1. Signal the start of the net by sending a long-tone-zero. A useful approximation of a long tone zero (LTZ) is the zero Touch tone sent for {at least} five (5) seconds.

    • On older rigs you can probably send a LTZ by pressing the rig's PTT at the same time as you press and hold the zero digit key on the rig's/mic's number keypad -- when done, simply release the zero but not the PTT and begin speaking.

    • On newer rig's, such as the A.R.E.S Niagara Hospitals Radio Network (HRN) IC-207H's -- for example, you may be able / required to press a DTMF key, before pressing the zero (0) digit key.

    In all cases, please consult the rig's Operator's Manual to determine the actual method(s) appropriate / available with the rig you'll be using to run / initiate the net.


  2. Good evening everyone.
    Welcome to ARES Niagara's weekly net #{see sched}.
    My name is {name} and my call is {callsign}.
    The machine this net uses, VE3RAF, is located high on the Niagara Escarpment at 97.7 Cataract Road in the city of Thorold.
    Its output is on 145.190 MHz and its sub-audible tone is 107.2 Hz.

  3. This directed net is held each week on Tuesday evening at 19:00, that's 7:00 pm.
    Our main purpose is to keep ARES volunteers informed, but its a general information net also.
    All amateurs are welcome.

  4. After a limited roll call, we will have a few announcements and then a couple of standbys.
    The first standy will be for late volunteer check-ins.
    The other will be an open check-in, where anyone can pass traffic or ask for additional information.

  5. Now, we will call for check-ins from listed volunteers, starting with: _____

    IMPORTANT: Call for each volunteer (listed in black, but not the ones in grey) to check-in by "spelling" their callsign phonetically, AND then saying their first name as shown on the latest Check-Ins List (Your copy of http://www.vaxxine.com/va3nag/netdocs/checkins.html is up to date, isn't it?).

  6. After the Roll Call, handle Announcements -- something like:
    {VE3HM}, do you have announcements or other traffic for the net?

  7. After Announcements, handle Late Check-ins -- something like:
    Are there any late volunteer check-ins for the ARES Niagara weekly net?

  8. After Late Check-ins handle Weekly Traffic -- something like:
    {VE3DVE}, do you have traffic for the net?

  9. After Late Weekly Traffic, do the Open Check-in -- something like:
    Are there any amateur interested in checking in to the ARES Niagara weekly net? Does anyone have a question or traffic for the net?

  10. After Open Check-in, that's it! You may now put the ribbons on it and return the repeater to regular use. Don't forget to thank everybody who checked-in.

  11. A couple "last" things:

    • While this net is directed and has a script, what it should be is a light weekly refresher for everyone (NCS and the participants / audience) on how to conduct a net and pass traffic, not just a weekly check-in & announcement ritual - stay loose - keep flexible - perhaps chat back, briefly, to some of the check-ins.


    • Also, please keep in mind that Canwarn has priority during severe weather season. The repeater that A.R.E.S. Niagara uses, VE3RAF, is also the region's primary Canwarn repeater. So, pace / run the net accordingly - to allow for the, hopefully, very rare possibility of a Canwarn break-in or even an operational Canwarn net.