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