Colorado Astronomy Net Script

Read over this entire script before you start the net and BE PREPARED. Bolded text is read aloud. Text in parentheses () is instruction and NOT to be read aloud. If the repeater is being used prior to the net, announce to whomever is using the repeater that the net will be starting in a few minutes. BE POLITE. Just remind them, not kick them off. Wait until they are done and then start the net. Above all, be polite and practice courteous radio procedures. You never know who may be listening. Be sure to identify yourself every 10 minutes at a minimum. Use the log sheet to record the check-ins and to take notes. You can ad-lib where you want. Just be yourself.

(A few minutes prior to 7:00 P.M.)

The Colorado Astronomy Net will be starting in just a few minutes. Anyone needing to use the repeater, please do so at this time. Thank you. This is __(your call sign)__.

(Wait until 7:00 PM.)

Good evening and welcome to the Colorado Astronomy Net. This is __(your call sign)__ and my name is __(your name)__.

I will be your net control for this evening's net. Please use the word -BREAK- only for Emergencies or Priority traffic. If there is any Emergency or Priority traffic, please go ahead now.

(Wait about 15-20 seconds to see if anyone has any traffic, then proceed with the net.)

A reminder: The 3-minute time-out function is still in effect. Also, during emergencies this repeater may be used by the National Weather Service or the American Red Cross. Our backup is the 145.220 repeater.  This net may also be heard in the Cripple Creek area on the 447.400 repeater with a tone of 67 Hz.

This is __(your call sign)__, Net control for the Colorado Astronomy Net.

Check-ins:

I will now accept check-ins for this evening's net. Please use phonetics, as this helps greatly in copying your call sign correctly. Please speak slowly and clearly. And don't hesitate to correct me if I get something wrong. Please respond with your call sign, name and location.

(Log a few call signs and respond by repeating the call sign and name back with a "Hello," "Good Evening" or whatever. Be friendly! Continue for a while until you have no more check-ins.)

Announcements:

In the interest of time I will not phonetically spell URLs and e-mail addresses. However, I will be more than happy to provide fills as requested.

1. The IAAS Astronomy Newsletter is published monthly. You may subscribe to the newsletter by sending an email to ki0ar@yahoo.com and request addition to the email list.

2. For information about upcoming International Association for Astronomical Studies activities, you may access the IAAS homepage on the Internet at iaas.home.att.net.

3. The Colorado AMSAT Net, run by John, N0VSE, meets on Wednesdays at 8:00 P.M. on the 147.225 repeater for anyone interested in satellite communications.

4. The Edge of Space Sciences net meets on Tuesdays at 8:00 P.M. on the 147.225 repeater for anyone interested in high altitude balloon experimentation and communications.

5. __________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
(Any other announcements you wish to pass along to the net.)

This is __(your call sign)__, Net control for the Colorado Astronomy Net.

Now for upcoming Astronomical Events . . .

(Announce the following: [From the Monthly Astronomy Newsletter])

1. Current phase of the moon and the next major phase (1st qtr, Full, 3rd qtr, New).

2. Visible planets and where to look for them.

3. Meteor showers (if any).

4. Comets and when/where to find them if any.

5. Eclipses (if any)

6. Anything else of interest.

This is __(your call sign)__, Net Control for the Colorado Astronomy Net. Are there any more stations wishing to check-in?  Please call with your callsign, name, and location.

(Record the new check-ins on the log sheet and acknowledge each person.)

This is __(your call sign)__, Net Control for the Colorado Astronomy Net.

(This evenings presentation [topic of discussion] goes here. If you do not have a particular topic to discuss, then proceed with the General Comments portion of the net.)

Now for the headlines and articles for tonight's net . . .

(You may wish to surf the Internet for interesting tidbits of wisdom to pass along. Read articles.)

General Comments:

Open the net up for questions, comments, late check-ins.  Start at the top of the list and work through it.

_______________ good evening, ________. Do you have any questions, comments, or topics you would like to discuss tonight? What have been observing lately?  Any astronomical events to announce?

(Wait for responses, make comments, take notes, ask questions. Continue with all other call signs on the list. When you have finished with the last call sign checked-in, identify yourself again. Ask for any more late check-ins [if time allows]. Record these new check-ins, then talk to them also.)

(Open the net to anyone who may wish to discuss anything else.)

Is there anyone else who has any comments, questions, or suggestions? Are there any late check-ins? Please call now.

(Finally, before closing the net)

ANY comments, questions, or suggestions may also be sent via Email to ki0ar@yahoo.com. Thank you.

(When you think all is finished or 8:00 P.M. comes, then close the net.)

This is __(your call sign)__, Net Control for the Colorado Astronomy Net.

Many thanks to all those who participated tonight as well as the members and trustees of the Rocky Mountain Radio League for the use of this 146.94 repeater. We had a total of (see log sheet for total) check-ins this evening. I hope to hear from ALL of you next Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. for another meeting of the Colorado Astronomy Net. This net is officially closed at ________ P.M. (MDT or MST). Remember to keep looking up!

This is __(your call sign)__. Clear.

Sample Log sheet:

Start Time: _________ End Time: __________ Date: ____________

Page last updated on June 15, 2004.

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