How to be a net control operator - Ham Radio Q&A

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Another great video. We should all work a net control station if we can.

[@BrianJurkowski]

it's nice to see you're a fan of Michael's videos as well. This is an awesome community. :)

[@reggiehodges6784]

I'm net control on two nets . My wife is also net control and she does a wonderful job !

[@brian.7966]

yes, she does, well done.

[@boblachance7014]

I enjoyed watching your video on how to be an effective net control manager. I was the primary net control operator for a ham radio club in which I was a member as well. I also trained new net control operators as well. One aspect that you did not mention was the time period shortly before the net you warn users of the upcoming net. I normally announced the weekly net two minutes to the net activation. I also had to access our clubs repeater to "link" the VHF with our UHF repeater. These codes were only provided to net control operators. I was our clubs net control manager over 4 years and thoroughly enjoyed running our weekly net. I was somewhat nervous when I started but it became much easier the more I was net control. To be fair, one reason I was offered the job of net control operator/manager was that I was a net control operator of an HF station while I was in the USAF. I actually had formal training on being a net control operator. That too was thoroughly enjoyable. I enjoyed watching your informative video on becoming a net control operator. Been there, done that ALOT!

[@KenKopper]

I was net control for Western District Net, here in Western New York. I had my co-pilot/Elmer with me. He often runs WDN as net control. I am now an alternate. I thought I'd check out your video. Good job as usual. 73 K2BNY

[@scottbuttrick-w8skb396]

Did my first net as netcontrol this week. We had 20 on the net and I had fun as net control. Had nothing but positive comments.

[@stevsanswers]

Thank you, Michael! I admire the skill and manner of an able net control operator -- Stephen, KC1VJH.

[@Terribleguitarist89]

I was net control once or twice as a young teen ham but once I joined the military I really got comfortable with it. I remember at one point working in Iraq as a contractor having three radios (two HT's and my mobile) running incident command and net control during an incident we had going on. After that running the home net is easy haha The only downside is I've gotten so used to military radio brevity that ragchewing is a struggle now hihi

[@Moonkyst]

I keep a spreadsheet of the regulars with call signs, in alphabetical order, on the first column. Besides their name, I include their town. It's easy to add new people. I print it out before it's my turn to be net controller. I have a blank colimn to write a number for the order of call ins. Things run smoother for me this way.

[@davemueller7047]

My best advice: Relax. Everybody, even seasoned net control operators, will flub the occasional callsign or word. None of us are flawless. Hams are usually pretty understanding. Especially if they know your new at running NC. Or at least that has been my experience.

[@KenKopper]

True. I have witnessed NC's make mistakes. Certainly never ruined everything and there tend to be seasoned participants that check in that can help with any mistakes.

[@keithmarcotte9377]

I want to know how to buy one of these radios but nobody’s give me a answer

[@TK-Radio-Adventures]

Great video on the basics on being a net operater! Been wanting to run the local net for awhile now. Just havent pulled the trigger and done it yet. Hopefully will be able to run one soon, and be able to post a video while running it.

[@MrSundownman49]

Very well done Sir.73 DV7NIB a Retired US Marine Retired in the Philippines and Good on QRZ

[@stevenbrannen1568]

Another way to practice could be serving as alternate net control. If your local net does that.

[@polishpicl]

Hi,this I Ron ,K3RJW,I was mentioned on Ham Nation this past week..I will be starting up a simplex net in the next month in and around Reading ,PA...your video was a great help,,,thank you..We have a weekly net on our repeater,,but his is new to us in that it's going to be simplex!!!! Thank you again 73,,Ron

[@southjersey10]

I’m planning to be a net controller this week. This was helpful.

[@scottbuttrick-w8skb396]

I am netcontrol for the first time in two weeks on our local repeater. Looking forward to it.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'm sure you will do great. Feel free to share your experience after you do it

[@BrianJurkowski]

How'd it go? As I am new to amateur radio and looking forward to running a net sometime, I'm curious about your first experience. 73's!

[@scottbuttrick-w8skb396]

It went great. We had over 20 people on the net and they all liked the way I ran it. It was fun.

[@PA_Prepper]

Like the vid. I have not run a net yet, but like to try and capture the call signs along with net control to see if I can keep up. Our club averages @ 40 check ins per week, and we read off a log going by A calls, then K calls, and W call signs. At the end of each we ask for any check ins not called and we usually get a few random folks checking in - those are the most fun ! 73

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

larger nets will break the check-ins by suffix. Its a great practice as it maintains order and helps the net control keep up with the flurry of activity

[@joeddejohn]

Hopefully can put this to good use someday. Thanks for the pointers.

[@turtlecreek4633]

Great topic, thanks. I've listed to many nets while studying and waiting for my call sign to be posted. Last night I made my first real contact by calling in to an Elmer Net from the next county over. First contact was using my HT hooked up to one of your J Poles :) out back on the deck. The repeater is 30/35 miles away and they sounded like they were right next to me. Thanks for making this new process easier for me.

[@mark12.31]

Another good one, Michael. All of the local nets I hear and participate in require operators to check in "by providing your callsign slowly and phonetically, followed by your name and location". This eliminates the need for looking anyone up on a directory based on callsign only and getting it phonetically helps ensure it's copied correctly. It does drag it out a little more as it takes more time but everyone can begin to associate callsign and name week after week.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

As net control‚ you are in charge. If you have trouble copying callsigns or if conditions are such that callsigns can be difficult to discern- by all means slow things down by asking for phonetics or slow enunciation

[@mark12.31]

KB9VBR Antennas Yeah. It’s just in the preamble of every net here in Arkansas, apparently. Sometimes I wish it weren’t because I know that control knows who most checking in are. Two sided coin I guess. Wasn’t saying not asking for it is bad, just hadn’t heard it before.

[@w4mkh]

Good video. One thing I included in my shack a long time ago is a white board. I use it for call signs of frequent calligns/names or notes. I don't suggest using it for logging but if chasing something like a POTA station it can be handy for getting down the details while you boot your PC and start the logging software. A 4 pack of different color markers can be had for about a $1 and I use different colors for different things.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Excellent video! I have passed a link to all my friends.

[@davidmiller5356]

Hi Michael, I always look forward to your videos, and I really enjoy being a net control operator! We do a Tuesday and Wednesday here locally, and this video will be perfect for my xyl who is getting over mic fright!! Thanks again. David K6ACV

[@michaelruther9175]

Try 146.94 in the west end of Phoenix. Great repeater 🙏

[@jimpiper5297]

If the purpose of checking into nets or running a net as a net control operator is to prepare for handling "emergency"/disaster traffic in behalf of the Red Cross, other ngo, hospitals, or government agency (e.g., handling logistics traffic for the latter), it is >really< good practice 1. Avoid Q and any other codes. Full Stop! 2. Speak slowly and clearly. It avoids repeats. 3. Use ITU phonetics for ANY and ALL words that might be misunderstood (ESPECIALLY if you don't know how a word might be pronounced!), regardless how good/noise free the RF path. 4. Use as few words as possible. More words = more clutter. Practice for public service for bike or running events or other. Few words = less time on the air in case a station needs to break in with priority or emergency traffic. (Monitor the fire services for a clue about this). 5. Take full charge of the net, giving example of good technique when you key down. Advise other stations to be brief and avoid codes. Q-codes might be cute and "hammy" but they obfuscate meaning to those unfamiliar with them (especially those of a served agency listening over your shoulder). Jus' sayin'

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

All very good points. Weekly swap or fun nets tend to be a little more loose in operation. When I operate an emergency communication net (whether as a drill or a real event) I ratchet up the structure to keep things moving in a quick and organized fashion.

[@jimpiper5297]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Fun nets, of course! E.G., RV nets, swap nets, check-in-just-to-BS nets, etc. Quite informal and no need for any discipline other than respecting one's place in the queue. One real peeve of mine is the stupidity(?) of those HF net participants tuning up on top of an already underway net. Or maybe ignorance that one can tune up a few kHz off the net freq and still be quite fine re VSWR. ARGH!!! One of those "Beam me up Scotty" moments.

[@Nobody12409]

Great video! I've had my license for a bit over a year and have been doing net control for our club's "New Hams Net" on Monday nights. You hit all the important points. A backup operator is also great for helping with trouble copying a check-in. I'm using my HT yet but use a base antenna and a good external speaker and desk mic, and that helps a lot too. Paper and pencils for the win! Simple seems to work best! Thanks again for the topic - I plan to send other folks in our club to watch this video.

[@shandybrandy5407]

Hi Michael, this was real good video laced with loads of NET Control information. Always look forward to your videos. 73

[@johnscrip5322]

Tip I would add -- Write [your call] and [the repeater hosting] on a post-it or something in an obvious spot. ID often - but if you NCS on multiple repeaters, you want to ID the right repeater. :-) The top of your logging sheet isn't a bad place for that either. For the record, I ID'd the right repeater. But I was like "This is N9IJS on - wait a minute, where am I?" which actually made for a nice moment of humor. I would imagine a long-term bit of flack from the Club (even if only in jest) if I ID'd a different repeater... And whenever you lose your place or you need a moment to think -- Call for late check-ins. And ALWAYS call for late check-ins before running pre-recorded material (ARRL News, etc.). And after. But for sure - Chill, speak clearly and slowly, maybe have an ice-breaker question (What's on your pizza and where did you get it from? - Always a good start).

[@fubarsnafu4994]

Great idea for a video! Dunno how I missed it but great video. 73

[@rossw9764]

Our club encourages every member to take a turn at net control. That way anyone of our members can run the net during a disaster if needed

[@ericgulseth74]

Nice plate in the background. I got my degree in Point and lived in Weyauwega before moving to upstate NY. I'll have to see if I can make contact sometime when back in the area.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

My son went to UWSP. Nice campus. Let me know when you are in the area and we can make a contact.

[@Kodo-Nashi]

Nice video. About 95% sure I heard you on the WVRA swapnet last night. I could only pull in about half of what was said.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I run the nets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month so if were listening that day it was probably me.

[@JoeLaGreca]

Do you have a link to an example script to follow?

[@halcollins4293]

And another great vid Michael. Any tips on getting more club members to do net control? Or even check into the nets? 30 members, 10-12 check ins, and 4 or 5 NCs. I suggested win a free meal, but my cook vetoed that immediately.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's a good question and i'm not sure I have an easy answer. Some won't check into nets because it's an inconvenient time, while others may not have the resources, or courage to get on the radio. For those that feel their station isn't adequate, like maybe they use a handheld, holding a clinic on how nets works may be helpful. Help them get on the air with an external antenna. When our club got a bunch of new hams, we spent a Saturday morning and built J-Pole antennas together. That helped dramatically with getting them to check into the VHF net. I'll save this question for our livestream next week, and maybe I'll come up with more suggestions.

[@halcollins4293]

@@KB9VBRAntennas how do you find the time? Thank you for your reply! We are working on helping new hams build confidence, so maybe that is a step in the right direction.

[@keithmarcotte9377]

I want to know how to buy one of these radios

[@timg5tm941]

Used to enjoy running a net. However what CAN happen is that other ops start seeing the net as something YOU are responsible for. In this sense if their set up isn’t making it through to anyone on the net then it’s YOUR fault. Human nature I guess but it’s a tough part of the role.

[@paulplack490]

You just described the experience of every ham who's ever built a repeater!

[@bett059]

Hello, I would like to thank the developer for use- of- their- repeater? Please how do I acknowledge the whoever? KE8VMQ

[@FriendBears]

I’d like to know more about the recommended use of the 1.25 MHz (222) band. Pros & cons of use. My wife & I are both hams, we use 1.25 as a simplex tac frequency

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's a great topic- I really enjoy the 222Mhz band for its unique properties and relatively quietness. I'll add that to the list of subjects

[@Jason-jd1jv]

I have a question that might be a bit complicated due to the many variables involved. When setting the power for VHF/UHF, how far can a person reasonably expect a signal to travel at different levels? I know that many factors affect the propagation, but I'm just curious as to how to determine what power setting to use for repeaters of varying distance. This is something I never gave much thought to but it hit me while watching your review of the Retevis RT-95. I know that there is no exact answer but a good guesstimate of bet and worst case scenarios would be awesome. Thank you for all your hard work and great videos. You have some of the best information available.

[@BrianJurkowski]

Since there are so many variables, my recommendation would be to key up a repeater and ask for a signal report. If you're told you have a good clean signal, politely ask if the other station would mind standing by as you would like to drop to mid/low power and try again. Then lower the power and re-assess.

[@KennethSievers]

Very good information! I just was Net Control a few weeks back for the first time. It was a little scary but I just followed the script and I think it ran fine, at least no one told me otherwise, hihi. I always look forward to your content. 73 de KI5DLS

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thanks for sharing your experience. First time can feel scary but the following the script gives you that instant comfort level

[@volboater]

Micheal, what is the meaning of stating "No Traffic"?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

“Traffic” is another name for messages or information that needs to be passed along the net. Back in the day telegraph operators called the telegrams they received and passed along “traffic”. The term was picked up in the early days of amateur radio and has stuck ever since.

[@PeteJacksonPapasVlogs]

Thank you for this video. I have been running local nets for awhile, but your advice here helped me learn how to be a better NCS. I will admit, I have run a net using an HT, but that was during a power outage, so I guess by default that was as good as that net was going to get. LOL. 73 - KK7NWU

[@NewHamBasicsKD9ZRO]

Are you required to run an existing net? I'm thinking it would be fun to start a weekly simplex rag chew. There doesn't seem to be much traffic outside the existing nets. I think my area needs to have the UHF/VHF bands "opened up" for the Techs to get some enjoyment out of the hobby in order to encourage them to advance in the hobby. I have heard several ex-hams in my area say "it was just too quiet." That triggers me to think someone needs to take the lead and encourage more activity on a regular basis. I feel like a rag chew net would help encourage conversation outside of scheduled net times. Although I am a member of the local club, I also don't want to give people the impression that they have to join the club by associating this idea with the local club. (Not that I don't think they would support it.) I'm just wondering if you can run a net as an "individual" (used loosely.) I don't really want to see the frequencies get as out of control as the local cb frequencies, but there is little to no traffic now. My radio sits silent most of the time. (I'm sure that will change once I have the equipment to use other bands.) This is not very fulfilling for the local Techs.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You don't have to be a member of a club or organization to create a net on a simplex frequency. If the net was on a repeater, you would need permission from the repeater owners, but that is not the case for simplex. I think clubs create simplex nets primarily because they have a membership base to sustain the net. But if you can get a group of like minded individuals together to meet at a regular time on a simplex frequency, then go for it. My only recommendation would be to not use the 146.52 Mhz calling frequency, but pick something like 146.55 or 146.58 MHz.

[@NewHamBasicsKD9ZRO]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you for answering so quickly. I thought that this might be the case. I may be a General, but I'm also new. I just needed to be sure before I even attempt it. Thank you.

[@debr2422]

Are clubs or net managers required to do something with the checkin list? I’ve heard my local net controller state that hey did get someone in the log when there was a Mosul or state that a late checkin made the log. Just wondering if something is done with the checkin info.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

There is no legal requirement in keeping a log or list of checkins. The FCC got rid of that rule in the 1970's. Clubs or organizations may have policies where they maintain an archive or list of net activity; but it's not legally required.

[@simonbenjamin6187]

Very good

[@Voxguitarsrock]

Good video Thanks! My millennial daughter asked " why can't you just record all the people checking in on your phone? Then use talk to text to put it in text format. Then just print it out on the computer printer! Dang kids! Lol

[@thetrucker1554]

I can't wait til i can memorize all the Q codes and better understand the lingo

[@brian.7966]

Are you reading that from a board?

[@MrAlanmcd]

what does "no traffic" mean? or "with traffic"

[@karinhart489]

Alan, that the participant saying, “No traffic.” has no messages to pass along, & no announcements.

[@MrAlanmcd]

@@karinhart489 ok thanks

[@1crazynordlander]

Thanks for asking this. I did not know either. So on the other hand if you don't say "no traffic" does that mean you will be called upon to give a report? Is "no traffic" the same as "in and out"?

[@MrAlanmcd]

@@1crazynordlander I have also heard the NET OP calling CQ and announcing 'clearing traffic'. I heard nothing so I suppose it was a vein attempt at seeing if anyone wanted to say something??

[@MrAlanmcd]

@@1crazynordlander I think I hear "I have traffic" - not just an absence of "no traffic", in which case the OP will come back to you after the checkins and ask what traffic you wanted to report.

[@furonwarrior]

What is the purpose of this?

[@kc5sdy]

A good way to practice in being a net control operator is to get into traffic handling. In my area, we have 2 traffic nets a day on VHF.

[@n8tuwstevenewland933]

Michael. As a net service control operator For midcars. I couldn't have said ant better. Be prepared. You know. Pencil paper spread sheets. And coffee. N8TUW

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I love Midcars‚ thanks for providing that service. I'm not an active participant as I don't HF mobile- but I will check in when I'm testing a new radio or antenna.

[@cwebs1000]

Micheal, you need to clean up your room before my XYL see it and gives me hell about my mess. 73, Carl AB1ZI

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yeah‚ I need to tell my kids to take their stuff when they move out of the house

[@johndoggett9297]

Thanks for your ideas and insights. W9YCD

[@fortwaynefamily]

We host a net on North Georgia GMRS Network every Thursday Evening at 8:00 PM. As you know GMRS is an extension of the family Radio Service, and is a very family friendly band to work in. One GMRS License allows a license holders wife, kids, siblings, parents, and many more family members to operate under that license. This provides an opportunity for family members who won't or can't pass a skills test to participate in the radio hobby. This is a link the Latest North Georgia GMRS Network Net, Live streamed on KZbin. kzbin.info/www/bejne/goaaq3esaaiBp8U

[@samuelrobinson1150]

Can you have a technician license to do a net control?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

A technician license is plenty good to be a net control operator on VHF/UHF frequencies

[@earthey7499]

Got here early this time! :D

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yay! #1

[@gfinnstrom]

EXCELLENT FROM KB7PPW

[@VK4FHEA]

Greetings all great video I be doing my first net controller on wednesday im a bit nervous i hope it will go well. VK4FHEA

[@SpyridonMouroutsos]

:)