RHODE ISLAND ARES NET SCRIPT

The following preamble may be used to call up the net. As Net Control, you should deviate from it as conditions dictate. You are in control and responsible for content, organization, and the duration of the net. This preamble provides a guide for your duty. You may use it as a reference rather than read it word-for-word. The goal is to communicate effectively rather than to “read into the microphone.”

Critical points are the following: everyone who wanted to check in did check in, all  traffic was handled, scheduled training was done, and all stations checking were given ample opportunity to make comments. Above all, this net is intended to provide emergency training in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

NOTE: If you are scheduled to be Net Control but suddenly realize you can’t do it, you should contact the * Managing NCS as soon as possible or find a replacement and tell the net manager.

PREAMBLE

[An option is to announce before the net begins that the ARES net will begin at (time) P.M. This can be done, for example, at 5 minute intervals before the net, or just once before the net. It is recommended especially when the repeater has been or you think the repeater may be in use when the net should start.]

At 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. local time (1900 or 2000 hours): Calling all members of the Rhode Island Amateur Radio Emergency Service. Calling all members of Rhode Island ARES.

This is (call sign [phonetically]). My name is (name). I will be ‘net control’ for this session of the Rhode Island ARES Net. This Net meets every first and third Monday of the month at  7:00 or 8:00  P.M. local time. Our primary repeater is K1CR. Its output frequency is 146.700 MHz, and it has a minus offset. Our secondary repeater is KA1RCI Repeater Network

The purpose of this net is to help ARES members prepare for emergency communications in and outside of Rhode Island. This is an open directed net and all check-ins are welcome. This is (call sign [phonetically]). I will be “netcontrol” for this session.

Is there any Priority or Emergency traffic?….

Listen a few seconds. Then acknowledge the station(s) calling in or say:

Nothing heard. Otherwise enrolled stations won’t know if they need to relay a call sign and calling stations won’t know if they’ve been heard.

Stations with Priority or Emergency traffic may break in at any time….

Also if net control misses any calls, please break in for a relay.

Then ask:

Is there any formal traffic for the net? ….

Then, Nothing heard. Or make notes and respond to caller(s). You may want to direct this traffic to the Announcement Section or Training/Discussion Section of the net that will come up after the check ins or have the caller repeat it later there.

CALL UP SECTION:

We are ready for check ins. I will call for stations by the first letter of the suffix of your call sign. When checking in please say “this is” then un-key to make sure you are not doubling, then give your call, name, location, ARES position or other affiliations, and whether you have any comments for the net.    You may also want to mention your output power and power source.

This is [call sign]. We will now take check-ins. Stations with suffixes that begin with Alpha through Golf may call now.

Do each letter group as many times as you see fit based on response, but also move on to the next group when appropriate. You will be able to pick up check ins after you run through the alphabet.

Each time call-ins slow down or cease, go through that new short station list by call, acknowledge each, welcome as you see fit, (and ask for information missed by the caller if you judge it necessary, e.g. name, location, but not necessarily power level, etc.):

“I recognize the following stations: …..”

Proceed to the next letter group(s)

Hotel through November

Oscar through Tango

Uniform through Zulu

[Now all stations may have a chance to call in.]

This is [call sign]. All stations missed in the initial call up may call in at this

time.

Handle traffic and comments in the order in which they were received, unless you judge otherwise. Remember, the receiving station is the control operator, so have them call the sending station for traffic.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The NCS, SEC, SM, etc. can make scheduled announcements. Also NCS may mention sending suggestions and comments via e-mail to John , Interim Net Control,  at  W1JPZ@gmail.com

Announcements and Comments:__________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Thank the announcer(s). Possibly reinforce or reflect on announcement(s) if

necessary.

Optional: Check-ins can be called up now: for example,

“Are there any additional check-ins. (Please give your call, name, location, and whether you have a comment for the net.) Please call now.”

LEADERSHIP/MEMBERSHIP CORNERS:

I. Leadership Corner. “We have finished the announcements. It is time for the Leadership Corner” I would like to give ARES leaders a chance to discuss their activities and to make any comments for the net. Please give your call sign and we will begin.”

II. Membership Corner. “We will now observe the Membership Corner. It is time for any ARES members to discuss their ARES interests and activities and to make any other comments they would like to make.”

“Thank you for participating and for letting other ARES members know about activities and interests within our organization.”

Training or Discussion Topics:

Possible ways to begin: “The topic for tonight is ……………………  or “ I would like to turn the net over to __________ for tonight’s topic.” Etc.

Introduce the trainer and turn the net over to him.____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Final Check ins. Before closing the net, try to leave time for final check ins before closing the net, for anyone anywhere who may wish to check in.

Please do not close without getting final check ins.

CLOSING SECTION: Before 9:00 p.m. local time, the net should be closed:

This concludes the Rhode Island ARES Net. We look forward to hearing from you again on Monday evening _________________ at 7or 8:00 p.m. local time.

Please pass the word that this net is here for the good of everyone and for  the benefit of our communities. In the case of an emergency, please tune to this frequency for any instructions and net activations. Thanks to one and all who participated.  Thanks also to K1CR and the Ocean State Amateur Radio Group for the use of this repeater Or  Thanks also to KA1RCI for the use of the KA1RCI  Repeater Network. “Net control” will remain on frequency for any additional communications outside the Net. All are welcome to remain on frequency.

This is (call [phonetically]) returning the K1CR  or  KA1RCI repeater to regular Amateur use. [Net closed at ________ p.m.]

After the net, please fill in and send the packet NCS form found on the RI-ARES  website to the Net Control Manager.  If you have packet capability, please  use KE1AB-4 to send the NCS report. If you do not have packet capability please email  the NCS form after copying and pasting it to a new e-mail message page. Once a month, the SEC or NCM  will send a summary of ARES activity to the Section Manager for inclusion in the monthly activity report to all RI members due to be posted on the 12th  of each month.

1-20-2010                                 FOR YOUR COPY OF THE NET SCRIPT PLEASE <CLICK HERE>