Net Control Protocol

There are several types of nets which could be encountered by LNL ARES members such as: our weekly ARES net, an Emergency ARES net, a daily NTS net on HF, etc. All have similar rules but there is some variation. ARES Emergency Net · All nets will be controlled. All calls will be directed by the NET CONTROL STATION. · Stations using the net should use tactical call signs (e.g. crash site).

Amateur call signs should be used periodically in order to conform to radio regulations (every ½ hour). · Leave a short pause after the previous station finishes transmitting and speak in a calm and steady manner. · Net Controller shall announce the purpose of the net and that the repeater will be taken out of regular use for the duration of the operation. · The Net frequency should only be used for short messages. Lengthy transmissions should be re-directed to another frequency as assigned by the Net Controller. · If the Net Controller must leave the net prior to its conclusion an alternate controller shall be assigned. ·

Net Controller should acknowledge all calls made to the station and keep a log of all calls and messages handled. · Use ITU phonetics for clarity only. · Acknowledge any instructions given by Net Control. Ask for clarification if necessary. · Inform Net Control if you are leaving or returning to the net. · Pass formal messages exactly as written. · Do not engage in extraneous talk. · Acknowledge receipt of messages. ·

Equipment: Each station on an ARES Emergency Net should have two people present (one of whom can be unlicensed), and shall be equipped with a Two Metre Transceiver with a suitable antenna system. The provision of backup equipment is advisable, including a source of emergency power and lighting. The use of Hand-Held Transceivers for Net stations is discouraged.

Here are some quotes from the National Traffic System Manual, all quite relevant. "Maintaining the appearance of calm control is very helpful to the net. It is contagious, and makes everyone feel comfortable. You may panic freely between transmissions, then take a deep breath and make a calm call or send a snappy command sequence. Everyone will marvel at what a crisp net you are running." "The NCS should at all times know where every station is, what business is handled and still pending, stations excused, etc. Unless the NCS has an extraordinary memory this usually requires some form of net control sheet or computer program." "Learn the tools well, and then try being net control. The experienced operators will be happy to help with suggestions and explanations... even during the net if required. There is considerable personal reward in having stations responding to standard syntax in expected fashion and getting the job done. The NCS is the orchestra leader, the stations the players. And remember, if you have never made a mistake, you have never been net control."

ARES Weekly Net

In general all of the rules for an Emergency Net apply here except that somewhat longer transmissions are permitted. The net format is set by the NET MANAGER (NM) not the NET CONTROL STATION (NCS). Net control should first start with the following preamble:

Good evening this is (your name) (your Call) net controller for the Lanark and North Leeds ARES net. This net meets every Wednesday at 2000 hours local time on this repeater. VE3KJG and linked repeaters. The purpose of this net is to develop and improve the ability of Lanark County amateurs to provide communications, if called upon in a civil emergency. ... (break) This is an open net, during check-in please state if you have traffic, formal or informal. First of all is there any emergency or priority traffic? ... (break) Are there any mobiles? ... (break) (If so then handle that traffic first). I will now standby for regular check-ins. Some freedom in call-in procedure is permitted. For example 2 to 3 calls for stations before allowing short informal reports from each station.

Formal traffic takes priority and time should be allowed for RAC Bulletins and LNL ARES business. ARES members should be encouraged to act as Net Controllers during weekly or monthly training nets.