CAUHF.org - Central Arkansas UHF Group

Central Arkansas UHF Group Net Information

The Central Arkansas UHF Group holds a net each Tuesday. The net can usually be accessed through all CAUHF network repeaters. The net is also accessible via Echolink node number 215632.

The net meets at 9:00 PM Central Time and is opened to any properly licensed amateur. The net is directed and stations are to contact net control before making comments or passing traffic or other information.

The net meets for the purpose of training in net operations, providing information to amateurs, amateur fellowship and handling traffic into and out of the central Arkansas area.

Net Operating Suggestions

There are usually several repeaters linked during this net and it takes almost a second before they all sync together after you key the mike. For this reason, please count to 2 after you key up before you start talking.
Wait until the net control calls for check-ins that meet the criteria set by the net control, stations with emergency traffic, stations with priority traffic, stations with regular traffic, stations short of time, regular check-ins, etc. Next give the net control call sign, say this is and give your call sign phonetically followed by your name, location and whether or not you have traffic for the net. If you have no traffic or announcements, simply say no traffic. Listen for the net control to acknowledge your check-in. If you do not hear your call recognized, simply repeat your check-in. It wastes to call in and say you weren't recognized, etc.
Do not transmit until net control directs you to or if you are responding to another station which net control directed to call you. If you need to contact net control, simply give your call and wait for net control to recognize you. Keep your transmissions brief and to the point. If someone asks you what time it is, don't tell them how to build the watch.
Let net control know that you are leaving the net if you think others may need you during the net and you leave before it is over.

Net Preamble and Guidance for Net Controls

The following is a suggested guide for use as a net control when calling the Central Arkansas UHF net. As a net control you should be prepared before the net to keep a log of the net and keep the net running as smoothly as possible. You should also be ready to start the net on time.

If there are stations on frequency when it is time to start the net, politely request if they could let you begin calling the net. Remember FCC regulations state that no station or stations have a "right" to a frequency. If a group of stations are on frequency, they have as much right to be there as a scheduled net. Most hams will clear a frequency if politely requested to do so to allow a net to open. However, they are under no requirement to do so. Simply wait until the stations leave the frequency and then open the net.

Have some means of recording station calls, names and locations and a list of any traffic for the net. Take your time and remember you are directing the net. Serving as a net control can be fun and provides a real service to the amateur community. Serving as a net control is also good practice for real emergency situations.

Feel free to copy the following information and feel free to volunteer to serve as a net control.

Net Preamble

QST, QST, QST, this is (give call sign of net control station phonetically) opening this session of the Central Arkansas Ultra high Frequency Net. This net meets every Tuesday evening at 9:00 Central time. The purpose of the net is to provide training in proper net procedures and to handle traffic into and out of the central Arkansas area.

The net control for this session is (Give name and call sign phonetically again.) There are usually several repeaters linked during this net and it takes almost a second before they all sync together after you key the mike. For this reason, please count to 2 after you key up before you start talking.

This net is a directed net and stations should contact net control before attempting to contact other stations. When you attempt to check in: Please key up count to 2 then give my call sign and give your call phonetically, name, location and whether or not you have traffic for the net.

Collecting Check-Ins

Ask for any stations with emergency traffic.

After a 5 second or so pause, ask for stations with priority traffic.

After a 5 second or so pause, ask for stations with routine traffic or announcements.

Ask for stations short of time.

Ask for Echolink stations.

Ask for regular check-ins, with or without traffic

Important Note

As stations are checking in, there may be dual transmissions or calls, names, etc may get clipped. Simply take down those stations that you can copy and then call for additional checkins. You do not need to go through a long, drawn out dissertation on how you missed certain calls, names, etc. If the station is not recognized, they will try checking in again. If a station is marginal into the repeater, request others in the net to listen for the station and assist with the call if they can.

In the past, it has been recommended that stations pause between giving the net control call and their call by letting up on the mike to ensure they are not doubling with another station. Studies have shown that this procedure actually wastes more time and is not that effective on FM voice circuits. Due to the capture affect of FM, more than likely, one station will capture the receiver and over ride other stations anyway. Copy what stations you can and request additional check-ins. Sooner or later you will get them all.

Remember to give your call sign every 10 minutes as required by FCC regulations. Pause periodically and ask for additional check-ins for the net.

Closing the Net

Once you have handled all net business and there are no more check-ins, it is time to close the net. To close, just state that you are closing this session of the Central Arkansas UHF net and returning the repeater to regular use. Give your call sign to comply with FCC regulations.