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Nets, what are Nets?\u00a0 An amateur radio net<\/b>, or simply ham net<\/b>, is an “on-the-air” gathering of amateur radio operators. Most nets convene on a regular schedule and specific frequency, and are organized for a particular purpose, such as relaying messages, discussing a common topic of interest, in severe weather (for example, during a SkyWarn<\/a> activation), emergencies, or simply as a regular gathering of friends for conversation.<\/p>\n Amateur radio clubs often organize nets to foster communication between members on a regular basis. These can be clubs based on geographic location or clubs formed around a special interest.<\/p>\n Special interest clubs or non-club groups often organize nets to enable discussions on a particular topic. A wide variety of such nets are in operation. One such example is nets that meet to discuss vintage or antique radio equipment. Another example is nets for using and discussing the AM mode of voice transmission<\/p>\n Nets operate more or less formally depending on their purpose and organization. Groups of nets may organize and operate in collaboration for a common purpose, such as to pass along emergency messages in time of disaster. One such system of nets is the National Traffic System (NTS), organized and operated by members of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) to handle routine and emergency messages on a nationwide and local basis.<\/p>\n A formal, or directed<\/i> net has a single net control station<\/i> (NCS) that manages its operation for a given session. The NCS operator calls the net to order at its designated start time, periodically calls for participants to join, listens for them to answer (or check in<\/i> ) keeps track of the roster of stations for that particular net session, and generally orchestrates the operation of the net.<\/p>\n A different station might be designated NCS for each net session. Overall operation and scheduling of NCS assignments and net sessions is managed by the net manager<\/i> .<\/p>\n When a net covers a large geographic area, such as a continent or even the world, it becomes impractical for a single NCS to control. To cover a large scale area a net must operate on a frequency where signals can propagate long distances. Ironically, the same ability for long distance propagation leads to a situation where stations that are too close in proximity cannot hear each other. In this case two or more NCSs spaced geographically from one another can effectively collaborate to maintain contact with all possible participants.<\/p>\n An informal net may also have a net control station, but lack some or all of the formalities and protocols other than those used in non-net on-the-air operation. Or, it could begin at the designated time and frequency in an ad hoc fashion by whoever arrives first. Club nets, such as ones for discussing equipment or other topics, use a NCS simply to control the order in which participants transmit their comments to the group in round-robin style.<\/p>\n Please Note:<\/strong> All of the nets listed below on the LMARC \/ SouthEast Link Systems are nets we carry and \/ or nets that we sponsor \/ promote.\u00a0 There are other nets in our area!<\/em><\/p>\nNet operation<\/span><\/h3>\n
Formal operation<\/span><\/h3>\n
Informal operation<\/span><\/h3>\n
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\nNets – SELINK Echolink Conference Server<\/h2>\n\n