Resources and tools for HF Digital Mode Nets
I teach in the evening (PST) so regrettably miss regular voice check-ins.
I am looking for information on how to get my station set up for unmanned monitoring. Interested in monitoring EWN and AmRRON nets, with the goal of being active when I get the opportunity. I would like to be an asset not a liability.
Thank your for your work!!
Regarding NCS instructions for Nets: We should acknowledge there are several “types” of nets and set expectations for each. Some might attract novice stations and RX only stations so the instructions and explanations given over the air would be more robust. Some would be more “getting down to business” and the NCS instructions very short and sweet.
Future surveys should be tested by a few stations for any input/suggestions prior to mass distribution. A few more eyes (but not too many) are always a help.
On the Net Instructions question. If a net is a training or practice net then longer instructions are fine, but these should be abbreviated for operational nets. We are always getting new participants and I feel that explanations help new users feel more comfortable participating.
I do periodically check into some additional nets other than those I checkmarked, but not frequently enough to call it “regularly”.
I’ve been out of town for the holidays so my net participation “in the last two weeks” is atypical.
I only monitor nets receivers only. It is against our MAG policy to transmit in any net. Our MAG only transmits inside our group by pushing short form messages to each other in a non-live environment.
The question in the survey related to content/length of nets. My opinion, is there are and should be multiple types/purposes of nets. So robust insulations in nets that might include newbies more streamlined for activation practices.
A Persistent Presence Net (PPN) is not really net – at least not in the usual sense. It is more like an agreed-upon frequency that is regularly monitored: sort of like a Calling Frequency. In case of emergency, it’s ready for a Net Control Station (NCS) to step in and turn it into a directed net. Also, at various intervals, those monitoring the PPN will often send notification that their station is on the air. That is usually the call sign, time, maybe the group affiliation, and maybe something about what is being monitored (FLDIGI, JS8, etc.). A PPN can also be used to send out Situation Reports (SitRep) and Status Reports (StatRep) to those monitoring – something that digital mode nets are well suited for.
Now, let’s look at what a PPN is not. It is not a frequency “owned” by anyone or any group; that would be a clear violation of the FCC Part 97 rules. Nobody “owns” a frequency. On the other hand, when a frequency is in active use – as when a PPN turns into an active Directed net – that is basically “their” frequency until the net is closed or is no longer active.
The PPN concept is a great idea – and one that actually works well.
PPN’s are sort of a grey area when it comes to frequency usage. There is no legal prohibition against holding a QSO or calling CQ on a PPN frequency, but the spirit of cooperation makes it work. This grey area is not really governed by FCC rules, but by custom, courtesy, and civility. Especially during times of emergency, greater latitude is given to any group actively handling traffic related to that emergency. If you’re not participating in such a net, then just listen or move to another frequency. Problems sometimes arise when someone in a PPN tries to shut down anyone outside of their group. Politely advising a contester calling CQ that he is on a PPN frequency is OK – almost everyone will appreciate the information and quickly move on. Scolding someone for holding a brief exchange or arranging a QSY, is not OK.
Frequencies can be thought of as a 4-way stop intersection. Most of the time, you just stop and then proceed. When there are others at the other stop signs, you wait your turn and work it out so that everyone goes through in turn. No one gets to barrel right through the intersection because it is shared with everyone. Same with frequencies – no one “owns” a frequency. We use courtesy and civility to share that resource. Respect PPN frequencies, and remember that no one “owns” a frequency, and that spirit of cooperation that hams are known for will continue.
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