The net can be called into session by
myself, certified NCSs (KB5ASR, WA5EE, N5JCG, others will be
added), the MARC club President or Vice President, when
directed by LEMA or NWS or upon instructions from the MS
Section Manager.
1. WE DO NOT FORECAST THE WX OR DIRECT
OTHER AGENCIES. We only report and provide communications
when asked.
2. The Net Control Station (NCS) is the
boss. We all work for the net control station.
3. During net operations if you are
monitoring the MARC repeater please check-in. Expect to
listen more than you talk. Newer operators should listen and
see what goes on during the net, but be ready to assist if
called on by the NCS. Don't think you are being left out if
you don't do a lot of communicating. If bad WX passes
without a single report other than the NCS ID'ing it means
we had a very good session.
4. The NCS can not do everything. He will
need help. If you desire to be a bulletin or liaison
station, local emergency management agency (LEMA) point of
contact, or serve in some other function please let the NCS
know. Be prepared if asked to assist.
5. An NCS is only good for a couple of
hours before a break is needed. One or two NCS operators
will not be able to handle an extended storm. It is a very
rewarding feeling after a successful operation.
6. Use MAYDAY to break the net if you
have life threatening traffic. Examples include auto
accidents with serious injuries or other situations in that
category.
7. Use BREAK to break the net if you have
priority traffic. Traffic such as a tornado sighting, funnel
cloud, hail, lightning, heavy rain, and etc. Use your call
to break the net for routine traffic.
8. When using repeaters wait for a second
or so after the courtesy beep if you are transmitting
routine traffic. This allows stations with higher priority
traffic to break the net.
9. When transmitting, hold the mike
properly, key down first then talk across and not into the
mike. Speak slowly, distinctly, clearly and don't let your
voice trail off. Don't talk to long and time the repeater
out. If you have a long report transmit you should at about
one minute intervals, release the key, wait for the courtesy
beep plus about two seconds and then key down and continue
your report.
10. Organize your thoughts before you
press the key and it will be much easier to get your traffic
across. Don't get stressed or angry if you have to repeat
your transmission.
Time gets compressed when people get
excited and they have a tendency to talk very fast. Maybe
faster than the NCS can comprehend.
11. Relay messages exactly as you hear
them. If what you hear does not make sense get an
explanation from the originator before you go on the air.
That station may not be on the air if you have to go back
for clarification.
12. Be and sound alert, use the standard
phonetic alphabet to avoid confusion and don't use 'Q'
signals. They are NOT for voice work. Use words like
affirmative, negative, unable, and Roger instead of yes, no,
can't, OK.
13. Use your call at the beginning and
end of each report. Always acknowledge your call and any
instructions. If you do not understand instructions given to
you then ask for clarification or repeat the instructions
and request confirmation.
14. Never leave the net without
permission from the NCS. He may need you and won't be able
to reach you.
15. Only transmit facts. Your credibility
is on the line with each transmission. If you are not 100%
sure of your source indicate that such is the case.
16. Remember that the strongest signal
captures the repeater. Doubling may occur. If the NCS does
not appear to have heard the doubling bring it to their
attention.
17. Make sure your equipment is operating
properly. Help with some problems is available. We want to
keep you on the air and will do what we can to insure you
are there when you are needed. Prepare your station for
emergency operations by having spare batteries, emergency
generators, auto batteries for your HF, VHF/UHF, and any
other equipment that will work off 12 vdc if you can afford
to do so.
18. Keep notes on things you don't
understand or suggestions you may have. Your critique of the
operation can provide us with inputs that will valuable in
improving the program. Do not think at any time that your
inputs will be ignored.
Jim WB5OCD
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