Subject: Simplex Net Script KE3FL comment: This is not a Simplex Net Script, it is not a script at all. It looks more like a letter? If you wish to check-in to a good simplex net, listen on Monday evenings at 8:00 p.m. local to 146.460 and the Montgomery County RACES/ARES net. (NOTE: At present this net is being held on the 146.955- repeater, ARES) This standard boilerplate message was prepared for county EC's and AEC's to promote the Virginia District Two ARES Simplex Net. It is being provided for your information in case those of you in other Counties wish to modify it for your own use, or par ticipate in our net. The script follows separately: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - District 2 ECs and AECs: ARES/RACES/MARS members are needed to take a turn as net control station on the Virginia District 2 net. If your group is in a fringe area and can't always hear the net, moving the net control station to your county is the best way to ensure your peop le can hear the net, without having difficulty checking in. Let somebody else worry about needing a relay for a change! It is essential to move the location of the NCS around so that we can do a better job of covering the entire District. The NCS does not have to be an ARES official, we intend this to be a tr aining net and have been encouraging relatively new operators to team up, having one station log check ins and the other follow the script. Experienced RACES or MARS operators are desired on an occasional basis so "newbies" will learn by their example, but I fully appreciate that local ARES/RACES officials are already busy enough. Our main purpose is to provide a mechanism for encouraging new operators to gain some experience, build confidence and competence. This net is a teaching tool to ensure that operators know how to call up and conduct a directed net, and will be prepared to jump in and do it when needed. Training topics and e quipment discussions are a good way to attract new or potential ARES members to become more involved. If you need help in preparing a 10-15 training presentation on a topic related to emergency service, you may use any of the materials on the VA ARES web page, or contact KE4SKY for specific needs. The script follows in the next message. If other Districts have produced training bulletins or exercise scenarios which would be useful in this format I would appreciate hearing from you. E-mail any questions or reply to: ed.harris@p3006.f120.n109.z1.fidonet.org 73 de KE4SKY, Regards, Ed Net Control Procedures for VA District Two ARES 2-Meter Simplex Net Rev 1-6-98 - KE4SKY 1. Scheduled net time is 2030 hrs, Fridays on the Virginia District Two shared simplex frequency, 146.415 MHz., FM. At 2020 hours identify and ascertain whether the primary working frequency is clear: "This is < > Net Control station for the Virginia District Two ARES Net. Is this frequency in use?, Over." 2. (Alternate net controls are expected to monitor 146.415, 146.790 and 146.52 in marked memory scan whenever possible from 2015 hrs until net time. If by 2025 hrs, no net control has come on 146.415, or called the net on 146.52 or 146.79, any alternate net control station is expected to proceed as follows: "This is < >, is there a net control on frequency?, Over.. (If no response, you are expected to jump in and "do it!") 3. "This frequency, 146 decimal 415, is coordinated to Virginia ARES for exercises and shared mutual assistance. Amateurs are requested to relinquish the frequency during ARES or RACES operations, but it is available at other times for normal amateur use... *Note that if the working frequency in use for a non-ARES activity and the users do not voluntarily move off, use the exactly same procedure as for an ARES activity in progress. Check alternate frequencies until a clear simplex frequency is found. Don't start a confrontation on air. Recommended alternate net frequencies are Fairfax Ch. 1 "NE" - 147.495, Ch, 2 "NW"- 147.435 or Ch.3 "SE" 146.595. If NCS is operating from outside of Fairfax County, any simplex channel coordinated for ARES/ RACES use in your jurisdiction may be used, such as 146.430 in Arlington or Fauquier, or 146.475 in Prince William. 4. Hearing no response within five seconds, clear as follows: "No station heard. The Virginia District Two ARES Net will commence on this frequency at 2030 hours. This is < >, Out." 5. Confirming a clear frequency, announce the net on the NCAC primary repeater, 146.790-, Fauquier primary 147.165+ and Skywarn primary 147.300+ repeater as well as on National Simplex, 146.52 MHz. The announcement order doesn't matter. If one repeater is busy go to the next or to National Simplex, Announce the net frequency and time, then change frequency and repeat until the announcement has been made on the three main ARES repeaters used in District 2 and on National Simplex. If time permits, you may announce on 145.310-, 145.470-, 146.715-, 146.910-, 146.970- and 147.240+, recommended when there is important traffic. (Don't use "QST" or other Q-signals on phone, only plain text) "Calling all stations. Any station listening, this is < >, Net Control Station for the Virginia District Two ARES Net... The net will meet on 146 decimal 415 megahertz, at 2030 hours. The program /exercise for is evening is .... (if there is one) "Amateur stations wishing to check into the net are requested to move to simplex frequency 146 decimal 415 MHZ. at 2030 hours and wait for Net Control. This is < >, Out." 6. For routine net call-up proceed directly to page 3, Item-#7.>> Use the following scripts for unscheduled activations only. Initiate unannounced drill on the primary repeater 146.79 and on 146.52 simplex at the top of the hour: "ATTENTION ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS LISTENING, THIS IS A DRILL...THIS IS A DRILL. A ROLL CALL OF ARES STATIONS WILL BE TAKEN ON AT