SRA Net Procedures

Determine which repeaters and remote bases need to be connected, announce yourself and command each site into the desired configuration.  The normal configuration for a routine net operation is

• All SRA repeaters connected
  

• All remotely controlled basestations turned off
  
• Southbound link turned off at Fresno

2.  Pre-net check

Make sure you can get into the local repeater with a solid signal.  You should also have a pad of paper and a pen handy to keep track of net check-ins and traffic.

3.  Begin the net

QST – QST – QST.  This is 
<your call, letters and phonetics>           W6ABC, Whisky Six Alpha Bravo Charlie
<your name>                                             Bob
 in <your city>                                           San Jose
net control station for the Sierra Radio emergency service net.  This is a directed net.  Stations with emergency or priority traffic may break in at any time.

Is there any emergency or priority traffic?  Please come now. <listen>

Roll Call
Roll call will be taken in alphabetical order.  Please respond with your call sign only unless you have traffic
Stations wishing to pass traffic will be called, in order, after roll call. 
Member stations, please check in as called:
Stations ending with Alpha through Hotel
Stations ending with India through Papa
Stations ending with Quebec through Zulu
Are there any late or missed stations that wish to check in at this time?
Are there any guests or visitors that wish to check in at this time?
The following stations have traffic...
          <call each station, one at a time, that listed traffic>
Is there any traffic for the net at this time?
<if not>  Hearing none, this is <your call>, net control station for the Sierra Radio emergency service net.  This net is officially closed at this time.

• Remember you're using a microphone - In the excitement of an emergency, it's easy to forget! Keep away from any touchtone switches you may have while you speak.  Also, some advise to actually talk across a mic rather than into it, to avoid oversibilants, breath sounds, and popping of "p"s and other consonants.
  

• Speak slowly, distinctly, clearly, and do not let your voice trail off at the end of words or sentences. 
  
• Hold the transmit (PTT) button down for at least a second before beginning your message. This will assure that the first part of the message is not cut off by a slow squelch system on a radio or repeater.
  
• Know what you're going to say before you push the button. Don't clutter the airwaves with "uh"s and "duh"s. It is very easy to confuse the whole transmission if the operator does not have the facts right on the tip of the tongue and ready to put out the message in a crisp and orderly fashion.
  
• Make sure you're not on the air with someone else. Listen before transmitting - the pause you hear from Net Control may be deliberate to allow two other stations to complete a transmission.
  
• Chewing gum, eating, and other activities with items in the mouth tend to clutter up the clarity of your speech. Don't. 
  
• On VHF and UHF, look for a receiving "hot spot" and use it. Don't walk around while in communications fringe areas.
  
• Under stress, many operators have a tendency to talk fast. Even if you are in the midst of the action, remember to talk slowly and clearly in order to get the message across correctly. Accuracy first, speed second.
  
• Avoid angry comments on the air at all costs. Obscene statements are not required, and reflect on the Amateur Radio fraternity. Remember there are many scanners in use by news media, unlicensed but interested people and your operating techniques are under observation all the time.
  
• If you are relaying a message for another person be sure you repeat the message exactly, word-for-word, as it is given to you. If it makes no sense to you, get an explanation before you put it on the air. Refer the message back to the originator for clarification.
  
• Sound alert. Nothing destroys confidence as much as a bored or weary-sounding operator. If you are tired, get a relief operator. While on duty, listen carefully to the NCS. Don't have the NCS call you repeatedly because you weren't listening when you were expected to.