EmComm HF Nets

Many of us in the amateur radio world have at one time or another, checked into a 2 meter or HF net.  The Net Control Station (NCS), calls the net, takes check-ins and then may either have training or a round-table of comments.  He then thanks everyone and closes the net.  For the members of the net, their participation is rather benign.  Give their call sign for a check in and may make a comment about the weather.  Boom Baby!

EmComm nets are different.  An EmComm net can cover a State, a region and even CONUS (Continental United States).  I have been an NCS for State, regional, and CONUS nets, and it can be a challenge.  In the case of an EmComm net, net members are not spectators any longer.  Your diligence in performing your duties and your discipline in following protocol is critical.  With a wide area net, the NCS may not be able to hear all of its members.  This is especially true, when one or some of the members are operating portable in a disaster area with low power and compromised antennas.

As a member of an EmComm net, you should be listening and copying down call-signs.  You may hear a station, but the NCS may not.  Sometimes the NCS will ask for a “Relay” which means if someone else can hear that station, to please relay the call sign and any traffic to the NCS.  Now that doesn’t turn the net into a wild west shoot out.  If the NCS calls for a relay, you should respond with “Relay”.  The NCS will then reply with “Go Ahead relay”, at which time you pass the information.

If you feel you heard a call sign that no one else heard (this happens).  At an appropriate pause in the NCS’ rhythm, call out “Relay”.  When the NCS acknowledges you, respond with something like. “This is KK4Z, I have a relay for ID1OT with (no) traffic”.  The NCS will except the relay and once any traffic is passed will thank you and move back to his normal routine.  Care must be taken not to disrupt the flow of the net.

How do you know how the net flows?  It takes practice and participation.  You should check into a net as often as possible.  That way you get a feel for how the NCS operates and you get to know how other members participate.  A net has an ebb and flow not unlike a symphony orchestra.  Through practice, a musician learns the nuances of the conductor’s wand and the individuals learn how to operate as a group. 

In one net I participate in, it is a CONUS net with approx. 100 members.  We can roll through it in under 30 minutes.