Etiquette on the Air – “Netiquette”
I tune into a lot of nets, both on HF and VHF/UHF. Some of us can use a refresher on how to conduct themselves on a net. A VHF/UHF net is usually, but not always conducted on a repeater. When first getting on the net, it is important that we key our radio, hesitate for a second, and then speak. I was listening to a net recently and several operators were keying their radios and then giving out their call signs immediately. The result: those listening only got half of the call signs. The Net Control then had to ask the individuals to repeat their call signs. During a training or on a social net, it might not be so bad, but on a real-world net, lives may be saved by not having an operator repeat his or her call sign. ‘Nuff said.
If you have no traffic for the net, you do not need to say “no traffic” when calling in. Just give your name, location, and call sign, and then stand by for Net Control instructions.
When checking into a net, say, “This is,” Un-key your mike, and listen for anyone else talking. If you hear no one else, re-key your mike, give your call sign, name location and any other pertinent information. When you give your call sign, be sure to give it both numerically and phonetically. For example, if I were giving my call sign, I would say, K-J-4-C-M-Y, Kilo Juliet Four Charlie Mike Yankee.” Notice that I used the ICU Phonetic Alphabet. This is standard throughout the world. It is so much easier to use the ICU Phonetic Alphabet than some made-up words to represent your call sign. You might hear some saying, “Kilowatt Mudslinger nine Germany Orlando Zorro.” When I hear that, it takes me twice as long to decipher a call sign. Is the prefix “Kilo” or “Kilo Watt?” Does Germany begin with a G or a J?
There is one exception to this rule! Ifthe net Control Station cannot decipher your call sign because your signal is very weak and barely readable, then go ahead and give a fancy phonetic call sign after the second or third attempt to communicate. However, this would be only as a last resort.
Listen, listen, listen! On some nets, there may be a pile-up. On a repeater, “doubling” as it is called, creates a funny sound, and only one operator wins. This is where patience is needed. It seems that on some nets, everyone wants to check in right at the beginning of the net. The key is to wait for at least a second before trying to check in. By the way, this was how I was able to snag a QSO (contact) with K1N, the DX station on Navassa Island, one of my most prized QSOs.
Listen to Net Control’s (NCS) instructions! Most nets are directed. That means everyone should only talk with Net Control. If you need to speak directly with another station, ask permission from the NCS. I am on one VHF net where time is given for stations to talk directly with one another without going through NCS. This, however, is not common.
Most nets have an Alternate Net Control Station (ANCS). This is a second operator who is taking notes of which stations have checked in. He or she will be ready to take over NCS duties should the NCS be unable to continue. In a real world emergency, the ANCS may spell the NCS to give him or her a much needed break. Of course, we would give the ANCS every courtesy that we would give to the NCS.
Can I run a net? GARS is always looking for volunteers to run nets. The first time you run a net, you might be a bit apprehensive, but ty the second and third time you run one, it will seem natural to you. Go to the GARS web site (http://www.gars.org/w4gr) and you will find a copy of the net scripts. Download the script document and rehearse it a couple of times. Notify KK4TKJ, the net manager, at chuckm39@email.com and tell him you would like to volunteer to run a net. Try it! It is a lot of fun.
73, KJ4CMY, David