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The word 'NET' is used
in Amateur Radio quite a bit, but what is it? A net is a meeting of sorts,
but instead of going to the local library, club meeting site, etc., we
meet 'on the air'. That's right! After all, we all have Amateur Radio equipment and
can communicate over great distances.
At a predetermined time, everyone
tunes their radio gear to a specific frequency, and the meeting begins. The
meeting is brought to order by a person who is called the 'Net Controller'.
Their job is to maintain order, direct conversation, and handle any emergency
messages (called 'traffic') that might be brought to the group. This provides
practice for amateurs in dealing with emergency situations where order and
direction are required.
During the 'Net' we discuss club
business, swap stuff, and just chat in general. Even though the net is
an important and serious activity, it's a lot of fun, too. It's a time where
many look forward to exchanging new ideas and experiences, catching up
on club happenings, and talk with friends in the local area.
There are three weekly FCARC nets
called on the 145.11- (2 meters), 443.200+ (70 cm) and 53.37-(6 meters)
repeaters in Youngsville, NC. These repeaters are linked by the
control operator for the nets, and the net runs through those repeaters
simultaneously. A designated club member acts as 'Net Control' and calls
the FCARC net as follows:
Other nets are also called on these
repeaters as needed. Skywarn and
A.R.E.S. nets are called when impending severe weather
or emergency situations arise. Field Day nets are usually called to organize
duties and supplies for this annual event. A type of net called 'Talk-in'
is often used to direct people into the FCARC VE Amateur
Radio test session site. The list goes on...
For additional information see the
FCARC Repeaters area. Want to start a net?
Contact the President or one of the club officers for direction.