NET CONTROL QUICK START GUIDE (5 Steps)

Throughout this guide, the net NCM1 will be used as an example. For your net subsitute the appropriate net designator.

STEP 1.  At the designated time open the net. You say, "NOVEMBER CHARLIE MIKE ONE NOVEMBER CHARLIE MIKE ONE THIS IS (Your Callsign in phonetics) OVER". The repeat of the collective call indicates this is the start of the net. Trained stations will know this is the time to check in. For large or extremely busy nets, some qualifying statement might be acceptable to limit stations to a particular class (such as “STATIONS WITH TRAFFIC ONLY”). No further instructions are necessary and are contrary to the Voice SOP.

STEP 2.  Make net call frequently, especially early in the net. During inactive period during the net make net calls at least once each 10 minutes. To check stations in, make a Collective Call--You say—"NOVEMBER CHARLIE MIKE ONE THIS IS (Your Callsign in phonetics) OVER".  That is all that is necessary.  For large or extremely busy nets, some qualifying statement might be acceptable to limit stations to a particular class (such as “STATIONS WITH TRAFFIC ONLY”). Do not use NON-MARS phrases like "are there stations to check in to the net" or "stations to be  recognized" etc.   The Collective Call is all inclusive and makes those extra phrases unnecessary.

STEP 3. Be ready to write! There might be 3 or 4 stations after the net call or there might be 20.  When you have the call signs, and traffic status of the stations written down, ROGER them into the net.  At first ignore any stations that were too weak to copy or were covered up in dual transmissions.  ROGER in the stations that you have heard for certain.  Then go back and get the ones you missed. Request relays for any that you cannot copy.  

EXAMPLE:  ALPHA FOXTROT ALPHA SEVEN ZULU FOXTROT 
                  ALPHA  FOXTROT ALPHA FIVE ALPHA ALPHA 
                  ALPHA FOXTROT BRAVO SEVEN MIKE MIKE  ONE  ROUTINE SEATTLE
                  ALPHA FOXTROT ALPHA FIVE BRAVO BRAVO
                  THIS IS (Your Call sign in phonetics) ROGER OUT.

To check in stations that you did not copy completely use the UNKNOWN STATION proword - You say - "UNKNOWN STATION THIS IS (Your Callsign in phonetics) OVER". Do not use NON-MARS like "Station ending in LIMA come again", "The 5 station say again", etc.

 Then give another collective call.  Traffic is handled in precedence order and informals are deferred until all the traffic is passed if it can be passed.

STEP 4.  Net Continuity Check (Roll Call-Radio Check). The procedure is outlined in MOI Chapter 11 Dated  1 January 2009.  On the two hour evening traffic net the Net Continuity check should be made approximately 5 minutes into the second hour of the net but may be conducted at any time but usually no more often than once per hour.  It is left to the discretion of the NCS as to how many times to call a station who does not answer the first time.  Stations that do not respond to the Net Continuity Check should be logged as closed. Do NOT include non-MARS phrases such as “I HAVE YOU”, “YOU ARE”, etc. If the traffic load is heavy, the NCS has the option of skipping the continuity check if it hampers getting all of the traffic passed  . Poor or changing propagation is a good reason for having the check, not a reason for calling it off.

STEP 5. Net Closing. You say "NOVEMBER CHARLIE MIKE ONE THIS IS (Your Callsign in phonetics) CLOSE DOWN OUT". Any additional comments such as "Thank you for your participation", "This net will resume at...." are contrary to the SOP. If no net follows, monitor for about 5 minutes in case any stations missed the closing.

SOME EXTRA POINTERS.  ROGER all stations by using full phonetics on their initial call in. When answering stations, which use the abbreviated call, the NCS should always use a full Preliminary Call. I.E.  (THEIR CALL SIGN), THIS IS (Your Callsign) OVER.  Keep in mind that your job as NCS, is to maintain circuit discipline, maintain an accurate log of net proceedings and direct traffic to the proper stations.

This guide has been prepared and updated by AFA5JR with assistance from AFA7GC, AFA7PQ and AFA7VP and is based on Section 2 “Voce Net Control Training Guide” which an be found in the Training Materials portion of the North Central Area web sit, http://www.afmars.org.