Voice nets and net procedure

What it is

A voice net is a scheduled on-air meeting on a set frequency, usually run by a net control station (NCS) who keeps order so many people can share one channel. Nets are used for club announcements, training, weather reports and emergency practice. This article is about the procedure; see Nets for the many kinds of nets and Net control procedures for running one in an emergency.

Two styles

	Directed net	Open (informal) net
Who speaks	Only when net control says	Anyone, in turn, by courtesy
Good for	Big groups, emergency drills, traffic	Small groups, social round tables
Control	NCS calls every station	Light touch, sometimes a rotating host

Most nets mix the two: a directed check-in followed by looser conversation.

The shape of a net

Net control typically calls the net to order and directs communications between stations checking in. Everyone else follows one rule: unless you are reporting an emergency, transmit only when directed by net control.

Traffic means formal messages passed between net stations; see Radiograms and message handling.

Joining well

• Listen first. Hear the net's name, the NCS and how check-ins work before you speak.
• Check in once, with your call sign only, when invited. If the NCS wants more (name, location), they will ask. Say "short time" if you must leave early.
• Use phonetics for your call sign and for any unusual word or name.
• Wait to be recognised before sending your message, then keep it brief.
• Say "emergency" at once if you have urgent or emergency traffic. NCS will stop the net and give you the channel.
• No tuning up, no side chatter on net frequency.
• Check out when you leave, so net control is not left waiting for you.

Phrase	Meaning
Net control	The station running the net
Checking in	I am here and ready
Short time	I can only stay a short while
Go ahead	You may transmit now
Standing by	I am listening, waiting for my turn
Clear	I have finished and am leaving the channel

Related

• NetsScheduled on-air gatherings.
• Net control proceduresRunning an emergency net.
• The phonetic alphabetWhy we say "Whiskey" for W, and how to spell a call so it gets through.
• Radiograms and message handlingFormal written traffic.
• Principles of emergency communicationWhat to do and what not to.
• On-air etiquetteListening first, calling CQ, taking turns, and being a good neighbour on the band.