contacts on a repeater

• How nets operate

• How to find nets

04/21/23 2Technician - Chapter 6 - 1 Jul 10-30 Jun 14

Today’s agenda (Continued)

• Emergency operating rules

• Amateur emergency organizations

• Special operating techniques and modes

Chapter 6Amateur Radio Equipment


Chapter 6Contact Basics

ALERT!


This Chapter will be fun and interesting

This is not a drill!


Your first “official” contact via amateur radio may most likely be made through a repeater.

Making contacts via a repeater or via the Internet requires a different protocol than other contacts. The differences are subtle.

You will either initiate a contact or respond to an attempt to initiate a contact.



Before we talk you through making a contact, we need to discuss some things like “radio manners” and good amateur practices.

Our call sign is our identity. The rules require us to identify ourselves when talking regardless of mode. So say your call sign.

Hams know each other primarily by their first name and their call sign. Rarely to you hear someone say their last name. Maybe that’s why we’re such a friendly group!



Use phonetics to ensure your “radio name” (your call sign) is understood.

Use the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) phonetic alphabet.

You might hear some substitutions for the ITU phonetics such as: “Norway” instead of “November”; “Santiago” or “Sugar” in lieu of “Sierra”; “Denmark” for “Delta”; etc.

Avoid cute words: N3USP = “November three uniform sugar papa” versus “Norma’s three united pickle suckers”



Only one of you can talk at a time so make it clear when you’re done transmitting and turning the conversation back to the other station. “Over”.

A CW operator sends “K” to indicate it’s the other station’s turn to “talk”.

When we end a contact and are leaving the frequency or going off the air, we can say “This is W3VPR, clear.” This is very common on repeaters.

CW ops send “SK”



Many of our abbreviated words and phrases are referred to as “procedural signals” or “prosigns” and have been part of our communications lexicon since the days of the telegraph.

Speak slow and clear, especially when talking with stations outside the USA. It’s a courtesy that should be extended to everyone regardless of their location.

The same applies to CW – send as slow as the other station sends. Conversely, only send as fast as you can copy.



Choosing a frequency is easy but you must be careful. The first thing to do is listen. The second thing to do is listen. The third thing to do is listen. The key the mike and ask “Is this frequency in use? This is W3VPR”. Pause for 5-10 seconds and if nobody answers, ask again.

If no one answers after the second time, you can reasonably expect that the frequency is not in use and you can use it.

CW ops send “QRL?” (Is the frequency busy?)



When using a repeater all you have to do select the output frequency of a repeater and listen. If you don’t hear someone talking after 10 seconds, say your call sign: “This is W3VPR, mobile” of “This is W3VPR, listening”.

When we make a contact with someone, especially a stranger, what do we say?

It depends on whether your on HF, VHF/UHF SSB, CW or using a repeater. We’ll have some examples later on.



You’ll exchange call signs just like you would exchange names in a face-to-face meeting. You’ll also share your first names.

You’ll exchange signal reports except on a repeater although you might comment on the quality of the signals when using a repeater. More on that later.

You might also share your power output, location, type of radio or “rig”, and type of antenna and its height above ground.



Signal reports are a combination of 2 or 3 numbers depending on whether you’re using voice (2 numbers) or CW/Digital (3 numbers)

First numeral indicates readability or how well you can understand the other station. 5 = perfect readability and 1 = the signal is unreadable.

Second numeral indicates the signal strength. 9 = Extremely strong signals and 1 = faint or barely perceptible.



Third numeral indicates the Tone quality and is used only with CW and Digital communications. 9 = Perfect tone, no trace of ripple or modulation of any kind. 1 = Sixty-cycle ac or less, very rough and broad

Obviously some aspects of the signal report are subjective. One man’s readability of 5 is another man’s readability of 4.Experience will guide you.

You can use a “S-meter” to determine the signal strength but many hams will tell you they’ve heard a signal that was very strong but only registered a 4 or 5 on the S-meter.



We also typically share information about our power output:

I’m running “barefoot” (Operating without an amplifier and by default usually 100W unless otherwise indicated)

I’m running 3 watts. (Anything less than 10 watts output is usually considered to be QRP or low power operations. Many hams consider low power to be 5 watts or less.)

I using full power. (Usually this means 1500 watts.)



We give our station location.

In most cases, when on HF, your city or city and state will suffice.

On some occasions you might be asked for your county as well.

When operating VHF/UHF SSB you might give the above info plus a grid square indicator based on the “Maidenhead Locator System”. Chasing grid squares is a popular and challenging activity on VHF/UHF.



The “Maidenhead Locator System” divides the Earth’s surface into a system of rectangles based on latitude and longitude. Each rectangle is identified with a four or six character code consisting of letters and numbers.

For example W3VPR is located in grid square FM18.

For greater precision, an additional two letters are added: FM18qw. The maps that follow will help you understand the grid system.




Grid Square EM covers all or part of 19 states



Maryland stations are located in Grid Squares FM09, FM18, FM19, FM28, and FM29



Good manners and good sense guide our public, face-to-face conversations and so it is with amateur radio.

• Indecent and obscene language is always prohibited.

• Racial and ethnic references are avoided.

• Provocative subjects including politics, religion and sexual topics are also avoided.



We normally end our conversations with a friendly farewell that might include one or more of the following:

I’ll be clear on your final

I’ll see you down the log

73 - “Best regards” or “Best wishes”

88 - “Love and kisses” or “hugs and kisses”

33- “Love sealed with friendship” between Yls

Clear – Used on repeaters a lot.



Q-Signals are three letter shorthand that can be used as a statement of fact or as a question.

QRS – Send slowerQRS? – Shall I send slower?

QSL – I acknowledge receiptQSL? – Do you acknowledge receipt?

QRV – I am ready QRV? – Are you ready?



I’m getting some QRM. Do you want to QSY to 20 meters?

There’s a lot of QRN on this repeater, let’s QSY to the 805 machine.

QRM – Man-made interference (other hams, etc.)QRN – Natural interference (lightning crashes, etc). QSY – Change frequency.



A longstanding tradition of our hobby is that of mutual assistance.

As new members of this special group, you’ll find your fellow hams to be valuable sources of knowledge, expertise who possess an unwavering willingness to help new members get started. All you have to do is ask.

Sometimes you’ll get assistance even though you didn’t ask.



Unsolicited assistance will commonly occur when you make a mistake on-the-air. Usually these kinds of mistakes involve your technique – transmitting too soon or too late, speaking too fast, using the wrong procedure, reversing call signs, etc.

With some experience and with the assistance of your fellow hams, you’ll soon sound like you’ve been doing this for years.



Before you know it, you’ll be the one giving assistance to a new ham. When that happens you’ll want to be patient and helpful. Take your time and if you can offer a solution, do so.

A helpful, friendly voice when you’re having trouble is greatly appreciated in any endeavor.

Hams just seem to be better at it than others.



What do you do if you think your equipment might not be working properly?

A commonly used method is the on-the-air “radio check”.

You can arrange with a friend to meet you on-the-air or you can make a general call.

When a station responds to your call, identify your station and ask for a radio check.



You might be asked to give a “Five” or “Ten Count” so the other station can listen to your signal to determine what if anything might be a problem.

Simply count forward to 5 and then backwards to 1 and don’t forget to give your call sign.

On CW you would send a series of “Vs” several times.

The responding station will then provide you with some feedback regarding your signal.



If he/she notices a problem it will normally be described and maybe a solution will be provided as well.

Distortion of voice signals could result from microphone or RF feedback.

Excessive noise or crackling could indicate a loose connection.

And a hum on any signal could indicate a problem with a power supply or battery.



Amateur Radio is largely a self-policing communications service. This has been a trademark of our hobby for years.

When we observe a fellow ham violating the rules, we normally contact them and politely inform them of their infraction. However, do not break the rules yourself to do so.

Send an e-mail or a letter or call the ham on the phone and let him/her know. Be polite and respectful in such situations.



The ARRL has established the “Official Observer” (OO) program that relies on technically skilled hams to keep an ear on the bands, often finding and fixing problems before they a real problem for other hams.

The OOs will send you a notice whenever they observe your operation is not in compliance with the FCC rules. This is an informal notification process and you do not have to respond.

However, if the FCC sends you a note, you had better respond.



So how do we keep track of our various contacts? Legally, you don’t have to keep a record of your contacts.

However, you could memorize all of them but more likely you’ll want to use a logging software program.

These programs run from the mundane (bare bones) to the extravagant (technically sophisticated).

Some are available as “Shareware” whereas others cost $$$



So why bother to keep track if you don’t have to?

• Identify good times to operate

• Help identify sources of interference

• Keep track of your station information

• Keep track of your periods of activity

• Keep track of contacts for awards



The final courtesy of a contact is the exchange of “QSL cards” as a means of confirming the contact.

• Not used for repeater contacts

• Post card-sized – Proof of contact for awards

• Information about the contact

• Your call sign and information

• The call sign of the station contacted

• Date, time, frequency, and mode of contact

• Signal report



Contact info on front Contact info on back



A “Dxpedition” Cardcontact info on back



Make your own QSL cards and personalize them for an event or season

Chapter 6Band Plans


What’s a “Band Plan”?

It’s a plan designed by hams for the voluntary use of a particular radio frequency band.

Each band plan describes the activities and modes to be conducted within a defined segments of the frequency band.

Activities can include DX, Contesting, Beacons, Calling Frequencies, Simplex Frequencies, Satellite up- and downlink Frequencies, etc.

Chapter 6Band Plans


14.000 14.025 14.070 14.095 14.0995 14.100 14.1005 14.112 14.150 ------ Packet ---- ----------- Packet -----------

--------- PSK31 -------- Beacons --------- RTTY ---------

ExtraONLY Extra, Advanced and General

FCC 20 meter allocation for CW, RTTY and Data (Packet, PSK31 and MFSK16) Emissions

CW

Current 20 meter Band Plan

Chapter 6Band Plans


Calling frequencies are specific frequencies within a band for specific modes where stations can make contact. Once contact is made the stations move off of the calling frequency to continue their QSO (e.g., “conversation”).

The use of band plans can help bring order out of chaos.

Remember, band plans are voluntary plans for the use of the amateur radio frequency spectrum. Band plans are nothing more than a “gentleman’s agreement” developed by hams.

Chapter 6Band Plans


Band plans are considered “good practice” by the FCC.

Another method of reducing interference is the Regional Frequency Coordinator.

These are elected volunteers who recommend repeater frequencies to be used by repeaters operating on or near the same frequency in the same geographical area in order to eliminate or reduce interference between repeaters.

Chapter 6Making Contacts


Each contact has three components:

• The call-up or response

• The “conversation”

• The closing

Before you initiate a call-up or respond to a call, make sure you are authorized to use the frequency.



The protocol for making contacts on a repeater is a little different than those for making contacts on SSB or CW/Digital.

Repeaters are often like “social clubs” with regular members who might share a common interest or purpose for getting on the repeater.

There are some “rules” or “good manners” for using any repeater.



• Listen to see if the repeater is in use.

• Keep transmissions short

• Identify your station legally.

• While not required, it’s a good idea to give your call at the beginning of the contact.

• Pause briefly so that other stations may join the conversation or to try to contact another station.



When you are using a repeater, YOU are responsible to ensure that your transmissions do not violate FCC rules.

When you want to let someone know that you are available to chat, simply key the mike and say your call sign:

“W3VPR”

“W3VPR, listening”

“W3VPR, mobile”



If you hear a station announce their presence on a repeater and want to respond to that station or if you want to try to call a station whose call sign you know, say the call sign of the station followed by “this is” and then your call sign.

W3VPR, mobile

W3VPR this is WN4FUI

WN4FUI this is W3VPR. Thanks for coming back to my call. My name is Frank and I’m on I-97 north on the way to the airport.



If you hear a station announce their presence on a repeater and want to respond to that station or if you want to try to call a station whose call sign you know, say the call sign of the station followed by “this is” and then your call sign.

WN4FUI this is W3VPR mobile

This is WN4FUI. Go ahead Frank.

Hi Mark. I just left the house and should be at your place in about 15 minutes.



Giving signal reports is part of repeater etiquette. But we don’t use the RST system. Instead we use a verbal system.

• Full Quieting – Strong signal, no receiver noise is heard• Scratchy – Some noise on the receiver signal• Flutter or “picket fencing” – Rapid fading• Dropping out – Mostly audible but frequently no signal• Broken or breaking up – short periods of audible signals but mostly unreadable.



Repeaters often add a short “courtesy beep” or “courtesy tone” to the retransmitted signal to indicate when the transmitting station’s signal disappears. This is the equivalent of “over” so you know it’s your turn to talk.

If the repeater is in use and you accidently interrupt the conversation, simply say, “Sorry, W3VPR clear”.

If you want to join an on-going conversation, wait until there is a break in the conversation and say your call sign. One of the stations will recognize you and tell you to go ahead.



If you ever receive a report that your audio signal is strong but distorted there are several reasons why this might be true.

You could be slightly off frequencyCheck to make sure you’re on the right frequency

You might be speaking too loudly into the microphoneLower your voice or move the microphone

Your batteries might be weak or lowReplace the batteries



Having a strong signal that suddenly fades after a few seconds usually indicates that you have a weak battery.

What does it mean when you say your call sign several times and no one answers?

Probably no one is available to chat with you at this time.

We’ll discuss repeaters some more in a few minutes.



SSB, CW and Digital modes don’t generally use repeaters finding and attracting other stations is done a little differently.

Just like on a repeater, if you know another station’s call then all you have to do is select a frequency not in use and say the other station’s call and then yours.

WN4FUI WN4FUI WN4FUI this is W3VPR W3VPR over.



If you want to attract any station then find an available frequency and then say your call sign long enough for the other stations to tune their radio to your signal and determine your call sign.

CQ CQ CQ this is W3VPR W3VPR W3VPR over. Wait 5-10 seconds and then repeat.

CQ CQ CQ this is W3VPR W3VPR W3VPR over.

CQ is a procedure signal or sign that means, “I am calling any station”



When using CW or Digital the call-up looks a little different.

CQ CQ CQ DE W3VPR W3VPR W3VPR K.

CQ CQ CQ DE W3VPR W3VPR W3VPR K.

“ DE” is the equivalent of “this is”

“K” is the equivalent of “Over”



When you initiate a call-up, always check to make sure the frequency is not in use by other hams.

If you hear a station calling “CQ” and you’d like to contact that station, when the station pauses to listen for other stations responding, say that station’s call sign once only followed by your call sign one or two times.

CQ CQ CQ this is W3VPR W3VPR W3VPR over.

W3VPR this is WN4FUI Whiskey November 4 Foxtrot Uniform India over.



Once you’ve joined or initiated a contact, you might find yourself in an extended conversation. This type of activity is called a “ragchew”.

If you’re sharing the frequency with several stations, that’s called a “roundtable”.

Stations in rare locations usually only exchange signal reports and call signs so they can make contacts with lots of stations.

Organized on-the-air meetings are called “Nets”



While engaging in a “roundtable” or a “net” we use certain methods to control the flow of a conversation in an effort to bring order to what might otherwise be a chaotic adventure.

“Over” (or “K” for CW/Digital) – this is a clue for you or the next station to start talking.

Develop a “rotation” for talking.

When two stations talk at the same time it’s called “doubling” and someone who is monitoring will usually let you know that you “doubled”.



To join in the conversation, simply wait for a pause and then quickly say your call sign.

The appropriate response is that one of the stations will recognize you and tell you to go ahead.

At this point say your call sign and ask if you can join in.

If it’s an emergency, say your call sign and make your announcement or pass your message.



Operating simplex means that you are talking and listening on the same frequency unlike when you use a repeater when you transmit on one frequency (input) and listen on another (output).

When stations are close enough to communicate directly it is good practice to move off a repeater and continue the contact using a simplex frequency.



Simplex channels are located between bands of repeater input and output channels.

You can make initial contacts using the national calling frequencies and then move to another simplex frequency for the remainder of your conversation.

146.520 MHz = 2 meter national simplex calling frequency.

446.000 MHz = 70cm national simplex calling frequency.

Chapter 6Using Repeaters


Transmitting on one frequency and receiving on another is called “duplex communications”. Repeaters are the most common example of duplex communications.

You will hear the term “split frequency operation” used when operating on HF, especially during some contests. This means you are transmitting on one frequency and receiving on another.

Duplex communications and split frequency operation are the same thing.



So how do you find a repeater that you can use?

The ARRL Repeater Directory is a good source but is only accurate at the time of publication based on the accuracy of the submitted data.

Listings are often not updated.



The Internet is also a great source of repeater information.

Internet listings are also only as accurate as the data that is submitted data.

Listings are often not updated.

Here are two fairly good sites:

www.artscipub.com/repeaters/

http://rptr.amateur-radio.net/



Repeater directories (books and web sites) provide some basic information about repeaters:

• Sorted by state• Sorted by band• Lists location (City)• Lists output frequency and input (+ or -)• Lists the repeater’s call sign and the sponsor• May or may not list the availability of auto patch, IRLP, Echolink, CTCSS tone, etc.)



Repeater offsets represent the difference between the repeater’s transmitter frequency (output) and it’s receiver frequency (input).

If the repeater’s input frequency is higher than it’s output frequency then it’s a “positive offset” and if the input frequency is lower than it’s output frequency it’s a “negative offset”.

A list of standard repeater offsets by band are shown on the next slide



Band Output Frequency Input Frequency Offset

6M 51-52 - 0.5 MHz 52-54 - 1.0 MHz

2M

144.51-144.89 + 0.6 MHz 145.11-145.49 - 0.6 MHz 146.0-146.39 +0.6 MHz 146.61-147.0 -0.6 MHz 147.0-147.39 +0.6 MHz 147.6-147.99 -0.6 MHz

1.25M 223-225 - 1.6 MHz

70cm 440-445 + 5.0 MHz 445-450 - 5.0 MHz



Repeater access tones are used to allow a signal from the receiver to the transmitter for re-transmission.

The repeater recognizes whether your transmitted signal contains the access code and if it does, then it accepts you signal for re-transmission.

If your signal does not have the access code then your signal will not be heard on the repeater.



The tone represents a unique frequency.

Each repeater can have a different tone or use no tone at all.

The two frequencies circled in red are common to the state of Maryland. Nearly all of the 319 repeaters in Maryland use these two frequencies.



Repeater access tones were invented by Motorola. These tones are known as “Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System or CTCSS”, “PL” for “Private Line” which is a Motorola trade name, or “subaudible tones”.



If you can hear a repeater’s signal and you’re using the correct offset but you can’t access the repeater, you probably don’t your radio set up to use the correct access tone.



A repeater system consists of a receiver, a transmitter, a control unit and an antenna.

Repeaters often employ remote receivers to extend their range and to hear signals that might otherwise be blocked.

Signals from the remote receivers are transmitted by an “auxiliary station” to the repeater’s transmitter site for retransmission.



Repeaters can also be linked to other repeaters.

Received audio signals are retransmitted over a much wider area than any one repeater can cover.

Cables or usually “control links” are used to connect the repeaters.

Control links consist of a transmitter and receiver that only relay audio and control signals between the repeaters.



The auxiliary stations used as “control links” typically use the 1.25m and 70cm bands. They are not used for direct contacts.

Repeater networks or systems are usually made up of several linked repeaters that can be many miles apart.

Consider the “Colorado Connection” repeater system which consists of 17 linked repeaters.



ColoradoConnection

RepeaterSystem



ColoradoConnection

RepeaterSystem

Area of coverage

Durango siteUnder

construction



Repeaters are usually available for any amateur to use. However, that is not always the case.

Repeaters are either “Open” or “Closed”

• Open – available to any amateur

• Closed – Not for public use; restricted to authorized users; or restricted for a special purpose (e.g., emergency communications). Allowed by the FCC.



Repeaters can often provide additional services:

• Connection to the telephone system (“Autopatch”)• 911 Service – unrestricted• Local calls – typically restricted to club members

• Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP)• Echolink

When using the autopatch feature, it’s a good idea to let the other person know you are using amateur radio to make the call and that it can be heard by everyone listening to the repeater.



IRLP and Echolink are the two most popular systems that use “VoIP” (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to link repeaters.

You must be licensed to use IRLP and Echolink.

With IRLP you must use a radio to connect to a repeater that is connected to the Internet.

With Echolink you can use a computer with a sound card connected to the Internet and microphone. No radio is required.



To make a contact via IRLP you must know the repeater control code that will initiate the connection with the Internet. This is the “ON” code. Use your microphone keypad to enter the information.

Next, enter the four digit code for the IRLP node with which you want to make contact. You’ll hear a confirmation code or announcement (e.g., “Link on”).

Give your call sign to announce your presence.

IRLP and Echolink nodes are listed in repeater directories and on the Internet.

Chapter 6Nets


Net is short for “Network”

Evolved over the years as a method to meet on the air and share news and exchange messages. Three basic types:

•Traffic Nets – National Traffic System (NTS)

•Emergency & Public Service Nets

•Social & Topical Nets • Ayn Rand• Worked All States Nets and DX Nets – Examples:

WAS - 3905 Century Club, Triple H, DX - W7PHO Family Hour, Butterfly, 234

Chapter 6Nets


Social nets are the least formal.

They can be topical in nature (Other hobbies and ham related interests). “Orioles Net”

They can be service oriented (Commuter nets, traffic conditions, etc.) “Our morning net”

They can be “stay in contact” nets.

Chapter 6Nets


Social nets are easy to join and rarely require any training.

Just listen to how the net is conducted and try to emulate it.

When you’re ready just jump in with your call sign.

Chapter 6Nets


Traffic nets are probably the “original” nets.

They are very structured, often require training and are used to pass “traffic” (e.g. formal messages) between stations.

The National Traffic System or NTS is an extensive structure of traffic nets that meet daily to pass messages from one station in one part of the country to another station in another part of the country until the message is delivered to the intended recipient.

Very much like Western Union except it’s free.

Chapter 6Nets


The National Traffic System consists of three area nets and 12 regional nets and hundreds of section and/or local nets across Canada and the United States.

The next two slides offer a general overview of the organizational structure of the NTS

Chapter 6Nets


Up to 81 Section Nets and hundreds of Local Nets

3 Region

Nets

ThreeArea

Nets Area Nets

HF Phone, CW, DigitalPacific Central Eastern

Six Region

Nets

3 Region

Nets

VHF/UHF Phone, HF Phone, CW, Digital

PANCAN

EAN

Chapter 6Nets


Chapter 6Nets


Having and following simple rules contributes to making a net operate effectively and efficiently.

A Net Control Station (NCS) is responsible for conducting each net session in an orderly way in accordance with established net procedures.

The NCS must have a strong and clear signal that can be heard by all net members regardless of mode or method.

Chapter 6Nets


No matter what the purpose or status of a net, emergency traffic ALWAYS takes priority over all other net activities.

If you are reporting an emergency, break in by saying “Priority”, “Emergency” or “Break Break” followed by your call sign.

The NCS should always suspend any lower priority operation and respond to the emergency.

Chapter 6Nets


Efficiency and accuracy are the highest priorities on Emergency Nets.

Once you have checked into an emergency net, DO NOT TRANSMIT unless the NCS specifically requests information from you or unless you have emergency traffic for the net.

If you are the first station to show up on the net frequency, you are encouraged to open the net on your own. Take a list of stations checking in and pass the info to the regular NCS.

Chapter 6Nets


The most important job during emergency and disaster net operation is the ability to accurately relay or “pass” messages exactly as written, spoken, or received.

It is a common practice to use formatted messages called “radiograms”.

The ARRL uses their version of a “radiogram” for passing messages on the NTS

AANCSPG EOC

HWD EOC

Balt CountyEOC

MEMA

AA EOC

MEPN

Shelter #1

Shelter #2

Hospital #2

Hospital #1

AlternateNCS/EOC

CERT #1 CERT #2 CERT #3

RedCross

Conceptual example of a local Emergency Net

DelawareCW Net

Chapter 6Nets


Traffic handling has been an important aspect of amateur radio whether during an emergency or during a typical day.

The key to successful traffic handling is the ability to accurately relay or “pass” messages exactly as written, spoken or received.

This takes structure and practice. Lots of practice.

Chapter 6Nets


In order to facilitate passing traffic efficiently and accurately, we use a formatted message structure consisting or a preamble, the body and the signature.

The preamble is made up of several bits of information about the message. This data allows the message to be tracked

Two forms are used by amateurs.

The ARRL Radiogram and ICS-213

Chapter 6Nets


The preamble of an ARRL radiogram contains the following:

• Message number - By originating station• Precedence – Emergency, Priority, Welfare, Routine• Handling instructions – How to handle and deliver• Station of origin• Check – the word count• Place of origin• Time and date – by originating station• Address – the complete address of the recipient

Chapter 6Nets


The body of the ARRL radiogram is the text of the message and is limited to 25 words.

The signature is the name of the person originating the message.

An example follows.


Checkequals word count

10

51

6

Chapter 6Nets


Within the emergency communications organizations, they are attempting to use a single format for all messages.

ICS-213

The advantage is that there are fewer message formats for radio operators to learn.

Another advantage of the new form is that there are less formatting requirements.


ICS - 213

Chapter 6Nets


In addition to the three types of nets, nets are further classified as “Formal” and “Informal”.

Formal operation - A formal, or directed net has a single net control station (NCS) that manages its operation for a given session. Traffic nets and Emergency/Public Service nets are examples.

The NCS operator calls the net to order at its designated start time, periodically calls for participants to join, listens for them to answer (or check in ) keeps track of the roster of stations for that particular net session, and generally orchestrates the operation of the net.

Chapter 6Nets


Informal operation - An informal net may also have a net control station, but lack some or all of the formalities and protocols other than those used in non-net on-the-air operation.

Club nets, such as ones for discussing equipment or other topics, use a NCS simply to control the order in which participants transmit their comments to the group in round-robin style.

Our Wednesday night 2-meter net and morning net are examples.

Chapter 6Nets


The NCS runs the net. A “directed net” means all contacts are routed through the NCS

Joining and leaving a net – Checking in and checking out.

Before joining a net, listen for a while to learn the procedures of the net. You’ll be welcomed warmly if you understand how the net operates and their quirks.

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