1

ECOMM Level II

Slide 2

Net Control and Management

Why have nets? Prevents chaos in operations

What is the net’s mission? “ … to move as much traffic as

possible in the least amount of time, accurately and effectively.”

Slide 3

Net Control and Management

Open (Informal) Nets Smaller nets are usually informal May be used anywhere, often are

tactical nets May be used for ‘meta’ nets, nets

about the operation of the communications team

Stations usually call frequency and NCS may have little to do other than monitor and step in as needed

Slide 4

Net Control and Management

Directed (Formal) Nets Needed for large working groups or when

message volume is high Best to start as a Directed net in an

emergency situation NCS is in total control, nothing happens

without the NCS’ permission May use multiple other frequencies to place

point-to-point communications There is NO casual communication and

tactical call signs become important

Slide 5

Net Control and Management

Operating Modes ANY mode or band may be used for a net. VHF/UHF voice most common for local nets HF often used for long distance or NVIS Voice is easiest to get going, but CW, PSK,

Packet, and other modes are sometimes necessary

Missions Every net should have a SPECIFIC mission Examples: Resource Net, Tactical Net,

Health & Welfare Net

Slide 6

Net Control and Management

Basic Net Operation Net Control runs the net

starts it, controls it, and keeps track knows who has checked, where they are, and

what they can do May need an assistant

Net Manager Overall command, may also be NCS if a single net Usually manages a number of nets and assigns

resources & equipment to nets

Slide 7

Net Control and Management

Liaison Stations Pass messages between nets.

Tactical Call Signs Smooth net operations FCC requirements

FCC call sign at the END of an exchange or every 10 minutes during it

Slide 8

Net Control and Management

Homework Monitor a local net and answer these

questions: Did the net begin at the scheduled time? Did the NCS acknowledge check ins promptly and

accurately Was discipline good? Was the net run in a

business-like manner? Did the NCS help newcomers? Was traffic passed accurately and efficiently?

Suggested Nets Oregon Section Net 6:30 and 10 PM 3587

kHz D1 Net - Traffic & Training Net ???

Slide 9

NCS Overview

What is the Net Control Station? The station in control Responsible for proper operation of the

net Decides who speaks Controls the ordering of messages Keeps track of

Messages Resources

Slide 10

NCS OverviewWhat makes a skilled NCS?

A clear speaking voice Fluency with the language Can handle mental and physical stress for a

long period of time Can listen and comprehend in a noisy,

chaotic environment Has good hearing Can write legibly Is decisive & self-assured, yet diplomatic

and handles people well

Slide 11

NCS OverviewBasic techniques

LISTEN! An efficient work sheet Moving stations to alternate frequencies to

pass traffic Clear emergency traffic first Break frequently to check for emergency

traffic Be concise – prepared scripts help Take frequent breaks Stay calm Speak with confidence and authority

Slide 12

NCS OverviewNet Discipline – members should: Report availability promptly to the NCS Ask clearance of the NCS to use the channel Answer promptly when called Use tactical call signs when required Follow established net protocol Check out with NCS if going away from the

operating station or leaving the net

Remember always: members are volunteers! They don’t HAVE to do this.

Slide 13

Learning to be an NCS

Volunteer to work with an experienced NCSVolunteer as an NCSHomework: Monitor an established directed net What strengths & weaknesses did the NCS

have? How well did the NCS control the flow of

messages and information What type of net was it?

Slide 14

Learning to be an NCS

Practice, Practice, PracticeBe willing to learnAccept constructive criticismContact your EC, DEC, or SEC to volunteerVolunteer for local traffic netsVolunteer with a local club or team

Slide 15

Learning to be an NCS

Participate in Public Service events, volunteer as net controlTrain with the best NCS you can find. A good NCS is made, not bornBe an NCS as often as possibleMonitor and critique other nets frequently

Slide 16

NCS Hints & Kinks

Start On Time – ALWAYS!Use a Script whenever possible Make a copy and write on it Review it before the net

Have a roster handyKeep your forms on a computer and print out the latest copies when needed Post the form to a location where all

participants can review it

Slide 17

NCS Hints & KinksBe friendly, but be IN CONTROL Speak slowly and clearly Use an even tone Remain calm Speak confidently, even if you’re not

BE SPECIFIC Ask specific questions Give specific answers

Slide 18

NCS Hints & Kinks

Have paper and pencil handy Write down EVERY call Take good notes

Have your log sheet prepared and use itA good worksheet makes any net easier List of checkins, where they are Messages to pass The nature of the net determines what a

good worksheet is for that net

Slide 19

NCS Hints & Kinks

Understand your radio BEFORE the net Know what you can do with it Read the manual

Know how to use the microphone Articulate Close to your mouth PRACTICE

Recognize and handle ‘doubles’ Listen carefully Know when and how to sort it out

Slide 20

NCS Hints & KinksRecognize people by name It’s a morale booster for people to be known

Regularly announce the name and purpose of the netDon’t be afraid to ask for help!Know what other nets are running Redirect people if they check into your net

when they need to be somewhere else

You WILL make mistakes – don’t let them get in the way, be ready for them

Slide 21

NCS Hints & Kinks

Don’t think on-the-airKeep transmissions shortKeep to the facts A net is rarely a place to speculate If an educated guess is needed, make

it clear that’s what it is

Refer queries about the event to the PIO

Slide 22

NCS Hints & Kinks

Use standard phoneticsUse plain English No codes except as designated for

the net Q-codes are for CW

If the net has been quiet for a while (10 minutes or more), check operator status

Slide 23

Other NCS Skills

Contingency Planning “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail”

“Anything that CAN go wrong will. Anything that CAN’T go wrong, still will.”

“Murphy was an optimist”

Slide 24

Other NCS Skills

Contingency Planning Make sure you have reliable and

redundant equipment Have backups for people Plan your own backup

Slide 25

Other NCS Skills

Handovers Keep a list of outstanding messages in your

hands Keep a list of outstanding traffic to handle The status of open queries Local and remote contact points Roster of net stations and their status Other information of use to the relief It’s best to plan 10 minutes or so of overlap

before you leave

Slide 26

Other NCS Skills

Coverage Breaks Equipment failure, change of propagation or

many other things can drop a station off the line

Have a backup NCS designated and ready Backup NCS needs to:

Be ready to pickup the net without turnover Have all of the scripts & materials available

If Backup NCS can’t be full-time, then most experienced member should be ready

Slide 27

Other NCS SkillsHandling Irate participants

Take a DEEP breath and don’t respond immediately or from your ‘gut’

Review what you know of the person and the situation

Take the discussion offline if possible Acknowledge the problem Empathize Ask them to suggest a solution If the solution is a good one, see if you can

use it If the situation cannot be resolve, send a

relief Consider letting the person ‘win’

Slide 28

Other NCS Skills

Malicious Interference Why does someone interfere? The best approach: Ignore them

Responding only encourages them They usually get bored and leave if they don’t get

any attention Plan alternate frequencies and keywords to

shift the net For protracted interference, employ ‘fox-

hunters’

Slide 29

NCS Homework

Volunteer to run a local net Formal or Informal Put together a log of the net Put together a worksheet for the net Create a script for the net

Slide 30

Questions??

See you on the 6th of November for ARECC Level 2 week 3

email: kevinr@cs.unm.eduemail: pkusch@earthlink.netphone: 503 324-2960 Thank you!