Resources for Net Control Stations

This page is to give some hints and resources for those who act as net control stations.  Not every net is the same, nor is every net controller.  Do what you are comfortable with, and be yourself, and things will run smoothly. 

The following articles deal with being a net control station, and have many good hints on how to deal with keeping a net smooth and efficient.  Not all suggestions will apply to all nets.  Emergency or directed nets will be run differently than an informal social net.  But some things remain the same - the need for net control to retain control and flow of the net, and the need for participants to follow some rules common to all nets.

Practice and consistency makes things better.  Perfection is optional, but not obtainable by anyone.  Bad habits that develop in poorly run nets will always spill over and cause a problem when an emergency occurs, and when accuracy, brevity and clarity are urgent.  When operators use non-standard procedures, they will have a hard time using proper procedures in an emergency   For example, participants who routinely butt in out of turn on other nets will likely do so in an emergency, thinking they are helping.  They are not helping at all.   Gently find a way to guide them in better net procedures without scolding them on the air.  Remember, some bad habits can never be changed, so be ready to accept and work around them.

EMCOMM Net Preamble and Procedures

This gives the script and operating protocol for the IRG EMCOMM Net.  A guide for net control stations.

IRG Weather Net Preamble and Procedures

This gives the script and operating protocol for the IRG Weather Net.  A guide for net control stations.

Net Control Station Training Manual

Compiled by  Ann-Marie Ruder K8AMR August 2003.  This manual is focused on emergency nets, but has hints that can apply on running informal club nets also. 

Basic Radio Communications for Dispatchers

By Natalie (Tally) Wade and Alice Macpherson, Kwantlen Polytechnic University.  This manual is directed at emergency dispatchers but has lots of hints and guidance that can help radio operators in any situation.