What if you wanted to start a new net to cover something not currently being done? Where would you start? This page is designed to be a basic template to build upon. Note that this is not here to encourage folks to start redundant nets. We’ll call this one “BasicNet”.
BasicNet is designed to be flexible enough to fit the needs of the widest possible range of situations. It is a set of tools, standards, and protocols that can be easily adapted to local needs by those involved rather than being a one-size-fits-all plan. Let’s go through some of the planning steps for our sample, BasicNet. Keep in mind that we’re making assumptions about a hypothetical net being planned.
- Make sure that BasicNet is not trying to replace, or duplicate any existing net(s)
- Variable text files are used for flexibility. Macros can be easily adapted to the needs of a wide variety of nets.
- BasicNet’s objective is to pass SitReps and StatReps in a minimum amount of time.
- Focus is on efficiency, simplicity, and standard formats.
- Anticipated use is in a situation where normal means of communications are not available, with a high likelihood of grid-down conditions.
- Net is handled by a primary NCS with limited use (if any) of Assistant NCS.
- Macros are available for download (see links below), and you are encouraged to download and add any or all to your FLDIGI macros.
- All SitReps and StatReps are sent, using MFSK32, FLMSG, and FLAMP (if needed), and the standard ICS-213 form.
- Frequency is typically in the 40 meters or 80 meters band.
- Net Day and Start Time is determined by time zone and local consensus, as well as the activities of other nets.
Situation Reports
The contents and layout of SitReps and StatReps will vary depending on the situation and local needs. Form ICS-213 is recommended because it is a standard, general purpose form that is included with FLMSG, and it is not tied to any specific net organization. The AmRRON forms are also good options. For practice and testing, BasicNet will be using the SitRep format used by ERIN (Eastern Region Information Net):
❑ Your location (state, county, grid – whatever suits the needs of your area)
❑ Localized weather report if out of the ordinary
❑ Fuel availability & prices, petrol/Diesel
❑ Civil unrest if any
❑ Unusual Military movement if any
❑ Other interesting local news
Again, this is for practice and testing – practice in passing traffic means you need something to pass. Just checking in doesn’t accomplish a whole lot.
Macro File Downloads
(Current Version 1.2)
★ SitRepNet Macros Package – wrapped in a ZIP file. Includes macro file and folder with macro variable text files, and a NOTES.txt file describing how to use.
★ Sample Net Transcript – PDF doc (based on version 1.1, so there may be minor differences).
★ SitRepNet Macros Sequence – single page PDF doc for use as a step-by-step guide to running BasicNet using the macros. Includes basic info about the files.
Notes
- Avoiding interference with existing nets is crucial. Refer to the HF_Digital Net Database in order to prevent interference.
- Software used for passing traffic is FLDIGI and FLMSG, with FLAMP optional.
- Form ICS-213 is a standard part of FLMSG. By using this basic form, all reports are in a standard format and more easily shared. FLMSG converts received ICS-213 reports into HTML format, making it easy to print and organize. The AmRRON forms are another good option. Use what best fits your needs, but try to standardize where possible.
- BasicNet is an operations net rather than a training net though there is always some overlap.
