Principles of Net Control

PRINCIPLES OF AMATEUR RADIO NET CONTROL

By Jerry Haag, KF6GAC, EC Mountain View

Type of Nets:

Open Net - Stations call each other directly to pass traffic

Directed Net - Stations call only net control directly and may go direct only with net control permission

Net Control...

  • must have a commanding signal

  • is in charge of the net

  • activates and assigns resources

  • must keep track of resources

  • assigns tactical calls

  • keeps a good log

  • has a clear speaking voice

  • controls his or her tone of voice

  • has good command of the English language

  • can handle physical and mental stress for long periods

  • can listen and respond in a noisy/chaotic environment

  • has good hearing

  • writes legibly

  • enforces net discipline

  • uses tactical calls

  • uses plain English - no "10" codes or "Q" signals

  • uses standard International phonetics

  • performs health and welfare checks

  • thinks before keying

  • is as concise as possible

  • knows how to operate the radio

  • frequently identifies name and reason for the net

  • transmits only facts, not conjecture

  • takes frequent breaks

  • when transmitting, key up, take a breath, then talk