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