Wilson ARC / Information & ARES Net

Thank you for your continued support of the Wilson ARC / Wilson County ARES Information Net.  This Preamble will give you exactly what you need to call the weekly net.  Text in blue is meant to be read as script over the net.  Information in red is notes for you to consider while running the net.

The Preamble is separated into 3 parts: Traffic, Announcements, and Check-Ins.

When calling for traffic, there are 4 types: Emergency, Priority, Formal and Informal.

Ø Emergency Traffic: This type of traffic is rare, and usually not given, however, be prepared to take it should an emergency arise.

Ø Priority Traffic: This type of traffic is also rare, but be prepared.

Ø Formal Traffic: This type of traffic is for anyone that needs to pass NTS traffic.  Again, rare, however the NTS (National Traffic System) does provide a method to pass this formal traffic.  The Wilson ARC Information & ARES Net, is an NTS net and is required to accept NTS traffic when presented.  Normally, the NCO would copy the traffic and pass it, however, when the NCO does not know how to pass NTS traffic, the Net Control can make a request to any listening station that is capable of copying the traffic.

Ø Informal Traffic: This is the most common type of traffic.  This includes club announcements,  bulletins, hamfest dates, meeting dates and other topics of interest to Net members.

During announcements there are two items you will always need to know about:

1) The next Wilson ARC Club Meeting

2) The next Wilson County ARES Meeting

Finally, the Check-In part of the Net is when you request all stations listening to check into the net.  There are two pieces of information you will need to record when taking check-ins.

1) Call sign

2) Location

When taking Check-Ins, it’s normal to copy 3 or 4 check-ins at a time.  When you do, take each check in, one at a time, and request for the information that you need recorded (Call sign and Location) and ask for their name if you don’t know it.   Then ask each station if he has anything to share with the net.  This serves two purposes; the first purpose is just so we can get to know everyone on the net better.  The second purpose is to provide everyone on the net an opportunity to say something.  Some people are shy, and wouldn’t normally speak up; however, if you ask them a question they might speak up.

What do I do after the Net is over?

It is important that all the information you gather is communicated to the Net Manager, Robin Midgett K4IDC.  Email your Net results to:   WC4ARNetLogs@comcast.net

Regardless of which method you use, here is the list of information the Net Manager will need:

Ø Count of stations that checked in.

Ø Count of all NTS formal traffic passed on the net.

That’s it!  This is all the information that you’ll need to know to become a TERRIFIC Net Control Operator.  Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and support of the Wilson ARC and ARES organizations.

If at any time you have questions, please contact the Net Manager at K4IDC@comcast.net

The next page contains the actual script.

Net Preamble Script

================= - TRAFFIC - =================

Attention all hams, calling the Wilson ARC Information & ARES Net. My call is ________ (your call), I am located in ___________, (your location) and my name is ___________. This is a directed net. 

Is there any Emergency or Priority traffic for the Net?

Be prepared to copy NTS Messages if they should come.  If you are unable to copy messages,

This Net meets here on this frequency each Thursday evening at 7:00 PM and other times as needed. The purpose of the Net is to keep the hams in Wilson County and surrounding areas informed on Wilson ARC and ARES activities, and other matters relating to amateur radio.

Is there any Formal traffic for the Net?

Be prepared to copy NTS Messages if they should come.  If you are unable to copy messages,

================= - ANNOUNCEMENTS - =================

Does any station have announcements or bulletins for the Net?

The Wilson Amateur Radio Club will meet again at  _______________ (give actual time, date & location).

The Wilson County Amateur Radio Emergency Service will meet  __________ (give time, date, location).

This is the Wilson ARC & ARES Information Net, and I am _______ (your call) your Net Control.

================= - CHECK-INS - =================

All amateur stations are welcome to check-in to the Net. You do not have to be a member of Wilson ARC nor any other organization to check-in. Stations wishing to check-in please state your call sign only.

Are there any mobile or portable stations who wish to check-in?

Respond by acknowledging each station one at a time.  Repeat their call sign and ask for

their name (if you don’t know it) and location.  Once you have recorded their call sign and

location, ask if they have anything to share with the Net.  Continue asking for mobile or portable

stations until no other mobile or portable stations check-in.

Are there any fixed stations wishing to check-in?

Respond by acknowledging each station one at a time.  Repeat their call sign and ask for

their name (if you don’t know it) and location.  Once you have recorded their call sign and

location, ask if they have anything to share with the Net.  Continue asking for check-ins

until no others check-in.

Are there any late announcements, bulletins, or traffic for the net?

Thank you for participating. This is _______ (your call) securing the Wilson ARC Information & ARES Net and returning the repeater back to normal amateur radio use. Good night.

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